23 best things to do in France: our top picks

Roughly the size of Texas, France draws over 90 million visitors a year. The country’s history is visible everywhere, from Roman ruins in the south to medieval towns and Renaissance châteaux in the Loire Valley. There’s also a strong sense of regional identity, with different landscapes, traditions, and food depending on where you go. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in France. 

1. Les Gorges du Verdon

Les Gorges du Verdon, sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” is a deep river canyon in southeastern France. It runs for about 15 miles (25 km), with cliffs reaching up to 2,300 feet (700 meters) high. The Verdon River winds through pale limestone, and the water is a bright turquoise that almost looks unreal in the sun.

You can get down to the river by kayak, paddleboard, or electric boat—each gives you a different perspective. If you’d rather stay on land, there’s a hiking trail called Sentier Martel that takes you along the rim with wide views over the canyon.

Around the canyon, the Verdon Regional Natural Park has plenty of trails to explore. This is easily one the best things to do in France.

How to get to Les Gorges du Verdon

You’ll want a car for this one. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Nice or Aix-en-Provence, and closer to 2.5 hours from Marseille. The northern rim—called Route des Crêtes—has a loop road with some great places to pull over. Public transport doesn’t go all the way in, so if you’re not up for driving, you’ll want to book a tour from Castellane or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

When to visit Les Gorges du Verdon

Plan for sometime between May and September. June is usually a good middle ground—temperatures are mild, around 68–77°F (20–25°C), and it’s not as packed as July or August. 

2. The markets of Aix-en-Provence

If you want a sense of what everyday life looks like in Provence, head to the markets in Aix. They happen several times a week, but the busiest days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. 
The food market at Place Richelme is the one most people visit—it’s full of stalls selling olives, cheese, fruit, and other regional goods.

Around the corner, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville turns into a flower market, and nearby you’ll find vendors selling handmade soap, ceramics, and other crafts. A lot of the people behind the stalls grow or make what they sell.

How to get to the markets of Aix-en-Provence

You can take the TGV from Paris—it takes about 3 hours—or from Marseille in just 15 minutes. Once you get to the Aix TGV station, hop on the shuttle bus to the city center. If you’re driving, there are garages outside the old town where you can leave your car. 

When to visit the markets of Aix-en-Provence

They run year-round, but Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings are the busiest and most interesting. Summer (June through August) has the biggest variety of fruits and vegetables, but it also means more people. 

3. Paris' landmarks (Louvre, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower)

 You can’t really go to Paris without running into a few big names. Despite being a tad cliché, seeing the landmarks of Paris is one of the best things to do in France. The Louvre, once a royal palace, is now home to around 35,000 works of art—including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. 

Notre Dame is still undergoing restoration after the 2019 fire, but you can still walk past and take in its detailed façade and famous flying buttresses. 

The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and was only meant to be temporary, but it’s stuck around and become the city’s most familiar silhouette, standing just over 1,080 feet (330 meters) tall. 

How to get to Paris' landmarks

Getting around is pretty straightforward. The metro connects most of the big landmarks—Line 1 will take you to the Louvre, RER C drops you near the Eiffel Tower, and Line 4 gets you to Notre Dame. A multi-day metro pass is usually the easiest way to move around. 

When to visit Paris' landmarks

Spring and fall—around April to May or September to October—are usually the best times to go if you want to avoid heavy crowds. The Eiffel Tower lights up on the hour every evening until 1 a.m., which is nice to see once it gets dark. The Louvre stays open late on Wednesdays and Fridays, so it’s less crowded in the evening. You can still see the outside of Notre Dame year-round, even during the ongoing repairs. 
 

4. A Lyon bouchon

Bouchons are small, traditional restaurants that serve classic Lyonnais food—usually rich, meat-heavy dishes that date back to the days when silk workers needed something filling. You’ll find things like quenelles (pike dumplings in a creamy crayfish sauce), andouillette (a strong-flavored sausage), and pink praline tarts. It’s not fancy, but that’s part of the charm.

Most bouchons are laid-back places with checkered tablecloths, close seating, and owners who often come out to talk to you. Only a couple dozen bouchons are officially recognized as authentic, but even the unofficial ones are worth visiting.

