Traveling to France in 2026: Culture, New Experiences, and Must-See Highlights

France’s cultural scene remained exceptionally vibrant in 2025. Among the year’s major highlights was the opening of the Fondation Cartier near the Palais-Royal, housed in a striking building designed by Jean Nouvel. The new venue provides a bright, contemporary space dedicated to fostering connections between artists, audiences, and innovative forms of artistic expression. 2026 is shaping up to be another ambitious year for culture in France.

• The year also commemorates the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet’s death, with a rich lineup of cultural events. Normandy and the Île-de-France, cradles of Impressionism, invite travelers to follow an immersive trail through the landscapes that shaped the artist’s vision, from historic artists’ homes to renowned museums and preserved countryside.
  Beginning March 27, the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny will present “Before the Water Lilies: Monet Discovers Giverny, 1883–1890,” an exhibition retracing Monet’s first years in the Norman village where his famous Water Lilies were born. And in Paris, the journey continues effortlessly, with iconic institutions like the Orangerie, Marmottan, and the Musée d’Orsay offering countless chances to admire the painter’s work.

• Another major artistic milestone is taking shape in Massy-Palaiseau, where the Centre Pompidou Francilien, Fabrique de l’art is set to open in fall 2026. This unprecedented project brings together the collections of the Centre Pompidou and the Musée national Picasso-Paris in a dynamic cultural hub that combines conservation, research, public engagement, and artistic creation. Visitors will be able to watch artworks being restored, explore storage spaces, take part in workshops, and meet artists in residence.

• After a major renovation, the Musée de la Vie Romantique welcomes visitors back to the former home of artist Ary Scheffer, nestled at the base of Montmartre. The permanent galleries have been fully redesigned to enhance the visitor experience while honoring the historic character of the house. Meanwhile, the garden tea room remains a serene haven, inviting visitors to linger and experience the spirit of 19th-century Paris.

France is home to several iconic theme parks, including Parc Astérix, the Jardin d’Acclimatation, and the Futuroscope in Poitiers. In 2026, Disneyland Paris will take center stage with a particularly festive lineup. Beginning March 29, 2026, visitors will be able to discover a brand-new universe inspired by Frozen. This beloved animated film comes to life as guests stroll through the streets of Arendelle, just as they’ve seen on screen. 

This magical new world will feature:

• Frozen Ever After, a musical cruise journeying from the North Mountain to Elsa’s Ice Palace
• Animated streets and a breathtaking lagoon show in front of Arendelle Castle
• A Nordic-style restaurant and themed shops
• An unforgettable opportunity to meet Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven, and more.

France’s architectural heritage remains a treasure waiting to be explored. Following the emotional reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral last year, 2026 offers plenty of new opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of both historic and contemporary landmarks.

• The Tour Triangle, under construction since 2021, is set to open in summer 2026. With its trapezoidal shape, 42 floors, and a height of 180 meters, it will become Paris’s third-tallest building, after the Eiffel Tower and the Tour Montparnasse. This new Parisian landmark will feature offices, a hotel, retail spaces, public areas, and a panoramic restaurant. Part of its energy will be generated by solar panels, and the project includes an 8,000-square-meter public garden, reflecting a bold and sustainable design approach.

• Elsewhere in Paris, the Pont Neuf will become the stage for a spectacular immersive installation by artist JR. Reimagined as a monumental “urban cave,” the project offers visitors a powerful blend of art and history, following the rescheduling of an initiative originally planned in tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s iconic wrapping of the bridge.

French hospitality continues to impress with its creativity and refinement, adding new gems each year to its collection of urban Palaces, countryside estates, and eco-conscious hideaways.

• The most anticipated opening of 2026 is the world’s first Louis Vuitton Hotel, located at 103–111 Champs-Élysées. Spanning 6,000 square meters, the hotel will occupy a Haussmann-era building formerly used as a bank and will also feature a café, a gift boutique, a chocolate shop, and a permanent exhibition showcasing international artists who have collaborated with Louis Vuitton.

• In the Pyrénées, the Hôtellerie des Laquets, perched at 2,620 meters on the Pic du Midi, will bring a long-abandoned historic building back to life. Accessible by cable car, the hotel will offer sixteen contemporary rooms overlooking one of Europe’s most spectacular night skies, with sunrise views over the peaks, high-altitude silence, refined mountain cuisine, and stargazing from glass-enclosed terraces.

• Finally, the reopening of the Château de Divonne in Divonne-les-Bains is also eagerly awaited. The property is expected to earn five-star status and feature 72 rooms, a spa, and five suites.

Following the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, France continues to welcome fans with renewed excitement to experience world-class sporting competitions.

In 2026, several major international sporting events will take place across the country, starting with the 113th edition of the Tour de France. The race will kick off in Barcelona on July 4 and finish in Paris on July 26. Featuring 21 stages, dramatic mountain routes, and new host cities, the Tour promises a spectacular show, both in athletic performance and breathtaking scenery.

Also not to be missed is the Rugby Sevens World Cup, whose final stage will take place from June 5 to 7 in Bordeaux, at the Stade Atlantique. The summer will continue with the European Aquatics Championships, running from July 31 to August 16 at the Centre Aquatique Olympique in Saint-Denis, as well as in the Seine River for open-water events, further celebrating the legacy of Paris 2024.

France’s rich tradition of craftsmanship is deeply rooted in centuries-old expertise, and travelers are often given the chance to experience it firsthand through open workshops, training sessions, and creative activities. One highlight not to be missed is the European Days of Arts and Crafts, held from April 7 to 12, 2026. From glassmaking and ceramics to leatherworking and beyond, artisans welcome visitors into their studios, revealing the true spirit of French craftsmanship beyond traditional tourist paths.

French gastronomy continues to reinvent itself, particularly through the opening of new dining destinations.

• In Paris, in the heart of Le Marais, chef Eloi Spinnler unveils a third address that is sure to attract food lovers from around the world. Called Envie le banquet, this new concept offers an all-you-can-eat buffet combining generosity, freshness, and refinement. Around one hundred dishes make up the spread, including sixty savory options, among them about twenty vegetarian choices, twenty-five cheeses, and fifteen desserts. A standout favorite is the pâté en croûte bar.

• In Brittany, a new culinary stop has opened between Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel. Dames, founded by Marine Hervouet and Pascaline Albicini, serves an elegant menu centered on seafood, seasonal vegetables, and Breton meats, all set in a former roadside diner reimagined as a warm, welcoming restaurant.

• Finally, in Lyon, Wine You Want, located in the fully renovated Collège Serin, offers regional dishes paired with wines curated by chef Hubert Vergoin, creating a new go-to spot for lovers of wine and fine food.

Bon appétit!