Bonjour! I am Mathieu Lefebvre, I am a French national taking medicine in the United States. I took a great interest in alternative medicine since they are very prevalent here in the United States than in my native country! Though they are not really taught in our school that extensively, I find myself learning about them for the sake of knowledge!When life throws you a curveball, and medicine in France is no longer the path you are treading, why not pivot to something equally interesting and useful? This is true that France has many hospitals and lecture halls, but you can also find different experiences waiting to be explored here.
Do you know about its historical marvels or culinary wonders? France has it all. Are you ready to discover a side of the country you’ll never find in a textbook?
1. Numismatic Part: Musée de la Monnaie (Coin Museum)
The Musée de la Monnaie in Paris is a place where you will find centuries of economic history, craftsmanship and artistic expression. Here, you can know more about different coins, medals and ancient artifacts that chronicle the evolution of currency.
One of the star attractions is the exhibit on rare international coins, including discussions around the topic of the 1960 penny value today, a must-see for any numismatics fan. But this is not the only item of the exhibition. It is better to explore it on your own.
Tips for Visiting: Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibits. You should take a guided tour to know more about minting processes and the significance of various coins from professionals.
Prices: Entry fee is approximately €12 for adults, while students and seniors can enjoy discounted rates.
Working Hours: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
Address: 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France.
2. Stroll Through the Lavender Fields of Provence
Imagine how you walk through fields of purple, the air heavy with the calming scent of lavender. Provence is exactly this dream-like experience, especially during the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom.
The best spots to see lavender include the Plateau de Valensole and the Abbey of Sénanque. Both have stunning views and fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips for Visiting: Visit between late June and early August for the best bloom. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best for avoiding crowds and capturing the best light for photography.
Prices: Most fields are free to visit, but some private farms may charge a small fee (€3-€5) for entry.
Working Hours: Open fields are accessible all day, but guided tours operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Address: Various locations across Provence, e.g., Valensole and Gordes.
3. Architectural Wonder of Mont Saint-Michel
What if you could step into a medieval fantasy world? Mont Saint-Michel offers just that, with its island abbey rising from the sea like something out of a storybook. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.
The abbey itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and the panoramic views from its top are unforgettable.
Tips for Visiting: Check the tide schedule before visiting, as the island becomes inaccessible during high tide. Wear comfortable shoes, as the climb to the abbey is steep.
Prices: Entry to the abbey costs around €11, with free access for EU residents under 26.
Working Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Address: Mont Saint-Michel, 50170, Normandy, France.
4. Sip Fine Wine in Bordeaux
What could be better than a glass of world-class wine while overlooking lush vineyards? Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, is precisely that. This region is famous for its bold reds and elegant whites.
Don’t miss the popular wine estates, e.g., Château Margaux and Château Lafite Rothschild. The Cité du Vin museum is another one that offers an experience in wine culture.
Tips for Visiting: Book wine tours in advance, especially during peak season. Many estates require prior reservations.
Prices: Wine tastings range from €20 to €100 (depends on the estate).
Working Hours: Most estates operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Cité du Vin is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Address: Various locations across Bordeaux. Example: The Cité du Vin is located at 134 Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux.
5. Explore Lyon
Are you a lover of history and gastronomy? Lyon is the place to be. As France’s gastronomic capital, it will present you a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.
Key sites include the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the ancient Roman Theatre, and the Renaissance district of Vieux Lyon.
Take a food tour to sample local delicacies, e.g., quenelles and praline tarts. Do not miss the markets, especially Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
Prices: Many attractions are free, but guided tours cost around €15-€30.
Working Hours: Most attractions are open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
6. Ski in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix is nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. It is perfect for adventure seekers. If you like skiing, snowboarding or hiking, Chamonix has it all for you.
For example, the Aiguille du Midi cable car ride offers stunning views of Mont Blanc. In winter, the Vallée Blanche ski route is an experience you will never forget.
Tips for Visiting: Dress warmly and be prepared for sudden weather changes. If you’re not into extreme sports, enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque town.
Prices: A day ski pass costs around €60. The Aiguille du Midi cable car ride costs €70 round trip.
Working Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (seasonal variations apply).
Address: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 74400, Haute-Savoie, France.
7. Wander the Streets of Colmar
Colmar, with its colorful half-timbered houses and beautiful canals, may be compared with a fairytale. Located in Alsace, it’s one of France’s prettiest towns.
You should definitely explore Petite Venise, the Unterlinden Museum, and the stunning St. Martin’s Church.
Tips for Visiting: Visit during the Christmas season for its famous markets. In summer, take a boat ride through the canals.
Prices: Most attractions are free, but museum entry fees range from €5 to €10.
Working Hours: Attractions are generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Address: Colmar, 68000, Alsace, France.
8. Relax on the French Riviera
What better way to unwind than by basking in the Mediterranean sun? The French Riviera has glitz, glamour and gorgeous beaches. There’s something for everyone.
Visit Nice for its Promenade des Anglais, Cannes for its film festival vibe, and Saint-Tropez for luxury and nightlife.
Avoid peak summer months if you prefer fewer crowds. Explore lesser-known spots like Menton and Antibes for a quieter experience.
Prices: Beach access is free, but renting sunbeds can cost up to €40 per day.
Working Hours: Public beaches are accessible 24/7, while restaurants and shops typically operate from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Benefit and Enjoyment
If you come to France, you can be sure that you will find something to do here. You can develop your skills, hobbies, have fun or just admire the landscapes. There are activities for everyone in this country.
So if you are going to undergo treatment in one of the cities of France, you can do it together with visiting the cultural and natural places of the country.
And what can you advise? Leave your comments and share with other people what else you can do in France.