From Volcanic Wilds to World-Class Art: 10 Fun and Fabulous Reasons to Visit France in 2026
France offers an array of under-the-radar attractions that promise unforgettable experiences. From steampunk wonders in Calais to the largest collection of impressionist works outside Paris, here are ten compelling reasons to plan your trip across the Channel in 2026.
Ride a Dragon in Calais
You don't need to travel deep into France to encounter its wow factor. Within minutes of exiting the ferry or Channel Tunnel, you can face a fire-breathing dragon. The Dragon de Calais is a 25-meter-long mechanical beast that stomps along the renovated seafront, carrying 48 passengers on its back. With adult tickets priced at €9.50, it emits jets of fire, steam, and water from its nostrils. Created by the team behind Les Machines de L'île in Nantes, known for steampunk wonders like a 12-meter elephant, this attraction is joined this year by Le Varan, a giant iguana that crawls around Calais and the old fishing district, accommodating 25 passengers for €8.50. While there, explore the beaches at Hardelot-Plage and visit Chateau d'Hardelot, which highlights Franco-British relations.
Celebrate Monet in Rouen
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet's death, with events planned across Normandy and Paris. Avoid the crowds at Giverny or the Musée d'Orsay by visiting Rouen, where Monet painted the cathedral's facade over 30 times, inspired by its ever-changing, silver-grey light. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen houses the largest collection of French impressionist works outside Paris, including pieces by Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley. Nearby, explore the Boucles de la Seine natural regional park, cycling through orchards and past the ruined Abbaye de Jumièges along the River Seine.
Visit a Postman's Palace in Drôme
In the Dauphiné region near Grenoble, discover the Palais Idéal, a whimsical monument built over 33 years by postman Ferdinand Cheval. Inspired by travel journals and postcards from his 20-mile route, this 10-meter-high palace features mythical creatures, Egyptian temples, and Swiss chalets on its facade. The on-site museum recounts Cheval's tragic life and the efforts to have the structure listed as a monument. Nearby, explore the Vercors mountains with roads like the Combe Laval route, the Grotte de Choranche caves with spaghetti-like stalactites, and Pont-en-Royans, where medieval houses hang over 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, such as the Soucoupe sports center shaped like a flying saucer, and La Baule's belle époque villas and vast beach. In Rennes, rehydrate on Rue Saint-Michel, nicknamed Rue de la Soif for its many bars. The route ends with a flat stage at Mont-Saint-Michel, offering a fresh challenge for riders.
Celebrate Figs in the Var
Plan a late-summer trip to the Vallée du Gapeau near Toulon, renowned for its fig orchards. The harvest begins in late August with the Fête de la Figue in Solliès-Pont, featuring markets, grove tours, and a four-course dinner with music. Hike in the wooded valley to see the "elephant rock," visit the Moulin à Huile du Partégal for olive oil tastings, and stroll through unspoiled villages like Solliès-Ville and Solliès-Toucas.
Taste Cheese in the Jura Mountains
Explore the Jura mountains, home to comté cheese, via the Routes du Comté. Visit the Fort Saint-Antoine, where 100,000 wheels of comté age in a 19th-century fort, with tours available for €11. Enjoy comté and savagnin wine fondue at Restaurant du Fromage near Lac de Malbuisson. In Poligny, La Maison du Comté visitor center explains how the cheese is made, infused with flavors from 130 plants in the spectacular landscape.
Hunt for Bric-a-Brac in Normandy
Take a road trip to the Perche regional natural park in southern Normandy, known for rolling hills, cider farms, and charming villages. Hunt for vintage treasures in brocante shops near Bellême, Mortagne-au-Perche, and along the D923 road. With many good restaurants popular among Parisians, stay at La Maison d'Horbé B&B in La Perrière or Hotel les Prés in Saint-Hilaire-le-Châtel, both offering rooms from €142.
Relive History in the Vendée
Discover Puy du Fou, a unique theme park in the Vendée countryside, featuring historical re-enactments of Viking invasions, Roman chariot races, and medieval jousting with over 2,500 actors. Experience quieter wonders like walking through the 18th-century ship La Pérouse or the Amoureux de Verdun trench experience from World War I. Adult tickets start at €47.
Swim in a Tidal Pool in Brittany
Along Brittany's Emerald Coast, swim in tidal pools like the Piscine de Mer in Dinard, overlooking the main beach, or Saint-Malo's Piscine de Bon Secours, where you can walk to Grand-Bé island at low tide. Hike to Fort La Latte on Cap Fréhel for dramatic views of the coast.
Explore the Wild Aubrac Plateau
For solitude, exit the A75 autoroute at exit 39 to explore the volcanic Aubrac plateau. Stone-walled meadows with wild flowers and converted buron huts, like Buron de Born, serve local dishes such as aligot and truffade. With minimal light pollution, it's ideal for stargazing at night.
These attractions showcase France's diverse offerings, from cultural highlights to natural wonders, making 2026 an ideal year for exploration.
