Last Updated on September 22, 2023
When it comes to spending time in France, there are many ways to enjoy what is a country steeped in culture and that offers so much to do and see, no matter what your interests or passions.
Paris, for example, has some outstanding restaurants, some of the world’s best museums and art galleries, and is a city with excellent transportation links to the rest of France.
Travel to some of the best vineyards or head down south to the south coast beaches. The following are some ideas for inspiration.
1. Orient Express
Add some glamour and intrigue to your trip and imagine you are in a spy thriller with a trip on the Orient Express. You can make reservations for one of the line’s “Cities of Contrast” tours from Paris to Venice, consisting of six days and five nights of sightseeing in both cities.
This rail journey is not a choice for the budget-conscious but if you can afford such a trip, this is a stunning way to see the French countryside and to experience French food.
2. Restaurant Tour
Using Zagat or Michelin as your guide, look for the top restaurants and start making reservations as soon as possible.
This type of planning needs some advance notice even beyond what you normally would do for restaurant reservations, as there can be a long waiting list for the more exclusive sites in Paris.
3. The Louvre and other City Sites
Online sites can help you arrange this type of service so that you can skip the lines of waiting tourists.
If you have an entire day for sightseeing, make it more memorable by booking a cruise and tour that takes you on the Seine.
You can visit Montmartre, Notre Dame, and the Louvre in one day.
4. Luxury Hotel Break
In Paris, there is beauty within luxury hotel sites, and then there is the beauty to behold from your hotel windows with spectacular views.
Paris has many top-ranked hotels, with the Five Star Alliance website listing at least 70 of top quality to choose from in the city.
You could go with a classic, ornate property that may have more rooms to choose from than smaller sites or choose to stay in a boutique hotel, which can be more intimate and offer personalized care.
5. Gardens, Castles and Vineyards
With your luxury hotel in the city as your base, many hotels also can offer help in arranging day trips outside of the city limits for tourist destinations.
Consider Monet’s gardens at Giverny or the chateaux of the Loire Valley.
You also may consider a day trip-themed wine tour starting from Paris. Your toughest decision could be whether to go on the Champagne or Burgundy excursion.
If you are interested in history, the Cathar Crusades might also interest you.
Bonus Idea: Weekend in a Naturist Resort in South France
Heading down to South France on the high-speed rail network is a great option if you have a chance.
Cannes is well known for its film festival and is a lovely town if you have the budget.
Similarly, the St Tropez area is stunning and is surrounded by some lovely coastline.
Further West on the south coast, the world’s largest clothes-optional resort is a great option is you want to try a holiday with a different and feel brave.
If you have yet to book your next holiday, France is a country that is certainly worth considering and rarely disappoints.
It goes without saying, of course, that you might also want to consider Cap d’Agde on the South Western coast!
