33 Best Things to do in France
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The Louvre
 The palace of the Louvre cuts a grand Classical swathe through the centre of Paris and houses what is nothing less than the gold standard of France's artistic tradition.
Les Gorges du Verdon
The most exceptional geographical feature in Provence, the Gorges are Europe's answer to the Grand Canyon, offering stunning views and a range of hikes.
Tour de France
 The most famous bike race in the world takes place along a gruelling route which changes annually and is watched by millions across France and the world.
Châteaux of the Loire
 Of all the Loire châteaux, Chenonceau, bridging the River Cher, is the loveliest and most refined.
Mont St-Michel
 Second only to the Eiffel Tower as France's best-loved landmark, the merveille of Mont St-Michel is a magnificent spectacle.
Les Calanques
 The limestone cliffs on the stretch of coast between Marseille and Cassis make for excellent hikes leading down to picturesque and isolated coves in which to go swimming.
Annecy
 One of the prettiest towns in the Alps, Annecy has a picture-postcard quality which even the tourist crowds can't mar.
Carcassonne
 So strong is the atmosphere in this medieval fortress town, that it manages to resist even relentless commercialization and summer's throngs of visitors.
Strasbourg Cathedral
Visible throughout Strasbourg is the magnificent filigree spire of the pink sandstone cathedral, dominating not just the city but much of Alsace.
War memorials
World Wars I and II left permanent scars on the French countryside, while the dead are remembered in moving cemeteries.
Le Canigou
Catalonia's most sacred mountain is home to the venerated monastery of St-Martin, centre of a dramatic midsummer torchlight procession.
Winter sports in the Alps
The French Alps are home to many prestigious ski resorts, offering a wide range of winter sports options.
Cafés
People-watching while taking your time over a coffee and a croissant is a quintessential French experience.
Carnac
Archeologically, Brittany is one of the richest regions in the world and the alignments at Carnac rival Stonehenge.
Champagne tasting at Epernay
Pérignon might be the most famous, but there are plenty of other bubblies to try in the atmospheric cellars of Epernay's maisons.
Fontenay Abbey
One of the most complete monastic complexes anywhere, this, the only Burgundian monastery to survive intact, has an impressive setting in a beautiful stream-filled valley.
Bastille Day
 July 14 sees national celebrations commemorating the beginning of the French Revolution, with fireworks and parties across the whole country.
Bordeaux
 Stylish and lively Bordeaux became the principal English stronghold in France for three hundred years, and is still known for the red wines - claret - which the English popularized.
The GR20
 Corsica's most demanding long-distance footpath winds some 170km through stunning scenery, though you have to be in good physical shape to complete all sixteen stages.
Cheese
For serious cheese-lovers, France is the ultimate paradise. As de Gaulle once commented "You can unite the French only through fear. You cannot simply bring together a country that has over 265 kinds of cheese."
Outdoor activities
From surfing off Biarritz and skiing in Val d'Isère to hiking in the Pyrenees (above) and canoeing in the Loire, France has energetic pursuits to suit everyone.
Avignon
Great city of the popes, and once one of France's artistic centres, Avignon can get very crowded, but it's worth braving for its spectacular monuments and museums, countless places to eat and drink, and its annual summer festival.
Bayeux Tapestry
Stunningly detailed depiction of the events of 1066 which precipitated nearly eight centuries of Anglo-French conflict.
Bastide towns
Monpazier is one of the fortified towns - bastides - built in the Dordogne during the turbulent medieval period when there was almost constant conflict between the French and English.
Wine
French wines are unrivalled in the world for their range, sophistication, diversity and status.
The Issenheim altarpiece
The village of Colmar might be excessively twee, but it's still worth a visit for Grünewald's amazing altarpiece, one of the most spectacular works of art in the country.
Gorges de l'Ardèche
The fantastic gorges begin at the Pont d'Arc (right) and cut their way through the limestone cliffs before emptying into the Rhône Valley.
Jardin du Luxembourg
 Paris's most beautiful park is the ideal spot for relaxing after all that sightseeing.
Amiens cathedral
The biggest Gothic building in France, this cathedral has an unusual uniformity of style and an evening light show which gives a vivid idea of how the west front would have looked when coloured.
Canal du Midi
A calm, watery avenue, stretching from beyond Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Cycling, walking or drifting along its tree-shaded course is the most atmospheric way of savouring France's southwest.
Medieval Provençal villages
Provence's hilltop villages attract visitors by the score. Gordes (below) is one of the most famous, but less-known Saignon and Entrecasteaux are equally beautiful.
Prehistoric cave art
Skilful depictions of prehistoric life can be seen in several places around France, though perhaps the most famous are the paintings at Lascaux in the Dordogne.
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