With its time-worn stone façade and stark interiors, the Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Sablons might not rank high on the list of France’s most beautiful churches—but it does hide a turbulent history. Ransacked by Protestants in the 16th century, used as barracks during the French Revolution, and finally restored in the 19th century, this Catholic Church has stood the test of time.
For prehistoric rock art, stalactites, and stalagmites in the Lot Valley, Pech Merle Cave is the place to be. The grotto stretches under the hills around Cabrerets, and while its geology is impressive, its 20,000-year-old artwork is even more so. Venture into the cave’s depths to see pictures of dappled horses and handprints discovered by children in the 1920s.
Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic bookThe Little Prince, this destination is a theme park with a twist. Marketing itself as the world’s first “aerial park,” it offers rides and attractions designed to take you up into the sky.
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.
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 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.
Frolic and unwind year-round at a vast indoor water park that includes numerous pools, spa and beauty areas, and a botanical garden. Les Antilles de Jonzac, located just a short distance north of Bordeaux, is the largest such facility of its kind in France, and boasts all kinds of aquatic and pampering options under one roof.
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.
In the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of Southeastern France, Castellane is many things: It’s France's least populated subprefecture; it’s a registered historical site dating back to the High Middle Ages; and it’s the Gateway to the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon), aka “Europe’s Grand Canyon,” a scenic area rife with hiking trails, overlooks, and rafting routes. While history lovers would be comfortable here, the town’s outdoors draw the most travelers.
Boasting views of Mt. Blanc and exhibits about humans in the mountains, the Maison du Salève is a must for mountain lovers. The former 18th-century farmhouse near Geneva is packed with displays to interest both adults and children. You can trace the history, research, and sports of La Salève and the peaks beyond, and stroll the gardens for sweeping views.
First discovered in 1902 by quarry workers, the Caves of Thouzon (Grottes de Thouzon) near Avignon are sometimes known as the “Fairy Caves” (“Grottes aux Fées”), owing to their unusual rock formations. Visit the subterranean landmark as a striking way to cool off in the summer or stay dry on a rainy day in Provence.
Far from its namesake palace, Nantes’ Île de Versailles is a picturesque island set along the Erdre River in the heart of the city. Cross the footbridge to the small man-made island and follow the tree-lined walkways through an idyllic Japanese garden, complete with wooden bridges, red-painted pavilions, and water features.
Located in the heart of the Medieval fortified village of Les Baux-de-Provence, St. Vincent Church (Eglise St-Vincent is one of the town’s most interesting historic landmarks. This 12th-century church is partially carved into the rocky hillside and gives off a curious cave-like vibe with its three cavernous chapels and rock-carved baptismal font.
A popular spot for team-building activities, Happy Forest is an outdoor entertainment center that offers a variety of activities, from zorbing to ropes courses. There's an escape room, as well as a variety of farmyard animals, and pony rides are available for younger visitors.
Spread out over 18 hectares (44 acres), the Zoo d’Amnéville is an expansive animal park that's home to around 2,000 animals representing 360 species from five continents. Wander through the park at your leisure or pause to witness one of many demonstrations on offer, from birds-of-prey shows to gorilla feedings.
Bourg—also known as Bourg-sur-Gironde—is considered one of the most scenic historic villages in southwestern France’s Gironde department. Poised on a rocky promontory overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, the village was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century, and is also celebrated for its wine.
Go on a subterranean adventure at the Baume Obscure Cave (Grotte de Baume Obscure), part of a vast limestone ridge that runs along the French Riviera. See the cave’s many striking rock formations and experience the Souterroscope, a sound-and-light installation along its walkways.
One of the oldest zoos in France, Zoo de la Flèche today has a modern vibe with a well-laid out park—plus sizable enclosures with 1,500 animals from five continents. Besides its commitment to conservation and animal welfare, the zoo is also famous for its luxury overnight lodges, which look out over lions and polar bears.
In the shadow of the hilltop chateau of Rocamadour, Durandal Park offers a different kind of medieval attraction, with a spectacular schedule of equestrian shows. Daring, high-speed tricks and stunts, jousting displays, and medieval reenactments are all performed on horseback, ensuring a thrilling experience for all ages.
Drawing from three centuries of winemaking history, Maison Champy is not only one of the most prestigious of Burgundy’s Grand Cru wineries, it’s also the region’s oldest wine house. Established in 1720, the estate is known for its Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wines, as well as its historic building, inspired by Gustave Eiffel.
Created in honor of General Count de Boigne, who made his fortune in India and bestowed it on the town in the early 19th century, the Fountain of Elephants has become a classic Chambery sight. Its endearing appeal comes from the back-to-back placement of the elephants, which led locals to refer to the rear-less quartet as Les Quatre Sans Culs.
The former summer house of Antoine Lumière, whose sons—the Lumière Brothers—were pioneers in early filmmaking technology, the Villa Lumière is among Evian-les-Bains’ finest examples of Belle Epoque architecture. Today, it houses the city’s Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall).
Just south of Dijon's city center, Parc de la Colombière is a 17th-century green space with large grassy areas, meandering paths, and thousands of trees. Thanks to playgrounds and animal enclosures it's particularly popular with families, and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around.
The sprawling sand-colored fortress around the old town of Aigues-Mortes is the Camargue region’s standout historical site. Built as a 13th-century defensive fortress at the behest of King Louis IV, the monument remains remarkably intact and well-maintained. Visitors today can scale the ramparts, walk the walls, and head up the spiral staircase inside Constance’s Tower.
Overlooking Lake Geneva near the border with Switzerland, the Casino d'Evian is a large complex featuring table and electronic games, live entertainment, and plenty of dining options. It's also known for its Belle Epoque architecture and beautiful frescoed interiors.
One of France’s most important aquariums, Oceanopolis (Océanopolis), in Brest, is both a traditional aquarium and a center for oceanography. The site is made up of three main pavilions divided into tropical, polar, and temperate exhibition areas, each of which hosts a variety of sea life, from anemones to seals.
Originally constructed in the 17th century, and remodeled during the Second French Empire in the 19th century, this church in Fontainebleau continues to serve as a house of worship to this day, with regular services for the local community.
On the banks of Lake Geneva, the Palais Lumière was once a thriving spa and bathhouse, offering visitors and residents a convenient way to "take the waters." Today, this neoclassical building functions as a museum and meeting center, with conference rooms and a public exhibition hall.
This 200-mile (322-kilometer) scenic road follows a portion of Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1815 journey across France when he escaped exile in Italy and marched from the Côte d'Azur to Paris to overthrow the monarchy of Louis XVIII. Today, drivers follow the landscape-diverse route from the seaside to Provence to the French Alps—with plenty of medieval villages and mountain views.
The Théâtre de la Ville boasts a storied history: Originally a fortress dating back to the 12th century, it was destroyed six centuries later and rebuilt in the 1860s as a theater as part of Baron Haussmann’s wave of reforms. The acclaimed French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt served as its director for 24 years, and today, the theater hosts numerous productions, ranging from musical concerts, plays, and dance performances.
