Check Out the French Countryside from Your Couch
The 2023 Tour de France began in Bilbao, Spain, on July 1 and will end at the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 23. Sport fans and bicycle enthusiasts around the world who follow the 110th edition get a chance to see much of the French countryside along the course's 3,404 kilometers (2,115 miles).
Of course, there's an easier -- and more relaxing -- way to visit different areas of France. You can catch one of the French crime dramas available on streaming platforms.
I've listed some of the top-rated programs below. Like the Tour, the locations range from rural mountain regions to the diverse Paris metro area. The stories range from an ensemble cast to a lone hero (or heroine).
Murders in...
Since its debut more than 10 years ago, Murders in... has been one of more popular TV shows in France. Each episode takes place in a different locale outside major metro areas and gives viewers a chance to sample the history, customers and culture of a region while watching detectives solve a murder mystery. Twenty-two episodes have been produced so afar; they're available on MHz Choice.
The Crimson Rivers
There are a total of four seasons of this French crime thriller series, which features an old-school police detective and his former student. They tackle complex, brutal murder cases with unsettling rituals in remote locations around France. It's available on Walter Presents.
Spiral
One of the best ensemble shows ever, this police procedural and legal drama follows the day-to-day lives of six members of the Parisian judicial system as they deal with corruption, gang violence and horrific crimes. Eight seasons are available; you can watch on MHz Choice in the US, Prime Video in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
Candice Renoir
This highly rated series features French police Commandant Candice Renoir and her team, who solve different cases in a harbor city of southern France. There are a total of 95 episodes over 11 seasons; they're available on Prime Video and Acorn TV.
