12 Things To Do in France Before You Die

With over 100 million visitors yearly, France is the world’s most visited country, and with good reason. Jam-packed with iconic landmarks, historic sites, and exciting things to do, France has something for every kind of traveler. It could be argued that there are too many things to do.

As such, deciding where to go and what to do can be challenging, and there’s no way you can do it all in one visit. To show you the best things the nation offers and inspire your next trip, we’ve compiled a list of 12 things to do in France before you die. These are simply the things you’ll regret missing.

Table of Contents

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France is packed with bucket-list experiences, but let’s be real—you can’t do it all. Which of these is actually worth the hype?

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Things To Do in France Before You Die Have Fun at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland magic, Paris 1/5

Things To Do in France Before You Die Admire the Eiffel Tower From Champ de Mars, Paris

Eiffel Tower views, Paris 2/5

Fun Facts About France You Might Not Know France’s Louis XIX Is The King With The Shortest Reign Ever

Versailles palace stroll 3/5

Things To Do in France Before You Die Climb To the Top of Mont Blanc, Chamonix

Mont Blanc climb, Chamonix 4/5

Famous Landmarks in France_The Louvre Museum, Paris

Mona Lisa stare-off, Louvre 5/5

Results

Disneyland magic, Paris

9 9

Eiffel Tower views, Paris

11 7

Versailles palace stroll

11 7

Mont Blanc climb, Chamonix

12 6

Mona Lisa stare-off, Louvre

12 6

Admire the Eiffel Tower From Champ de Mars, Paris

We’ll start our list with one of, if not France’s most iconic and recognizable landmarks. Designed and built by Gustave Eiffel to feature at the 1889 Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower is a world-famous landmark that stands proudly in Central Paris. At 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall, it’s the tallest structure in the city.

The Eiffel Tower has three viewing platforms, including a top-level observation deck. While the views of Paris from the top are spectacular, you don’t want to miss the views of the tower from Champ de Mars. These lush gardens offer fabulous views of the tower, especially at night when it comes to life with vibrant illuminations and light shows.

Light show timing: The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the start of every hour after sunset—arrive just before for the best experience.
Best picnic spot: Set up near the southeast end of Champ de Mars for a less crowded area with an unobstructed view of the tower.

Visit the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, Paris

Once you’ve visited the Eiffel Tower, it’s time to head over to the Louvre Museum to meet the Mona Lisa. The Louvre Museum itself is a fascinating sight. It features a beautiful glass pyramid entrance that stands at 71 feet (22 meters) tall. However, the Mona Lisa is the main highlight of a visit to the art museum.

The Mona Lisa is arguably the world’s most famous painting. Famed Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci created the portrait at the start of the 16th century. It depicts the half-portrait of Lisa del Giocondo, an Italian noblewoman. Interestingly, the Mona Lisa holds the Guinness World Record for the highest-known insurance valuation for a painting. In 1962, its insurance valuation was $100 million. That’s $870 million today.

Use the Denon Wing Entrance for Quick Access: The Mona Lisa is located in the Denon Wing, Room 711. Instead of wandering the entire museum, head straight to this wing upon arrival to maximize your time.
Book Tickets in Advance: The Louvre is one of the busiest museums in the world. Skip the long lines by purchasing timed-entry tickets online and use the Porte des Lions or Carrousel entrance for a faster entry than the main pyramid entrance.

Have Fun at Disneyland Paris

Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the capital in Marne-la-Vallée sits one of France’s most exciting tourist attractions. A big hit with families with small children and big kids who love the world of Disney, Disneyland Paris is an entertainment resort and theme park with plenty of exhilarating rides, themed shows, and all your favorite Disney characters.

Of course, the park also has an iconic Disney Castle for you to visit. You’ll find yourself watching a parade and riding the rides when you’re not meeting the characters from your favorite fairy tales. My favorite Disneyland Paris rides include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril.

Stay at a Disney Hotel for Extra Perks: Booking a Disney resort hotel grants you Extra Magic Time, allowing early access to the park before it opens to the public—perfect for enjoying popular rides with shorter wait times.
Use the Single Rider Lines to Skip Long Waits: For attractions like Ratatouille: The Adventure and Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, the single rider queue moves much faster than the regular line, letting you experience more rides in less time.

Explore the Palace of Versailles, Versailles

History buffs and storybook lovers don’t want to miss the Palace of Versailles. Constructed in the 17th century under the rule of King Louis XIV, this former royal palace is an outstanding example of French artistry and architecture. The sheer size of the palace and its surrounding gardens is incredible.

