Choose from 490 Fun Things to Do in France
ShowingFilter 141-160 of 490 listings.
Fragonard Perfume Museum (Mus ee du Parfum Fragonard)
Since the 17th century, Paris has been at the forefront of the fragrance industry. Some of the best noses in perfume have built their careers amid the cobbled streets and fashionable boutiques that make the City of Light famous. No place showcases France's rich history and bright future of perfume quite like the Fragonard Museum.
Located inside a beautifully restored Napoleon-era mansion, Fragonard allows travelers an opportunity to learn more about the thriving fragrance industry that helped put Paris on the map. Visitors can learn how expert perfumers transformed flowers, moss, leaves, potent herbs and strong spices into memorable scents that have made their mark around the world.
The perfume organ, which looks similar to a cathedral organ, is a popular exhibit at the Frangonard. Travelers can comb through rows of ingredients and examine tools of the trade, like scales, glass frames and other items used by perfumers to create unique fragrances.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 9 rue Scribe, near the Opera station of the Paris Metro. It is open from 9am until 6pm. Monday through Saturday, and from 9am until 5pm on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free and guided tours are available.
Address: 9 rue Scribe, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sunday until 5pm
From $ 8
Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is one of the six major train stations in Paris, with service to London, Brussels, Amsterdam and other destinations north of the French capital. Strictly speaking, Gare du Nord is the busiest railway station in Europe and the busiest in the world outside Japan with over 700,000 passengers every day for a grand yearly total of 190 million.
Because of the role it plays in Paris’ daily transports, Gare du Nord was featured in many movies, including Ocean’s Twelve, the Bourne Identity and The Da Vinci Code.
The train station itself was built in the 1860s and comprises 36 platforms, including a separate terminal for the Eurostar trains which require security and customs checks. The U-shaped terminal is made out of cast iron and stone, including the statues that decorate the main entrance – each representing destinations outside of France.
Practical Info
Gare du Nord is located on Rue de Maubeuge in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. It is possible to get there by car via Boulevard de Magenta (there is an underground parking on Rue de Compiègne), and by metro, with service on lines 4, 5, and RER B and D. The station concourse is open every day from 4:30am to 1:00am.
Address: 112 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris, Ile-de-France 75010, France
Hours: Daily from 4:30am to 1:00am
From $ 10
France Miniature
Visitors who feel that France is simply too big and its sites too many to cover in one vacation are in for some good news. And that news comes in the form of a 12-acre, France-shaped park known as France Miniature. Long a favorite of school groups and families, a trip here will prove truly unforgettable.
Every major site in France is represented to scale, including bodies of water representing the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and the attention to detail and historical context is impressive. There is also a full playground and adventure park with rides and plenty of interactive fun for kids of all ages and adults. For foreign visitors, it's a quirky, fun thing to do that will also give an excellent overview of the country.
Practical Info
France Miniature is located in Elancourt, west of Versailles. It can be reached by train from Paris via the Transilien line U, stop Verrière. From there a local bus stops at the park. If traveling by car, there is a parking fee of €3. Full price adult tickets are €21 in the high season (July and August), and €20 in low season. There are discounts for children under 14 and groups.
Address: Boulevard André Malraux, Élancourt 78990, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Gourdon
Located in the south of France by the Loup River, the beautifully preserved village of Gourdon looks all the way out to the Cote d’Azur from its mountaintop peak. A place of refuge and defense during medieval times, the feudal village is surrounded by thick ramparts and has only one entrance, the Roman Gate, which leads onto Gourdon’s medieval stone house-lined main street, rue de Major. Here, look out for Maison d’Anglars at No. 17, which dates back to the 13th century.
Chateau de Gourdon, a historic monument since 1971, is a popular spot in Gourdon. The castle’s 17th-century gardens were designed by André Le Nôtre, who was also responsible for the Palace of Versailles’ famous gardens. At the top of the village sits a beautiful square revealing the huge church of St Pierre. For a perfect view of Gourdon’s golden-stoned ramparts, make sure to stop at the lookout point right before you enter the village.
