Things to Do in France

France — Thing to Do on ViaTravelers

  • Visitors and Interior of Musée d'Orsay

    Musée d’Orsay

    Start on the 5th floor — that’s where the Monets and Van Goghs live. The clock windows over the Seine are worth the trip alone.

  • Bookshelfs in the Hotel Room at Pulitzer Amsterdam

    Starfield Library

    50,000 books stacked two stories high inside a shopping mall — Starfield Library is the most Seoul thing I’ve ever seen.

  • The Louvre Museum from the Tuileries Garden, Paris

    Musée de l’Orangerie

    The oval rooms were built for these paintings — Monet designed them himself. Go early, before the tour groups arrive.

  • Seine River Cruise

    Skip the premium dinner cruise — a €15 Vedettes ticket gets you the same Eiffel Tower views without the mediocre food.

  • Arc de Triomphe in Paris at sunset with vibrant sky

    Arc de Triomphe

    Beneath the Arc’s sculpted friezes lies a museum, whispering tales of Napoleon’s era through interactive displays. Ascend its 284 steps for a panoramic view that unfolds the city’s tapestry, but mind the climb—it’s not for the faint-hearted.

  • Modern architecture and lush gardens at Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France

    Musee Du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac

    Nestled along the Seine, this treasure trove of global culture transcends mere artifact display. It’s a journey through humanity’s artistic soul, where whispers of ancient civilizations echo through thoughtfully curated spaces.

  • Rocky cliffs of Calanques National Park, Marseille, ideal for hiking and adventure enthusiasts

    Parc National des Calanques

    Tucked away in France’s sunbaked south, a rugged paradise awaits. Sculpted cliffs plunge into azure waters, inviting intrepid souls to explore nature’s grand canvas through sweat and wonder.

  • Palais Longchamp, historic landmark with gardens, fountains, museums in Marseille, France

    Palais Longchamp

    Palais Longchamp, a 19th-century marvel, whispers tales of Marseille’s past through its cascading fountains and twin museums. This architectural gem, while battling time’s wear, still captivates with its blend of grandeur and grit.

  • Ellsworth Kelly colorful panels at Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris modern art exhibition

    Fondation Louis Vuitton

    Gehry’s glass sails house a treasure trove of modern art, where Matisse and Rothko mingle with avant-garde wonders. This cultural bastion transcends its luxury brand namesake, offering a feast for the senses and intellect alike.

  • Lush green space at Jardin d'Acclimatation Paris, ideal for family outings amidst urban landscape

    Jardin d’Acclimatation

    Nestled beside avant-garde architecture, this storied playground melds Parisian sophistication with whimsical charm. Dragons dance amidst centuries-old trees, while roller coasters and ponies vie for attention with tranquil gardens and culinary delights.

  • Charming La Petite Venise, Colmar, France with colorful half-timbered houses and canal reflections

    La Petite Venise

    La Petite Venise, the “Little Venice,” intertwines history, art, and charm. Its medieval roots and picturesque ambiance inspire cultural traditions and offer timeless architectural allure. Visitors can relish the serene canals and photogenic scenery, capturing the essence of this cultural gem.

  • Ruinart champagne cellars bottling process in historic chalk tunnels with warm ambient glow.

    Champagne Ruinart

    Champagne and history in one place? Yes, that’s right. Take a tour through time at Champagne Ruinart, the pioneering Champagne house since 1729. Here, you’ll find the intersection of tradition, history, and innovation within the cellars, where the art of Champagne-making comes to life.

  • Tranquil Memorial Park with Historical Significance in Paris, France - Deportation Martyrs Memorial

    Deportation Martyrs Memorial

    The Deportation Martyrs Memorial in Paris is a poignant tribute to the victims of Nazi concentration camps, offering a profound reflection on human resilience and the fragility of freedom.

  • Artist Studio near the Jardin du Luxembourg

    Jardin Du Luxembourg

    Experience the historical significance and cultural authenticity of Jardin du Luxembourg, a 55-acre green oasis. Engage with artistic value and community impact through statues, concerts, and free exhibitions.

  • Charming Parisian dining at Le Consulat restaurant in Montmartre, Paris with iconic French architecture and cuisine

    Le Consulat

    Immerse yourself in the historic and culturally rich ambiance of Le Consulat, frequented by renowned artists and deeply ingrained in the local cafe culture. Experience its educational and social significance, contributing to the preservation of the historic Montmartre area.

  • Historic Au Lapin Agile cabaret Montmartre, Paris - Famous artistic heritage hotspot

    La Bonne Franquette

    Immerse yourself in the heart of old Montmartre at La Bonne Franquette, where tradition and conviviality thrive. Experience an authentic Parisian atmosphere, steeped in history and art, welcoming both locals and visitors.

  • Montmartre Cemetery under Overpass: Serene cobblestone path with mausoleums and crypts, Paris

    Montmartre Cemetery

    The Montmartre Cemetery maintains local traditions and cultural practices, reflecting the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit. It holds historical importance as the final resting place of renowned figures, contributing to the preservation of their legacies. The site boasts significant artistic value, with notable graves honoring influential figures from the arts.