Choose from 490 Fun Things to Do in France
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Mont Boron
Rising above the port in Nice is Mont Boron, a green wilderness with great views over Nice and beyond.
From Mont Boron you can see over the port of Nice, Nice town and to Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. From this height you it’s easy to understand why this coastline is called the Cote d’Azur - the blue of the sea is simply amazing.
Since 1860, Mont Boron has been preserved as a nature retreat with trees native to the Mediterranean, including Holm Oak and Aleppo Pine. With 6 miles (11 km) of sign-posted trails, this has become a popular place for both locals and visitors to escape the narrow streets of the city and take in the fresh air. It's also good for mountain biking. You can catch the bus (number 14) to the top of Mont Boron and then walk back down.
Nearby Mont Albon has a 16th century military fort perched 720 feet (220m) above the sea. From here you get 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline and the Alpes-Maritimes.
From Mont Boron you can see over the port of Nice, Nice town and to Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. From this height you it’s easy to understand why this coastline is called the Cote d’Azur - the blue of the sea is simply amazing.
Since 1860, Mont Boron has been preserved as a nature retreat with trees native to the Mediterranean, including Holm Oak and Aleppo Pine. With 6 miles (11 km) of sign-posted trails, this has become a popular place for both locals and visitors to escape the narrow streets of the city and take in the fresh air. It's also good for mountain biking. You can catch the bus (number 14) to the top of Mont Boron and then walk back down.
Nearby Mont Albon has a 16th century military fort perched 720 feet (220m) above the sea. From here you get 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline and the Alpes-Maritimes.
Address: Nice, French Riviera, France
From $ 25
Mont Saint Michel
The medieval island village of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits right off France’s Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Couesnon River. Crowned by a Gothic abbey that sits atop the rocky isle, Mont Saint-Michel rises dramatically from the tidal flats of the bay, creating one of the country’s most recognizable images. It’s a must-see for history buffs and those interested in religious sites, and visits are often combined with tours through the region of Normandy.
The Basics
Visiting Mont Saint-Michel on a day trip from Paris is a popular option for travelers who are short on time and would rather not drive themselves. The village’s Benedictine abbey (Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel), named after the archangel Michael, is the main attraction in the area, and its entrance fee is included in some tours. Some visitors with more time to explore spend a few days in the Normandy town of Caen or Bayeux for easier access to the island and a chance to see other northern France attractions such as the D-Day landing beaches of World War II and the coastal village of Honfleur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The parking lot is located on the mainland, 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the island; a shuttle runs from the lot to a drop-off point 440 yards (400 meters) from the entrance to Mont Saint-Michel.
- The village is full of narrow walkways and steps, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for crowds.
- There are no stairs from the parking lot to the entrance or along the paved main street of the village (although it does climb quickly), but 350 steps lead from the top of the main street to the abbey. There is no elevator.
- Wi-Fi is available at the tourist office in the village.
How to Get There
Mont Saint-Michel is located about 220 miles (354 kilometers) west of Paris, roughly four hours away by road. Driving or taking a bus tour is the quickest way to reach the island, but train and public bus options are also available through Caen, Rennes, and Pontorson.
When to Get There
Mont Saint-Michel’s tourist office is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, while the abbey is closed January 1, May 1, and December 25. As a small island, it’s a popular destination with limited space, so arrive early to avoid some crowds, which are the biggest in summer.
Exploring the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
After paying your entrance fee to the abbey, grab a visitor’s guide for a self-guided tour of the Gothic landmark’s cloister and rooms. Alternatively, guided 75-minute tours in French and English are available year-round; they are included in admission with no reservation required. To hear commentary without a live guide, purchase a 1-hour audio guide for a small fee.
Address: France
Hours: Open daily (access depends on the tides)
Admission: Free
From $ 81
Montparnasse Cemetery (Cimetière Montparnasse)
Opened in 1824, the Montparnasse Cemetery (le Cimetière du Montparnasse) is the city’s second-largest cemetery after Père Lachaise. It is a cultural highlight of the Montparnasse neighborhood, thanks to its history and famous residents; after all, it’s the final resting place of Jean-Paul Sartre, Serge Gainsbourg, Charles Baudelaire, and more.
The Basics
Originally known as the Cimetière du Sud (the Southern Cemetery), Montparnasse is one of Paris’ three largest and most important cemeteries. Established on what was formerly farmland, the cemetery is today renowned as a final resting place of artists, writers, and other important cultural figures. High-profile graves (including those of Charles Baudelaire, Simone de Beauvoir, Julio Cortázar, Samuel Beckett, Guy de Maupassant, Susan Sontag, and Man Ray) have made it one of the neighborhood’s most popular tourist attractions.