Practical Info
The village of Gourdon is at the back of Valbonne, about a 45-minute drive from Antibes. The road up the mountainside to Gourdon is bendy, but the views are worth it.
Address: Gourdon, France
From $ 145
Gourmet Chocolate Museum
In the ritzy Opera district of Paris, the Gourmet Chocolate Museum (Musée Gourmand du Chocolat) dedicates itself to the history of chocolate, with plenty of tastings along the way.
Set over three floors, the museum is full of exhibitions, with its first level dedicated to chocolate’s Mexican origins. See the original tools the Olmecs, Mayans and Aztecs used to mix cocoa with chili to create a delicious drink more valuable to these ancient civilizations than gold.
The second floor showcases chocolate’s passage into Europe during the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors brought cocoa back from Mexico and turned it into the sweet concoction we know today. During the kitchen demonstrations on the third floor, visitors can watch chocolate tablets being made and taste all kinds of gourmet cocoa treats.
Information boards, demonstrations and videos are all multilingual. There are plenty of activities to keep children entertained, too; completed puzzle sheets earn kids a chocolate gift.
Practical Info
The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with the last entry allowed at 5 p.m.To get to the Musée Gourmand du Chocolat on 28 boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle, take the metro to Bonne Nouvelle station. Tickets cost 9 EUR for adults and 6 EUR for youth, while those under the age of 6 are admitted for free. Plan on allocating an hour or two to the museum and its delights.
Address: 28 boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle, Paris, France
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults 9 EUR, Youth 6 EUR, under 6 are free
From $ 13
French National Library (Bibliotheque Nationale de France)
The French National Library (Bibliotheque Nationale de France) is a major research and conservation library that dates back to the Middle Ages. The library’s collections contain 14 million books and printed documents, and nearly 150,000 documents are added to the collections every year. The library is comprised of four main buildings: Site François-Mitterrand, the center for digital projects and collections; Site Richelieu-Louvois, which houses the departments of manuscripts, prints, cartography, music, theater, coins and medals; Site de L’Arsenal, containing the library of the French arsenal (more than a million books are in this building alone); and the Bibliothèque – Musée de l’Opéra, with collections related to the National Opera of Paris and the Comic Opera Theater.
The library hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year including exhibitions, lectures, symposiums, and concerts. Guided tours of each of the buildings offer a glimpse into the library’s history and the building’s architecture (the François-Mitterrand Library), the museum of coins and medals (Richelieu Library), and the old military arsenal (Arsenal Library).
Practical Info
Bring a valid ID for access to the library’s reading rooms and exhibitions. Large bags and suitcases are not allowed in the library. The library’s virtual, rotating, and permanent exhibitions range in price from 7 – 14 Euros. Permanent exhibitions include: Globes of Louis XIV; Discovering the Bibliotheque Nationale de France’s Garden; the Museum of Coins, Medals, and Antiques. Rotating exhibitions have included Anselm Kiefer and the Alchemy of Books; Prints from Goya to Redon; and French Prints in the Age of Louis XIV.
Address: Quai François Mauriac, Paris 75013, France
Hours: Varies, almost always open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Pricing for exhibits varies from 7 – 14 Euros
From $ 68
Grand Place
The center of Lille, the Grand Place (or, as it's officially called, the Place du Général de Gaulle) is a magnet for tourists and a meeting point for locals. Celebrations, ceremonies, Christmas markets - it all happens here.
The plaza is surrounded by grand buildings in the Belgian style, including the La Vieille Bourse (once the stock exchange, now a peaceful enclave for booksellers and chess players) with its riotous fruit and flower ornamentation.
