Vita List: Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss in France
Ah, France — from the snowy mountains of les Alpes to the sunny charm of the French Riviera, over its 248,573 square miles there is so much to see and so much to do. You could spend years travelling this magical part of Europe, and you still probably wouldn’t be able to soak it all in — unless you’re a master of efficiency.
But let’s face it, no one vacations for the sake of efficiency, and that’s why we at Bella Vita have put together a list of the top ten things you have to do in France in this lifetime. Move over buckets, there’s a new list in town: The Vita List.
Get ready for some serious travel-spiration. Let’s do this alphabetically, shall we?
Alsace Wine Route
Okay, we promise not all of this list involves alcohol, and even though this one does, the wine on offer is only a tiny part of the route’s charm. La Route des Vins d’Alsace is like the Route 66 of wine tasting — it’s iconic, and it’s worth doing at least once.
This legendary tourist trail spans 105 miles worth of incredible vineyards, picturesque villages, and an abundance of breath-taking views. The route gives you an opportunity to get to know the wine you’re drinking as well as the people responsible for its creation. No two vineyards are the same, but all offer a depth of experience perfect for lovers of wine, tradition, and culture.
Whether driving or cycling, however you choose to travel, make sure your path takes you through some of the most unmissable spots.
Bistro in Paris
Narrowing down just one experience in Paris for this list was in impossibility. In fact, we’re pretty sure that a similar list could be made focusing solely on Paris, and all the delights a traveller should definitely experience. The thing is, while landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame should be enjoyed, nothing really exemplifies the Parisian spirit more than consuming culinary delights in a classic Parisian bistro.
It’s important to ascertain a good spot beforehand — venturing out unprepared is fun, but you run a higher risk of walking into a tourist trap rather than an authentically French restaurant. If you’re looking for suggestions, consider checking out Josephine Chez Dumonet for wonderful service and consistently incredible food, or if you’re looking for an experience with a smaller price tag, consider Bistro du Peintre for classic cuisine at manageable prices.
Bouillabaisse in Marseille
While we’re talking food, another culinary experience that had to make the list was sampling the iconic Bouillabaisse in its birthplace Marseille. Of course Marseille itself is brimming with things to do, but none more important than finding the city’s most famous dish.
Much like bistros in Paris, it’s important to find a restaurant that offers an authentic taste rather than a (not so) cheap knockoff. You can’t go wrong with the world famous Chez Madie Les Galinettes, situated on the northern side of Marseille’s Vieux Port — their variation is traditional without being dated, and you’re guaranteed a gastronomic experience to remember. Be sure to book in advance if you’re going to check them out — their propensity for booking up fast is as reliable as the standard of their food.
Champagne tasting in the Champagne region
F. Scott Fitzgerald once said: “Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right.” And he wasn’t just talking about the drink. The Champagne region offers the best of French landscapes just 90 minutes outside of Paris.
Much like the Alsace Wine Route, following a wine trail in Champagne allows you to get to know the intimate link between the world’s most exemplary wine and the land from which it originated. You can absolutely choose to take a tour at cultural institutions like Moët & Chandon, or you can take the road less travelled and explore smaller family run vineyards outside of the heart of the region — like Champagne Fallet Dart, for example.
Chamonix
While Champagne will have you tasting the stars, venturing to Chamonix will have you closer to them. This region is on the to-do list of every single committed winter sports enthusiast and for very good reason. Chamonix has a range and versatility of skiing and snowboarding areas ensuring that everyone from nervous beginners to foolhardy professionals can find an experience to challenge and thrill in equal measure.
While Chamonix isn’t exactly renowned for being family friendly, it does offer a luxury experience for those who want to have their breath taken away in a winter playground.
Lavender in Luberon
The essence of Provence is in the colour and scent of its famous lavender fields. You will find heavy concentrations of this beautiful planet around the Luberon from high upon the plateau around Sault, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux, and around Apt and Gordes — although the most famous spot (without a doubt!) would be the unforgettable field in front of Senanque Abbey near Gordes (best to come early morning for the perfect pixel shot and less people!).
The lavender in the Luberon blooms from around the last week of June to the beginning of August when it is harvested. It is usually at its peak in early July, but this depends on the rainfall in the year.
Palace of Versailles
Sure, you may not be 16th century royalty, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experience the opulence and luxury of one of them. The Palace of Versailles is a stunning look at precisely how luxurious luxury can actually get.
Dripping in gold, this gilded fairy-tale is fascinating to roam around — inside and out. You can walk in the footsteps of the old-school monarchy and see even the most intimate parts of the palace, or you can wander around the perfectly manicured gardens and appreciate just how beautiful the landscaping is.
Pont du Gard
Pictures don’t do this architectural masterpiece justice, and to understand the sheer magnitude of the monument, it’s essential to see it first-hand. It’s an impressive example of Roman architecture at its finest — both logistically and aesthetically.
You can check out the visitor’s centre to learn more about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, swim in the river to cool off on a sunny day, explore the serene nature surrounding the aqueduct, or simply take one of the hiking trails that will have you walk across the entire remains of the aqueduct.
Provençal Markets
There are so many reasons to visit the Provençal region — stunning beaches, gorgeous weather, and a cultural legacy wherever you look. However, it’s important to allow yourself some time to visit at least one authentic marketplace for a few (or more!) hours of your trip.
If you manage to tear yourself away from the beach, you won’t regret visiting the sites of some of the best shopping it’s possible to experience — whether you’re hunting for fresh produce, local wine and cheese, antiques, or handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone and their budget.
Check out Apt’s Grand Marché for the “oldest and liveliest market in the whole of provence.” Boasting over 350 different stalls, this market offers a quintessential look at French food, culture, and people.
Verdon Gorge
Les Gorges Du Verdon are a mesmerizing, example of just how immense nature can be. It’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer size and beauty of the canyons of Verdon, and a day at the gorge is equally as fun as it is stunning. If the enchanting blue water doesn’t make you fall in love, the dramatic cliffs, and diverse flora and fauna will.
You can partake in a multitude of watersports such as rafting, kayaking, sailing, or fishing, aerial sports like paragliding, or more land-based sports like horseback riding, mountain biking climbing or hiking. If that sounds exhausting, this place might not be for you, as a day at Verdon Gorge is a day spent being active and getting up close and personal with nature.
The incredible thing about France is you pretty much can’t go wrong — thanks to the diversity and history of the country, you’ll find culture and beauty wherever you venture. But these 10 experiences especially are not to be missed — how many of these have you done? Which one is next on your list?
Check back next week for a look at our Vita List for Greece!
