Ah, summer in France. The sun is out, the rosé is flowing the locals are either strolling stylishly or napping dramatically in the shade. Whether you fancy getting sandy on the Riviera, hiking in the Alps or pretending you’re in a perfume advert while cycling through lavender fields, France in summer is pure magic.
So, slap on your SPF, grab your sunnies let’s dive into the top 10 things to do in France when the weather turns magnifique.
1. Beach-Hop Along the French Riviera (a.k.a. The Côte d’Azur)
🏖️ Where everyone is tanned your sunglasses are never big enough.
From the glitz of Saint-Tropez and Cannes to the artsy vibes of Nice, the Riviera is the place to be seen or pretend you’re someone famous who’s just “keeping it low-key this year.” Think turquoise waters, chilled rosé possibly spotting someone from a Bond film.
🧺 Must do: Picnic with baguette, cheese the vague idea of swimming (you won’t, but it’s nice to pretend).
2. Frolic Through Lavender Fields in Provence
💜 Because deep down, we all want to feel like we’re in a perfume ad.
Every July, the rolling hills of Provence explode into a sea of purple. It’s breathtaking, it’s Instagrammable it smells like heaven with a hint of French smugness. Valensole is a top spot, but wherever you go, don’t forget to twirl dramatically.
📸 Photo tip: Go early morning or golden hour. Lavender looks best when you’re not sweating buckets.
3. Cycle Through Vineyards in Bordeaux or Burgundy
🚴♀️ Wine + exercise = balance.
Imagine pedalling past rows of sun kissed grapes, stopping occasionally to taste wine and “learn about tannins” (i.e. sip slowly and nod a lot). Summer is perfect for vineyard tours there’s no shortage of charming little villages to wobble into post tasting.
🍷 Expert move: Rent an e-bike. It’s still exercise if you’re sipping Sauvignon between vineyards.
4. Go Canoeing Under a Medieval Bridge (Yes, Really)
🛶 Kayak, paddle, float, repeat.
The Dordogne River is ideal for lazy summer days. You’ll pass medieval castles, towering cliffs villages that look like they were hand drawn by fairies. Bring a waterproof bag, snacks a hat that says “adventure but make it chic.”
🏰 Bonus: Paddle under Château de Beynac and feel like a soggy but noble knight.
5. Attend a French Music or Food Festival (Preferably Both)
🎉 Because the French know how to throw a party, especially if cheese is involved.
Summer means festival season. From the Nice Jazz Festival, to Fête de la Musique (on 21 June, when the entire country becomes one giant jam session), to garlic themed village fêtes that somehow work as you’ll eat, drink dance your way across France.
🧀 Pro tip: Always follow the smell. It usually leads to something tasty.
6. Hike the Alps Without the Snow (Still No Less Dramatic)
🥾 Because hiking with wildflowers beats hiking with frostbite.
Swap skis for boots and explore Chamonix, Annecy or Écrins National Park. The views are ridiculous, the air is fresh the cheese fondue is still socially acceptable. Hike up a bit, picnic, then come down with a very smug smile and aching calves.
📷 Top spot: Lac Blanc hike near Chamonix. Instagram won’t know what hit it.
7. Get Lost in a Château Garden Like You’re in a Period Drama
🏰 Bonus points if you do it in linen and sigh dramatically.
The Loire Valley is packed with castles straight out of fairy tales the summer gardens are in full, flamboyant bloom. Château de Chenonceau, Villandry Chambord are top tier. Bring a hat, bring snacks consider adopting a noble accent for the day.
🫖 Optional: Whisper “Mon Dieu” while gazing into a fountain. It adds drama.
8. Hit the Surf on the Atlantic Coast
🏄 Hang ten, eat moules-frites, repeat.
The west coast, particularly Hossegor, Biarritz Lacanau offers great waves, laid back vibes fewer crowds than the Med. It’s all surfers, sunsets sand in places you didn’t know existed.
🌊 Vibe: “I could totally move here and open a surf café.” You won’t. But dream big.
9. Explore Corsica (France’s Wild Child Island)
🏝️ It’s France, but with cliffs, caves slightly more drama.
Corsica is like the edgy cousin of mainland France: stunning beaches, rugged hikes, epic food the occasional wild pig. From the Calanques de Piana to the GR20 hiking trail, it’s an adventurer’s paradise with excellent gelato.
🍋 Must try: Lemon sorbet + a seaside sunset = happiness unlocked.
10. Just… Café-Hop in Paris and Pretend You’re Writing a Novel
☕ You’ve got a journal, a coffee a thousand meaningful stares. Nailed it.
Not every summer activity needs to be action packed. Sometimes the ultimate vibe is just sitting at a Parisian café in the Marais, sipping something overpriced and people watching like it’s a sport. Bonus points if you bring a Moleskine notebook and pretend to write poetry.
🥐 Fuel: Endless croissants and existential thoughts.
✨ Final Sun Soaked Thoughts:
Summer in France is a buffet of beauty, flavours fresh air. Whether you’re galloping through lavender or lounging on a Riviera beach like you own a yacht (you don’t, but no one needs to know), there’s something blissfully magical about being in France under the summer sun.
So go forth, get sandy, sun-kissed, slightly tipsy culturally enriched. You’ve earned it.
