Top France Outdoor Activities

Head up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower as part of this convenient and cost-saving Paris sightseeing package. You'll bypass the ticket queue to go straight up the tower, and then look out over the city to admire the panoramic views, all while your guide shares stories about the landmark. After leaving the Eiffel Tower, you can head to the banks of the Seine for a river cruise.

Iconic Paris landmarks including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower line the Seine River, but trying to see them all takes time—and leads to sore feet. Admire the city’s world-famous monuments while resting your legs during this one-hour Bateaux Parisiens river cruise. Ride during the day, or choose an evening departure time to float through the enchanting city at night.

Admire Paris’s iconic monuments without traffic, crowds, or paying for them in blisters during this 70-minute sightseeing cruise along the Seine. Watch world-famous monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, La Conciergerie, and the Eiffel Tower glide by as you relax in your choice of interior or open-air decks. Comfortable, climate-controlled boats are restroom-equipped and can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

Add a discovery with a 4x4 to your stay in Arles and go to the Camargue Regional Natural Park to admire the marshy landscapes. Leaving the terrain in the hands of a professional driver-guide, you'll turn your attention to nature and the abundant flora and fauna. A stop in the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is another highlight.

Spin through the city streets like a local and explore the French capital in style on this bike tour of Paris. Follow your guide to top attractions such as Les Invalides, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Cycle along the UNESCO World Heritage–listed banks of the Seine River and stop for a break among the trees in the pretty Tuileries Gardens. As you go, soak up the city's unique ambiance.

Nice, France, hit the scenery jackpot: It rises from the banks of the Mediterranean Sea at the base of the French Alps. With fantastic beaches and Belle Epoque and Baroque-influenced architecture, the deal is sealed. On this tour, go beyond the exquisite scenery and beyond the guidebooks, following a born-and-raised local to this French Riviera city’s best spots.

Gliding down the Seine River on a cruise is one of the best ways to take in Paris’s monuments, from Notre-Dame cathedral to the Eiffel Tower—but on a crowded boat, you spend more time competing for space than soaking up the views. Enjoy a more refined experience on this private cruise, with a boat limited to you and your travel party, capped off by a bottle of French champagne.

Skip your usual land-lubber evening drink with this River Seine sunset cruise with an aperitif. Meet near Pont Neuf just before sunset and hop aboard a river boat with a terrace—take a seat and cruise past Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower with a glass of organic wine, local beer, or champagne, accompanied by background music for a relaxed atmosphere.

Experience the Palace of Versailles and its elegant surrounding gardens with this private tour, complete with access to the palace. Your personal, private guide will escort you through the palace and out into the gardens, where you'll get to zip around on your own four-seat golf cart while learning about the property’s rich history.

Rather than exploring the sprawling grounds of Versailles on foot, pedal your way around with a guide on this group bike tour. Discover garden trails and tree-lined paths and reach parts that on-foot visitors generally miss, including Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon. Stop by the Grand Canal for a picnic lunch (own expense) before heading inside the Palace of Versailles with admission tickets.

Calanques National Park is renowned for its beauty with a jagged shoreline and cliffs that plunge into the sea. The hiking trails that hug the coast lend themselves to impressive views, but the footpaths aren’t well marked. With this day trip from Luminy, you’ll walk with a local guide to discover a route suited to your group and the weather, with scenic views and swim stops, too.

It’s not just the skiing and climbing that makes Chamonix a world-class adventure destination: the area is famous for paragliding, too. Take to the air in perfect safety from 3,900 feet (2,100 meters) on a tandem flight with an instructor. Savor spectacular views of the Alps as your pilot manipulates the wing to ride the air currents from Plan Praz or Plan de l’Aiguille (cable-car ticket not included).

Take in views of the French Riviera from the water's edge, and admire a perspective other visitors miss, on a luxury catamaran cruise. Sail along the Bay of Cannes while relaxing on deck, and splash in the sea for a swim and snorkel if you like. Choose from a half- or full-day cruise, and upgrade to include an optional buffet lunch on board. You can also purchase additional drinks from the on-board bar.

Experience Paris in a way few people have: aboard a private, eco-friendly electric golf cart. You and your travel companions can choose from several itineraries to fit your schedules, from short tours of central Paris to full-day excursions. Each golf cart seats up to three passengers plus your driver-guide, and larger groups can book multiple vehicles and cruise through the city together.

Immerse yourself in the scenic splendor of the French Riviera—and discover a part of the coast that few other visitors know about—on this small-group tour. After departing from Nice, travel to the Mala Cave near Èze, a perfect swimming and snorkeling spot that can only be reached by boat. Continue sailing near destinations such as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer before returning to Nice.

Seeing Paris from the river offers a different perspective on the city’s landmarks without navigating busy streets. This Seine cruise departs from Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, and follows a central route along the river. Glide past highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral, with live commentary providing context along the way.

See the major sights of Paris from the water on a hop-on hop-off Seine boat cruise. With either a 1- or 2-day ticket, glide leisurely along the river, hopping off and on when you wish to visit the attractions that most interest you, such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and Notre Dame. Or simply stay on the boat to admire Paris’ World Heritage-listed riverbanks.

Glide by the famous sights of Paris on a relaxing sightseeing cruise down the Seine River on an electric boat. See attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral from the comfort of your seat. Learn about the history of passing attractions through audio commentary, and upgrade to include your choice of snacks and drinks.

Leave the city’s bustle behind for a day, and discover some of southern France’s most spectacular scenery, on this small-group tour. Following pickup from your Nice hotel, travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan. Pass by the Gorges du Loup and Castellane before arriving at the Verdon Gorge: a dramatic, river-carved gorge, often described as the “Grand Canyon of Europe.” After exploring, stop at a charming medieval village, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, before returning to Nice.

Embark on a 3-hour, small-group boat trip from the port of Nice, taking in the natural wonders of the Mediterranean coast. Board a semi-rigid boat alongside your skipper, and sail to the Mala Cave to swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters or relax with views of the rugged cliffs. Hop off at Villefranche-sur-Mer to explore its port and the charming old town.

Many tourists don’t realize that there’s much more to Versailles than just the palace. Ride around the grounds of the Palace of Versailles and explore Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet while learning about her extravagant life on this half-day small-group bike tour. See parts of the grounds that most tourists miss before visiting the palace itself to wander its opulent halls.

See Paris's highlights, without the big step count, on a private golf buggy tour that includes hotel pickup from select areas. Enjoy a comfortable ride, whatever the weather, with shelter and blankets. Sit back and watch landmarks and hidden gems go by, with stories and fun facts from your guide at each stop to add insight to what you're seeing and help you get your bearings around the city.

Discover Paris' most iconic landmarks in a single day on this time-saving tour. In addition to getting an included ticket to the Louvre Museum (if option selected), you'll also explore neighborhoods including Montmartre and Île de la Cité on guided walks. Cover more ground in the city than you could on your own and leave the itinerary-planning to an expert.