Our Travel Professionals' Top 10 Picks
1. The cliffs of Étretat in Normandy
In the north of France, the white chalk cliffs of Étretat attract a number of visitors every year. It’s easy to see why! Made famous by artists like Monet, Courbet, Flaubert, and Maupassant, these cliffs are truly the symbol of Normandy’s natural heritage. By foot or by boat, you’ll be enchanted by the cliffs of Étretat!
2. A little history in Normandy
Normandy is a land of history, culture, and tradition, so it’s unquestionably a great place to stop for any history lover. A little farther south, you’ll discover the famous Mont Saint-Michel. Perched on a rocky islet, it’s surrounded by a bay and has proven to be home to the highest tides in Europe. You’ll be amazed to see the Mont transform into an island before your very eyes during your visit!
If the invasion of Normandy piques your curiosity, you can go see the battle sites a little farther north, as well as the various memorials in honor of the soldiers who died in combat. Note that the Canadian memorial is located in Bény-sur-Mer.
3. Flying over the Dune of Pilat
As you fly over the tallest sand dune in Europe (110 meters), you’ll be able to see the Landes forest on one side and the ocean on the other at the same time. Plenty of activities are offered, but we’re personally fans of paragliding over the dune!
4. The Valensole plateau
A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Provence and its famous lavender fields. From June to August, head to the Valensole plateau to inhale the fragrances wafting off these magnificent purple fields.
5. Visiting a perfume shop in Grasse
France is well known for great perfumes like Chanel No. 5, Guerlain, and J’adore by Christian Dior. Want to learn more about the process of creating these scents that enrich our daily lives? You simply must head to the charming city of Grasse for a visit to the Museum of Perfume. There you’ll discover how plants are cultivated and learn about the raw materials, how they’re transformed, and the art of composing a perfume.
6. Châteaux of the Loire
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its many châteaux. Also called the “Garden of France,” the valley was the favored residential spot for French kings during the Renaissance. Today it is home to more than 22 châteaux, each as spectacular as the next. Our favorites? Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny.
7. Mugel Park in La Ciotat
Mere steps from the town of La Ciotat, located in the very south of France near Marseille, you can explore this lovely botanical park. Climb the Bec de l’Aigle rock to discover breathtaking scenery and contemplate the stunning turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
8. The sweet charm of Annecy
Nestled between lakes and mountains, Annecy is a beautiful town located in the southeast of France. Its many canals have given rise to the nickname “the Venice of the Alps.” Annecy is timeless, surrounded by majestic mountains best admired on a walk around the open green spaces of the Pâquier. Relax by the lake and take in the scenery from a paddleboat or canoe.
9. The Verdon Gorge
Considered the widest canyon in Europe, the Verdon Gorge offers breathtaking scenery. This canyon in the middle of the Alps can be explored by any means you like: canyoning, via ferrata, kayak, canoe, or foot.
10. Champagne, please!
Although France is well known for its wines, why not head over to the Champagne region to try some of that famous sparkling beverage? Follow the Route du Champagne and sample from the cellars of the region’s winemakers.
Bonus
11. A walk through the Paris, the City of Light (of course)
A visit to France isn’t complete without a visit to Paris. Whether you go for the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, or the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll never be disappointed by this city’s splendor!
