France: Things To Do

Eiffel Tower Soak up the stellar tower views from the Trocadéro Gardens esplanade, and follow up with a visit to the highest of the tower’s three observation decks for a breathtaking panorama of Paris. 7th Arrondissement; Champ de Mars; Paris; 011-33-1-44-11-23-23; www.tour-eiffel.fr

Bateaux-Mouches Dinner Cruise Set sail on romantic, live-music-accompanied dining cruises from the 8th arrondissement, passing by the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and underneath the scenic arches of numerous bridges. 8th Arrondissement; Port de la Conference; Paris; 011-33-1-42-25-96-10; www.bateaux-mouches.fr

Stroll Montmartre Dominated by the white-domed Sacré-Coeur basilica, this Parisian hilltop quarter was once one of the world’s most influential artistic centers. Sample its charms on the winding Rue Lepic (Vincent van Gogh lived at No. 54). 18th Arrondissement; Paris

Château de Versailles With its extensive fountain-speckled gardens, the Château stands as testimony to the heights of royal extravagance, embellished to its full glory by France’s “Sun King,” Louis XIV, in the 17th century, and further enhanced by Marie Antoinette. Versailles; 011-33-1-30-83-78-00; www.chateauversailles.fr

Chateaux of the Loire The most famous attractions of the Loire Valley are its many historic chateaux, which range from medieval fortresses to elegant Renaissance palaces: Chambord, Chenonceau, Azay-Le-Rideau, Villandry, and Saumur are open daily. If you only have time to see one, however, make it the majestic Chambord (011-33-2-54-50-50-00; www.chambord.org). Loire Valley; loirevalleytourism.com

D-Day Beaches See where the Allied invasion to liberate Europe began on June 6, 1944. Nearby, the American Cemetery is accessible via the visitors’ center (commemorated in 2007). Normandy; www.abmc.gov

Mont St-Michel The evocative silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel’s towering, mist-shrouded abbey is an unforgettable sight, especially when pondering its 13 centuries of history. Normandy; www.ot-montsaintmichel.com

St-Tropez beaches In sun-kissed St. Tropez, if you’re not on a yacht or sidewalk café, you’re on the beach. Many hotels have private beaches (if not, the best are south of town) – our favorite is Plage de Tahiti for its carnival atmosphere created by flamboyant and fashionable beachcombers. Provence; www.ot-saint-tropez.com

Explore the Traboules of Vieux Lyon Walking tours of Vieux Lyon take you through the “traboules,” hidden passageways through fascinating gothic and renaissance buildings and courtyards. Walks are offered daily through the Lyon tourist office, and start at Place Bellecour. Lyon; 011-33-4-72-77-69-69.; www.en.lyon-france.com

The French Alps The pastoral panoramas of the Alps are festooned with some 220 resorts, heaps of enchanting chalets, and Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc. In winter, sport ops range from downhill skiing to tobogganing, while hiking and soaking up hot springs are popular other times of year.