Although the Montparnasse Cemetery is free to enter, guided walking tours of the landmark help draw attention to its highlights and make its scale manageable.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Montparnasse Cemetery stretches across 47 acres (19 hectares) and contains more than 35,000 graves.
- The cemetery, currently divided into 30 sections, is still expanding: roughly 1,000 new residents are added each year.
- One highlight is the Tower of the Mill of Charity, a listed Historic Monument and the sole remaining piece of an 18th-century mill that once stood on-site.
How to Get There
Take Métro lines 4 or 6 to the Raspail station, which is located at the corner of the cemetery. The major Gare Montparnasse is also nearby and is served by the TGV and other train lines, while the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe Métro station connects to the 4, 6, 12, and 13 lines. Alternatively, take bus lines 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, or 96 to reach the site. The cemetery is also accessible on foot, by taxi or car, or by Vélib’.
When to Get There
Montparnasse Cemetery is open daily; depending on the season, it opens at 8, 8:30, or 9am and closes at 5:30 or 6pm. The cemetery is a scenic destination throughout the year, whether flanked by golden leaves, dappled with sunlight, or dusted with snow.
Montparnasse Highlights
Use your visit to the Montparnasse Cemetery as an excuse to see other neighborhood highlights. Visit the observation deck at the top of the Tour Montparnasse, explore the adjacent Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, or see the subterranean Catacombs of Paris.
Address: 3 Boulevard Edgar Quinet, Paris 75014, France
From $ 41
Montmartre
A large hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, the historic district of Montmartre is crowned by Sacré-Coeur Basilica, attracting visitors who come to walk the cobblestone streets and imagine what life was like during the Belle Epoque, when artists such as Dalí, Renoir, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso lived and worked here from the late 19th to early 20th century. Today, artists still gather at Place du Tertre to sketch tourist portraits—a favorite souvenir.
The Basics
Montmartre is included in many city sightseeing tours, so if you just want a brief glimpse, that’s a popular way to check the area off your list. For an in-depth look, select a more tailored experience that suits your interests, such as a Montmartre food tour or an art-themed walking tour. For nighttime fun, head to a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, located down the hill in Pigalle.
- Montmartre is a highly visited part of Paris, so be prepared for crowds in the busy summer season.
- The neighborhood is a must-see for art history buffs and those looking for postcard views.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the many stairs and cobblestones.
- If visiting in the warmer summer months and plan to walk uphill, bring water to stay hydrated.
How to Get to Montmartre
If you’re up for it, start at the base of the hill and walk up, enjoying views along the way, or cheat by taking the funicular to the base of Sacré-Coeur. Visitors also love the staircases for photo ops; try the one that runs along the funicular line or the one up Rue Maurice Utrillo. By public transit, the Abbesses metro station deposits you a few blocks from Place du Tertre, and the Anvers metro station puts you below Sacré-Coeur. Any taxi driver will also know how to get to Montmartre.
When to Get There
Just like the rest of Paris, Montmartre will charm you at any time of year. If you’re there in summer, go in the morning to beat the masses and enjoy the neighborhood’s architecture and atmosphere in relative tranquility.
Visit Paris' Only Working Vineyard: Montmartre Vineyard
Less a secret than it used to be but still an interesting hidden gem, Le Clos Montmartre is the only working vineyard in Paris. Set on the slopes of the hill, north of Place du Tertre, the vines were originally planted to defend the area from property development and are owned by the city. Catching a glimpse of the vineyard is a nice respite from Montmartre’s crowds; it’s not open to the general public, but you can book a tour.
Address: Paris, Ile-de-France, France
From $ 13
Mus ee des Arts et M etiers
With origins dating to the 18th century, the Musée des Arts et Métiers (the Arts and Crafts Museum) is one of Paris’ most unusual and fascinating cultural institutions. Housed in the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, the museum owns upwards of 80,000 objects that range from Foucault’s Pendulum to some of the world’s first planes.
The Basics
Officially the oldest science museum in Europe, the Musée des Arts et Métiers was established in 1794. It occupies a historical priory; following a period of major renovation in the 1990s, it increased its exhibition space with the addition of a second, adjacent building. Today, its wide-ranging collection includes thousands of diverse objects that represent important inventions, historical tools, and scientific advancements. Collection highlights span from Foucault’s Pendulum (a device created in 1851 to demonstrate the Earth’s rotation) to historic astrolabes, early vehicles, and more.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is included in Paris Museum Pass schemes, so you can easily combine a visit with a sweep of the city’s other highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free entry to the museum is available on the first Sunday of the month and after 6pm on Thursdays.
- The museum is fully accessible to visitors of differing mobility levels, and hosts specialized tours for those with hearing, visual, or cognitive disabilities.
- The Musée des Arts et Métiers hosts free daily tours and demonstrations.