The focal point of the square is a monument depicting Deesse, the goddess particularly associated with Lille. Her statue commemorates the siege of the city by Austrian troops in the 18th century, and the bravery of the Lillois in refusing to yield their town to the invaders.
The Grand Place is smack in the heart of the old town.
Address: Lille, France
From $ 16
Grand Theatre
Bordeaux's Grand Theatre was built in the late 1700s during the reign of Louis XVI by architect Victor Louis. It is one of the most beautiful 18th-century concert halls in the world, with a facade adorned with 12 Corinthian columns, each topped with a statue. Nine statues represent the art muses, and the other three represent the Roman goddesses Juno, Venus and Minerva. Over the past few years, the theater has gone through restoration to repair damages from oil lamps and revive the 18th-century decor.
On three separate occasions the theater was the seat of the French parliament. In effect this made Bordeaux the capital of France in 1870, 1914, and 1941. Today the Grand Theatre is home to the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, the Opera Ballet of Bordeaux, and the Chorus of the Opéra National de Bordeaux.
Practical Info
The Grand Theatre is located on Place de la Comédie. Opening hours for visits are from 1 to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday. Check ahead for rehearsal and concert schedules.
Address: Place de la Comédie, Bordeaux 33000, France
Hours: Tours on Wed and Sat only at 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm. Check website for showtimes
Admission: Tours: € 3 per person
From $ 14
Futuroscope
Futuroscope is a technological theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual techniques using 3D and 4D technologies. It is the third most popular theme park in France, with 1.46 million visitors in 2013, and the only one of its kind in Europe.
Most of the park’s attractions are focused on interactive and immersive experiences, including several IMAX cinemas and domes, along with dynamic movie theatres, planetariums, rides, amusement arcades, an observation tower, an interactive course and a photography exhibition; a total of 25 unique and inventive attractions that will appeal to both grown-ups and children alike. Scientific discoveries, fairy-tale inspired stories, creative scenarios and exhilarating rides are all part of the Futuroscope experience.
The theme park also offers accommodation and meals for visitors wishing to stay overnight; it features eight full-service restaurants and ten fast-food establishments, as well as 13 hotels.
Practical Info
Futuroscope is open from February to December from 10AM; schedule changes regularly and visitors are advised to confirm the opening hours and days before going. Entry without accommodation or meals costs €42 per adult, but there are several special rates available for families. Futuroscope is located 10 kilometers (six miles) north of city of Poitiers in central-eastern France, in the Chasseneuil-du-Poitou commune. It is accessible via exit 28 on the A10 motorway in just over three hours from Paris and an hour and a half from La Rochelle. The theme park is also serviced by a TGV station with regular trains leaving from Paris.
Address: Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France
Hours: Varies
Admission: €42
From $ 46
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais is one of Paris’ most beautiful and recognizable structures. Debuted in 1900 in time for the World’s Fair, the architectural marvel is famed for its colossal nave, Beaux-Arts architecture, and immense glass roof. Today, the Grand Palais houses several gallery areas and also hosts tournaments, Chanel fashion shows, and other major events.
The Basics
Situated just steps from the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais has been a major artistic and cultural destination for more than a century. A classified Historic Monument since 2000, the building is renowned for its opulent appeal; like the neighboring Petit Palais and Pont Alexandre III, it was originally created for the 1900 World’s Fair. In World War I, it was used as a hospital; though occupied by the Nazis in World War II, it also became a headquarters for the French Resistance. Following a lengthy period of renovation in the 1990s, the palace is now one of the city’s top cultural venues, and attracts upwards of 2 million visitors annually.
The Grand Palais is a popular and centrally located stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, and walking tours of the area, and its unique glass roof can also be glimpsed during Seine River cruises. Its two museums—the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais (home to blockbuster art exhibitions) and the Palais de la Découverte (a family-friendly science museum)—are also worth discovering.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Avoid bringing luggage or large bags during your visit, as they are prohibited by the venue, even in the cloakroom area.
