Tourist Activities In France

Magnificent Things To Do In France For Travellers

France, a country known for its rich culture and heritage, offers a plethora of tourist activities in France such as events and festivals for travellers to experience. From annual wine festivals in small towns and villages to music festivals in bustling metropolitan cities like Paris, Marseille, Nice and Lyon, there is something for everyone. In this article, you will find a list of events, festivals and theme parks suitable for travellers to visit. Take a look at the celebration of the 14th of July, or visit the Tour de France. Of course, Paris is also known for Disneyland, which is almost adjacent to this impressive metropolis. In France, a country of people who like to enjoy life, you will find fantastic activities in all seasons. So, quickly read the rest of this article and discover what there is to experience for you and your family.

Enlightened Eiffel Tower Paris

Through my travels, I have become captivated by uncovering the undiscovered treasures of the world for my readers. While many incredible travel destinations are well-known and visited by everyone, there exist these hidden and rare gems that I have had the pleasure of discovering. These are places of exceptional natural beauty and cultural significance that often go unnoticed by most travellers. My passion for exploration has led me to witness some truly amazing sights, and I am constantly driven to seek out new and lesser-known destinations. I am thrilled to share my carefully curated content with you, in the hopes of igniting your sense of wanderlust and inspiring you to embark on your own extraordinary adventures.

Through my travels, I have become captivated by uncovering the undiscovered treasures of the world for my readers. While many incredible travel destinations are well-known and visited by everyone, there exist these hidden and rare gems that I have had the pleasure of discovering. These are places of exceptional natural beauty and cultural significance that often go unnoticed by most travellers. My passion for exploration has led me to witness some truly amazing sights, and I am constantly driven to seek out new and lesser-known destinations. I am thrilled to share my carefully curated content with you, in the hopes of igniting your sense of wanderlust and inspiring you to embark on your own extraordinary adventures.

1) Fourteenth July / Bastille Day

Bastille Day in France is also one of these tourist activities in France travellers can visit. It is considered as an emblematic national Holiday. People from France celebrate this nationwide. This festivity is also known as the Fourteenth of July. On this day the storming of the Bastille prison is celebrated. 

Fireworks 14th July

It is regarded as a turning point of the French Revolution. However, the revolution in which the population acquired equal rights and freedom is also a symbol outside France. So it is a significant holiday for everyone. There are parties and fireworks all over France. The most spectacular event is actually the military parade that parades over the renowned Champs-Elysees. Of course, with the majestic Arc de Triomphe as a backdrop. To illustrate, this is the oldest and largest military parade in Europe. Certainly, a place worth visiting if you like to pay tribute to liberty, equality, and brotherhood. 

2) Tour De France

Are you a fan of adventure and excitement? Then mark your calendars for July! Witness one of the most thrilling annual sporting events – the Tour de France. After three weeks of cycling through picturesque French towns, the riders finally reach their destination – the beautiful Champs Elysees in Paris. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Book your hotel in advance and see the cycling platoon arrive from your hotel room. Because this is one of these tourist activities sport freaks must see once.

Yellow Jersey Rider Tour de France

Visit The French Mountains And See The Tour

But if you prefer rural holidays, a visit to the French Alps, Vosges, or the Pyrenees is also spectacular.

Especially when the majestic cycling peloton rides over the mountain slopes. Become one with the enthusiastic frenzied cycling fanatics as the cycling heroes flash by. Experience the thrill of the Tour de France, but remember to keep a safe distance from the riders. 

From the breathtaking scenery to the sometimes delirious atmosphere on the slopes, the Tour de France is an awesome sports event that builds lasting memories when attending it. So be sure to add this exhilarating event to your bucket list and soak up the excitement of the world’s most famous bicycle race.

3) Wine Festival Bordeaux

Furthermore, you can enrich your travel experience by partaking in one of the wine-related tourist activities in France. Every odd-numbered year in June you have the opportunity to visit a wine festival in Bordeaux. The French call it: ‘Bordeaux Fête le Vin’! This wine biennale from Bordeaux is a feast for the nose and mouth of wine connoisseurs. Locals welcome you here during your holiday. This impressive and appetizing wine festival usually lasts four days. Therefore, enjoy this epicurean festival where Bordeaux wine plays a leading role. Moreover, you also have an opportunity to chat with the local winegrowers. As you explore the festival, indulge in the delectable flavours of the region.

