Summary
- Climb the Eiffel Tower with Second Floor Priority Access
- Gain Entrance into the Louvre Museum with a Timed Entrance Ticket
- Gain Access to the Palace of Versailles and Gardens
- Go on a Tour of Paris
- Take a Half-Day Trip to Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze
- Spend a Day in the French Riviera
- Take a 1 or 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Colorbus Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Get a City Pass Marseille
- Lyon City Hop-on-Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Head on a Segway Tour of Lyon
- Go on a Wine Tour in Bordeaux’s St. Emilion Village
- Get a Bordeaux Metropole City Pass for 24, 48 or 72 Hours
- Embark on a Round-Trip Ferry Ticket: Cannes to Ste. Marguerite Island
- Take a Full-Day Tour of Saint Tropez and Port Grimaud
France consistently ranks as the most visited nation globally, a title it has maintained for much of the last decade. While Paris plays a significant role in this tourism phenomenon, France offers far more than simply romantic evenings under the bright lights of its capital.
This country is renowned for its exceptional culinary arts, which have earned it a place on the UNESCO intangible heritage list. The climate is also favorable, characterized by warm summers and mild weather in spring and autumn. Furthermore, France is home to many well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
With its renowned wine, beautiful language, rich art and culture, premium ski resorts, and impressive shopping venues, France possesses an appealing style embodied by its people. Notably, what distinguishes France is its remarkable diversity, essentially encapsulating the entire continent of Europe within its borders, both geographically and culturally.
Considering this variety, selecting the best tours in France can be overwhelming, but the following 15 recommendations can help you commence your journey.
1. Climb the Eiffel Tower with Second Floor Priority Access
The priority ticket to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower enables you to save valuable time by bypassing the renowned queues at one of the world’s most frequented landmarks. Acquire insights about the Tower’s history from your guide prior to ascending to the second floor, where you will have an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Paris on your own.
A visit to the Eiffel Tower grants you stunning views of other iconic monuments in the French capital, such as the Louvre, Notre Dame, Invalides, the meandering Seine, Montmartre, and Grand Palais.
2. Gain Entrance into the Louvre Museum with a Timed Entrance Ticket
A ticket to the Louvre opens the gates of the world’s most famous art museum, allowing you to explore at your leisure.
By utilizing a dedicated skip-the-line entrance, you will have an entire day to immerse yourself in the treasures of the Louvre, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, pieces from the Royal Collection, and paintings from the 13th to 20th centuries. A visit to the Louvre is incomplete without admiring iconic works such as the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.
3. Gain Access to the Palace of Versailles and Gardens
This tour, available in 11 languages, offers access to every section of Versailles, one of the most expansive and opulent castles globally. A 1-day or 2-day ticket enables you to envision life in the French court through a stroll along the exquisite Hall of Mirrors.
Stroll at your own pace through the 17th-century garden, the largest of its kind in Europe, and admire the impeccably manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures. The Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon also invite your exploration.
4. Go on a Tour of Paris
Experience a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour of Paris, complete with audio commentary in 10 languages and a complimentary map of the city.
Explore all the major attractions of the City of Light, including the Eiffel Tower, Musée du Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, the Champs-Élysées, and the remarkable architecture of Notre Dame.
You can select from a Classic Ticket (one-day hop-on-hop-off experience with a complimentary walking tour), a Premium Ticket (two days of touring Paris via double-decker bus), or the Deluxe Ticket (similar to the Premium, but enhanced with a romantic cruise on the Seine River).
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5. Take a Half-Day Trip to Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze
This half-day tour commences in the medieval village of Eze, offering breathtaking views of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean Sea.
Stop at the Fragonard perfume factory before continuing through La Turbie, another idyllic medieval settlement. Next, visit Monaco to witness a Changing of the Guard at the Prince’s Palace and pay respects at the Cathedral, where the remains of Monaco’s royal family are entombed. The tour concludes in Monte Carlo, where you can immerse yourself in the allure of the Casino or take a drive around the iconic Monaco Grand Prix road circuit.
6. Spend a Day in the French Riviera
This 9-hour sightseeing tour of the French Riviera takes you along scenic coastal roads, offering breathtaking views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Stop at the charming village of Eze before advancing to the Principality of Monaco, where you can explore attractions such as the Trophy of the Alps, a Roman monument dating back to 7 BC, and the Formula 1 racetrack.
A live guide will then escort you to Antibes, a vibrant city that beautifully combines nautical traditions with leisure, concluding with a walk along the famed red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival.
