Good news. France is full of amazing places to explore. You do not need a car. You do not need a big budget. You just need a train ticket and a free weekend.
Here are a few places in France you can visit easily. Each one is beautiful. Each one is unforgettable.
Étretat. The Cliffs of the Alabaster Coast
Take a train from Paris to Étretat. It is one of the best things you can do when you travel in France.
Étretat is a small town in Normandy. It sits on the famous Alabaster Coast. The Alabaster Coast is known for its white chalk cliffs. These cliffs rise dramatically from the sea. The views are stunning.
The Falaise d'Aval
The Falaise d’Aval is one of the Alabaster Coast’s most sublime spots. Its white rock contrasts with the blue of the sea. The colours change depending on the time of day. At sunset, the panorama is truly exceptional.
Climb a long flight of steps from Étretat’s seafront. You will arrive at the top of the cliffs. From there, a path gives you breathtaking views of the cliffs below.
You will see the Porte d’Aval. This is a famous natural arch. The writer Maupassant described it as an elephant drinking from the sea. It was formed by centuries of erosion. Standing next to it, you feel very small.
A few metres from the arch, you will see the Aiguille, also called the Needle. This is a tall rock formation standing alone in the sea. It measures more than 55 metres high. Writers have been inspired by this strange rock for centuries. The famous author Maurice Leblanc wrote that the Needle is hollow and holds the secret of the kings of France.
The Falaise d'Amont
On the other side of the bay is the Falaise d’Amont. You can drive up or climb 263 steps on foot. At the top, you will find a small church, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. The view from up here looks like something from a painting by Monet.
There is also the Oiseau Blanc monument. This is dedicated to two brave aviators, Nungesser and Coli. In 1927, they tried to cross the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. Their plane was called L’Oiseau Blanc. Sadly, they never arrived.
The Manneporte
Further along the Alabaster Coast is the Manneporte. This is the biggest arch of all the cliffs near Étretat. You cannot see it from the main beach. You need to walk along the customs path above the Aval Crag. The walk is long. But the views are absolutely beautiful. You will feel immersed in nature.
The Beach and the Caves
Étretat’s beach is made of white pebbles, not sand. It is large and peaceful. In the mornings, you can watch fishing boats return to shore.
If the tide is low, you can walk along the base of the cliffs. You will reach the Trou à l’Homme, a small cave carved into the Aval cliff. The name comes from a Swedish sailor. In 1792, after a shipwreck, he was found alive at the cave entrance. The rest of his crew had perished at sea.
Other Highlights in Étretat
- The House Museum of Arsène Lupin. Maurice Leblanc, the creator of the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, lived in Étretat. The museum visit is theatrical and interactive. It follows seven dramatic scenes with music, video, and storytelling. You will feel like you are inside the mystery novel. Lupin’s adventures inspired the popular Netflix series Lupin, starring Omar Sy.
- Le Vieux Marché. A beautiful covered market of medieval origin. It was rebuilt in wood in the early 1900s. Inside you will find local craftsmen and souvenirs. A fresh fruit and vegetable market runs every Thursday on Place du Maréchal Foch.
- The Étretat Gardens. These are incredible. Seven themed gardens sit at the top of the cliffs. They were designed by Alexandre Grivko and mix topiary art, architecture, and literature. One garden is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Another has giant sculpted faces representing seven human emotions. Travel in France does not get more magical than this.
Mont-Saint-Michel. A Kingdom in the Sea
The next stop on your travel in France should be Mont-Saint-Michel. This is one of the most iconic places in France. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky island. It rises 80 metres from the sea. It is made of granite. Before any buildings were constructed, it was called Mont-Tombe.
Today, it is home to a magnificent medieval abbey. The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey has stood for over a thousand years. It blends spirituality, history, and extraordinary architecture.
The Abbey and Its History
The abbey is much more than a religious building. It tells the story of France across the centuries.
In the early 13th century, King Philippe Auguste supported the construction of a new Gothic-style section called La Merveille, The Marvel. It includes a cloister, a refectory, a guests’ room, and a knights’ room.
During the Hundred Years’ War, the Mount became a fortress. Towers and battlements were built around it. The monks remained loyal to France even when Normandy fell to the English.
Later, the abbey became a prison. Political opponents were held here, sometimes without trial. One king even kept prisoners in an iron cage hanging from the ceiling.
What to See at Mont-Saint-Michel
Walk through the majestic halls. Explore the fascinating crypts. Stand on the panoramic terrace and look out over the bay. The views are breathtaking.
Mont-Saint-Michel is a place where faith, art, and nature come together. Once you visit, you will never forget it.
Travel in France means you must see Mont-Saint-Michel at least once. It is accessible by bus or shuttle from nearby train stations.
Rouen. The City of Art and Historya
If you want more travel in France after Étretat and Mont-Saint-Michel, go to Rouen.
Rouen is the capital of Normandy. It is an extraordinary city. Did you know that Rouen was France’s second largest city until the 17th century?
Le Gros Horloge
The most famous landmark in Rouen is the Gros Horloge, the Big Clock. It sits on the Rue du Gros-Horloge, the main pedestrian street in the city. This street connects the Place du Vieux-Marché to the famous cathedral.
The Gros Horloge is a Renaissance arch spanning the street. Inside the belfry are the town’s bells. The clock mechanism dates from the 14th century. It is one of the oldest in Europe. And it is still working.
The single hand shows the time. A globe above the dial shows the phases of the moon. A figure below the number six changes each day to show the day of the week. It is incredible.
Climb to the top of the belfry. From there, you will enjoy the best panoramic view of Rouen. You can see the entire historic district.
Rouen Cathedral
Do not leave Rouen without visiting the Rouen Cathedral. This is a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture. The closer you get, the more detail you will see. The façade is extraordinary.
Inside, the columns and vaulted ceilings show the full power of Gothic design. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful. It is a perfect place to rest your feet and take it all in.
The artist Claude Monet painted Rouen Cathedral more than 30 times. Each painting captured a different light and time of day. Standing in front of the cathedral, you will understand why.
Did you know that the embalmed heart of Richard the Lionheart was first sent to Rouen Cathedral? History is everywhere in this city.
Study in France. Take the Next Step
France is one of the most exciting countries in the world for travel. It is also one of the best countries in the world for education. As an international student, you are already living in an incredible place.
If you want to study in France — or continue your studies in France — here are some great universities to consider:
- 🎓 Queen Mary University Paris – Global Study Europe
- 🎓 Schiller International University – Global Study Europe
- 🎓 GEDU Global Education – Global Study UK
These universities offer world-class programmes for international students. Whether you want to study business, arts, international relations, or more — there is a programme for you in France.
If you want to study in France, apply now. Register here with universities in France and start your journey today