- Following a recent renovation, the on-site cafe is now open throughout the day and offers salads, sandwiches, and other fresh fare.
How to Get There
The closest Métro station to the museum is Arts et Métiers, accessible on the 3 and 11 lines. Buses 20, 38, 39, and 47 also stop nearby. As with most central Parisian landmarks, the museum is also easily accessed on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.
When to Get There
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is typically open from Tuesday–Sunday, from 10am–6pm (though it’s open until 9:30pm on Thursday evenings). The museum is closed on Christmas Day and May 1st each year. Because there are rotating temporary exhibitions, talks, and other events, it’s worth planning repeat visits.
The Arts et Métiers Métro Station
If you plan to visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers, it’s worth traveling by Métro; after all, the Arts et Métiers station is one of the most distinctive in the entire Paris Métro system, thanks to its copper plating, enormous cogs, and submarine-style portholes. The station was revamped by Belgian comic book artist François Schuiten in 1994, and its steampunk looks are an homage to Jules Verne.
Address: 60 Rue Réaumur, Paris 75003, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 61
Moustiers Ste-Marie
Often classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Moustiers Ste-Marie lies at the western entrance of the majestic Verdon Gorge National Park, and is built on 300-foot (100-meter) platform terraces up the side of limestone cliffs.
The most popular thing to do in Moustiers Ste-Marie, besides roaming its romantic, winding alleys, is to stand atop the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel and admire the jaw-dropping panorama over Plateau de Valensole (one of the biggest lavender-producing areas in Provence, especially lovely in July when the fields are in full bloom).
Visitors who would rather stay on firm ground should consider visiting Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church, a historic building with a stunning Romanesque bell tower and nave. Alternatively, they can shop for the world-famous Moustiers faience (pottery) at one of the village’s 20 workshops, a craft that has been a specialty of the region since the Middle Ages.
But the most peculiar sight in Moustiers Ste-Marie sways high up in the air; the star of Moustiers, as the locals call it, is a 2.5-foot wide, 16-branch star that hangs on a 700-foot chain suspended between two cliffs. Rumor has it that it was the ex-voto of the Knight of Blacas, who promised to build an offering to honor the Virgin Mary if he made it back home alive after being taken prisoner during the Crusade.
Moustiers Ste-Marie is one of the many French villages that simply don’t have to do much to impress; a simple glance at its squares, its colorful facades and its striking views will suffice to charm even the most reluctant visitor.
Practical Info
Moustiers Ste-Marie is located 56 miles (90 km) northeeast of Aix-en-Provence. It can be reached by car within 1.5 hours via the A51 and D952, and it can also be reached from Cannes via the A8 in just under two hours.
Address: Moustiers Ste-Marie, Aix en Provence, France
Hours: Daily
From $ 64
Mulberry Harbour
Often regarded as one of the greatest engineering feats of World War Two, the Mulberry Harbour was a portable and temporary structure developed by the British to facilitate speedy discharging of cargo onto the beaches on D-Day. It was, in fact, two different artificial harbors, which were towed across the English Channel and assembled just off the coast of Normandy on that infamous morning. Once fully operational, Mulberry Harbour was capable of moving 7,000 tons of vehicles and goods each day. The harbors provided the Allies with landing ramps, necessary for the invasion of an otherwise unprotected coast. Violent storms shook the English Channel between June 19 and 22, 1944, effectively wrecking the better part of both harbors. Remains are, however, still visible a few hundred yards from Arromanches’ shoreline, continuing to remind visitors of the sheer engineering genius that emanated from the D-Day landings. The remains are best visible during low tide. The D-Day Museum nearby provides invaluable knowledge on the historical background and technical challenges that the harbors presented.
Practical Info
Arromanches is located 35 minutes northeast of Caen (39 kilometers) via routes D126, D22 and D65. The D-Day Museum is located at Place du 6 Juin. Entry costs €7.90 per adult and €5.80 per child. It is closed in January.
Address: Arromanches-les-bains, France
Admission: Adult €7.90, Child €5.80
From $ 751
Mus ee des Plans-Reliefs
While most visitors to Paris head to the Hotel des Invalides to see Napoleon’s final resting place, the Musee des Plans-Reliefs is a hidden gem in the same building that shouldn’t be missed. The museum is home to a collection of military models, some of which date to the mid-17th century when Louis XIV’s minister of war began collecting three-dimensional models of fortified cities to use for military planning. Known as plans-relief, the collection was previously at the Louvre and moved to the Hotel des Invalides in 1777. The earliest model was built in 1668 and continued for two centuries, with 260 models constructed over the years, including those of Luxembourg, La Spezia, Brest and Cherbourg.
