Explore the top eight must-do experiences in France, from the iconic sights of Paris to the charming countryside of Provence and beyond.

Nicola, a contributor to the latest France guidebook, expertly curates the quintessential French experiences to ensure you have an unforgettable journey.

Crafting your dream trip to France involves more than just hitting the major tourist spots: the transition from Paris’s infamous tower to the grandeur of the Château de Versailles, the medieval charm of Carcassonne, the historic significance of Avignon, the stunning lavender fields of Provence, and the beaches of St-Tropez, along with Normandy’s D-Day sites and Impressionist art—it’s a lengthy but rewarding itinerary.

A grand tour through France is essential for experiencing the nation’s rich history, culinary delights, and cultural treasures. With 72.3 million visitors in 2023, this world-renowned destination invites you to uncover the secrets behind regional cooking styles, from salted butter in the north to olive oil in the south. Delve into the mysteries of cuisine bianca in the Riviera or the ancient megaliths of Brittany and the prehistoric art in the Dordogne, while interacting with locals at lively markets or zinc bars. In short, immerse yourself in the enchanting essence of French art de vivre.

Whether you’re adventuring solo, enjoying a romantic getaway, or embarking on a fun family trip, France has something for everyone. Here are eight essential experiences to enhance your journey, emphasizing the importance of savoir-faire (know-how) that the French cherish.

1. Immerse yourself in authentic French cuisine at a classic bistro.

Enhance your city getaway in Paris, Marseille, or Bordeaux with a meal at a traditional bistro, established to nourish 19th-century workers. Expect cozy tables, vintage decor, and a daily menu displayed on a chalkboard. Chefs focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, showcasing asparagus and strawberries in spring, hearty game in autumn, and winter scallops. Timeless bistro classics like steak frites, tête de veau, boeuf bourguignon, and garlicky snails have remained favorites for centuries.

Notable bistros include Bistrot Paul Bert and L’Epi d’Or in Paris, Sépia in Marseille, and Le Bouchon Bordelais in Bordeaux. In the culinary capital of Lyon, where traditional bistros are known as bouchons, savor mâchon—an offal-based brunch enjoyed by 18th-century silk weavers after a long night—at Le Mercière or Le Café du Peintre.

Insider tip: The most authentic bistros typically serve lunch and dinner only on weekdays, so plan ahead. Make reservations early.

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2. Trace the steps of ancient pilgrims to a historic abbey or forgotten town.

Whether you're wading through quicksand (a guaranteed giggle!) on your journey to the sacred island of Mont St-Michel, riding a white Camargue horse along the beach in Stes-Marie de la Mer, or attending a dawn mass with fellow travelers in Le Puy-de-Velay, reliving the pilgrim experience is key to appreciating France’s rich collection of sacred sites. In the Middle Ages, nobles often hired poorer individuals to make pilgrimages for them, and learning these stories on-site brings places like Lourdes, Chartres, Mont St-Odile in Alsace, and various stops on the French Camino de Santiago to vivid life.

Travel tip: Reserve guided barefoot hikes at sunrise or sunset to the otherwise crowded Mont St-Michel with certified guides Romain Pilon or Les Traversées de Ludo.

3. Embrace the French joie de vivre on a sunlit café terrace.

Sipping coffee or an apéro (aperitif) on a sidewalk terrace is one of France’s true pleasures. These cafés are central to local life and perfect for people-watching, ranging from classic tabacs selling newspapers and drinks to trendy spots featuring locally roasted coffee, tapas-inspired cocktails, and live music at night. Many have rich histories: enjoy a drink among the spirits of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Ernest Hemingway at Place de la Contrescarpe in Paris’s Latin Quarter, or raise a glass with early mountaineers in Chamonix’s art nouveau Rose du Pont.

Local tip: Café terraces located near a town’s open-air or covered market—like the bustling Basque favorite Les Halles in Bayonne—are ideal for a traditional French coffee-and-croissant breakfast.

