Sun’s out, fun’s out! France is known for its beautiful Alpine villages and luxurious ski resorts but it is also famed as a great summer holiday destination. There are so many amazing things to do in France over the summer holidays, from admiring some contemporary art at the world-famous Louvre Museum to taking a day trip to Disneyland Paris. Whether you are a busy parent looking for a fun weekend getaway with your family, or a solo traveller looking for a unique experience in France, there will be something for you. If you are planning your next trip to France, be sure to check out the below 10 of the best things to do over the summer holidays in France.
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1. Wonder at the finest contemporary art at the Château de Versailles
Château de Versailles, or The Palace of Versailles was the primary royal residence of the French royal family under Louis XIV, until the French Revolution began in 1789. Today, it is home to many fantastic works of contemporary art. Different modern art exhibitions are put on display throughout the year such as the 2019 Invisible/Visible exhibition which showcases contemporary French artworks.
Château de Versailles
Address: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Website: Château de Versailles
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5.30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: about 17 USD
2. Celebrate with locals at the biggest festival in France
The Vieilles Charrues Festival is held every year around the month of July in the city of Carhaix, France. This music festival includes lineups of bands, dancers, and singers from all around the world, such as Olli and the Bollywood Orchestra, songbird Maria Simoglou and rock band Revolutionary Birds from the 2018 lineup.
Vieilles Charrues
Address: 7 Rue Edgar Poe, 29270 Carhaix-Plouguer, France
Website: Vieilles Charrues
3. Experience the glamour of the Cannes (from USD 96.6)
This half-day tour begins at your hotel in Monaco, Cannes, or Nice. The experienced tour guide and driver will then take you along on an adventure on the stunning coastal road to Antibes, where you will get to visit the Old Town where Picasso lived and snap a beautiful photo by the lively harbour at Vauban. One of the key highlights of this tour is a trip to the Cannes Film Festival Palace, where you will get the chance to walk in the footsteps of many great celebrities, from Marilyn Monroe to Scarlett Johansson.
From Nice/Monaco: Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence Tour
Duration: 7.0 to 7.5 hour
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4. Lose yourself in the galleries of the Louvre (from USD 23.96)
Whether it is winter or summer, the Louvre Museum is a must-visit when making a trip to Paris, France. Discover masterpieces of the Renaissance, Romantic, and Contemporary art eras, with iconic paintings such as the Mona Lisa and famed statues such as the Venus de Milo displayed throughout the museum. This ticket allows you to skip the queue and walk straight inside the museum after a security check, making the entire experience convenient and hassle-free.
Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket
5. Cruise to the Villefranche Bay in Nice (from USD 27.13)
This short one-hour tour of the French Riviera departs from the port of Nice and brings you around some of the beautiful French islands off the coast of France, including the charming Côte d'Azur, Villefranche sur Mer, and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. Enjoy sights of the colourful fishing village at Villefranche sur Mer and marvel at the abundance of marine life in the Mediterranean Sea while listening to an informative commentary provided by the the knowledgeable local crew.
Nice: 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise to Villefranche Bay
Duration: 1.0 hour
6. Witness the largest lavender fields of Provence (from USD 120.0)
Explore the breathtaking lavender fields of Provence on a sightseeing tour that departs from Marseille. This full-day tour comes not just with the chance to take photos of the colourful lavender fields but also to stop by local sunflower fields, a charming farmer’s market, and the medieval village of Moustiers Sainte Marie. After lunch, the tour bus will then take you to the quaint village of Sainte Croix du Verdon where you will be treated to panoramic views of the village’s canyon and lake. Finally, end your tour with a visit to the Occitane factory museum and learn more about essential oils and natural cosmetics.
Valensole, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Verdon Lavender Tour
Duration: 9 hour
7. Enjoy stunning views of the best beaches of Biarritz (from USD 56.0)
After a 15-minute training session, you will be ready to hop on your Segway to check out some of the most beautiful places in Biarritz, including the opulent Hôtel du Palais and the stunning Virgin’s rock. Throughout the tour, you will be treated to stunning ocean views and thorough commentary from a knowledgeable tour guide.
Segway Tour: Biarritz Discovery
8. Live life king-size by dining at the Eiffel Tower
Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the Restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor of the grand Eiffel Tower. Two-Michelin star chef Thierry Marx is at the helm of this restaurant and will prepare some of his signature dishes for guests such as the Maison Verot chicken liver terrine and the Ferme de Viltain fromage blanc. Enjoy stunning views of the city and the Eiffel Tower while you dine.
Paris: 3-Course Lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant
9. Marvel at the breathtaking aerial view of Agriates desert and the Ostriconi Beach (from USD 168.0)
This once-in-a-lifetime tour takes you up in the air on a microlight vehicle, where you will get to marvel at the crystal clear waters of Ostriconi Beach and the dusty red dunes of the Agriates Desert. You will end your hour-long tour with a stunning view of the Corsica mountains and taking many incredible photographs.
Corte: Flight over Agriates Desert and Ostriconi Beach
10. Get in touch with your inner child at the magical Disneyland Paris (from USD 65.44)
For families with young children or for the young at heart, a visit to Disneyland Paris is a must during your time in France. At the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, experience the magic of the Disney world through thrilling and fun rides such as ‘It’s a Small World’, 'Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups’ and 'Pirates of the Caribbean’. Other activities include a 4D CinéMagique show and a Stunt Show Spectacular put up on the streets of Disneyland. You can be sure that your day will be fun-filled at Disneyland Paris.
Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
Many great things to do in France
Whether you are looking for a thrilling theme park experience or an artsy gallery tour, there will be something awaiting you in France. If you plan on going to France over the summer holidays, be sure to check out the above 10 best things to do in France in the summer!
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