The museum was established in 1943 and today displays about 100 models, including 28 plans-relief of fortifications along the English Channel, the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and the Pyrenees Mountains. Built at a 1:600 scale, the models all use the same technique, which is explained in an accompanying exhibit. Watercolor paintings are used to show the color of the buildings and surrounding scenery at the time of construction.
Practical Info
To reach the Hotel des Invalides and the Musee des Plans-Reliefs, take the Metro to La Tour-Maubourg, Varenne, Invalides or St-Francois-Xavier or take the RER train to Invalides. A number of bus lines also stop nearby. Guided tours are available by advance reservation.
Address: 6 boulevard des Invalides, Paris 75007, France
Hours: Apr-Sept, 10am-6pm; Oct-Mar, 10am-5pm. Closed the first Monday of each month, as well as Jan 1, May 1, Nov 11 and Dec 25.
Admission: 11 Euro
From $ 61
Mus ee des Canonniers
A great museum for those interested in Lille’s military history, Musée des Canonniers explains the story of the Sainte Barbe Brotherhood (one of the oldest artillery units in Europe) and their implication in the defense of the city over the centuries. Indeed, Lille, because of its strategic and thus precarious position, required an effective militia as well as walled fortifications in order to survive – something that would later on be proved necessary, seeing as the city went from being Flemish, Bourguignone, Imperial and Spanish before becoming French, all in the matter of a few centuries. The museum’s exhibitions, presented in the former Urbanist convent, holds over 3,000 objects of various genres like artifacts, weapons like firearms and cannons (including the famous Gribeauval cannons that Napoleon Bonaparte offered to the canoneers himself), documents and equipment related to the city’s defense.
Practical Info
Musée des Canonniers is located on rue des Canonniers in Lille, within walking distance from Gare Lille Flandres metro station. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday between 2 and 5PM, but it is closed from mid-December to February and on the first three weeks of August. Entry costs €5 per adult and is free for visitors younger than 15 years old.
Address: Rue des Canonniers, Lille, France
Hours: Vary
Admission: Adults: €5
From $ 29
Mus ee de Cluny
Also known as the Musée National du Moyen-Age (the National Museum of the Middle Ages), the Musée de Cluny is a popular highlight of Paris’ Latin Quarter. Bestknown for its six-part Lady and the Unicorn tapestry cycle, the institution also contains thousands of other objects, from illuminated manuscripts to sculptures.
The Basics
The Musée de Cluny is one of Paris’ most important museums, one with rich history itself. The institution occupies three buildings: the Hôtel de Cluny (which dates to the 15th century), the Thermes de Cluny (the ruins of a Gallo-Roman bath complex), and a new welcome building designed by architect Bernard Desmoulin and unveiled in July 2018. While the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are its blockbuster attraction, the museum’s other collection highlights range from sculptures and stained-glass windows to paintings and gem-studded jewelry.
A number of tours make stops at the Musée de Cluny, including medieval-themed excursions and walking tours of the Latin Quarter. The Musée de Cluny is also a participating institution in the Paris Museum Pass scheme, so you can choose to visit independently and explore the galleries at your own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A sweeping restoration process, which began in 2016 and is projected to conclude in 2020, has modernized the museum and increased the size of its public spaces.
- The museum offers free entry during the first Sunday of every month.
- Newly added elevators have made the second-floor and underground exhibition spaces accessible to visitors with mobility issues; the museum is set to be fully accessible following the completion of its renovation.
How to Get There
The centrally located Musée de Cluny is accessible via numerous forms of transportation. Take Métro line 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne, line 4 to Saint-Michel, and lines 4 and 10 to Odéon, all just a short stroll away. You can also take the RER B to Cluny-La Sorbonne and the RER C to Saint-Michel. Additionally, bus lines 21, 27, 38, 63, 85, 86, and 87 stop nearby. The museum can also be accessed on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9:15am–5:45pm, Wednesday–Sunday. It’s closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the 1st of May. As part of its ongoing renovation work, the Hôtel de Cluny—one of its three main buildings—will be closed through fall 2020.
Events at the Musée de Cluny
The Musée de Cluny hosts a number of talks, presentations, temporary exhibitions, and special events. Its concert series, a highlight of the event calendar, introduces visitors to medieval instruments and compositions.
Address: 6 Place Paul Painlevé, Paris 75005, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Montparnasse
Home to art museums, major monuments, and Paris’ only skyscraper, eclectic and edgy Montparnasse is one of the city’s most interesting districts. Located in the 14th arrondissement on the Left Bank, it was famously the stomping grounds of artists and intellectuals in the 1910s and 20s, many of whom now rest in the Montparnasse Cemetery.