Terraces Bordeaux

You can also see spectacular boats from the quay. Besides, feel free to step on one of the old and authentic sailing boats. It is marvellous to taste exclusive and selected wines on a stunning historical ship here. 

And while there you enjoy the scenery during the two-mile (three kilometres) route over the River Garonne. So, prepare to experience the ultimate celebration of wine and culture in France! Therefore, take part in local dance evenings, regional music performances, and breathtaking fanfare. And that’s not all, brace yourself for a thrilling fireworks show that will leave you speechless. With over eighty types of wine to taste, handpicked from the finest winegrowers in the region, your taste will be tantalized like never before. So, if you’re looking to add an extra dash of excitement to your holiday while relishing the best wines in France, then this festival is an absolute must-visit!

4) Disneyland Paris

If you are travelling with kids, visit Disneyland Paris, as is probably the only way to keep them happy. ​ This sensational theme park, based on the famous Walt Disney cartoon characters, has so much to offer. And for children, Disneyland Paris is a delightful playful tourist attraction in Europe. One of the most sought-after tourist activities in France, this place is considered to be the best among the lot.

Fireworks Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is the ultimate destination for families with young children looking for an everlasting holiday experience in Paris. With a total of seven hotels owned by the park and collaboration with eight other hotels, visitors have access to over 8,500 comfortable rooms. 

The holiday park offers more than just accommodation – there is also a swimming pool and other fantastic facilities available to guests. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can enjoy the golf court located on the premises. Thus, plan your trip to Disneyland Paris for this fabulous family adventure! However, be sure to check out our full Disneyland article here before you decide to book your holiday!

5) Festival International des Jardins in Chaumont-Sur-Loire

Did you know that the Loire Valley is home to some of the most stunning castles in the world? These magnificent structures are richly decorated and attract visitors from all over the globe. And if you’re a fan of gardens, you certainly love to go to the annual festival in Chaumont-sur-Loire. Just keep in mind that the festival doesn’t happen every year, and the timing can vary depending on the season. But trust me, it’s definitely worth the trip!

Sensory Bliss at Chaumont Gardens

Nestled near the magnificent Chateau Chaumont, lies a place of pure magic – the Gardens of Chaumont. If you’re looking for a sensory experience that’s truly out of this world, then this is the place to be. And the best part? Every year brings a brand new theme that sets the tone for stunning garden designs that will take your breath away.

Diverse Talents Unite in Garden Design

From June to September, you’ll witness garden designers in action as they work tirelessly to create the most beautiful garden you’ve ever seen. And the participants? They’re a diverse bunch of talented individuals – artists, landscapers, and gardeners – who bring their unique skills to the table to make each garden design a masterpiece.

Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival

Now, it’s not easy to participate in this prestigious event. The requirements are sky-high, which is why the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Trust me, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the stunning displays of colour, texture, and creativity.

Optimal Beauty in August-September

If you’re planning a visit here, I suggest you take the entire day to dive into the beauty of the gardens. And if you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit, let me tell you – August and September are when the gardens are at their absolute best. But if you can’t wait that long, don’t worry. From June onwards, visitors are welcome to witness the designers in action as they create their masterpieces. So for garden lovers, this is certainly one of the tourist activities in France to participate in.

6) Olympic Games In Paris 2024

Indulge in the extraordinary experience of Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Become a part of this in this ever-vibrant city, where archetypal landmarks host world-class events. Witness the fusion of sports and history at Stade de France. But, it’s not just about athletics; the Games smoothly integrate cultural festivities. Explore beyond the stadiums, where cultural exhibitions and performances await. Behold also the urban development projects enhancing accessibility and infrastructure. Tourists visiting the Olympic Games also marvel at the innovative technology enhancing the spectator experience. Therefore is Paris during the Olympics a dynamic global community. You can engage with diverse cultures and celebrate universal athleticism. The festive atmosphere creates memorable moments and lasting memories. Discover the perfect balance between time-honoured traditions and contemporary advancements in the heart of this historical city. So when you go there you feel the thrill as the Olympics transform Paris into an unparalleled destination for adventurers and sports enthusiasts alike.

When Are The Olympic Games In Paris?

The Olympic Games in Paris 2024 are scheduled to kick off on July 26 and conclude on August 11, providing an exhilarating two weeks of world-class athletic competitions. These events will take place at iconic venues throughout Paris, including the Stade de France and various renowned locations. In 2024 this is one of the tourist activities in France sports freaks should go to.