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Oozing class, elegance, and immense wealth, you’ll want to get lost exploring the palace and its grounds. At every turn, you’ll discover luxurious staterooms, vast halls, picturesque gardens, and beautiful works of fine art. Notable points of interest at the palace include the Gardens of Versailles, the Queen’s Hamlet, the Royal Opera House, and the Royal Chapel.

Rent a Golf Cart or Bike to Explore the Gardens Efficiently: The Gardens of Versailles cover nearly 2,000 acres, making them difficult to see on foot. Renting a golf cart or bicycle lets you explore more of the stunning fountains, sculptures, and manicured landscapes without exhaustion.
Don’t Miss the Hall of Mirrors During Golden Hour: The Hall of Mirrors is most breathtaking in the late afternoon, when the natural light enhances its shimmering chandeliers and gilded decor—making for incredible photos and a magical experience.

Climb to the Top of Mont Blanc, Chamonix

Outdoor enthusiasts seeking an adventure in France must visit Chamonix, where they’ll find Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in France and Western Europe. France’s most famous natural landmark, Mont Blanc is a breathtaking peak at 15,777 feet (4,809 meters) tall. It’s located in the Mont Blanc Massif, straddling the French-Italian border.

We recommend visiting Mont Blanc from Chamonix. From Chamonix, you can start the climb up the mountain or take the Aiguille du Midi mountain summit cable car. The climb up Mont Blanc is tough, so the cable car is a better option if you don’t have the endurance. The cable car leads to Mont Blanc’s highest viewpoint at 12,605 feet (3,842 meters), offering impressive summit views.

Train for Endurance and Acclimate to Altitude: Climbing Mont Blanc is physically demanding, with over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) of elevation gain. Train with long hikes and strength exercises, and spend a few days in Chamonix or a nearby high-altitude area to acclimate before your ascent.
Book a Mountain Guide for Safety and Navigation: Even experienced climbers benefit from a certified mountain guide, who provides safety expertise, route planning, and weather updates. Avalanches, crevasses, and rapid weather changes make the climb risky without expert guidance.

Ski in the French Alps

The French Alps is a large portion of the Alps mountain range that, unsurprisingly, sits in France. This region is best known for its tall peaks, hiking trails, and vibrant towns and cities. However, it’s most famous for being one of the world’s best skiing destinations. According to 2theAlps, there are over 6,000 ski slopes and 300 ski resorts in the French Alps.

Spanning approximately 61,776 acres (25,000 hectares), France is the world’s largest ski area. With so many ski resorts and slopes to choose from, you’ll easily be able to find the skiing trip that suits you best. Some of the best ski resorts in the French Alps include Chamonix, Les Trois Vallées, Alpe d’Huez, and Tignes.

Choose the Right Resort for Your Skill Level: The French Alps offer diverse ski areas, from beginner-friendly slopes in Les Gets to expert-level terrain in Chamonix—research resorts based on your skiing ability to maximize your experience and safety.
Book Accommodation and Lift Passes Early: Popular resorts fill up months in advance, especially during peak season (December–March). Secure your hotel, chalet, or lift passes early to get the best rates and avoid disappointment.

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Spend a Day at Lake Annecy

Annecy is one of France’s most beautiful towns. This southeastern town has everything from its vibrant medieval architecture and charming Old Town to dreamy mountain landscapes and the scenic Thious River. However, the biggest draw to Annecy is Lake Annecy, which sits alongside the town, surrounded by dense forest and snow-capped peaks.

Whether you’re visiting Annecy in winter or the height of summer, you have to spend a day at the lake. In winter, explore the hiking trails around the lake for the best viewpoints. In summer, hire a rowing boat and enjoy a romantic paddle around the lake. If the weather is warm enough, you could even take a dip in Lake Annecy’s emerald waters.

Take a Scenic Bike Ride Around the Lake: Rent a bike and follow the 42-kilometer (26-mile) cycling path that circles the lake. It’s one of the most scenic rides in France, offering stunning views of the water and mountains.
Visit the Lakeside Markets for Local Delicacies: Stop by Annecy’s weekly markets (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) to enjoy local cheeses, fresh pastries, and Savoyard specialties—perfect for a picnic by the lake.

Learn More About D-Day in Normandy

Normandy, a region in Northern France, is a beautiful destination famed for its tall white chalk cliffs and scenic beaches. However, the region is best known for the D-Day landings, a significant and tragic event in World War II. It’s an important place to visit if you want to learn more about the war’s history.

