From the bustling city of Paris to the sandy shores of Antibes, France is bursting at the seams with places to explore. It’s no wonder ABTA has recognised it as one of the most desirable European destinations over the past year*, with more and more people interested in visiting. So, whether you’re after the perfect Parisian guide or expert advice on the southern regions, we’ve crafted a bucket list of things to see on your French getaway.

When in PARIS...

The picture-perfect city of Paris needs no introduction. Timeless elegance sweeps through its streets with historic monuments and grand buildings dazzling in the epic skyline. But from Paris’ long list of landmarks, which are the must-sees during your stay in the so-called ‘City of Love’?

Eiffel Tower

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is most likely the first mention on everyone’s French itinerary. Paris’ sky-high stunner stands 116 metres above the ground and, if you’re brave enough to venture to the top, offers the ultimate picture across the city. But the views from the bottom are just as impressive. Grab a baguette or a coffee and a croissant from a nearby patisserie and enjoy the site of the latticed landmark from the lawns of the Champs de Mars.

Louvre

Art fans will want to mark the Louvre as essential on a trip to Paris. The place itself is a masterpiece and, inside, it houses two of the most famous works, the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Built in the 12th century and located on the right-hand bank of the Siene, it’s remained one of the most important museums in the world. 35,000 different pieces of art call the Louvre home, so it’s well worth stopping by.

Sainte-Chapelle

As well as being a magnificent feat of architecture, the Sainte-Chapelle is also an important historic site, as it’s the place where Marie Antoniette was imprisoned in the 1700s. Its exterior is breathtaking, but internally, it’s just as remarkable, with more than 1,000 stained glass panes for windows. It’s one of Paris’ most beloved plots and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a classical music concert held in the courtyard.

Sacré-Cœur

One of Paris’ greats, the Sacré-Cœur is a glistening white showstopper perched atop one of the city’s highest hills. Found at the summit of the characterful Montmartre neighbourhood, the basilica is one of the most eye-catching buildings in Paris. Its interior, reminiscent of the Roman-Byzantine era, is magnificent and, outside, the views across the city are just as astounding. For an extra-special Sacré-Cœur experience, swing by in the evening to see it bathed in glowing lights and witness the twinkling Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Exploring NICE

In the South of France, don’t miss the sensational city of Nice. If a city by the beach is your thing, then we can’t recommend Nice enough. But are you wondering what to do to make the most of your time there? Let us help...

Visit the old town

Life on the French Riviera is something out of a dream. Pastel-coloured buildings line the shores with cobbled streets twining through the towns, each dotted with dinky boutiques and cosy cafés. And the old town of Nice has all this and so much more. So come and explore the streets filled with orange and yellow townhouses and stop for a freshly baked pain au chocolat at a family-run bakery. Then look out for tiny hidden churches dating back to the 17th century!

Musée Matisse

Famed French artist Henry Matisse made his adoration for Nice well-known and, in return, has a museum in his name. And the building is almost as staggering as the paintings inside. The burnt-orange mansion boasts dozens of olive-green window shutters, expertly matching the leafy gardens lining the way to the entrance. Once you’ve meandered around the works inside, you can head the park over the road, where Matisse was buried.

Notre-Dame de Nice

This glamourous neo-Gothic-style basilica is the largest church in Nice. It flaunts a radiant rose window at the front, with two towers and an array of stained -glass windows throughout. These pay homage to the iconic Notre-Dame in Paris. There are many pretty cathedrals and churches worth visiting, but the Notre-Dame de Nice may be one of the worthiest.

Promenade des Anglais

The joy of a coastal city means there's usually a beach within reach after a busy day exploring! The Promenade des Anglais offers postcard views with its sweeping, palm-lined walkway and vast stretch of golden sand beside. This is where you’ll find the best beach bars and seafront restaurants in the city too, so get yourself there – even just for the vino alone.

Stop at VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

Coastally located between Nice and Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer is the perfect place to head for some R&R in the South of France. It’s one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the country and provides brilliant beaches for lazing on and boutiques for browsing. With crystal-clear waters, nestled-away coves and an orange-hued promenade to wander down, Villefranche-sur-Mer may be one of the best-kept secrets along the French Riviera.

Relax in ANTIBES

The ancient city of Antibes is a town full of history and culture to delve into. Potter around the old town to see still-standing structures on narrow streets decorated with bougainvillea. The whitewashed buildings and terracotta roofs glisten against the Mediterranean, which offers calm, clear waters made for an afternoon dip. Find a hidden-away restaurant in the town or perched on the cliff-face to take in all Antibes has to offer.

Visit colourful MENTON

Menton is a place you don’t want to miss! This coastal town looks like it belongs on the Neapolitan Riviera rather than the French, with its Amalfi-esque colourful buildings lining the shore. When you’re here, be sure to check out the picturesque gardens of Serre de la Madone, the medieval old town and the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange. It even hosts a Lemon Festival annually each spring!

Don’t miss SAINT RAPHAEL

Fancy a taste of the high life during your French jolly? Then you can’t miss out a stop in Saint Raphael. This charming coastal town attracts A-list celebrities all year round thanks to its azure waters, fascinating museums, incredible gastronomy and golden sands. With Cannes and Saint-Tropez on your doorstep, luxury exudes from this entire stretch of the South of France.

*From ABTA’s report on travel trends published in 2023