- The Grand Palais has several main entrances; visitors with reduced mobility should use the entrances at the Avenue du Général Eisenhower or at the Avenue Winston-Churchill.
- The Grand Palais is set to close for extensive renovations from 2020–2024, during which time a temporary venue will open on the Champ de Mars.
How to Get There
The Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau Métro station, which is served by lines 1 and 13, is mere steps away. Just across the Seine, the Invalides station (which is served by lines 8 and 13, as well as the RER C) is another option. The 28, 42, 52, 63, 72, 73, 80, 83, and 93 buses all stop nearby. As with most central Paris landmarks, it’s also reachable on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.
When to Get There
Opening hours at the Grand Palais vary among events, exhibitions, and museums, though the venue is most often closed on Tuesdays. Be sure to research specific opening times (and book tickets) in advance.
The 2024 Paris Olympics
The Grand Palais is slated to be host fencing, taekwondo, and other sporting events during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Address: 21 Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Paris 75008, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Grands Boulevards
Grands Boulevards is an area in Paris situated in close proximity to Opéra Garnier and Grands Boulevards metro station. The plural form is not a coincidence; these lavish avenues and boulevards all exemplify the Parisian style created by the Baron Haussmann, whose work completely changed the city’s allure during the second Napoleonic empire in what is now considered a primitive form of urbanism. The grand scale, transformative works saw Paris welcome wider avenues, numerous fountains, intricately ornate buildings, and plentiful green spaces. But Haussmann did not create those spaces out of thin air; most of the Grands Boulevards now stand on what used to be the Louis XIII wall, which explains their remarkable size, uncommon for Paris at the time. It’s unclear which streets are part of the Grands Boulevards denomination and what the credentials are; it would be logical to think that boulevards like Beaumarchais, Capucines, Filles-du-Calvaire, Montmartre, Madeleine, Temple, Saint-Martin, Bonne-Nouvelle, Poissonnière, and Italiens would qualify considering their respective style and history.
The Grand Boulevards area is also famous for being home to typically French department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, as well as most of the city’s major theatres and nightclubs.
Practical Info
Grand Boulevards is a Parisian neighbourhood contained within the square formed by Place de la Madeleine, boulevard de Strasbourg, rue Réaumur, and rue Richer, in the city’s 9th arrondissement. It is not advised to get to Grand Boulevards by car as parking is scarce and complicated; the area comprises several metro stations, including Grands Boulevards, Opéra, Strasbourg Saint-Denis, Bourse, and Chaussée d’Antin (with service on lines 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 14).
Address: Paris, Ile-de-France 75009, France
From $ 28
Gare St Lazare
There are few railway stations more photo-worthy than Gare St Lazare—Paris’ busiest train station. Its iconic architecture, sky-high halls and old-world charm have inspired the likes of impressionist painters Edouard Manet and Calude Monet. With 27 platforms servicing more than 100 million passengers a year, this transport hub will likely be a part of any traveler’s visit to the City of Lights. And while the station’s easy eticket system, pay toilets and well-kept grounds are a delight for travelers, visitors should also plan to spend some time taking in the people, the architecture and the energy that inspired an entire generation of artists.
Practical Info
Gare St Lazare is located in the 8th arrondissement near one of the city’s most popular shopping districts. Approximately 1,600 trains depart the station daily.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 87
Grand Trianon
The pink-colonnaded Grand Trianon was built in 1687 by the famous architect Mansart, as a tranquil getaway from court life for Louis XIV.
Setting the benchmark for Italianate garden conservatory design, the elegantly long and low palace of pink marble and porphyry features geometrically ordered rows of columns and windows, topped by a balustrade roof.
The original furnishings were plundered during the Revolution. Today, the palace is furnished in Empire style, reflecting the decoration installed by Napoleon, who was particularly enamored of the building. Surrounding the palace is a lovely flower garden.
While the Grand Trianon is open to the public, it is also an official residence of the French President.