How to get to Lyon bouchons

Within the city, public transport is easy to use—there’s a metro, tram system, and even a few funiculars. If you want to sample a few different places or learn more about the food, there are walking tours that include bouchons along the way.

When to visit Lyon bouchons

You can eat in bouchons year-round, but the food tends to feel best in the colder months—roughly November through February—when heavier dishes are more appealing. Dinner is usually served between 7 and 10 p.m., and tables fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book a couple of weeks ahead if you’re going to a well-known place. Most bouchons are closed on Sunday evenings and all day Monday. 

5. Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a small island off the coast of Normandy, with a medieval abbey built into the rock. It’s connected to the mainland by a causeway, and depending on the tide, the surrounding landscape changes dramatically—sometimes it’s surrounded by sand, other times by water. 

The abbey itself dates back to the 8th century and is reached by climbing narrow, winding lanes past small shops and old houses. It’s definitely uphill, but the views from the top are worth it, especially at low tide.

How to get to Mont Saint Michel

You’ll need to park on the mainland and take a free shuttle (navette) across the causeway to the island. From Paris, trains run to either Rennes or Dol-de-Bretagne, where you can catch a connecting bus. Some people join day tours from Paris or Normandy towns like Bayeux. 

When to visit Mont Saint Michel

Late spring or early fall (April–June or September–October) is usually a good window—there are fewer crowds, and the weather is mild. Tide charts are available online if you want to time your visit with a high tide.

6. Amiens Cathedral

Amiens Cathedral—officially Notre-Dame d’Amiens—is the largest Gothic cathedral in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its nave rises about 138 feet (42 meters), and the front is packed with sculptures carved in the 1200s. 

Inside, you’ll find detailed wooden choir stalls with thousands of tiny figures and a statue known as the Weeping Angel that’s been copied a lot over the years. There's also a relic said to be the head of John the Baptist. 

If you're there in the summer, the “Chroma” light show at night is worth sticking around for—it projects color onto the façade to show how the building may have looked when it was painted in medieval times.

How to get to Amiens Cathedral

You can catch a direct train from Paris Gare du Nord to Amiens—it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the station, it's a 15-minute walk to the cathedral, or you can take a local bus to Cathedral Square. If you're driving, use the A16 or A29 and park near the city center.
When to visit Amiens Cathedral

The “Chroma” light show runs from June to September in the evenings. If you’re hoping for fewer people, go on a weekday morning. In December, there's a Christmas market in the square.

7. Annecy

 Annecy sits on the edge of a clear alpine lake, with canals running through its old town and mountains all around. It’s easy to explore on foot—especially the medieval center, which is beautiful to walk around. 

One of the landmarks is the Palais de l’Isle, a small island in the canal that used to be a prison and now holds a museum. The lake is great in summer for swimming, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the water. 

There are some fantastic local foods to try—expect lots of cheese, cured meat, and dishes with mountain roots. Weekly markets are a good way to try some of the regional specialties.

How to get to Annecy

From Paris Gare de Lyon, it’s about 3.5 hours by high-speed train. You can also reach Annecy in around 2 hours from Lyon or about 40 minutes from Geneva. Geneva is the closest airport, and there are regular shuttles to Annecy. Once you’re there, walking and biking are the easiest ways to get around.

When to visit Annecy

Summer is great for being on the lake, especially in early August during the Lake Festival with its big fireworks show. The animation film festival in June brings in crowds too. September and early October are quieter, with colorful foliage and cooler weather. In winter, nearby ski resorts open up, and the town itself is quieter but still worth a visit.

8. Provençal villages

The hilltop villages of Provence are known for their stone houses, winding alleys, and wide views over fields and vineyards. Each one has a different feel—Gordes is perched above the valley, Roussillon has deep red buildings thanks to the local ochre, and Lourmarin mixes older stone homes with Renaissance touches. 

Most were built up high for defense, which means you usually get some good views. Local markets are common, with handmade goods, cheeses, produce, and textiles. The food here leans into olives, herbs, and seasonal vegetables. 

A lot of painters came here for the light—Van Gogh and Cézanne among them—and it still draws people in today. The lavender fields of Provence are worth visiting in and of themselves. 