In 1944, allied forces landed approximately 156,000 troops on Normandy’s coastline to begin the liberation of Europe and defeat Germany. Tragically, almost 4,500 soldiers lost their lives. Today, you can see what remains of German bunkers along the beaches of Normandy, memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers, and museums detailing the events. Make sure you visit Omaha Beach, the Les Braves sculpture, and the Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach.

Join a Guided Tour for In-Depth History: To fully understand the significance of D-Day, consider booking a guided tour with a historian. They provide detailed insights and stories that bring the events to life, covering key sites like Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery.
Wear Comfortable Shoes for Walking on Uneven Terrain: Many historical sites, including beaches, bunkers, and cliffside memorials, have rough or sandy ground. Sturdy, comfortable footwear will make exploring these important locations much easier.

Read also: France’s Dreamy Destinations

Take Photographs of the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, Normandy

12 Surreal Places in France Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel — © PUNTOSTUDIOFOTO Lda / Adobe Stock

Located on a picture-perfect tidal island of the same name just off the coast of mainland Normandy, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is a magical place that belongs in a fairytale. In fact, we find it hard to believe it wasn’t the inspiration for the Disney Castle. Perched above a small village on a large rock, this 9th-century abbey is a joy to behold.

While the views of the stunning spire from across the water are spectacular, you must also visit the island. On the island, you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets winding up to the entrance to the abbey. Inside, you’ll be treated to an architectural masterpiece with tall stone columns, vast halls, and mosaic floors.

Check the Tide Schedule Before You Go: Mont Saint Michel is a tidal island, meaning access can be affected by rising water levels. Plan your visit during low tide for easy access on foot, or enjoy the breathtaking sight of the island surrounded by water at high tide.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The island’s steep, cobbled streets and numerous staircases can be challenging to navigate. Sturdy, comfortable footwear will make exploring the medieval village and abbey much easier.

Get Lost in Colmar’s Christmas Markets

Europe is well-known for its Christmas celebrations. From November to Boxing Day, you’ll find Christmas decorations, Christmas-themed events, and Christmas markets in most European towns and cities. However, if you’re looking for the best Christmas atmosphere, visit Colmar. Colmar is only a small town in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, but it loves Christmas.

For starters, this adorable town has six individual Christmas markets. Impressively, each market is a separate mini village with unique stalls, decorations, and food offerings. Better yet, the town itself offers festive vibes and a friendly atmosphere. The vibrant half-timbered architecture, bright lights, and cobblestone streets add to the Christmas spirit. What’s not to like?

Visit During the Week for Fewer Crowds: Weekends can get very busy, so if you want a more relaxed experience, plan your visit on a weekday when the markets are less crowded.
Bring Cash for Small Vendors: While some stalls accept cards, many small vendors only take cash. Having some euros on hand will ensure you don’t miss out on unique gifts and delicious treats.

Sample Local Wines in Burgundy

If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, you likely already know that France, particularly the Burgundy region, is famous for its world-class wines. That said, it would be rude not to sample at least some of the local wines during one of your visits to the country. Besides, it’s only fitting to immerse yourself in local experiences, right?

The winemaking region of Burgundy covers several vineyards, all of which are worth visiting. You’ll find famous winemakers like Domaine Leroy, Domaine Leflaive, and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Regarding the types of wine you can try, Burgundy is best known for its Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay.

Book Tastings in Advance: Many top wineries, especially renowned ones like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, require reservations. Plan ahead to secure your spot.
Explore Smaller, Family-Owned Wineries: While big names are famous for a reason, smaller wineries often offer more intimate experiences, unique wines, and a chance to chat with the winemakers.

Cycle Along La Loire à Vélo, Loire Valley

Things To Do in France Before You Die Cycle Along the La Loire à Vélo, Loire Valley — © Javarman / Adobe Stock

Cycling along La Loire à Vélo might not be France’s most popular tourist attraction, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors and historic landmarks. La Loire à Vélo is a breathtaking 500-mile (800-kilometer) cycle path that ends at Loire Valley’s Atlantic estuary.

This scenic trail features a mostly level cycling path, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, majestic castles, charming villages, and picturesque river trails. You can cycle as little or as much of the route as you like, and it suits everyone from beginners to professional cyclists. The entire route takes approximately a week to complete, but you’ll want longer to see the main sights along the way.

Rent an E-Bike for a More Relaxed Ride: While the route is mostly flat, an electric bike can help you cover more ground comfortably, especially if you plan to visit multiple castles or vineyards along the way.
Pack for All Weather Conditions: The Loire Valley’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring a lightweight rain jacket, sunscreen, and layered clothing to stay comfortable throughout your ride.