Practical Info
The Grand Trianon is around 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) northwest of the palace. It’s an easy stroll along Avenue de Trianon from the Bassin de Neptune fountain.
Address: Avenue de Trianon, Versailles 78000, France
Hours: Tues - Sun 12pm - 6:30pm (Nov - Apr 12pm - 5:30pm). Closed Mondays
Admission: € 10
From $ 14
Grands Appartements du Roi
The highlight of a visit to Versailles is entering the Grand Apartments of the king and queen, built for Louis XIV by Le Vau in the 1670s. The King’s Apartments - or Grands Appartements du Roi - are a succession of salons dedicated to the gods and planets, used for court functions.
The opulent Queen’s Apartments include the private rooms and the golden queen’s bedchamber, whose hidden door was used by Marie-Antoinette to escape the Paris mob during the early days of the Revolution.
The most spectacular room in the entire palace is the glittering Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors). The baroque mirror-lined hall was designed by Mansart in 1678, and features mirror-lined arched windows and gilt sculptures holding aloft crystal chandeliers.
The Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors at the end of World War I.
Practical Info
The Grands Appartements du Roi and La Reine take up the principal floor of the wing known as the Chateau Neuf.
Address: Place d'Armes, Versailles 78000, France
Hours: Tues - Sun opens at 9am, closes either at 5:30pm or 6:30pm depending on season. Closed Mondays
Admission: € 15 for Palace admission. Includes audio tour
From $ 14
Gorges du Loup
Forty-five minutes from Antibes in France’s Alpes-Maritimes region, the scenic drive along the Gorges du Loup takes visitors up close to the Loup River (pronounced “Lou”) as it follows the deep canyon out to the Mediterranean Sea at Bouches-du-Loup. Cutting through the hills at the foot of medieval Gourdon village, the Gorges du Loup road is full of beautiful twists and carved-out tunnels.
Two and a half miles (4 km) into the narrowing gorge, keep an eye out for Cascade de Courmes. For a small fee, you can park your car and walk down the steps to the terrace, where the free-falling cascade descends 130 feet (40 meters) below. There are two other waterfalls to be visited at Gorges du Loup: Saut du Loup and Cascades des Demoiselles.
At the mouth of the canyon, the riverside village of Pont du Loup is a pretty spot to stop for a wander. And not far from the gorge, Tourrettes sur Loup is another popular village stop, famous for its thriving artists’ community and hiking trails around the town.
At Gorges du Loop, visitors can go rock climbing, bungee jumping, hiking and biking—or just enjoy the beautiful view and riverside drive.
Practical Info
To get to the gorge, take a 45-minute drive from Antibes on the D2210 and follow the road signposted as “Les Gorges du Loup.”
Address: Grasse, France
From $ 127
Giverny
Known less for its name and more for the lily ponds that inspired Claude Monet's iconic paintings, Giverny is a provincial gem located just a short train journey from Paris. The tiny village, home to only 500 inhabitants, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, whose landscapes are comprised of ponds smothered in water lilies, weeping willow trees, and quaint painted bridges. Escape from Paris' metropolitan mayhem and spend the day in Giverny, a heaven for fans of Impressionism—you're sure to come back full of inner peace.
The Basics
When to Get There
The Basics
The best way to visit Giverny is on a day trip from Paris. All tours cover Monet's home (Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet), a beautifully preserved pastel-pink house flanked by gardens filled with flowers and a famous Japanese bridge, and the Museum of Impressionisms (Musee des Impressionnismes), dedicated to various forms of Impressionist painting.