How to get to the Provençal villages

You’ll need a rental car to really see the villages at your own pace. Good base cities include Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille—all connected to Paris by high-speed train. There are buses between some towns, but they’re not always reliable or frequent. Some tour companies run day trips from bigger towns if you’d rather not drive. 

When to visit the Provençal villages

May and June are good months—there are lots of wildflowers, and it’s not too hot yet. July brings the lavender fields into bloom, especially near Valensole, but it’s also the busiest time.

9. Canoeing at Gorges de l’Ardèche

The Gorges de l'Ardèche is a 19-mile (30km) limestone canyon in southern France. If you’re up for a paddle, it’s a great place to do it. The river winds through high cliffs—some reach nearly 1,000 feet (300m)—and takes you under the Pont d’Arc, a natural stone arch that’s kind of the landmark here. 

You’ll pass small riverside beaches where people pull over for a swim or picnic. There’s also a lot of interesting prehistoric history nearby, including a replica of Chauvet Cave with paintings that date back 36,000 years. Because it’s a nature reserve, you’re likely to see birds of prey, maybe some beavers, and plenty of wild plants along the way.

How to get to Gorges de l'Ardèche

The easiest way in is to fly into Nîmes, Montpellier, or Lyon, then rent a car. That’ll give you flexibility to move around. Vallon-Pont-d’Arc is the usual launch point for canoe trips, and local rental places usually run shuttles so you don’t have to loop back. Public buses run in the summer from nearby towns, but they’re limited outside of high season.

When to visit Gorges de l'Ardèche

Plan your trip between May and September—water levels are steady and conditions are generally safe. July and August can get hot, with highs over 86°F (30°C), and this is also peak season, so expect crowds. 
 

10. Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi stretches about 150 miles (240 km), linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Built in the 17th century under Louis XIV, it’s now a UNESCO site known more for leisure than transportation. 

The whole system includes 63 locks, tunnels, aqueducts, and bridges, all originally designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet. It’s a slow, scenic way to explore the countryside. You can cruise on a rented houseboat, cycle along the towpath, or just enjoy meals and drinks by the water. It’s quiet, relaxed, and passes through vineyards, sunflower fields, and small towns.

How to get to Canal du Midi

Toulouse and Carcassonne are the main hubs, and both have airports and train stations. From Paris, it’s about a 5-hour ride on the TGV. Once you’re there, you can rent a boat (no license needed for smaller ones), grab a bike, or drive. There are companies along the canal that handle rentals and routes for anything from a few hours to several days.

When to visit Canal du Midi

April through October is the main season. The weather is comfortable in May, June, September, and October—usually between 68–77°F (20–25°C). July and August are warmer, often reaching 82–90°F (28–32°C), and busier. Most things shut down in winter.

11. Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of Paris’s well-loved green spaces, originally created in 1612 by Queen Marie de Medici. It’s about 57 acres (23 hectares) and mixes formal gardens with more relaxed corners. Parisians come here to read, relax, or just hang out. 

There’s a big central pond where kids sail toy boats, and you’ll see people playing chess, walking dogs, or lounging in the green chairs.

There’s also the Medici Fountain, tennis courts, a playground, and puppet shows for kids. The gardens surround the Luxembourg Palace, which now houses the French Senate. Taking a stroll here is one of the best things to do in France.

How to get to Jardin du Luxembourg

It’s easy to reach by public transport. Take Metro line 4 to Saint-Placide or Odéon, or line 10 to Mabillon. RER B stops at Luxembourg station, and buses 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, and 89 all pass nearby. If you're walking, it's about a 15-minute stroll from Notre-Dame through the Latin Quarter (which is one of the best areas to stay in Paris).

When to visit Jardin du Luxembourg

The weather in Paris in April is ideal, with temperatures between 59–77°F (15–25°C) and seasonal flowers in bloom. Spring brings cherry blossoms and tulips, and summer has fuller flower beds and occasional outdoor performances. 

12. GR20

The GR20 runs about 112 miles (180 km) through the mountains of Corsica, cutting diagonally across the island from north to south. It’s known for being one of the tougher long-distance hikes in Europe, with steep climbs, rocky paths, and long days on your feet.

You’ll pass through everything from pine forests and alpine meadows to granite peaks and glacial lakes. Most people break it into 16 stages and stay at mountain huts along the way. It’s physically demanding—some sections climb over 2,600 feet (800m) in a day—but if you’re up for the challenge, it gets you deep into Corsica’s wilderness.