4. Experience sand sailing on the glimmering Côte d’Opale.

Ride the wind in a char à voile (sand yacht) to explore the rugged beauty of le nord, with its sweeping sand beaches, white cliffs, and notorious weather. The quirky sport of racing along flat sand runways on three wheels began in northern France around 1905, and by the 1950s, sand-sailing clubs had sprouted in every coastal town. Join an introductory session in Fort Mahon-Plage in the Baie de Somme, Le Touquet on the stunning Côte d’Opale, or St-Aubin-sur-Mer in Normandy.

Insider tip: Warm up afterward with a serving of frites (fries), generously splashed with brown vinegar and served in paper, from the local friterie (chip shop), perfect for munching between gusts of wind on the beach.

5. Experience the world’s most celebrated bubbles in the charming town of Aÿ.

It’s only fitting that champagne hails from the town where every French monarch was crowned, reinforcing its status as the 'wine of kings and the King of Wines.' The Gothic cathedral in Reims, which rivals Paris’s Notre Dame in grandeur, along with the town's chalky cellars, are must-see attractions in Champagne. In Épernay, opulent champagne houses and around 200 million bottles of aging sparkling wine line the prestigious Avenue de Champagne. Balance this indulgence with laid-back bike rides through the vineyards, tastings with producers, and a roast chicken lunch in the quaint village of Aÿ.

6. Reduce your carbon footprint in the stunning Alps or the majestic Pyrenees.

France boasts a breathtaking variety of natural landscapes, from tranquil green valleys to towering mountain peaks and shimmering glaciers, all crisscrossed by sentiers de grande randonnée (long-distance hiking trails). Take on a short segment. In the heart of the French Alps, embark on a day hike to the dizzying Tête de la Maye—grasping cables and rungs aid you in navigating its steep paths—where you can overlook a secluded valley in Parc National des Écrins, so isolated that its residents leave for winter. Absorb the serene atmosphere.

In the Pyrenees, board Europe’s highest open-air train to connect with the GR10 trail. Alternatively, plan your Pyrenean journey for October when the beech forests glow in golden hues, the first winter snow blankets the peaks, and the summer visitors at Cirque de Gavarnie’s spectacular waterfalls have long departed.

Insider tip: Spend a night in a refuge (mountain hut), shepherd’s shelter, or mazot (tiny alpine chalet for storage). The few that stay open during winter can only be accessed by snowshoe or touring skis.

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7. Experience life in a château.

It’s not just about lifting your jaw in awe at the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, marveling at Chambord’s whimsical spires and chimney pots, or being enchanted by the romantic allure of the ornamental 'Love Gardens' at Château de Villandry. While romantics flock to the fairytale châteaux of the Loire Valley, many hidden gems can also be found in the more rural regions of Lot, Dordogne, and Languedoc.

Many châteaux are rustic, grassroots establishments where everyday people live, work, and create. Discover the rich heritage of Médoc winemakers on a cellar tour at Château Lynches-Bages. Learn about Burgundy’s unique UNESCO-listed climats at Château du Clos de Vougeot. Experience the aromas of the angels’ share in the charred Château de Cognac and taste the rare 150-year-old cognac from the charming Château de Montifaud. Live out your French dream with a leisurely lunch among the vines at St-Émilion’s Château Troplong-Mondot or a romantic dinner and a night in a four-poster bed at the stunning Château de la Treyne: the directory of château hotels and B&Bs in France is extensive.

8. Delight in cheese-infused adventures in the Causses et Cévennes.

Take a road trip to the enchanting region where the Cévennes mountains merge with the limestone Causses plateau, revealing central France’s most breathtaking natural marvel: Gorges du Tarn. Drive along the winding D907 balcony road, beautifully nestled between towering rock faces and a sparkling turquoise river, with each twist offering a new perspective on the stunning gorge. Start your journey in the medieval village of Ste-Enimie. Combine this thrilling drive with kayaking or canyoning, and don’t miss the ultimate cheesy dish of your French journey: aligot (cheesy mashed potatoes featuring local tome fraiche d’Aubrac).

Side trip: Venture an hour north to L’Aubrac to discover Buron de la Treille, the region’s last surviving buron (shepherd's stone hut) still producing laguiole buron cheese. Enjoy aligot prepared in a cauldron at the buron-turned-restaurant Buron de l’Aubrac.