Perfect for travelers short on time, many tours combine Giverny and the house of Monet with a visit to the Palace of Versailles or Auvers-sur-Oise, the village in which Vincent van Gogh spent his final days. Alternatively, more active travelers can take Monet's garden bike tour and pedal down Rue Claude Monet past an array of water gardens, flower beds, and the cemetery where Monet was laid to rest.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Giverny
Giverny is about 45 miles (75 kilometers) from Paris by road. To get there by train from the city, catch the SNCF from the Saint-Lazare Paris train station to Vernon on the Paris-Rouen-Le Havre line. From Vernon you can catch a local bus, or opt to hire a taxi or bicycle. The majority of tours include round-trip train or minibus transport from Paris; the journey, along the banks of the Seine River and through the sunflower fields of Normandy, is a feast for the eyes.
- A Giverny tour is ideal for art enthusiasts.
- There are no ATMs or currency exchange bureaus in the village, so be sure to bring cash.
- Although accommodations are available, the village's small size means availability is limited; book in advance if you plan on staying overnight.
Giverny is about 45 miles (75 kilometers) from Paris by road. To get there by train from the city, catch the SNCF from the Saint-Lazare Paris train station to Vernon on the Paris-Rouen-Le Havre line. From Vernon you can catch a local bus, or opt to hire a taxi or bicycle. The majority of tours include round-trip train or minibus transport from Paris; the journey, along the banks of the Seine River and through the sunflower fields of Normandy, is a feast for the eyes.
When to Get There
Between November and Easter weekend, Monet's house, along the majority of Giverny's restaurants and guesthouses, are closed to the public, rendering a visit to the village far less rewarding than at other times of year. Although very busy in the summer months, large tour groups fail to make the hamlet any less beautiful.
Address: Rue Claude Monet, Giverny 27620, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 65
Galeries Lafayette
First opened in 1895 by Theophile Bader, Galeries Lafayette is a department store in Paris that houses luxury fashion brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. In addition to a stained glass dome ceiling and rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette features weekly fashion shows on Friday afternoons.
The Basics
Galeries Lafayette is split into three buildings: La Coupole, which houses women’s couture and accessories; L’Homme, the men’s branch; and La Maison & Le Gourmet, a 4-story dining court. The Galeries often hosts specialty tours and classes, including wine tastings, baking seminars, and makeup masterclasses.
Themed walking tours of the area—including art, architecture, history, and Christmas tours— often stop in to the Coupole building for views of the stained glass dome, and typically include a visit to the adjacent Opera House. While walking tours are often limited to small groups, private tours of the Galeries afford visitors with the full attention of a guide and a more in-depth look at the area’s history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Galeries Lafayette is a must for fashion lovers and architecture buffs.
- A cafeteria with plenty of food options is located on the seventh floor.
- Bathrooms are located in the basement and on floors four, five, and six.
- Wi-Fi is available free of charge.
How to Get There
Located in the 9th Arrondissement just steps from St. Lazare train station and Palais Garnier Opera House, Galeries Lafayette is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest Metro stops are Chausee d’Antin La Fayette on lines 7 and 9 and Havre-Caumartin on lines 3 and 9.
When to Get There
Since the cafeteria is often busiest around lunchtime on weekends, go in the late morning on a weekday for a quieter experience. Tickets for weekly fashion shows held on Friday afternoons are available to the public for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the Galeries Christmas decorations are a top destination during the holiday season.
Rooftop Views
Head to the seventh floor of the Coupole building for some of the best panoramic views in Paris. The rooftop’s cafeteria and seating area are touted by visitors and locals as one of the 7th Arrondissement’s hidden gems. Don’t forget your camera: Views include the Eiffel Tower, Opera House, and a sea of classic Parisian rooftops.
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France
From $ 14
Garonne River
Flowing down from the Spanish Pyrenees all the way to France’s Atlantic coast, the Garonne River is the most important river of southwestern France. Passing through two major cities—Toulouse and Bordeaux—the Garonne also runs into the Gironde estuary, the largest of its kind in Europe.
