I don't think much about France. I know a lot of people dream of visiting or even living there. I've been to a couple of parts of the country and I like it. I'd like to see more of it, but we'll see. I have a long bucket list. In the meantime, here's a few things you might want to try.
1. The passageways or Traboules of Lyon. There are around 400 of these passageways, and at least 40, and as many as 80 of them are open to the public. They were a convenience hundreds of years ago for people to get to the river to get water. Today they are a kitchy way to see some of the city. Not every city in France has these, so it's pretty cool.
This is a free activity, although you can book a tour if you like. You can look them up on Google Maps and follow them yourself. It's just that little something extra in a city with a lot of history and beauty. Lyon is one of the oldest cities in France and is a wonder just to look at the architecture, so this goes right along with that.
https://thisislyon.fr/things-to-do/historical-monuments/the-traboules/
https://en.visiterlyon.com/discover/heritage-unesco/lyon-s-traboules-and-courtyards
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/secret-passageways-of-lyon
https://www.theindietripper.com/post/lyon-guide-first-time-visitors
2. Take a Jeep tour in Normandy. I've spent most of my life listening to people around me complain about France. There, I said it. What most people don't realize is that they sincerely appreciate all the help during the world wars. Where the allies came ashore is a memorial in Normandy. Every beach is noted and there are memorials, cemeteries, and monuments all over the place. They will never forget and they will never forget every single bit of help they received during those dark times.
Today, they've preserved a fleet of Jeeps from the era and there are tours from several companies to take across the historic war sites. This is a vast area. I don't think a lot of people appreciate how many miles of shore, and how many lost lives were involved in that invasion. A jeep tour is one way of having an experience and being able to see the whole area. It's vast. While I don't advocate taking a lot of tours, this one seems appropriate, and if you don't wish to hike several miles; necessary.
https://goldbeachcompany.com/tours/jeep-tours/
https://www.normandyjeeptours.com/
https://jeeptours.fr/en/welcome-to-jeeptours/
https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/
3. The Pont du Gard, Vers Pont du Gard, near Remoulins and Avignon. France was invaded multiple times, and was even once called Gaul for all practical purposes. The fact that the Romans were around should come as no surprise. This multiple level aqueduct bridge is a powerful remnant from history. It was built in the first century and the entire aqueduct was over 50 kilometers long. In its entirety it stands nearly 50 meters above the Gardon River, and the views are amazing.
Long story short, you can visit this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. They have tours, activities, special events and so much more. You can walk on it, kayak under it and so much more. If you happen to be perusing the central south region of France where it's located, it's something incredible to enhance your journey.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/344/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/points-of-interest/pont-du-gard/1230157
https://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/monuments/pont-gard-aqueduct
4. Visit the home of Claude Monet, Giverny. Somewhere in the 1880's Claude Monet became one of the first notable people to work from home. From 1883 - 1926 he both lived and worked primarily at this home. He also had an octet of children running all over for years as well. A lot of the paintings that we all know and love were painted either on his property or very close by.
This year marks 100 years since Monet passed, so there will be some special events at the property. They open in April for the season. Admission starts at 13,50 Euros for adults. For anyone who is a lover of impressionism and is visiting the Paris area, this is a great day trip. They suggest that you allow about a half a day to get the best experience. Book ahead and check out the events in case there might be something special you wish to see or do.
https://claudemonetgiverny.fr/en/
https://www.francetourisme.fr/en/tours-day-trip-in-france/giverny-monet-tour.html
5. The Original Moulin Rouge, 18th Arrondissement, Paris. What can I say about this one? It's been there since 1889. It did burn down once, but the current building has remained since 1925 with some work here and there; sometimes extensive. It's the birthplace of the Can Can. It's one of the most famous showgirl locations and shows in the world. It's spawned Broadway plays and Oscar winning movies. It embedded Nicole Kidman and Ewan MacGregor onto the Hollywood map.
There are so many things to see and do in Paris, that it would take a lifetime to see it all. It might take a lifetime just to see the Louvre. One thing I've always said about visiting Paris, and I've been there myself, is that you need to balance your time. The historical stuff needs to be seen, but choose which spots. Art is life in Paris, but don't get lost in it or it will take up all your time. Something like seeing a show at the Moulin Rouge brings together, history and art in its own unique way, and the bragging rights will pay off. Basic pricing starts at around 90 Euros and goes up. Be careful where you book it. I would either use the show's box office or go through something like TripAdvisor.
https://www.moulinrouge.fr/en/offres/show/show-9pm/
https://www.getyourguide.com/moulin-rouge-l2604/
https://www.francetourisme.fr/en/moulin-rouge-en.html
I don't talk about France often. I don't spend a lot of time there, simply because I'm fascinated with less visited countries. The time I spent in France was great, and I highly advocate spending some time in that country. I hope you take this list and make the most of it.
What am I doing right now? Other than waiting for cleanup after the latest blizzard, I'm hanging out in New York City and you can see what I'm up to on my YouTube Channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon.
https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025
Hope you all take advantage of ideas for France. Remember, it's one of those countries so don't go there in the summer. Take advantage of that shoulder season and enjoy!
