Attractions

Paris:

There's so much to do in Paris that compiling a list of top things to do is difficult. From outdoor activities to historic monuments to great food and wine, Paris is a historic and cultural center with hundreds of top things to do and see.

Eiffel Tower: Ascend the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of Paris. At over 1,000 feet, the massive structure has two restaurants, a souvenir shop, a viewing area, and more.

The Louvre: Paris' world famous museum was built in the 12th century and is divided into eight collections. The Mona Lisa is on display behind a glass case, roped stanchions, and a throng of museum goers.
Notre Dame: Notre Dame Cathedral is an impressive marvel of medieval architecture. Started in 1163 and completed in 1330, Notre Dame has a striking gothic exterior, two broad towers, famed rose windows and plenty of sweeping arches.

Arc de Triomphe: Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French military, Parisians refer to the Arc de Triomphe as L'Etoile, and revere it as a patriotic symbol of France's history. Located in the center of the world's largest traffic roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe towers 164 feet above the ground.

Versailles: Located 13 miles southwest of Paris, the Palace of Versailles was the political capital of France for over a century. No luxury or extravagance was spared. Every corner, ceiling, and wall is detailed with carvings, woodwork, marble, or another exquisite covering. Now Versailles is one of the best tourist attractions in France. Visitors come to see the lavish palace, the abundant gardens, and the surrounding sights.

The Opera House is the famous Paris Opera House, seventeen stories high and able to seat 2,000 people. It was commissioned by Napoleon III after an incident where his royal procession was bombed upon entering a show at an old opera house.

The River Seine: This river flows right through Paris and is certainly a beautiful sight.

Aix-en-Provence:

Le Cours Mirabeau is the premiere boulevard in Aix-en-Provence. This elegant and wide street is filled with the beautiful architecture that makes the city so stylish. Enjoy one of the many restaurants and cafes, or gaze upon the brilliant mansions that line the street.

Cézanne’s Studio Paul Cézanne is the famed Provencal Impressionist painter from Aix-en-Provence. Though he was renounced by his contemporary Parisian painters for his peasant flare, Cezanne never abandoned his Provencal heritage. Cezanne drew out the true essence of Provence’s rich landscapes in all his paintings. Cezanne had several studios at different times in his life, but his last workshop, Atélier Cezanne, is open for tours.

Le Musée Granet (Granet Museum): This museum is named after its collection’s previous owner, François Marius Granet, who endowed his private collection of paintings to the city in his will. The works include paintings from well-known French, Dutch, Italian and Flemish artists.

The Albertas Gardens are decorated with lovely ponds, staircases and statues. In 1751, plans were drawn for these gardens on the Bouc lands by Jean Baptiste d’Albertas. With his death in 1790, construction on the gardens was ceased. It was not until 1949 that the Albertas family renovated and completed this historic monument.

Pont du Gard is one of the best preserved Roman ruins in the world. It was built in 19 B.C. to supply water from Uzès to the large, ancient city, Nîmes. The aqueduct spans for 30 miles both on and underground. The Pont du Gard is the magnificent three-tiered bridge that crosses the riverbanks of Rive Gauche and Rive Droite.

Nice

The capital of the French Riviera is a place out of a fairytale with its glamorous casinos, sweet smelling perfumes, and sparkling beaches.
Fragonard Perfume Factory This factory is actually part of the town of Grasse—the French capital of perfume. Surrounded by the very flowers used to create the perfumes with their signature aroma, the Fragonard Perfume Factory is definitely a destination that must be visited in France.

Nice City Beaches Whether you find a cozy spot on a public beach or rent a chair at a private one, these beaches offer the perfect way to relax on the French Riviera. Unlike most beaches in the United States, Nice’s beaches are made of smooth pebbles and rocks that vary in size.

Promenade des Anglais This wide, pedestrian boulevard stretches the length of Nice’s coastline right along the beach. A popular option is renting a bicycle and wheeling down the promenade. There are always activities to watch and sights to see, such as the elegant Hotel Negresco. The promenade’s name comes from the many British tourists (Anglais is French for English) that use to stroll along the promenade on their vacations.

Hotel Negresco This hotel is Nice’s most lavish and pricey hotel. Its Salon Royale’s elaborate interior design is the hotel’s main attraction, housing an extravagant chandelier made of 16,000 pieces of crystal.

Cours Saleya Since the Middle Ages, this plaza has been the heart of Nice’s market square. Every morning until noon markets still rule the square with vendors selling beautiful fresh flowers, gifts, produce, spices and other Riviera specialties.

Castle Hill Castle Hill is the prime place to view a majestic sunset, or sunrise over the French Riviera. From the top you can see all of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. It was this spot where ancient Greeks first settled here around 400 BC. During the Middle Ages, a giant castle watched over the surrounding area, but this fortress no longer exists.

Chagall Museum This museum is a must for art lovers and novices alike. It is the world’s largest collection of work from French modernist painter, Marc Chagall. The primary theme of this architecturally simple but beautiful museum is the exhibition of 17 larger format paintings based on biblical themes from Genesis, Song of Songs and Exodus. These paintings display vibrant colors with a rich palette of blues, greens, purples and reds.