Things to do in France – What comes to mind when you see or hear the word “France”? Always go hand in hand, Paris seems always to be the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind, as it is indeed a dream destination for many.
But France is more than just the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre, it is more than just a stroll around The City of Love. France is grand, sophisticated, and filled with ethereal beauty other than Paris itself.
How about discovering other things more exciting than your planned perfect weekend to the Eiffel? Let us take you on a virtual tour to one of the world’s popular tourist destinations, and let’s make it more than just an Eiffel Tower.
With numerous regions to discover, France has several landmarks scattered throughout the land. Whether you are in search of tranquility or in need of an adrenaline rush. For summer or winter, France has it all in the store for you.
Read more:
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- France Itinerary: Plan Exploring Paris, Normandy, Nice, and More
- Hotels in Paris near the Eiffel Tower, Direct View from Your Room!
Let’s Discover France from a Different Point of View
Discover France from a different perspective and make the most of your visit with the list that we have narrowed down just for you, t-mates.
1. A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Paris at Parc André Citroën
We can guarantee that anyone who comes to Paris, must have put going on top of the Eiffel Tower on their ultimate itinerary list.
But, how about a hot air balloon ride and enjoying the whole of Paris in a different experience? Has been floating people from the other side of the world since 1999, “Ballon de Paris Generali” is titled the largest tethered hot air balloon in the world located in the Parc André Citroën area.
As it rises up, you will reach a height of 150 meters above sea level and witness an overwhelmingly amazing view of Paris. Powered by an electric winch, Ballon de Paris Generali is the least polluting aircraft on Earth.
A few tips before you go, make sure that you check your weather app before you go, as the weather does play a big role. Don’t you wanna see the stunning Paris in clear view? Oh, and the dawn offers a more splendid view than any other hour of the day!
Price: Starts from 354,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: Every day, 9 AM-8.45 PM (local time)
Address: Parc André Citroën, 75015 Paris, France (Check on Google Maps)
2. Looking Over Paris from the Top of Panthéon
It’s time for another admiring Paris from meters high, where we’ll take you to the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Panthéon is a place other than the Eiffel where you can capture the beauty of Paris from a different perspective.
It is home to grand architecture belonging to Neoclassicism. Not only will you get 360-degree views of Paris from the dome of the Panthéon, but you will also get a back-to-the past tour upon your stroll.
Every spot in Panthéon is worth the shot, the details of each building will somehow soothe you, and make you realize that the skyscrapers of the metropolis are nothing compared to the beauty that Panthéon holds.
Price: Starts from 86,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: Every day, 10 AM-6 PM (local time)
Address: Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France (Check on Google Maps)
3. It’s Time for a Wine Tour in Loire Valley Vineyard
A vacay to France without a taste of its authentic wine is never a journey. The Loire Valley vineyard is the most diverse one in France. From Vouvray to Chinon, it has everything that your tongue perhaps hasn’t tasted before.
In fact, it is home to the world’s favorite Sauvignon Blanc. More than just getting a taste of its finest wine, you can delve into some in-depth unknown facts about the Loire Valley’s winemaking history, which started 200 million years ago.
Wait, plan your trip wisely to the Loire Valley, as tastings get booked up days in advance, so better not wait until the last minute to get reservations 😉
Once you have had your wine tour and tastings, the nearby majestic chateaus are there waiting for you to explore. Pretty castles and wine? Such a perfect combination.
4. Spend a Night or Two in a French Chateau Anywhere!
Sleeping in a luxurious hotel room with a spacious bathtub and free toiletries is so mediocre. While here in France, there are castle hotels waiting for you to book.
Châteaux is what the French called “castle” in their sophisticated language. Or, you can also call it Chateau to make it easier. France is undoubtedly the home of majestic and alluring castles scattered throughout the land.
Once the land of the royals, it is no wonder why a chateau is not something rare to find in France. Each of the chateaus differed widely in architecture and design, where each reflected the owner’s personal style and which period of time it was built.
As the waning of royals and nobility, some chateaus were abandoned and others surprisingly turned into places that we can book to stay in for a night or two. So, let yourself experience a different kind of luxury somewhere in a French chateau and something that a hotel room cannot give to you.
5. A Holy Journey to Mont Saint-Michel
Moving on to the Normandy region, off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a tiny little commune on an island and titled as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. No doubt why, as it holds the magical beauty of Medieval architecture and it manages to be even prettier at sunset.
