Paris often steals the spotlight, but there is so much more to see in France. This famous country is filled with charming villages, coastal towns, snowy mountains, vineyards, and ancient castles. In summer, Provence’s lavender fields cover the hills in purple. The Loire Valley is home to hundreds of castles along its riverbanks. Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, attracts hikers and skiers from all over the world.
There are genuinely so many good things to do in France once you step past the capital. Alsace's half-timbered villages, Mont-Saint-Michel's famous tidal island, and the wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy each carry their own character.
In this guide, you'll read more about the French Riviera's beach towns, Chamonix's mountain trails, castle hopping through the Loire Valley, Provence's lavender season, and the northern charm of Lille.
1. Nice and the French Riviera
Nice sits on the Mediterranean coast, and it feels like a different country compared to Paris.
- Promenade des Anglais: Take a leisurely walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a long beachfront path that’s ideal for a relaxed morning.
- Old Town: Explore Old Town, where you’ll find narrow streets, cosy cafes, and plenty of local charm.
- Cours Saleya Market: Visit the Cours Saleya Market for flowers, fresh produce, and local specialities. The flower market operates most mornings, except Mondays when it becomes an antiques market.
- Musée Matisse and the Marc Chagall National Museum: See these museums, where you can view major works by artists inspired by the unique local light.
Among the many things to do in France, this mix of beach, food, and art is what keeps people coming back.
- Best for: Beach days, art museums, coastal walks
- Time needed: 2 to 3 days
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to October, warm without peak summer crowds
2. Chamonix and Mont Blanc
Chamonix is located at the base of Mont Blanc, which is the highest mountain in Western Europe. Also, it hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
- Skiing: Skiing is the main attraction here, and there are slopes for every skill level.
- Vallée Blanche: The Vallée Blanche is one of the longest off-piste runs in the world.
- Cable car rides: You can take a cable car ride to enjoy mountain views, even if you do not ski.
- Hiking trails: Hiking trails stay cooler and are ideal during the summer months.
This mix of seasons makes it one of the more flexible things to do in Chamonix, France all year round.
- Best for: Skiing, hiking, mountain views
- Time needed: 2 to 4 days
- Best time to visit: December to March for skiing, June to September for hiking
Tribe Travel Tip: You can book a cable car ticket online a day in advance during peak ski season, since walk-up queues can take up half a morning.
3. Toulouse, the Pink City
Toulouse gets its nickname from the pink clay bricks used across the city, visible on almost every building in the centre.
- Le Capitole: Le Capitole is the main square and a great place to begin your visit.
- Basilica of Saint-Sernin: It is an 11th-century landmark and is located nearby.
- Canal du Midi: You can enjoy a boat cruise along the Canal du Midi, which passes through Toulouse.
- Garonne riverside: If you prefer walking, the Garonne riverside offers easy and pleasant strolls.
The canal cruise remains one of the easier things to do in Toulouse, France for a relaxed afternoon.
- Best for: Architecture, history, riverside walks
- Time needed: 1 to 2 days
- Best time to visit: May to September, mild weather suited to walking and riverside cruises
4. Lille, Flemish Charm in the North
Lille sits close to the Belgian border, and that Flemish influence shows up everywhere, from the architecture to the food.
- Grand Place is the main square and stays lively all day and into the night.
- The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of France's largest fine arts museums, second only to the Louvre in the size of its collections.
- Vieux-Lille is known for its cobbled streets and small, independent shops.
- The Citadelle de Lille is surrounded by a large public park that's ideal for walking and cycling.
These few stops alone cover most of the things to do in Lille, France that locals actually recommend.
- Best for: Art, architecture, food
- Time needed: 1 to 2 days
- Best time to visit: April to October, with December adding Christmas market season
Tribe Travel Tip: Carry a light jacket even in summer. The north stays noticeably cooler than the rest of France.
5. Provence's Lavender Fields
Provence turns purple every summer, and it is one of the most photographed sights in the country.
- Rows of lavender cover the hillsides near Valensole and Sault.
- Timing is more important here than at any other spot on this list.
- The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-August, when the lavender is in full bloom.
- Outside of these dates, the fields are much less impressive, so planning your visit is important.
Detail | Information |
Best time to visit | Mid-June to mid-August |
Nearby town | Valensole, Sault |
Good for | Photography, slow countryside drives |
Tribe Travel Tip: Visit the lavender fields early morning or late evening. Midday sun washes out both the colour and the photos.
6. Loire Valley Castle Hopping
The Loire Valley holds over 300 castles, more than most people expect from one region.
- Château de Chambord is the largest and most recognisable of these three castles.
- Château de Chenonceau was built right across a river.
- Château de Villandry is famous for its detailed formal gardens.
- Wine country is a great addition to a day spent visiting castles.
It is a good pick for travellers who want history and countryside in the same visit, without needing a car for every stop.
- Best for: History, wine, countryside drives
- Time needed: 2 to 3 days
- Best time to visit: April to October, castles and gardens both look best in this window
Before You Go
Six regions, one country, and honestly, no traveller needs to experience all of them in a single holiday. With so many things to do in France stretching far beyond what one holiday can realistically cover, think of this guide as inspiration rather than a checklist. If you'd rather have everything planned for you, Holiday Tribe advisors can help curate a France holiday package that matches your budget and travel style.
