---
title: "Things to Do in France"
url: "https://viatravelers.com/things-to-do/france/page/2/?format=markdown"
type: "archive"
---

# Things to Do in France

> France — Thing to Do on ViaTravelers
53 curated places in France, with what makes each one worth your time.Planning the trip? Read the France destination guide →

- [Musée d’Orsay](https://viatravelers.com/places/musee-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.
- [Starfield Library](https://viatravelers.com/places/starfield-library/) — 50,000 books stacked two stories high inside a shopping mall — Starfield Library is the most Seoul thing I've ever seen.
- [Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace](https://viatravelers.com/places/musee-air-espace/) — You can board two Concordes at Le Bourget — free. Lindbergh landed on this same runway in 1927.
- [Musée de l’Orangerie](https://viatravelers.com/places/musee-orangerie/) — The oval rooms were built for these paintings — Monet designed them himself. Go early, before the tour groups arrive.
- [Seine River Cruise](https://viatravelers.com/places/seine-river-cruise/) — Skip the premium dinner cruise — a €15 Vedettes ticket gets you the same Eiffel Tower views without the mediocre food.
- [Macaron Bakery Class at Galeries Lafayette](https://viatravelers.com/places/paris-macaron-bakery-class/) — A professional pastry chef teaches you French macarons inside Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. It's 90 minutes, central Paris, and you leave with a box.
- [Les Caves du Louvre Wine Experience](https://viatravelers.com/places/paris-wine-tasting-experience/) — The 18th-century vaulted cellars alone justify the visit. Add a guided tasting of French regional wines and you have a solid two hours underground.
- [The Centre Pompidou](https://viatravelers.com/places/the-centre-pompidou/) — Centre Pompidou is the prime example of Parisian intellectual culture.
- [Arc de Triomphe](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Musee Du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Parc National des Calanques](https://viatravelers.com/places/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](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Fondation Louis Vuitton](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Jardin d’Acclimatation](https://viatravelers.com/places/jardin-dacclimatation/) — 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.
- [Les Bouquinistes De La Seine](https://viatravelers.com/places/les-bouquinistes-de-la-seine/) — Les Bouquinistes de la Seine, steeped in history, infuse local culture and arts. Explore iconic green book stalls.
- [La Petite Venise](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Champagne Ruinart](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Place de La Bastille](https://viatravelers.com/places/place-de-la-bastille/) — Place de la Bastille is the ultimate combination of history, culture, and unity.
- [Deportation Martyrs Memorial](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Passerelle De Bry Sur Marne](https://viatravelers.com/places/passerelle-de-bry-sur-marne/) — An 1894 Eiffel-linked footbridge over the Marne — no crowds, no entry fee, and ironwork that predates the Tower itself.
- [Jardin Du Luxembourg](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [Le Consulat](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.
- [La Bonne Franquette](https://viatravelers.com/places/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](https://viatravelers.com/places/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.