The Basics
Named after Mount Parnassus—the mountain in Greek mythology where the Muses were said to reside—Montparnasse has long had a reputation for creativity and intellectual daring. The neighborhood experienced its golden age—or its Années Folles (Crazy Years), as the period is known locally—during the 1910s and ‘20s, when internationally renowned artists and writers including Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Man Ray, Max Ernst, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, André Breton, and Marc Chagall called the neighborhood home.
Today, Montparnasse is home to the Tour Montparnasse, the city’s only skyscraper; visitors also flock to the Montparnasse Cemetery, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, and the Catacombs of Paris. You can take a tour of all four; alternatively, hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, and walking tours provide a general neighborhood overview.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Tour Montparnasse, which debuted in 1973, is the city’s only skyscraper, and its 56th-floor observation deck provides some of the best views in town.
- The Montparnasse Cemetery is the second-largest in Paris, after Père Lachaise, and contains the graves of many top artists and other creatives.
- The macabre Catacombs of Paris were first established in the late 18th century, and they contain the remains of more than 6 million people.
How to Get There
The Gare Montparnasse is one of Paris’ largest and most important railway stations, and includes numerous train services, including the TGV. Additionally, the Montparnasse – Bienvenüe Métro station includes connections to the 4, 6, 12, and 13 lines. Other stations in the neighborhood include Vavin (line 4), Raspail (lines 4 and 6), Edgar Quinet (line 6), and Port-Royal (RER B). Alternatively, travel by bus or taxi, or explore on foot or by bicycle.
When to Get There
As one of Paris’ busiest and most vibrant neighborhoods, Montparnasse is destination-worthy throughout the year. Explore sights like the Montparnasse Cemetery during the day and venture to the top of the Tour Montparnasse in the evening to savor aerial views of Paris’ neon-lit cityscape.
Restaurants and Cafés in Montparnasse
Montparnasse’s history comes to life at the cafes and restaurants that were once favored by famous artists—La Coupole, Le Dôme, and La Closerie des Lilas are all still open today. The neighborhood is also renowned for its many Breton crêperies; don’t leave without indulging in a salted butter caramel crêpe.
Address: France
From $ 41
Mus ee de la Musique
The Musée de la Musique, which was inaugurated in 1997, is part of the Cité de la Musique: a major multi-building complex dedicated to musical performance and education. The museum has a collection of thousands of rare instruments and artistic objects, and hosts free daily concerts in its galleries.
The Basics
Located on the northeastern edge of Paris in the Parc de la Villette, the Musée de la Musique is one of the highlights of the Cité de la Musique: a major musical complex, designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, that contains a concert hall, an amphitheater, and other educational spaces. The collection includes instruments and objects that hail from across the Western musical traditions, as well as items sourced from around the globe. Collection highlights range from a piano once used by Chopin to a guitar owned by Georges Brassens. The museum also hosts free daily concerts, as well as temporary exhibitions, talks with visiting musicians, and other events.
The Musée de la Musique is included in select Paris Museum Pass schemes, making for an affordable and accessible way to visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is fully accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
- Ticket holders for concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris receive reduced admission to the Musée de la Musique.
- Free audio guides are available with entry, and allow visitors to hear some of the instruments on display.
- From 2–5pm daily, visiting musicians play in the galleries and chat with visitors.
How to Get There
The Musée de la Musique is accessible via Métro line 5, which stops at the nearby Porte de Pantin station. Bus routes 75 and 171 also stop nearby. The Philharmonie additionally offers free shuttle service to select locations in central Paris for those attending late-running evening performances.
When to Get There
The Musée de la Musique is open from 12–6pm on Tuesday–Friday, and from 10am–6pm on Saturday–Sunday. It’s closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 1st; it also closes an hour early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The museum hosts numerous special events and temporary exhibitions in addition to its daily concerts.
The Philharmonie de Paris
A recent addition to the Cité de la Musique complex, the new Philharmonie de Paris building—designed by starchitect Jean Nouvel—debuted in 2015. Distinct for its bright metallic facade and phenomenal acoustics, the building hosts a world-class symphonic hall (the Grande Salle Pierre Boulez).
Address: 221 avenue Jean-Jaurès, Paris 75019, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 61
Mont Blanc
The charming town of Chamonix sits at the base of Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc. Towering 15,531 feet (4,734 meters) above sea level, snow-covered Mont Blanc is one of the most visited natural attractions on the planet — a mecca for skiers, mountaineers and casual tourists alike. In fact, the 1786 ascent of Mont Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Michel Gabriel Paccard is considered by many to have been the birth of mountaineering.
Nicknamed the “Roof of Europe,” the peak sits in the middle of the Mont Blanc Massif, straddling the border of France and Italy. One of the best views of the peak is from the 12,619-foot (3,846-meter) summit of Aiguille du Midi, where the world’s highest cable car carries visitors to an observation tower affording stellar views.