How to get to GR20

You can fly into Bastia or Ajaccio, then take a local bus to the trailhead. The northern start at Calenzana is about 12 miles (20km) from Calvi, and the southern end at Conca is around 19 miles (30 km) from Porto-Vecchio. In summer, shuttle services run to both ends of the trail, or you can take a taxi if you want more flexibility.

When to visit GR20

Mid-June to late September is the best window, when the mountain passes are usually clear of snow and the huts are open. July and August are warmer and busier. June is good for wildflowers, and September tends to be quieter with cooler daytime temperatures—around 60–68°F (15–20°C). Weather can shift quickly in the mountains, even in summer.
 

13. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop walled town in southern France, surrounded by massive stone walls and dotted with towers. The site dates back to Roman times, but most of what you see today is medieval. 

You can walk the ramparts for views over the surrounding countryside or wander the narrow streets inside, which are lined with bakeries, cafés, and souvenir shops. There are two main landmarks to check out: the Château Comtal, a restored fortress inside the walls, and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, which has stained-glass windows and a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. 

If you’ve played the board game Carcassonne, this is where the name comes from. This is a great place to take a walk and one of the best things to do in France.

How to get to Carcassonne

There’s a small airport with flights from a few European cities, but most people arrive by train. It’s about an hour from Toulouse and 1.5 hours from Montpellier. If you’re driving, the A61 connects Carcassonne to the rest of southern France. The medieval city is about 0.6 miles (1km) uphill from the newer part of town—walkable, or there are buses.

When to visit Carcassonne

Late spring and early fall (April–June or September–October) usually have mild weather and smaller crowds. July 14th (Bastille Day) is popular thanks to a big fireworks display over the city walls, but summer also brings heat and more tourists. In July, there’s a medieval festival with performances and costumed reenactments that’s worth checking out if you’re around.
 

14. Carnac

Carnac, in Brittany, is home to over 3,000 ancient standing stones—known as menhirs—that are laid out in long rows across the countryside. They were set up around 4500 BCE, which makes them older than Stonehenge. 

No one really knows what they were for. Some people think they were used as a calendar, others say they may have had religious or seismic significance. The local museum helps make sense of it all, with exhibits on Celtic culture and archaeology. 

Besides the stones, Carnac also has sandy beaches, good wind conditions for sailing, and plenty of classic Breton food like seafood and crêpes. Visiting Carnac is by far one of the best things to do in France.

How to get to Carnac

The easiest way to get there is by car from Rennes or Nantes. Take the N165/E60 highway and then switch to local roads. The closest train station is in Auray, about 9 miles (15 km) away, and you can take a bus to Carnac from there. In summer, shuttles run between the town and the main stone fields.

When to visit Carnac

May through September is usually the most reliable weather-wise, but since Brittany’s coastal climate can shift quickly, it’s good to be ready for rain year-round. July and August are busiest, especially in the afternoon. Some areas close access during peak season to help preserve the stones.

15. The Châteaux of the Loire

The Loire Valley is full of historic châteaux—more than 300 of them—stretching along France’s longest river. Some look like fortresses, others feel more like elegant country estates. 

Chambord is known for its double-helix staircase, said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Chenonceau stretches across the Cher River on graceful arches, and Villandry is surrounded by formal gardens laid out with geometric precision. 

You don’t need to be an architecture historian to enjoy it—there’s great wine, good food, and scenic countryside to explore. Many people cycle between villages or spend an afternoon at a wine cave tasting Sancerre or Vouvray.

How to get to the Loire Valley châteaux

Since the châteaux are spread out, it helps to base yourself in Tours or Blois. High-speed trains from Paris take just over an hour to reach Tours. If you want to move at your own pace, renting a car makes it easy to visit a few places in a day. Day tours from Paris are also an option. 

For a more active trip, you can follow the Loire à Vélo route—a well-marked cycling path that links many of the bigger châteaux.

When to visit the Loire Valley châteaux

April to October is a good window. In spring (April to June), the gardens start blooming, and it’s not too busy. Early fall (September to October) brings grape harvests and colorful leaves. 

