The largest water park on the southern coast of the Aquitaine, Aquatic Landes—located in Labenne, just a quick trip from Bayonne and Biarritz—offers thrills and refreshment for visitors of all ages. Home to pools, waterslides, play areas, and lawns perfect for sunbathing, this park is an ideal place to relax and beat the heat.
In the land of historic Burgundy wineries, Domaine Debray is the new kid on the block. This young wine estate was established in 2006, yet has made a name for itself as a quality producer of whites and reds. The winery prides itself on its traditional wine-production methods, such as grape collection by hand and vinification in French oak barrels.
A historic landmark, Hotel Negresco is a vibrant working hotel and also one of the most visited sites in the city. Travel back to the Belle Époque, as doormen in period-perfect uniforms open the doors to the grand interior, lovingly maintained to its original, flamboyant grandeur. Highlights include the cupola designed by Gustave Eiffel and a gigantic Baccarat crystal chandelier.
Housed in the medieval castle of William the Conquerer, the contemporary Musée des Beaux-Arts is home to one of the finest art collections in France covering five centuries. Spanning four centuries, the artworks show a remarkable range including an array of European painters starting in the 16th century, a cabinet of prints and an impressive sculpture park.
Built to mark the 50th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day landings, this 42-acre (17-hectare park is an inviting place to explore close to downtown Caen. The free-to-access park has spots for all ages, including a rose garden, small petting zoo, labyrinth, garden map of Normandy, mini-golf, and a café.
While Bayeux’s once-thriving lacemaking industry has gone, its traditions live on at the city’s Lace Conservatory (the Conservatoire de la Dentelle de Bayeux) in the town center. Here, you can glimpse artisans using bobbins and pins to create delicate pieces of lace by hand—just as lacemakers did centuries ago.
Set amid the forested valleys of Blavet, the Village de Poul-Fetan transports visitors back to 19th-century Brittany. With traditional thatched roof cottages, farmyard animals, and costumed villagers going about their work, this attraction is a fun and immersive way to learn about Brittany’s cultural heritage.
During the reign of King Louis XV, this courtyard in Saint-Louis—one of Versailles’ oldest neighborhoods—was known as the perfumed court. Opened in 2013, the Court of Scents (Cour des Senteurs celebrates the world’s rarest fragrances and perfume traditions through its gardens, shops, and restaurants.
Located in the suburbs of Lille, Le Fresnoy is an educational center and an exhibition space. It trains French and international artists working on various audiovisual and multimedia projects in a state-of-the-art residency center. Le Fresnoy is also open to the public for contemporary art exhibits, films, theater performances, lectures, and concerts.
Originally a Franciscan convent and orphanage (used as a hospital during both world wars), this 19th-century Deauville landmark has been given new life as an arts and culture center. The historic venue hosts events, exhibitions, and workshops throughout the year, and has a shop for local crafts, books about Deauville, and other unique items.
Occupying a wing of the ornate 19th-century Palais Longchamp, the Marseille Museum of Natural History houses an incredible collection of specimens that collectively provide insight into the wonders of our natural world. Many of these items are on display across the museum's permanent exhibits.
The central focus of Marseille’s Place Castellane, the Fontaine Castellane (Castellane Fountain) with its central column is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Housed in the Palais de la Bourse, the former Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the enchanting Maritime and Commercial Museum of Marseille focuses on the city’s modern maritime history, which spans the last 500 years or so, and provides a fascinating look into what has made Marseille a major player in the worldwide maritime economy.
Housed in a 17th-century private mansion in the center of Marseille, the Cantini Museum focuses on modern art, most of which dates between 1900 and 1960. Many works here are by surrealist, abstract, cubist, and Fauve artists. Expect to see works by Le Corbusier, André Derain, and Raoul Dufy, among others.
This family-owned vineyard in the heart of Bordeaux wine country has produced high-quality cru bourgeois wines since 1932. Boasting the same gravel-and-limestone clay soils as big-name neighbors Château Margaux and Château Rauzan-Ségla, the estate is known for blended red wines using cabernet, merlot, and petit verdot grapes.