Practical Info
Local buses, called navettes, run between Chamonix and many of the cable carsin the area, including the one to the Mont Blanc observation tower.
Address: Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France
From $ 39
Mus ee de l'Orangerie
Fronting the magnificent Jardin des Tuilieries and looking out across the Seine River, the Musée de l'Orangerie (Orangerie Museum) is situated in one of Paris’ most idyllic locations. The prestigious art museum is home to a number of masterpieces, but it’s most famous for its series of Monet Water Lilies paintings.
The Basics
Visitors can enjoy priority access by pre-booking skip-the-line tickets, join a guided tour, or explore independently with or without an audio guide. Alternatively, visit as part of a group or private tour of Paris, a walking tour of the Montmartre neighborhood, or a Paris art history tour. Combination tickets are also available for the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Musée d'Orsay, while free admission is offered to holders of the Paris Museum Pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a museum café.
- Large bags must be left in the free cloakroom.
- The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Musée de l'Orangerie is located at the southwest corner of the Jardin des Tuileries, bordered by Place de la Concorde to the west and the Seine River to the south. The most scenic way to arrive at the museum is on foot, either by walking down the Champs Elysée from the Arc de Triomphe, or by strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries from The Louvre. The closest Metro station is Concorde (Lines 1, 8, and 12).
When to Get There
The museum is open daily (except Tuesdays) year round. In the busy summer months, opt for an early-morning visit to avoid the crowds. Budget-conscious travelers can nab free entrance on the first Sunday of each month.
Permanent Exhibitions at the Musée de l'Orangerie
Transformed into an art gallery in the early 20th century, the Musée de l'Orangerie displays a varied collection of 19th- and 20th-century art, with some fantastic examples of impressionist, post- impressionist, expressionist, and modern art. The star attraction of the museum’s permanent collections is Monet’s Water Lilies, displayed in a pair of evocatively lit ovular rooms. In the basement, the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection brims with masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, and Soutine, and others.
Address: Jardin Tuileries, Paris 75001, France
Hours: Monday and Wednesday - Sunday: 9am - 6pm
Closed: Tuesdays, May 1st and December 25th
Admission: Full Rate: 9 € , Reduced Rate: 6.50 € and Free on the first Sunday of every month
From $ 10
Montpellier Zoo
The second largest zoo in France, the Montpellier Zoo covers 60 hectares just north of the city center. Opened in 1964, the zoo is laid out like a safari park with open enclosures where most animals roam free. A children’s farm was added in 1982, new enclosures were developed for lions, bears and the rare white rhinoceros in 2001, and giraffes arrived at the zoo in 2010. Altogether, visitors can see more than 100 different animal species, including 50 species of mammals from Africa, South America, Eurasia, Oceania and France, reptiles and amphibians from South America and birds from Africa, South America, Oceania and France.
A greenhouse known as Serre Amazonienne opened in 2007 that is home to 3500 tropical plants. Split into seven climactic zones, the greenhouse covers 2600 square meters and is also home to 500 animals, including anacondas, alligators, piranhas and tarantulas. Every two hours an artificial rainstorm pours down to create the feeling of being in an Amazon rainforest.
Practical Info
The Montpellier Zoo is located four kilometers north of the city center. To get there, take tram 1 to the St-Eloi stop and catch the free number 13 shuttle bus to the zoo. An audio guide is available in English, French, German or Spanish for one Euro and provides an hour of commentary. Monthly guided tours are also offered, but must be booked in advance.
Address: 50 av Agropolis, Montpellier 34090, France
Hours: Apr-Sept, Tues-Sun, 9:30am-6:30pm; Oct and Feb-Mar, Tues-Sun, 10am-6pm.; Nov-Jan, Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm
From $ 17
MuCEM
The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM; Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) is a national museum in Marseille, France. It was inaugurated in 2013, the same year Marseille was designated as the ‘European Capital of Culture,’ and is dedicated to showcasing the multifaceted history of the Mediterranean and its different landscapes, cities, and shores.
The museum is built on reclaimed land at the entrance to Marseille’s harbour. Its exhibits are devoted to European and Mediterranean civilizations in the Mediterranean basin, taking an interdisciplinary approach to presenting the different societies who have called this area home throughout the ages and in modern times. It is the first museum in the world to focus entirely on the cultures of the Mediterranean, and it includes all the social sciences: anthropology, political science, sociology, history, archaeology, and art history. In addition to MuCEM’s permanent collections, there are also rotating temporary exhibitions and seminars, feature films and documentaries, and performances focusing on the Mediterranean’s current affairs.