7. Take a 1 or 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Enjoy panoramic views of Nice from an open-top tour bus, with the option to select a 1-day or 2-day pass. This tour allows you to explore Nice at your leisure, as you can redeem hop-on-hop-off tickets at any stop along the route.
Whether you wish to relax in Cimiez while absorbing its rich history or embrace the lively atmosphere along the Promenade des Anglais—Nice’s iconic thoroughfare—this ticket includes 16 stops from which you can freely join and depart.
8. Colorbus Marseille Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Experience a 1 or 2-day tour of Marseille, uncovering the treasures of France’s second-largest city. This jump-on-jump-off tour allows you to enjoy the best that Marseille has to offer, including the historic Chateau d’If and Notre-Dame de la Garde, which overlooks the entire city. Spend time at the charming fishing port of Vallon des Auffes, a place that has inspired numerous artists.
The tour comprises 14 bus stops, with an audio guide available in your chosen language.
9. Get a City Pass Marseille
The City Pass Marseille is tailored for visitors who desire an inclusive package for exploring the city. You may choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass that provides access to numerous top attractions, museums, guided tours, public transport tickets, and more.
A tourist train service is available to take you to Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s most iconic landmark. Alternatively, a ride to the historic district known as The Basket, located in Le Panier, allows you to experience its artistic ambience and village-like charm, with sun-kissed cafes and delightful hidden squares.
10. Lyon City Hop-on-Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour
No exploration of France is complete without a visit to Lyon, a city celebrated for its diverse cuisine, rich historical heritage, and contemporary architecture, all imbued with an authentic French essence.
This comprehensive package includes a hop-on-hop-off bus tour throughout Lyon, revealing key attractions such as the Basilica de Notre Dame de Fourvière, Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste, and Place Bellecour, where the statue of Louis XIV resides, among various other points of interest.
With 13 stops to choose from, you have the flexibility to organize your itinerary to your liking.
11. Head on a Segway Tour of Lyon
The Lyon Segway Tour begins with a 15-minute briefing, providing the necessary instructions for operating this two-wheeled personal transporter. Following this, you will enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour Segway tour navigating through the city’s most scenic areas, commencing with the banks of the Rhône River.
During your journey, you will traverse the distinct Tunnel de la Croix-Rousse, an illuminated tunnel accessible only to cyclists and pedestrians, stretching across 2 kilometers of hillside. Conclude your delightful ride at Place Bellecour, where you can admire remarkable monuments, including the equestrian statue of Louis XIV.
12. Go on a Wine Tour in Bordeaux’s St. Emilion Village
Travel to the Bordeaux wine region to uncover the exquisite wines and pastoral charm of St Emilion, a destination renowned in its own right. This quaint village, with origins dating back to medieval times, is featured in the St. Emilion Village Half-Day Wine Tour, which includes exploration of captivating Roman ruins and churches.
After familiarizing yourself with the surroundings, partake in a wine tour and tasting session at a Classified Growth Chateau within the famed Saint Emilion region.
13. Get a Bordeaux Metropole City Pass for 24, 48 or 72 Hours
Bordeaux possesses a unique charm that often leaves visitors reluctant to depart. The Bordeaux Metropole City Pass facilitates an enriching experience during your visit. You can select a pass for 24, 48, or 72 hours, allowing you to access a variety of the port city’s significant cultural attractions and monuments. Choose between an open-top bus tour, a tourist train, or a guided walking experience, with free access to all public transportation.
A practical guidebook accompanies the package, and you will also enjoy discounts on dining cruises, wine tours, and additional activities.
14. Embark on a Round-Trip Ferry Ticket: Cannes to Ste. Marguerite Island
The diversity of France is exemplified by a round-trip ferry ticket from Cannes to Ste. Marguerite Island.
The delightful scent of pine and eucalyptus welcomes you as you set foot on the island, which features marked paths directing you through a historical and botanical experience. Numerous migratory bird species inhabit the Batéguier Pond, and unique vegetation can be observed at Point de la Convention.
At Fort Royal, you will find the Maritime Museum situated within an ancient fort that once housed the notorious Man in the Iron Mask.
15. Take a Full-Day Tour of Saint Tropez and Port Grimaud
Saint Tropez, which once was a tranquil fishing village, has evolved into a summer retreat for European elites. Here, the mega yachts of the wealthy are docked, and you will have ample time to wander through the cobblestone streets of this captivating coastal town along the French Riviera.
Your itinerary also includes a visit to Port Grimaud, a charming Mediterranean fishing and yachting village colloquially referred to as “Little Venice.” The eight-hour guided excursion is conducted in an 8-seater air-conditioned minivan, complete with hotel pick-up and drop-off services.
