Traveling to England and France: An Overview
England and France tours are known for historic castles, world-renowned landmarks, outdoor adventures, and ancient picturesque towns ranging from Amesbury to Normandy. Read on to find out your preferred starting and end points and transportation.
Getting from England to France
Both England and France boast world-class international airports (such as Heathrow in London and Charles de Gaulle in Paris) with numerous connecting and domestic flights. As a general trend, the popular choice among many tourists embarking on a combined trip to England and France is first to visit England and then head to France. If you’re in this camp, consider flying into Heathrow Airport in London or Manchester Airport to start your trip.
The train system crossing the English Channel between the two countries is highly efficient and the preferred mode of travel for most. If starting in London, the Eurostar train to Paris is direct and is also the fastest, with travel time averaging 2 hours and 16 minutes. If traveling from Folkestone, boarding the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle takes you to Coquelles in Pas-de-Calais in France, which has a travel time of only 35 minutes.
Ridesharing, flying, and carpooling are other popular options for travel across the two countries, depending on urgency, cost, and travel preferences. Research train passes, rent a car, or book flights in advance for good deals.
Best time to visit England and France
Holiday charm or spring blooms? Visit England and France any time of the year, depending on your interests, but overall, late spring (from May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to explore these countries. During these periods, the weather tends to be pleasantly mild, and there are generally fewer tourists (with the exception of June).
For more detailed information, read our Best Time to Visit England and Best Time to Visit France guides.
Highlights of England and France trip
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Indulge your tastebuds via wine tasting in Sussex, England’s historic wine region, and world-renowned wine land, Bordeaux in France.
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Step back in time and soak in centuries of history by visiting regal British castles like Windsor and Warwick and French châteaux like Chenonceau and Mont Saint-Michel.
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Savor English and (especially) French cuisine, from devouring a full English breakfast on your London trip to indulging in flaky croissants as you tour Paris.
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Learn about world history by looking at ancient artifacts and treasures exhibited in the British Museum in London or canonical works of Western art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
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Hike stunning coastal trails along England's Jurassic Coast and France's glamorous Côte d'Azur. Both coastal regions are suited for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and boating.
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Marvel at the views from the Tower of London and the Eiffel Tower, two iconic landmarks representing England and France.
England and France travel tips
- If skiing in France is your top priority, plan your trip during peak ski season in the French Alps, which runs from mid-December through April.
- Combine your trips with the festive atmosphere of Christmas and New Year's celebrations in England for a fun holiday experience.
- Most SIM cards in Europe will give you free data to other European countries. Ask for roaming deals when buying your SIM card.
- Consider purchasing a Eurail global pass for discounted train travel if you plan to visit multiple destinations in England and France. With the pass, you can also travel on the Eurostar high-speed train connecting London with France.
At a Glance: England and France
| England | France | |
| Annual visitors | Approximately 31 million | Approximately 48 million |
| Ideal duration | 10 days to 2 weeks | 10 days |
| Transportation |
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| Top destinations | London, Manchester, Bristol, Bath, Birmingham | Paris, Nice, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux |
| Top activities |
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| Affordability |
England is slightly more expensive than France to tour. The living cost in London is 21% more expensive than in Paris, which is reflected by the overall trip expense. |
Accommodation in France is on par with England, but food is generally cheaper. |