Practical Info
MuCEM is easily accessible by public transit or by car. By metro (and a 10-minute walk), you can take Line 1 (station Vieux-Port) or Line 2 (Station Joliette). By tramway (and a 10- to 15-minute walk), take tram T2 (stop: République/Dames or Joliette). Bus lines to the MuCEM: Lines 82/82s, 60, and 49. There is a 24-hour paid parking lot at Vieux-Port/Fort Saint-Jean, and Mobi Métropole offers a door-to-door transport service for people with disabilities.
Address: 7, Promenade Robert Laffont (Esplanade du J4), Marseille 13213, France
Hours: Every day except Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in summer and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in winter. Open Fridays in the summer until 10 p.m.
Admission: 8 €; Family ticket 12 € (valid for 2 adults and up to 5 children)
From $ 11
Monte Carlo Casino
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is a legendary gambling facility, known for the sublime location and Beaux Arts style architecture; it also contains an opera and ballet house, and was built in1893 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. The paved marble 'atrium' is flanked by 28 onyx columns in the Ionic style, opening into the red and gold Opera Hall, in use for over 100 years for opera, concerts and ballets.
The series of "Gaming Rooms" each have their own unique atmosphere and decorations, while the casino itself is known for the exceptional diversity of its table games. Citizens of Monaco are forbidden to enter the gaming rooms, which are a model for the setting of the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale,
Salon Renaissance is one of the Casino's oldest rooms, a large vestibule at the entrance to the Salon de l'Europe, the first gaming room opened in 1865 with Moorish style decorations produced in Paris. Designed and built in 1903, the Salon Rose was intended for male and female gamblers who couldn’t refrain from smoking.
The Salle Blanche is designed as a conversation parlour, with chandeliers atop huge caryatids and "Belle Epoque" paintings. The Salons Prives are lined with natural leather and mahogany paneling; the Cabaret was built in 1910 as a chamber music room; and finally the Opera Hall, Salle Garnier designed and built by Charles Garnier in 1878, was hung with five paintings, including "L'Allegorie de la Danse."
The series of "Gaming Rooms" each have their own unique atmosphere and decorations, while the casino itself is known for the exceptional diversity of its table games. Citizens of Monaco are forbidden to enter the gaming rooms, which are a model for the setting of the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale,
Salon Renaissance is one of the Casino's oldest rooms, a large vestibule at the entrance to the Salon de l'Europe, the first gaming room opened in 1865 with Moorish style decorations produced in Paris. Designed and built in 1903, the Salon Rose was intended for male and female gamblers who couldn’t refrain from smoking.
The Salle Blanche is designed as a conversation parlour, with chandeliers atop huge caryatids and "Belle Epoque" paintings. The Salons Prives are lined with natural leather and mahogany paneling; the Cabaret was built in 1910 as a chamber music room; and finally the Opera Hall, Salle Garnier designed and built by Charles Garnier in 1878, was hung with five paintings, including "L'Allegorie de la Danse."
Correct attire mandatory. No uniforms. Jacket recommended after 8pm in the Salons Prives.
Address: Place du Casino, 98000, Monaco
Hours: Open daily from 2pm
Admission: Min age 18. Fee: €10 (€20 for Salons Prives). Must present identity card or passport.
From $ 27
Moulin Rouge
Expect bright lights, extravagant costumes, and raucous music at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. Opened in the Belle Epoque of 1889 to celebrate Paris' thriving creative scene and the end of the civil war, the windmill-cum-cabaret hall has never stopped basking in fun and frivolity. As a staple of Parisian nightlife, an unforgettable evening at the Moulin Rouge is a must on any traveler's France itinerary.
The Basics
During the show, your vision is flooded with large troupes of Doriss Girls, colorfully clad in sequins and glitzy headpieces, performing flawlessly choreographed French cancan beneath vibrant lights. Intense and innovative, the Feerie show transports viewers to a land of dream-like beauty. As the No. 1 show in Paris and Europe (especially since the release of Baz Luhrmann's cinematic masterpiece) the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret enjoys immense popularity. That said, tickets sell out fast—book in advance to avoid missing Paris' most sought-after show.
How to Get to the Moulin Rouge
From central Paris, the Moulin Rouge is easily accessible by public transport: disembark at Place de Clichy on Metro line 13, or at Blanche on Metro line 2, after a 30- to 40-minute journey. By taxi, Moulin Rouge is a 15-minute drive from central Paris depending on traffic.
When to Get There
The Basics
During the show, your vision is flooded with large troupes of Doriss Girls, colorfully clad in sequins and glitzy headpieces, performing flawlessly choreographed French cancan beneath vibrant lights. Intense and innovative, the Feerie show transports viewers to a land of dream-like beauty. As the No. 1 show in Paris and Europe (especially since the release of Baz Luhrmann's cinematic masterpiece) the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret enjoys immense popularity. That said, tickets sell out fast—book in advance to avoid missing Paris' most sought-after show.
