From Monet’s Gardens to the French Riviera: 4 Iconic Ways to See France

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Some people picture France as the Eiffel Tower glowing at night; others see lavender fields stretching beyond the horizon. Planning a self‑guided trip to France can leave you spoiled for choice—and a little overwhelmed by all the options.

If you’re torn between staying in Paris or chasing southern romance, here are four themed tours to match different travel moods.

Step outside Paris for a day trip that traces the footsteps of the Impressionists. Giverny—where Claude Monet lived the last years of his life and created his Water Lilies—is an artistic highlight for independent travelers. Monet’s garden changes with the seasons and feels like stepping into a painting, which is why it remains a perennial favorite.

Then head to Auvers‑sur‑Oise, Vincent van Gogh’s final resting place. Standing in front of the church and the wheat fields he painted gives you a vivid sense of the artist’s solitude and intensity. Trains connect both sites, but if you want to see them efficiently in one day, a local guided tour is the smartest way to save time and energy.

If you base yourself in Nice along the coast, make time for nearby day trips. Èze, perched on cliffs about 427 m (1,401 ft) above sea level, has narrow medieval lanes lined with cafés and restaurants—wandering them feels like the real reward. The view of the Mediterranean from the cactus garden at the village summit is simply unforgettable.

Keep going a short distance and you’ll reach Monaco, the world’s second‑smallest country. Its glamorous casino and marinas filled with yachts make it obvious why Monaco is synonymous with wealth. You can take public transport, but if you want to savor the dramatic coastal cliff road, we recommend renting a car or joining a small‑vehicle tour.

If you crave the grandeur of nature, Provence’s Verdon Gorge is a perfect pick. Nicknamed Europe’s Grand Canyon, the gorge and the turquoise Lac de Sainte‑Croix are framed by sheer limestone cliffs that look like art. A boat trip through the canyon is pure refreshment.

If you visit between late June and July, you can also take in the endless lavender lanes of nearby Valensole—making the trip even more spectacular. Because public transportation is limited, plan to drive yourself or book a private‑vehicle tour.

The crowning finale for a French getaway is Mont Saint‑Michel. This monumental abbey at the tip of the Normandy coast becomes an island at high tide, creating a dramatic, almost mystical scene.

Climb the narrow, steep lanes along the ramparts and take in Normandy’s panorama from the abbey at the summit. The real magic comes at night: when the entire structure is lit, the stone massif transforms into a surreal, galaxy‑like vision. Despite the long distance from Paris, many travelers willingly make the roughly eight‑hour round trip for one reason:

The overwhelming solitude and romance Mont Saint‑Michel radiates is a sight worth experiencing at least once in your life. Because public transport can be tricky, we recommend a private‑vehicle tour so you can comfortably enjoy the sunset and nighttime views.