10 Fun and Fabulous Reasons to Visit France in 2026
France offers a wealth of under-the-radar attractions beyond its famous landmarks. From steampunk wonders to world-class art, here are ten compelling reasons to plan your trip across the Channel in 2026.
Ride a Dragon in Calais
Experience the wow factor immediately upon arriving in France. The Dragon de Calais, a 25-metre-long mechanical beast, stomps along the renovated sea front, carrying 48 passengers and emitting fire, steam, and water from its nostrils. Created by the team behind Les Machines de L’île in Nantes, this attraction costs €9.50 for adults. This year, it is joined by Le Varan, a giant iguana that crawls through the town and old fishing district with room for 25 passengers at €8.50 per adult. While there, explore the beaches at Hardelot-Plage and visit the Chateau d’Hardelot, rich in Franco-British history.
Celebrate Monet in Rouen
Marking the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet's death, Normandy and Paris host numerous events. Avoid the crowds at Giverny and the Musée d’Orsay by visiting Rouen, where Monet painted the cathedral over 30 times, inspired by its ever-changing light. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen boasts the largest collection of French impressionist works outside Paris, including pieces by Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley. Nearby, cycle through the Boucles de la Seine natural regional park, passing orchards and the ruined Abbaye de Jumièges.
Visit a Postman's Palace in Drôme
Discover the whimsical Palais Idéal in the Dauphiné region, built over 33 years by postman Ferdinand Cheval. This 10-metre-high palace features mythical creatures, Egyptian temples, and Swiss chalets on its facade. A small on-site museum recounts Cheval's tragic life and the struggle to have the structure listed. Explore the Vercors mountains, with roads like the Combe Laval route, the Grotte de Choranche caves with unique stalactites, and Pont-en-Royans, where medieval houses overlook a gorge.
Discover Brittany by Bike
Cyclists can enjoy the new Traversée Bretonne route through Brittany, starting in Nantes. This 14-stage path passes Saint-Nazaire's mid-century architecture, La Baule's belle époque villas, and Rennes' lively bars, including Rue Saint-Michel, known as Thirsty Street. The route ends with a flat stage at Mont-Saint-Michel. For more details, visit traversee-bretonne.com.
Celebrate Figs in the Var
Plan a late-summer visit to the Vallée du Gapeau, renowned for its fig orchards. The Fête de la Figue in Solliès-Pont celebrates the harvest with markets, grove tours, and a four-course dinner with music. Hike in the wooded valley, see the elephant rock, visit the Moulin à Huile du Partégal for olive oil tasting, and stroll through Solliès-Ville and Solliès-Toucas. More information at valleegapeau-tourisme.fr.
Taste Cheese in the Jura Mountains
Explore the Jura mountains, home to comté cheese. Visit the Fort Saint-Antoine, where 100,000 wheels are aged in a 19th-century fort (tours €11, reservations essential). Enjoy comté and savagnin wine fondue at Restaurant du Fromage near Lac de Malbuisson. In Poligny, La Maison du Comté explains how the cheese is infused with flavours from 130 local plants. Details at montagnes-du-jura.fr.
Hunt for Bric-a-Brac in Normandy
Take a road trip to the Perche regional natural park in southern Normandy, known for rolling hills and cider farms. Hunt for vintage treasures in brocante shops near Bellême, Mortagne-au-Perche, and along the D923 road. The area offers good restaurants, with options like La Maison d’Horbé B&B in La Perrière (rooms from €142.50) and Hotel les Prés in Saint-Hilaire-le-Châtel (rooms from €142). Visit perche-tourisme.fr for more.
Relive History in the Vendée
Discover Puy du Fou, a unique theme park in the Vendée with historical re-enactments of Viking invasions, Roman chariot races, and medieval jousting, featuring over 2,500 actors. Experience quieter wonders like walking through the 18th-century ship La Pérouse or the Amoureux de Verdun love story set in first world war trenches. Adult tickets start at €47. More at puydufou.com.
Swim in a Tidal Pool in Brittany
Enjoy tidal swimming pools along Brittany's Emerald Coast. At Dinard, the Piscine de Mer overlooks the main beach, while Saint-Malo's Piscine de Bon Secours allows walks to Grand-Bé island at low tide. Hike to Fort La Latte on Cap Fréhel for dramatic views. Information at dinardemeraudetourisme.com.
Explore the Wild Aubrac Plateau
Exit the A75 autoroute at exit 39 to discover the volcanic Aubrac plateau. This area features stone-walled meadows, wild flowers, and converted buron huts like Buron de Born, serving local dishes such as aligot and truffade. With minimal light pollution, it is ideal for stargazing. Visit tourisme-en-aubrac.com for details.
Carolyn Boyd, author of Amuse Bouche: How to Eat Your Way Around France, provides insights into these destinations. Support the Guardian by ordering the book at guardianbookshop.com, noting that delivery charges may apply.
