From Calais with its fantastical architecture to the pristine Aubrac plateau, France in 2026 offers a new journey of discovery, less crowded but full of enriching experiences.
Dragon riding in Calais
Just a few minutes' drive from the strait, visitors can encounter the Dragon de Calais – a 25-meter-long mechanical structure that carries dozens of passengers and moves along the coastline. The structure stands out with its fantastical style and unique design.
This year, the city of Calais adds Le Varan – giant salamanders that roam around the old town and harbor. Combining a stroll along Hardelot-Plage beach or a visit to Hardelot Castle will make your French travel itinerary even more vibrant this summer.
Following in the footsteps of the renowned painter Monet, we explore the Rouen Cathedral .
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of the renowned French painter Claude Monet. Instead of crowding into the famous Musée d'Orsay, visitors can head to the Rouen Museum of Fine Arts (in Rouen, Normandy, in northern France) to experience a more tranquil space, where he was once fascinated by the changing light on the facade of Rouen Cathedral and painted it more than 30 times.
Not only is it associated with Monet's legacy, the museum also houses an impressive collection of works by Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley. While strolling or cycling along the bends of the Seine River, visitors can easily recognize that the very scenes that have become part of painting history are still present, almost perfectly preserved.
The bizarre palace in Drôme
Palais Idéal, located in the town of Hauterives, Drôme province, in southern France, is a unique structure built by Ferdinand Cheval over more than three decades, using materials he collected during his mail delivery journeys. The blend of mythological details, Egyptian culture, and European architecture creates a rare, surreal world .
Nearby, visitors can explore the winding Combe Laval trail clinging to the sheer cliffs, or visit the Choranche cave with its delicate stalactites hanging from the ceiling. The journey continues through Pont-en-Royans, where ancient houses perched on the mountainside create a scene that is both spectacular and evocative, like stepping into a real-life fairy tale.
Cycling through Brittany
The Traversée Bretonne – a cycling journey through the Brittany region in northwestern France – takes travelers through 14 stages, connecting the vibrant city of Nantes at the region's gateway to Mont-Saint-Michel, the ancient monastery on a rocky island in the middle of the sea, a famous symbol of France.
Along the way, the uniquely shaped flying saucer-like Soucoupe will impress visitors, while the renowned seaside resort of La Baule attracts with its long beach and luxurious Belle Époque-style villas.
Stopping in Rennes, the vibrant capital city of Brittany, visitors can easily immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of Saint-Michel Street, also known as the "thirsty street" due to its dense concentration of bars.
Fig Festival in Var
Located not far from the port city of Toulon in southern France, Vallée du Gapeau is a lush green valley famous for its laden fig orchards, where the warm, sunny climate and abundant water resources create ideal conditions for this fruit tree to thrive.
In late August, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant with the Fête de la Figue festival in the village of Solliès-Pont, where visitors can explore the farmers' market, visit orchards, and participate in local outdoor parties.
Enjoy the cheeses of the Jurassic region.
The Jura Mountains are located in eastern France, along the border with Switzerland. This area belongs to the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté administrative region and is known for its cool climate and vast pastures – ideal conditions for dairy farming.
Therefore, this is the birthplace of Comté cheese - one of the oldest and most renowned cheeses in France.
At Saint-Antoine Fortress, visitors can tour the area where hundreds of thousands of cheeses are aged. Near Lac de Malbuisson, a local restaurant serves cheese fondue and Savagnin wine. The town of Poligny has the La Maison du Comté cheese center, which recreates the production process and showcases the flavors of this quintessential French delicacy.
Antique hunting in Normandy
Located in northern France, the Perche Regional Natural Park is a peaceful countryside with rolling hills, forests, and old villages, particularly appealing to antique hunters. Along towns like Bellême and Mortagne-au-Perche, as well as along the D923 road, numerous antique shops and second-hand stores are scattered throughout, displaying a wide variety of items bearing the marks of time.
Not only that, the area also impresses with its local cuisine and classic-style accommodations.
Experience history in Vendée
Puy du Fou Park is unlike a typical amusement park, as it recreates history through large-scale historical reenactments, from Viking warriors to the Roman Colosseum.
Swimming in Brittany's "tidal lakes"
The Emerald Coast in Brittany is notable for its natural tidal pools. In the resort town of Dinard, the Piscine de Mer tidal pool sits right by the coast, where visitors can swim while admiring the turquoise waters.
This area is not only ideal for swimming but also appealing for coastal walks, where every step opens up expansive ocean views. The scenery becomes even more spectacular when standing on Cap Fréhel or visiting Fort La Latte, where history and nature blend in a majestic setting.
Explore the Aubrac Plateau
The Aubrac Plateau is a volcanic plateau stretching across the provinces of Aveyron, Lozère, and Cantal in central France. It is notable for its The pristine landscape, vast grasslands, and traditional buron huts reflect a long-standing tradition of pastoralism.
Despite the A75 highway running through it and few tourists turning off, Aubrac offers a unique nature experience. Hiking trails, volcanoes, and green meadows.
Rustic restaurants serve specialties like aligot (mashed potatoes mixed with cheese). and butter) or truffleade (potato and cheese stir-fry) bring the authentic flavors of the highlands.