Feb 21, 2020
“The French air clears up the brain and does good, a world of good” said Vincent Van Gogh. The renowned post-impressionist Dutch painter was in love with France and once you have finished reading this list of top things to do in France, you will quite likely fall in love with this charming country too.
The romance capital of the world – Paris
Think France and you immediately think about the most famous and largest museum in the world, the Louvre, the glistening Eiffel Tower, and the iconic Notre dame de Paris. All these famous sights have one thing in common, they’re all located in the most popular city of the world, Paris. If the question ‘why visit France’ is on your mind, ‘Paris’ is a pretty good answer. Explore the iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, visit the gorgeous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre Museum, enjoy a show at Lido de Paris or Moulin Rouge, and enjoy a relaxing Seine River cruise. An unforgettable trip through Paris is undoubtedly the number one item on every list of France things to do.
The Culinary Capital of France – Lyon
Lyonnaise fare is some of the finest and most delicious in the world. It’s not for nothing Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France. A visit to the city of gastronomy is certainly something to add to your list of things to do in France, and when you do, make sure to dine at a traditional bouchon to enjoy a serving of the classic Coq au vin, Lyonnaise potatoes, deep-fried bugnes Lyonnaises, and praline.
The former papal residence – Avignon
During your time in France, be sure to add a trip to Avignon to your list of France things to do. Between 1309 and 1377, seven successive popes resided at Avignon’s Palais des Papes, until the French Revolution. A stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage listed historical centre whose earliest settlements are said to date back 5,000 years is a must on every list of ‘things to do in France’. Visit the splendid 14th century Palais des Papes and be awed by its sheer size, and admire the centuries old fresco painted by Matteo Giovanetti. Don’t forget to take pictures with the picturesque Pont d’Avignon, it will be the highlight of your time in France.
Van Gogh’s muse – Arles
If you’re wondering why visit France, one good reason could be to visit the ethereal places that Vincent Van Gogh captured on his canvas. Tour Arles to visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh to discover the various beautiful locales that sparked the artist’s imagination. Some of the famous paintings inspired by Arles include ‘Starry Night Over the Rhone’ and ‘Café Terrace’. You can also visit Saint Rémy de Provence where Van Gogh spent more than a year in an asylum.
The lifeblood of France – Saône and Rhone Rivers
The banks of France’s rivers are home to relics of its fascinating past. From poignant Roman ruins to evidence of the French Revolution, you’ll find them all along France’s vital rivers. Another top activity on the ‘France things to do’ list is to take a leisurely cruise along its waterways. You’ll get the chance to explore the country’s enigmatic history, its winemaking regions, romantic landscapes, and the stunning medieval castles. A France river cruise is definitely something to add to your list of things to do in France.
The finest wine in the world – Burgundy
France has no dearth of wine regions. From Bordeaux to Burgundy, France produces some of the finest wines in Europe. The most expensive wine in the world comes from the Burgundy region and you should definitely add a visit to the region to your list of France things to do, to find out what the fuss is all about. Also take the time to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.
