Named for the French mainland’s hexagonal shape, l’Hexagone contains an astonishing diversity of natural and urban landscapes packed with exhilarating activities.
Glittering monuments, medieval villages, rolling vineyards, soaring peaks, pounding surf… France has it all, and so much more it’s hard to know where to start. Find out how to get the most out of your visit with 15 of the very best things to do in France.
Cruise through the heart of Paris
Flowing through central Paris, the Seine is flanked by many of the French capital’s most emblematic sights. Whether it’s day or night, when the river’s ripples reflect the illuminated monuments, getting out on the water sees first-time visitors fall for Paris’ charms and return travelers – and even locals – rekindle the magic.
Less touristy and more flexible than standard sightseeing cruises, the Batobus makes a 1¾-hour loop. All-day passes let you hop on and off as often as you like at its nine stops: the Eiffel Tower; Invalides military complex (and the city’s most beautiful bridge, Pont Alexandre III); Musée d’Orsay, with impressionist, post-impressionist and art nouveau masterpieces; the chic cafes and boutiques of St-Germain des Près; Notre Dame cathedral; Jardin des Plantes (botanic gardens) bordering the Latin Quarter; Paris’ city hall, the Hôtel de Ville (adjoining Le Marais’ hip bars and restaurants); the rambling Louvre, showcasing antiquities and art including the Mona Lisa; and the luxury-shop-lined Champs-Élysées, home to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s the ultimate ticket to Paris.
Breathe in the scent of Provence’s lavender fields
In the south of France’s sun-drenched region of Provence, lavender blazes violet-blue from June to August, peaking in July. Driving along Les Routes de la Lavande (Lavender Routes), open your car windows to let in the perfume from the rows of fragrant flowers upholstering the countryside like corduroy.
The best place to learn about lavender’s history, harvest and production is at eco-museum Musée de la…
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