Perched above Nice like a grand temple is the Côte d’Azur Observatory. It’s somewhat awkward to reach, but those who do are rewarded with sights like the huge refractor telescope that’s sheltered by a Gustave Eiffel–designed cupola. While clearly a treat for astronomy lovers, the observatory is also enticing for its views, which sweep from Mont Gros to the Med.
One of oldest abbeys in Provence, the UNESCO-listed Montmajour Abbey is just outside of the French city of Arles. It was constructed in the 10th century by Benedictine monks, and has weathered war, plague, and abandonment. Today, the complex has been restored and is a popular attraction for history buffs.
One of Lille’s oldest museums, the Museum of the Gunners of Lille (Musée des Canonniers Sédentaires de Lille) is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in military history. Housed in a historic former convent in the center of the city, this intimate museum is dedicated to one of the oldest artillery corps in Europe: The gunners have defended Lille since 1483.
The largest and oldest cemetery in Bordeaux, Chartreuse Cemetery (Cimetiere de la Chartreuse) has graves dating back to the 18th century. With its mixture of grand tombs and simple graves, the cemetery offers a slice of Bordeaux history as well as quiet contemplation. You won't find as many notable graves in this cemetery as you would in larger cemeteries across France, but it's a peaceful place to stroll.
Marseille's Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) features paintings sculpture, video and other installations. from the mid-20th century to the present, with frequent temporary exhibitions highlighting the work of new and emerging artists from around the world. With an emphasis on French artists, come here to catch up on the current arts scene.
Founded as a monastery in the 13th century, the Maison Folie Hospice d’Havré—located in Tourcoing, just outside Lille—is a unique architectural landmark, and the oldest still-complete convent in the region. But that’s not the only reason it’s notable. Recently transformed into a venue for art exhibitions, performances, and other events, it’s now a cultural highlight too.
Take in the rides, along with a dose of Franco-Belgian culture, at Provence’s Parc Spirou theme park inspired by Spirou, a Belgian cartoon character from the popular “Spirou and Fantasio” comic series. The park’s roller coasters, rides, play areas, and other interactive experiences are a special draw for kids and families.
With its ancient roots as the oldest city in France, Marseille is the perfect city to host the Museum of African, Oceanic and American-Indian Art. Housed the Baroque-style Vieille Charité, originally a poorhouse dating back to the late 17th century, the museum features striking ethnographic pieces and ancient artifacts. Also inside the building is the excellent Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology.
One of the Burgundy region’s grandest churches and architectural landmarks, St. Michael’s Church (Église Saint-Michel de Dijon) traces its history back thousands of years. Known for its distinctive blend of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, and instantly recognizable for its soaring towers and sculptured portals, the designated historic monument is a must-visit on any Dijon sightseeing itinerary.
If the UNESCO-listed Provins is known as one of France’s most emblematic medieval towns, then the Cesar Tower (Tour César) is its literal and figurative high point. Dating back to the 12th century and built by the Counts of Champagne, the multi-turreted stone tower was used as a dungeon and watchtower before becoming a symbol of the town.
Built in 1912, this lavish casino is in the heart of Deauville, overlooking the sandy beaches of the Normandy coastline. Slots and games can be played year-round, but the landmark offers more than gambling, including multiple restaurants, a theater, two bars, and a karaoke club.
In the heart of Dijon, Place de la Libération is the city's main square and a great place for people-watching. This sprawling public space features fountains, cafés, and is the site of one of the city’s most important buildings: the Dijon Ducal Palace (Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne).
Tucked away in a corner of the Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg), the Strasbourg Astronomical Clock is an elaborate mechanical device decorated with figures, artwork, and golden embellishments. The various dials of this 19th-century masterpiece track different astronomical occurrences, but the highlight is the mechanical figures—including apostles and a rooster—which provide a daily performance for onlookers.
The Loire Valley is beloved for its roses, and Les Chemins de la Rose near Saumur is one of the best places to revel in the blooms. In 10 acres (4 hectares) worth of landscaped gardens, you’ll find arched walkways bordered by more than 13,000 rose bushes, and pastel petals and green lawns creating ribbons of color.
Situated between Sarlat and Les Eyzies, the imposing Château de Puymartin features a blend of architectural styles spanning centuries. The interiors are full of paintings and stately furniture—you’ll even find a room decorated entirely with grayscale scenes from Greco-Roman mythology.