16. Les Calanques

Les Calanques is a stretch of narrow inlets and white limestone cliffs that runs between Marseille and Cassis. It became a national park in 2012 and is home to rare plants, seabirds, and marine life. 

A lot of people come here to hike or climb, but you’ll also see kayakers and swimmers in the coves. Some beaches are only reachable by boat or foot, which keeps them relatively quiet. The contrast between the pale cliffs and bright blue water is dramatic—and worth the walk in. This is one of the best things to do in France.

How to get to Les Calanques

You can start your visit from either Marseille or Cassis. From Marseille, take bus #21 to Luminy, then walk to Calanque de Sugiton. From Cassis, you can walk from the harbor to Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau. 

Boat tours leave regularly from both towns, and if you're not up for hiking, it’s a relaxing way to take in the scenery. If you do hike, make sure to wear sturdy shoes—the trails can be steep and exposed.

When to visit Les Calanques

Go between September and June. The park usually closes trails in July and August because of wildfire risk. Spring (April and May) is a great time to hike—temperatures are comfortable and wildflowers are in bloom. 

17. Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is a 230-foot (70-meter) embroidered cloth that tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066. It’s nearly 1,000 years old and in remarkable shape.

Through 58 panels, it shows events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, with Latin captions and detailed scenes—from battle formations to Halley’s Comet. It’s like an illustrated storyline from the 11th century, and seeing it in person is one of the best things to do in France. It’s also one of the few surviving works of medieval art that shows everyday details alongside major historical moments.

How to get to the Bayeux Tapestry

Bayeux is in Normandy, about 160 miles (260 kilometers) northwest of Paris. Direct trains from Paris Saint-Lazare station take around 2.5 hours. From Caen, the train ride is about 15 minutes. Once you arrive, the museum is just a short walk from Bayeux’s train station. 

When to visit the Bayeux Tapestry

April to October has the best weather for walking around. July and August can be busy, so if you’d rather avoid crowds, aim for a weekday morning—Tuesday through Thursday is usually the quietest. The museum usually closes in January for maintenance. 
 

18. Taste wine in Bordeaux or champagne at Épernay

Bordeaux and Épernay are two of the best places in France to get to know the country’s winemaking traditions. In Bordeaux, you’ll come across everything from well-known estates to small family vineyards, mostly focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 

The region has about 60 appellations, so there’s a lot to explore if you're curious about how different soil types and microclimates affect the wine. 

In Épernay, the focus shifts to champagne. You can walk the Avenue de Champagne, where names like Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët have been producing bottles for generations. 

How to get to France's wine regions

To get to Bordeaux, take a TGV from Paris Montparnasse—it’s around 2 hours. Once you’re there, you can rent a car or join a local tour to visit wineries outside the city. 

Épernay is about 1 hour 15 minutes by direct train from Paris Est station. Once you arrive, the main champagne houses are just a short walk from the station. If you’d rather not plan your own route, you’ll find plenty of companies that run day tours in both areas.

When to visit France's wine regions

Late spring through early fall (May to October) is usually the best time to visit. The vineyards are green, the weather’s comfortable, and most tasting rooms are open. September is harvest season, so things book up early. Bordeaux Fête le Vin happens every other June, and Épernay hosts a range of summer champagne events as well.

19. St-Ouen flea market in Paris

The St-Ouen flea market (Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen) sits just outside Paris and is one of the largest antique markets you’ll come across anywhere. It’s made up of several connected sections, each with its own focus. 

Vernaison is good for vintage odds and ends, Biron leans toward high-end antiques, and Malik has a lot of old-school clothing and accessories. You’ll find a mix of regular shoppers, collectors, and designers browsing the stalls. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth walking through.

How to get to St-Ouen flea market

Take Metro Line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt or Line 13 to Garibaldi. From either stop, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk. Bus routes 85, 56, and 255 also go nearby. Driving isn’t a great idea since parking is tough.

When to visit St-Ouen flea market

The market is busiest on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but Friday mornings are also worth checking out—many dealers come early to see what’s new before the weekend rush.

20. The Cathar castles

The Cathar castles are scattered across the Languedoc region in southern France. These hilltop ruins were once strongholds for the Cathars, a religious group that was targeted during the 13th-century Albigensian Crusade. 

