The best things to do in France: Can't miss experiences

The cuisine, the culture, the endless adventures you can have. These are the best things to do in France for Australian travellers.

Travel around France and you’ll feel like you’re experiencing multiple countries in just one trip. You’ll seamlessly move between cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages, historic towns, and sandy beaches as you discover all that France has to offer.

Create your own tour of France

There are so many things to do in France, it’s so easy to see why it’s such a popular European destination. And by travelling around France and seeing more of the country, you can experience something new every day. It could be a completely different landscape, a unique restaurant, quirky nightlife, or a feeling like you’ve travelled back in time. Yes, we’ve all heard of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, but there are so many hidden gems and unique attractions to discover, too.

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Famous places to visit in France

From vibrant cities and luxurious beaches to famous vineyards and historic towns, this is the best of France.

France map

Paris

Classic French elegance

Home to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris is all about its epic landmarks. Outside of these famous sites, each Parisian neighbourhood has its own unique character. Visit the city’s charming cafés, boutiques, and museums to appreciate its excellent food and art scenes.

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French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)

Beachside glamour

Boasting glamourous beach resorts, designer stores, and pretty marinas, the French Riviera offers a luxurious experience alongside its stunning coastal scenery. Destinations like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez are always popular. For hidden gems, visit Mougins for independent art galleries or Vence for its picturesque medieval features.

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Provence

Smell the lavender, taste the rose

Provence is known for its captivating lavender fields between mid-June and August. Outside of lavender season, you can visit the region’s vineyards and historic towns while getting a taste of French countryside life. Head to Aix-en-Provence for tree-lined boulevards, historic monuments, and ornate fountains.

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Loire Valley

Châteaux country

Home to some of France’s most magnificent châteaux, the Loire Valley offers a journey back in time. Combining nature, art, and French culture, it’s renowned for its fine wines and delicious food. Explore vibrant medieval towns, charming villages, picturesque castles, and stunning green spaces.

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Normandy

Beautiful and historic

Home to dramatic chalk cliffs, WWII sites, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy promises a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Taking inspiration from the land and sea, the food scene in Normandy is not to be missed. Taste the cheeses, apple cider, and fresh seafood.

The best festivals in France

French culture celebrates a variety of events throughout the year. The country’s event programme starts in February with Nice Carnival, followed by film festivals aplenty, and Bastille Day in the summer. Winter brings Christmas markets – the best place to get traditional gifts for the holiday season.

Nice Carnival

Nice
February

One of the world’s largest carnivals, Nice Carnival features parades, music, and entertainment on the French Riviera. If you arrive in full costume, your entrance into the pedestrian areas for the Corsi parades is free.

Film festivals

Spring and autumn
Multiple destinations

France hosts some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, attracting movie stars and filmmakers from around the globe. Top film festivals include The Cannes International Film Festival, The Deauville American Film Festival, and The Alpes d’Huez International Comedy Film Festival.

Fête de la Musique

Nationwide
June

A nationwide music festival celebrating the summer solstice with free concerts and performances. Enjoy free music of all genres performed in parks, public buildings, train stations, shops, chateaus, and on the streets.

Bastille Day

Nationwide
July 14

France’s National Day celebrates the ideals of “liberty, equality and fraternity” with parades and parties across the country. There are over 2000 fireworks in the official Paris celebrations.

Christmas markets

Nationwide
December

France's Christmas markets run through Advent, typically opening in late November and wrapping up around Christmas or just after. The most famous is in Strasbourg, which bills itself as the capital of Christmas, but you'll find atmospheric markets across the country, from Colmar in Alsace to Paris and Lyon.

The best hotels in Paris

As the capital of France, it’s likely you’ll visit Paris during your trip. There are hotels to suit all budgets with easy access to the city centre thanks to an excellent public transport system.

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Le Narcisse Blanc

A little luxury

Le Narcisse Blanc is in the heart of Paris, less than a mile from the Eiffel Tower, providing a luxurious base to explore the city. Combining typically French culture and art, the hotel prides itself on its classic rooms, wellness centre, and gourmet Parisian cuisine.

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Grand Magic Hotel

A touch of magic

The Grand Magic Hotel is just half a mile from Disneyland Paris, making it ideal for families visiting the theme park. The hotel offers a unique experience with a wide selection of room categories suitable for all tastes. There’s a free shuttle between the hotel and the park.

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Hotel Armoni Paris

Boutique and calm

Hotel Armoni Paris is 100 metres from Porte de Champerret Metro Station, providing direct access to the city centre. The 4* boutique hotel boasts a calm atmosphere and cozy rooms with Apple TV technology and free Wi-Fi. Relax in the honesty bar after a day of exploring.

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How much it costs to visit France

While in France, expect to pay:

  • Accommodation: Budget hotels cost around €60–€100 per night, mid-range hotels sit closer to €150–€200 and luxury hotels can run €250 plus

  • Food: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €15 per person, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €30–€50 per person

  • Drink: A domestic beer costs approximately €5, while a glass of wine costs around €5

  • Entertainment: Entry fees for museums and attractions generally range from €10–€25, though major landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower cost more

Discover more travel inspiration

If you're planning a French getaway, there's plenty to help you prepare. Time your trip around the region's festive season with our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe, or break up the long-haul journey by exploring the best stopovers in Europe on the way. Once you land, discover the top things to do in Paris before venturing beyond the crowds to uncover the hidden gems of Paris. And before you go, check the latest France visa requirements so there are no surprises at the border.

FAQs about the best things to do in France

Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are ideal, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the July–August peak. To pin down the cheapest dates, use Skyscanner's Whole Month search to compare fares across a full month.

For a first visit taking in Paris and one other region, around 7 to 10 days works well. If you want to add the south of France or explore beyond the cities, two weeks gives you room to travel at a relaxed pace.

Australian passport holders can visit France for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

Ready to travel to France? Skyscanner can help you find the cheapest flights, hotels and car hire options for your trip.

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