You can already experience the spirit when you visit the Trocadero Paris To See The Olympic Rings. Here this iconic symbol takes center stage, embodying the legacy of athleticism and global unity in the heart of the City of Light.

Trocadero Paris Olympic Rings

But the ring symbol is actually found throughout the entire city.

Attend Paralympic Games! 

Following the Summer Olympics, the Paralympic Games are set to commence from August 28 to September 8, showcasing the exceptional abilities of para-athletes. To attend these historic sporting events, enthusiasts and travellers can purchase tickets through the official Olympic and Paralympic Games websites, offering a range of options to suit individual preferences and budgets. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the pinnacle of sportsmanship, experience the vibrant ambience of Paris, and become part of the global celebration of athletic excellence. 

7) Historical Theme Park: Puy Du Fou 

Discover the enchanting Puy du Fou Grand Parc in Les Epesses, Western France. It is located in the Vendée region in Pays de la Loire. Families easily fly to the French city of Nantes which has international flights from London, Dublin, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh. 

Experience this playful journey through time with your children at this exceptional historical theme park. Witness the most remarkable historical events of the world come to life through award-winning live shows with stunning effects that will leave you in awe.

Historical Theme Park Puy Du Fou

Here you explore Viking settlements, medieval castles, and Renaissance-era villages within the park’s expansive grounds. Families can attend the Cinéscénie night show, a mesmerizing outdoor spectacle narrating the history of the Vendée region. 

Gardens Shows And History Converge

Besides, technological innovation enhances your experience nowadays, blending history and modern entertainment seamlessly. 

Additionally, you and your family can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a serene and picturesque environment. Extend your stay with on-site accommodations, including themed hotels, offering a truly immersive experience.

Finally, you enjoy gastronomic delights within the park, complementing the historical theme. Furthermore, plan your visit during the operational period, typically spanning spring through early fall, ensuring an extraordinary and culturally rich experience at Puy du Fou Grand Parc. Then this is one of the tourist activities in France that gives you a splendid holiday experience.

8) Biarritz – Wheels And Waves – Surf Festival 

Take part in a coastal journey to the Biarritz Surf Festival, a riveting celebration of surf culture nestled. The city of Biarritz is located in the region of Nouvelle-Acquitaine, France. As you step into this coastal haven, you can watch international surf competitions featuring skilled wave maestros. 

Surfer Biarritz

Optimal Surf Conditions

Due to its strategic summer timing, optimal surfing conditions unfurl for enthusiasts like you. This timing aligns with the region’s prevalent swell patterns during the summer months, attracting skilled surfers from around the globe. The combination of favourable weather, consistent waves, and warm water temperatures enhances the overall surfing conditions. Of course, this creates a perfect canvas for surfers to showcase their talents. Unsurprisingly, this festival seamlessly blends surf competitions with cultural fusion, incorporating vibrant music and artistic beachside revelry. 

What Is This Cultural Fusion About?  

Well, you’ll discover that the Biarritz Surf Festival is connected to the Wheels and Waves Festival. And this creates a dynamic fusion of surf and motorcycling culture. During the 2024 edition, from June 12 to June 16, prepare to be fascinated by the unique synergy of surf and motorcycle enthusiasts converging in this coastal hotspot. Indeed one of the most exhilarating tourist activities in France if you appreciate challenging sports related to the beach and the sea.

Conclusion Exploring Tourist Activities In France

When planning your French getaway, make sure to immerse yourself in the lively mood of this happening. Take part in the iconic Fourteenth of July celebrations, witness the thrilling Tour de France in the heart of Paris, savour the exquisite wines at the Bordeaux Festival, experience the enchantment of Disneyland Paris with your family, and indulge in the artistic beauty of the Festival International des Jardins in Chaumont-sur-Loire. Your holiday in France promises not just destinations, but a kaleidoscope of awe-inspiring tourist activities in France.

France fascinates as a jazzed-up haven for an epic holiday, boasting a cascade of riveting activities for vacationers. The allure of this magnificent country, with its effervescent impressions, is irresistible. So, join the multitude who succumb to the magnetic mojo of France, making it a perennial favourite. The desire to relish the myriad experiences prompts many travellers to plan return visits, taking part repeatedly in the abundant offerings. You, too, might find yourself enthralled by the dazzling charisma of France, yearning to become one of those fortunate souls who make the journey a recurring and cherished affair. Let the irresistible swagger of France unfold, beckoning you to dive into the beauty and vibrancy of its rich cultural landscape through fascinating tourist activities in France.