Montségur, Peyrepertuse, and Quéribus are some of the most well-known, perched high above the surrounding countryside. Visiting them gives you a look into medieval history, religious conflict, and some creative old-world military architecture. 

Many of these castles are remote and require a bit of hiking, but the views and the stories make the effort worthwhile. These are some of the best castles in France.

How to get to the Cathar castles

The castles are spread out across the Occitanie region. Renting a car from Toulouse, Carcassonne, or Perpignan gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to visit more than one. The Route des Cathares is a scenic drive that links many of them. Public transportation is pretty limited.

When to visit the Cathar castles

The trails are in the best shape between April and October. Spring (April through June) has comfortable hiking weather and blooming wildflowers, while fall has clear air and fewer people. July and August can be hot—temperatures often reach 85–95°F (29–35°C)—and the castles can get busy.
 

21. Skiing in the Alps

There are over 300 resorts spread across mountain ranges like Mont Blanc, Les Trois Vallées, and Portes du Soleil. Some of the runs have vertical drops of more than 6,500 feet (2,000 meters), and there’s terrain for every level. 

A lot of the villages are designed so you can ski right out your door, which makes things easy. Between ski sessions, you’ll come across everything from cheesy mountain dishes to casual après-ski hangouts. 

One pass can give you access to several resorts, and in some areas you can even ski into Switzerland without needing to swap tickets.

How to get to the French Alps

The closest airports are Geneva (just over the border in Switzerland), Lyon, and Grenoble. From there, you can take a shuttle, rent a car, or catch a train—there’s a pretty good rail network that connects to most ski towns. 

Some resorts run their own transfers too, which can save you time. If you’re coming from the UK, the Eurostar Snow Train goes straight from London to Bourg-Saint-Maurice during winter.

When to visit the French Alps

Ski season usually runs from mid-December through April. January and February tend to have the most reliable snow. December is quieter but sometimes has limited terrain. March brings longer days and a bit more sun, and early April can still surprise you with fresh powder. It’s best to avoid French school holidays, especially in February, since things get crowded and prices go up.
 

22. Corsican beaches

Corsica has more than 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) of coastline, with a wide range of beaches—from long stretches of white sand to little coves you’ll need to hike or boat to.

Compared to mainland France, it’s much easier to find quiet areas, even in the middle of summer. Each beach feels different. Palombaggia is known for its calm, shallow water and red granite surroundings. Saleccia is more remote and takes some effort to reach. Roccapina has a massive rock shaped like a lion overlooking the water. 

How to get to Corsica

You can fly into Ajaccio, Bastia, Figari, or Calvi from mainland France or other European cities. Ferries also run from ports like Marseille, Toulon, and Nice—or from Livorno and Genoa in Italy. Once you’re there, renting a car is the easiest way to get around since buses don’t reach many of the beaches. For harder-to-reach places, look into water taxis or short boat trips from nearby towns.

When to visit Corsican beaches

Beach season runs from late May through September. July and August are the warmest and busiest months. June and September are great if you want warm water—around 72–77°F (22–25°C)—but fewer people. In October, the water is still swimmable, but it’s much quieter. 

23. Abbaye de Fontenay

Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the Abbaye de Fontenay is one of the oldest surviving Cistercian monasteries in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. 

The buildings are well-preserved and reflect the Cistercian values of simplicity and self-sufficiency. You’ll find a peaceful Romanesque church, a quiet cloister, and what’s believed to be the oldest preserved forge in Europe—powered by water. Everything here feels purposeful and pared down. Tucked into a quiet Burgundian valley, it gives a real sense of what 12th-century monastic life might have been like.

How to get to Abbaye de Fontenay

The abbey is in Burgundy, about 75 km northwest of Dijon. Most people drive, especially if they want to explore nearby villages too. From Paris, you can take a TGV to Montbard (about an hour), then continue by taxi or rental car for the last 8 km. Some tour companies run day trips from Dijon and Beaune, but the area’s pretty remote, so having your own car makes things a lot easier.

When to visit Abbaye de Fontenay

Spring (April to June) is a good time to go—gardens are blooming, the weather’s pleasant, and it’s not too crowded. Summer means longer opening hours but also more visitors, especially in July. Autumn brings beautiful colors in the surrounding trees.