Gorgeous to see, Mont Saint-Michel gets beautifully bathed in a mesmerizing orange glow once the sun begins to dip in the west. Standing in front of the grand Mont Saint-Michel will make you feel as if you are somehow in a movie, and unbelievably magical!
Price: Starts from 224,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: Every day, 9.30 AM-6.30 PM (local time)
Address: Grande Rue, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France (Check on Google Maps)
6. Let’s Hike and Witness the Picturesque Cirque de Gavarnie
We have overlooked Paris from above; we have virtually visited the French’s buildings from the Medieval and Neoclassical periods. It’s time for us to visit the south-west of France, where natural beauty takes place.
And Cirque de Gavarnie—a 2-hour drive from Toulouse—has to be the most breathtaking destination in the Western French Pyrenees that you cannot miss.
Cirque de Gavarnie features the second-highest waterfall in Europe, Cascade de Gavarnie–which you can walk to. Such a place that is great for hiking, or even a donkey ride. There are nothing but breathtaking views everywhere you look around, that’ll make you wish to stay here a little bit longer.
There’s no entrance fee for a hike, although you do pay for parking in the high season. Make sure that you get there as early as possible to avoid crowds during peak season.
Price: Starts from 86,000 IDR* (parking cost)
Address: 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre, France (Check on Google Maps)
7. Ski Your Way Up to French Alps
Still immersing ourselves in nature, we are now taking you to Europe’s greatest mountain range. When it comes to skiing, France is undoubtedly one of Europe’s top destinations.
The French Alps itself offers a scattered range of skiing opportunities along the European border, and it offers the best ski resorts in the world. Each resort offers different excellent facilities and architecture.
There is no other way to reach the Alps other than flying, the main for the French Alps ski resorts are Lyon, Geneva, Chambéry, and Grenoble. Just another little tip from us, it is best that you avoid skiing during the peak seasons, like Christmas or New Year weeks.
If hiking is a hassle for you, you can either book a horse or a donkey that you can ride on your way to the top.
Address: 3 Le Sourailla, Le Chazelet, 05320 La Grave, France (Check on Google Maps)
8. Enjoy a Day in Marseille
Home to a Mediterranean climate, gorgeous historical sites, and the allure of its culture, Marseille is a heartthrob to anyone. This place will bring you closer to the serene blue waters of the sea, charming old streets with a view, or a refreshing sea breeze.
It is also one of France’s oldest and second-largest cities after Paris, where a busy harbor and vibrant urban energy take place. Colorful with multiethnic heritage is what Marseille is, a true definition of a fascinating place to be.
One cannot miss a visit to its famous Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, nestled on a breathtaking hilltop location. Once was the location of a pilgrimage chapel during the Middle ages.
From wandering through the colorful streets of Le Panier to a lovely brunch on top of a private cruise or a calming Ferris wheel ride; Marseille offers you nothing but fond memories to make.
9. A Fun Family Trip to Parc Asterix
Done with the lovey-dovey and France’s natural beauty, we are now taking you to Parc Asterix (Astérix Park), where fun is made and cherished.
The Parc Asterix is intentionally designed to take you back into the 50 B.C. Roman Empire, where you will be taken to meet the popular The Adventures of Asterix comic book characters!
It is also home to more than 40 attractions across the park that thrill seekers will fall in love with. From the exciting boat ride in La Revanche des Pirates to the magic of the cauldrons and the Pegase Express, any age can have some fun in Parc Asterix.
Price: Starts from 933,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: Every day, 10 AM-7 PM (local time)
Address: 60128 Plailly, France (Check on Google Maps)
10. Let’s Visit France’s Historical Theme Park, Puy du Fou
It’s showtime! Different from other usual parks, Puy du Fou is a bizarre rural theme park without any rides at all. Well, in fact, it is more fun than the mediocre rides out there.
It offers spectacular history extravaganza shows, from Roman gladiators to King Arthur, with mind-blowing special effects added here and there.
It is a place where thousands of actors and animals recreate a high-quality historical drama. You will be taken to a recreated live-action of French popular history that you often found in history books.
You can also stroll around the 50 hectares of forest and gardens that are filled with historic villages and houses.
Price: Starts from 605,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: Every day, 9.30 AM-10.30 PM (local time)
Address: 85590 Les Epesses, France (Check on Google Maps)
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