Things to Do in France

Immortalized in a number of famous paintings by local resident Cezanne, the towering peak of Montagne Sainte Victoire (Sainte-Victoire Mountain) is one of the most iconic symbols of Provence. Looming 1,011 meters on the horizon of Aix-en-Provence, Montagne Sainte Victoire is a picturesque sight, framed by the idyllic vineyards of Provence and changing its hues with the sunset.

A hugely popular spot for hikers, Sainte Victoire offers a striking backdrop for walking and climbing expeditions, with the bright red clay of its foothills giving way to a stark white limestone ridge. A number of trails run around the mountain side and from its peak, the views are the best in the Aix region "“ a breathtaking panorama that takes in the rolling plains, lush river valleys and hilltop villages that inspired so much of Cezanne's work. Whether you're exploring on foot or by car, there are a number of points of interest dotted around the mountain, including the hillside village of Ventabren, a 17th century priory and the dam of Lac du Bimont. The mountain is also a key attraction on the famous Route de Cezanne tourist trail, which passes many of the artist's most beloved natural subjects including Le Tholonet, Beaurecueil, St Antonin and Gardanne.

Les Invalides was originally just what it sounds like "“ a hospital with nursing care for wounded war vets. It is now home to the Musee de L'Armee, with over half a million items on display; the star of the show, however, is the Tombeau de Napoleon - Napoleon's Tomb. It's located in St Jerôme's Chapel at Les Invalides, although to many it seems like a cathedral with its open space, gilded details and gleaming marble at every turn.

Interestingly, this is not the original resting place of Emporer Napoleon; he died in 1821 while in exile on the island of St Helena, and was buried in an anonymous tomb. It was not until 1840 that his remains were brought back to France, complete with a funeral procession down the Champs-Élysees before being interred at Les Invalides.

Paris' most eye-catching modern theatre is the Opera Bastille, located in the 12th Arrondissement of Paris and cutting a striking silhouette against the city's many traditional baroque theatres.

It was the 20th century composer Pierre Boulez who spearheaded the campaign for a new government-built opera house, initially intended to replace the historic Opera Garnier, or Palais Garnier, and encourage a new generation of concertgoers to enjoy classical music. The two theatres now compete for the title of Paris' most prestigious classical venue, with the original Opera house remaining the home of the Paris National Ballet and the celebrated Opera National de Paris moving to the contemporary Opera Bastille.

Designed by the previously unknown Canadian-Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, who beat 1,700 other design proposals submitted via an international competition in 1983, the Opera Bastille was inaugurated in 1989 on the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. An accomplished feat of architectural ingenuity, the modernist design utilizes the same materials inside and out, and features a vast mosaic of glass panes that make up its dramatic transparent façade. Inside, the acoustically homogeneous main auditorium features 2,700 seats, each with an unobstructed view of the stage, and makes an atmospheric setting for champagne-fuelled classical music concerts and operatic performances.

Micky Mouse might have his own Parisian residence at Disneyland Paris, but the real star of the French cartoon world is Asterix, the focal point of the famous Parc Asterix theme park. Asterix, along with his sidekick Obelix, are from the popular comic books by Albert Uderzo and Rene Goscinny - two plucky Gauls resisting the Roman Army and getting into a number of adventures along the way.

Even if you're not familiar with the characters, Parc Asterix still makes for a fun family day out and is an easy side trip, just 35 km north of Paris. France's second largest theme park, it has been running since 1989 and is now home to seven themed adventure areas. An array of rides and live shows take visitors on a journey through history, with displays including French legends like the Three Musketeers, a Gaul village, a collection of towering Viking boats, a Roman arena and a show of French legionnaires.

There are 33 themed rides, including the 1.2-km Tonnerre de Zeus, the largest wooden roller-coaster in Europe, with speeds reaching 80km/h; Le Grand Splash, where water sprays and an 11-meter waterfall will ensure you wind up soaking wet; Goudurix, a huge seven-loop roller coaster; and the Wooden Horse of Troy which offers some incredible views over the park. Particularly popular are the live shows, which include a dolphin and sea lion show and a variety of historical spectaculars featuring gasp-worthy swordplay routines and horseback stunts.