France is far more than just its capital. Paris has long captivated travelers with icons like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame — but the country’s real magic often unfolds beyond the city limits.
From lavender fields to medieval villages to coastal cliffs, these day trips and side excursions reveal a France that goes far deeper than the postcard version. Here are 10 experiences to add to your bucket list in France.
1. Visit the Normandy Region
Spending time in the Normandy area will spark your interest in World War II history. These are the beaches where Allied forces landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944, marking the beginning of the end of the war and victory over the Nazis.
Rouen, the capital, is filled with Gothic architecture. It is also where Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake for heresy in 1431. France’s Normandy is worth the day trip.
Read More: Slow Travel on the Seine: Exploring Normandy in Style on the Scenic Gem
2. See the Arc De Triomphe
No sightseeing trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Arc de Triomphe. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Located just off the western side of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe provides a breathtaking view of the Paris skyline.
This stoic monument was originally constructed to honor those who fought and died in France’s many wars, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
3. Enjoy a River Cruise on the Seine
Sightseeing on the Seine River is a unique way to get to know France‘s cities and monuments. The Seine runs through the heart of Paris and into the English Channel. It is the best way to get a view of the Paris countryside.
Cruising the Seine River also means you can marvel at the architecture of the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You can enjoy sightseeing on the Seine during the day or on a dinner cruise at night.
4. Take a Winery Tour in Bordeaux
If you are interested in the finer things in life, taking a top-rated wine tour in the city of Bordeaux may be perfect for you. Take a walk through the rolling hills of vineyards and sample delicious wines.
Another day trip worth taking is a visit to France’s Champagne wine region.
5. Tour the Catacombs Under the City of Paris
Image by Andrea Izzotti from Getty Images via Canva
The Paris Catacombs is an underground tunnel that also serves as a burial site for more than six million Parisians, whose remains were transferred from surrounding cemeteries. This is a monument that has intrigued and perhaps creeped out tourists for decades.
6. Learn How to Cook a Gourmet Meal
What better way to spend time in Paris than to learn more about its famous cuisine and take some of the knowledge with you? Many cooking classes are offered, from making delectable sweets and crepes to preparing traditional gourmet meals and French dishes.
7. Palace of Versailles
Located outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the French aristocracy during the reigns of King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette.
Guided tours are available, and you will want to take advantage of those, as there is so much to see. Sights include the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the charming rustic Hameau (Hamlet) constructed for Marie Antoinette.
One of the most magnificent displays of over-the-top opulence is the Gardens of Versailles, with endless ponds, fountains and channels of water.
8. Notre Dame Cathedral
Located in the heart of Paris, Notre Dame is perhaps one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. This Gothic masterpiece dates back to the 12th century, when construction began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully.
Notre Dame reopened to the public in December 2024 after a five-year restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. Its stained glass windows, soaring vaults and iconic towers have all been painstakingly brought back to life, and visitors can once again step inside to take in the cathedral’s Gothic grandeur firsthand.
9. Tour the Most Famous Art Museums in the World
Yes, you’ve seen the Mona Lisa, but another exhibit that lives in the capital of France will spark as much love for history as some of the most famous art museums in the world—the Louvre.
The Louvre features permanent and seasonal exhibits every season. These include the Venus de Milo and works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Rodin and Michelangelo.
Another famous art museum not to be missed is the Musée d’Orsay. This museum boasts the world’s most extensive collection of Impressionist art.
Originally a train station, the Musée d’Orsay has been transformed into a showcase of Impressionist artwork. Works from Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, Gauguin, Renoir and Cezanne are on display here.
If you’re planning a trip to France, check out our France Travel Guide, where you’ll find a curated selection of articles to inspire you and help plan your trip.
10. Admire the Eiffel Tower
Image by Thitiphan Pakseesuwan from Getty Images via Canva
Constructed in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower stands more than 1,000 feet tall. It is recognized as the most-visited landmark in history.
The Eiffel Tower remains a revered architectural masterpiece and has become an iconic symbol in photos and films worldwide.
There are numerous sightseeing opportunities in Paris and throughout France. Other honorable mentions worth visiting include the Cathedral of Strasbourg, Chamonix-Mont Blanc, the neighborhoods Le Marais and Île de la Cité.
Also, the nightlife of Lyon, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Palais des Tuileries, the Loire Valley, the Palais Garnier, Mont-Saint-Michel and the Sacré-Cœur, to name a few.
Read More: Top 20 Things to See and Do in Paris
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