Tour packages cater to all budgets, with some combining VIP seats on a private balcony with gourmet 4-course dinners and Champagne, and others including convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. For the ultimate after-dark experience in Paris, combine a show ticket with an evening dinner on a Marina de Paris or Seine River cruise, or a night-time Paris city illuminations tour that showcases landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) and Notre Dame Cathedral at their most magical.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Moulin Rouge Paris.
- Opt for a tour that includes roundtrip transfers to avoid having to worry about transportation.
- Despite the show's adult themes, kids ages 6 and up are allowed inside the venue.
- The cabaret's dress code prohibits shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers.
From central Paris, the Moulin Rouge is easily accessible by public transport: disembark at Place de Clichy on Metro line 13, or at Blanche on Metro line 2, after a 30- to 40-minute journey. By taxi, Moulin Rouge is a 15-minute drive from central Paris depending on traffic.
When to Get There
The famous cabaret stages shows at 9 and 11pm, with occasional matinee performances. If you opt for the late Moulin Rouge show, the performance can run as late as 1:30am, meaning public transport will have ceased operation. If your tour doesn't include roundtrip transportation, be prepared to wait in the taxi line at the end of the street, or soak up Paris' evening ambiance at one of the bars in the area.
Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, Paris, Ile-de-France 75018, France
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Mus ee Baron-G erard (MAHB)
Located in a former episcopal palace in the heart of Bayeaux, the Le Musée d’art et d’histoire Baron-Gérard (MAHB) is a museum dedicated to recounting the backstory of both French painting and Normandy. Established in 2013, it is carefully curated and well laid out on two levels with 14 chronological collections spanning prehistory to the 20th century.
Highlights among the paintings include great works by Rococo artist François Boucher, Neo-classicist David, Gustave Corot — the precursor of the Impressionists — Gustave Caillebotte and Eugène Boudin. The museum also houses one of France’s most important collections of handmade 18th-century Bayeaux lace, lovingly displayed in the bishops’ former private apartments, which are still decorated with original wooden carvings. There’s an equally impressive display of Bayeaux porcelain and more than 800 archaeological artifacts excavated across the region of Calvados; each gallery is equipped with multi-lingual touchscreens to keep kids involved in the exhibition.
The palace itself has a few surprises to spring: Romanesque vaults; grand staircases; a French Renaissance chapel dating from the mid 16th century and swathed in cherubs, and a 17th century courtroom. Entrance to MAHB can be combined with tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry and the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.
Practical Info
37 rue du Bienvenu, Bayeaux. Open daily May–Sept 9.30am-6.30pm; Feb 2–Apr 30, Oct–Dec 10am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm. Admission adults €7, seniors & students €5.5, children younger than 16 €5; younger than 10 free. Best accessed by car along the N13; take exit 36 towards Bayeux. Alternatively take the train; it is a 15-minute walk to the museum from the railway station.
Address: 37 rue du Bienvenu, Bayeux, Calvados, Normandy 14400, France
Hours: daily May–Sept 9.30am–6.30pm; Feb 2–Apr 30, Oct–Dec 10am–12.30pm, 2pm–6pm
Admission: adults €7, seniors & students €5.5, children younger than 16 €5; younger than 10 free
From $ 100
Monument aux Girondins
Located in the very center of Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, this striking column was elevated in the late 1800s to commemorate the Girondists, a fervent republican political faction consisting of militants originally part of France’s Legislative Assembly, and one of the first group to openly denounce Louis XVI’s reign and the monarchy in general. Their 1793 mass execution, which was caused by their resistance against the rapidly increasing momentum of the revolution, is often considered to be the starting point of the Reign of Terror.
At 54 meters high, the Monument aux Girondins overlooks one of the city’s busiest squares and is adorned with an intricate bronze statue representing Lady Liberty breaking free of her shackles and gracing Bordeaux with her palm of victory. At the base of the column stands a colossal fountain and two basins, with dramatic bronze sculptures of charging horses, each signifying a different aspect of modern French society. The south-facing side honors the “Triumph of the Republic” and focuses on work, security, power, obligatory education and the victory over ignorance, vice and lies, while the north-facing side is dedicated to peace, fraternity, trade, arts and abundance, ultimately representing the “Triumph of the Concord.”
Practical Info
The Monument aux Girondins is located in the historic center of Bordeaux on Place des Quinconces, right by Quai Louis XVII along the Garonne River. It is accessible on foot, by tram via Route B or C (stop Quinconces) or by car. The nearest parking lot is Parking Tourny on Allée de Tourny. Daytime rates (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are €2.50 per hour and the nighttime (between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.) flat rate is €3.90.
Address: Monument aux Girondins, Bordeaux, France
From $ 14