The Basics
A boat cruise along the Garonne River is a popular choice for visitors to Bordeaux, and there are numerous options available. Take a sightseeing cruise past riverside landmarks, such as the Basilica of St. Michael, Louis XV's grand Place de la Bourse, and Quai Richelieu; enjoy lunch or a wine tasting on board; or set sail on an evening dinner cruise, with a view of Bordeaux’s illuminated skyline. In Toulouse, sightseeing cruises along the Garonne often link up with the Canal du Midi, offering views of the Chateau d’Eau, Notre-Dame de la Daurade, and the Pont Neuf.
Walking and Segway tours also take in sights along the Garonne River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- River tour options include cruise ships, Viking-style sailboats, jet boats, and canoes.
- Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially at night.
- Many boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
The Garonne River runs for 274 miles (441 kilometers) through southwest France and Northern Catalonia. In Bordeaux, most boat cruises set sail from Quai Richelieu or Cité du Vin. In Toulouse, boats set sail close to the Pont Neuf.
When to Get There
Garonne River cruises in Toulouse run from July to October, while cruises run year-round in Bordeaux. For the most impressive views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise.
Gironde Estuary
The Gironde estuary, located where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet the Atlantic, is the biggest in Europe and teems with wildlife. The estuary’s nine uninhabited islands and surrounding marshlands are home to a wide variety of migratory birds, including storks, spoonbills, ospreys, and black-winged stilts, while the waters have eels, river lampreys, and wild sturgeon.
Address: Toulouse, France
From $ 24
Gordes
When you stand at the precipice of the precariously perched Gordes in Provence and look into the valley below, you'll see a road leading away towards Apt. See it? That road is thousands of years old, built by the Romans. So in case the town itself doesn't knock your socks off – and if it doesn't, check your pulse – then the sight of that road should make you realize just how much history there is in this area of France.
And the history of Gordes doesn't stop with the Romans; from fortifications against Arabs in the first millennium to the 12th century Sénanque Abbey surrounded by lavender to its eventual addition as a French royal provence in the Middle Ages and a Resistance stronghold during WWII, this is not your run-of-the-mill charming village.
Today Gordes is one of those “hidden gem” towns, often overlooked for the more popular Avignon nearby. But between Peter Mayle's mention of it in his books as well as being a popular location for films, it's coming into its own and welcomes visitors with open arms. Helping with its hospitality is the fact that it holds the official classification of being one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France; its residents are justly proud of the title, and much care has been taken to accommodate visitors without destroying what makes it so special.
With so much to see and do in the area, it's an easy visit up to Gordes (as long as you aren't squeamish on winding roads). It shouldn't take you any longer than 45 minutes to get there from Avignon; then you can head back down to Cavaillon to taste the famous local melon that bears its name!
Address: Gordes, France
From $ 45
Galerie Vivienne
Located in the 2nd Arrondissement, the Galerie Vivienne is one of the most iconic covered passages in Paris. Built in 1823 in a neoclassical Pompeian style, the 176-meter long passage features an elegant canopy, mosaic tile floors, paintings and sculptures depicting trade-related scenes and a rotunda with images of goddesses and nymphs. The arcade was originally home to a variety of shops, including tailors, cobblers, wine shops, confectioners and bookstores and enjoyed a great deal of success due to its prime location near the Vanel de Serrant Hotel. While many of its most prestigious shops eventually moved elsewhere, the passage was reborn in the 1960s.
Today, it offers a sophisticated and cozy shopping experience, with shops ranging from clothing boutiques to grocery shops to the old Jousseaume bookstore, one of only two original stores remaining. The other, the Legrand Filles and Fils delicatessen, existed before the gallery was even built.
Practical Info
The Gallerie Vivienne is located behind the Bibliotheque Richelieu and near the Palais Royal. It can be reached from the Bourse Metro station and has entrances off the rue des Petits-Champs, rue de law Banque and rue Vivienne.
Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs/5-7 Rue de la Banque/6 Rue Vivienne, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 8:30am-8:30pm
From $ 180