France Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Bordeaux, pain au chocolat, and the Mona Lisa: France is the ultimate travel destination. But with 5 climate zones on the mainland alone it can be hard to decide when is the best time to visit. Our answer? The best time to have a trip to France is from April to November for great weather but during spring (April to June) or fall (October to November) if you wish to avoid crowds. Whether you are visiting the museums of Paris or enjoying a luxe resort on the French Riviera, favorable weather and fewer crowds are essential to enjoying the perfect holiday. Read on for more details on the best time to visit France.

January might be colder than the other months but a visit to France in January can be the most heart-warming winter holiday. Whether you dream of a skiing adventure in the Alps, a stroll along the spectacular French Riviera, or cozying up in cafés and indulging in pain au chocolat, visit France! Aside from the unparalleled beauty of the country, January also brings post-holiday bargains on flights and accommodation.

A trip to France in February is an amazing opportunity to explore this romantic country with far fewer tourists. Early in the month, travelers tend to flock to the east, where the snow-covered Alps connect France with Italy and Switzerland. There are also many festivals, exhibitions and other special events taking place around the country in February, such as the spectacular Nice Carnival. Whether you prefer skiing or sightseeing, France is always full of excitement in February.

Many areas of France are beautiful in March. Spring is just starting, bringing flowers, fresh produce and slightly warmer temperatures, without the hordes of crowds that descend during the summer. Especially if you choose to travel to France earlier in the month, you’ll likely benefit from cheaper flights, better hotel rates and more space to visit the main attractions.

Spring is in full bloom on your tour to France in April when the country enters its shoulder season. Temperatures continue to soar as winter’s last remnants fade. You will enjoy cheaper rates on accommodations, airfare, and trains during this time of year. Warmer weather and thinner crowds in most parts of the country mean that this is a great time to amble along the Loire Valley, discover the highlights of Avignon and enjoy the spectacular beaches of southern France.

With summer just around the corner, a trip to France in May offers a mild weather with a few rain showers here and there. The mercury continues to rise as spring comes to a close, while tourists slowly trickle into popular sites and attractions. The sea may still be too cold to swim in, but now is an excellent time to enjoy the pleasant weather without contending with crowds. Take part in a plethora of outdoorsy activities while in the country during this time of year. Spy on celebrities in Cannes, be part of Grand Palais Éphémère’s Taste of Paris food festival, or explore the mountain villages of Bastia.

Home to quaint medieval cities, sprawling alpine villages, and Mediterranean towns renowned for their wealthy inhabitants and luxurious harbors, France has something for all traveler types. While beachcombers take to the French Riviera and nature enthusiasts tackle the Pyrenees mountains, foodies flock to the patisseries of Paris and historians visit the beaches of Normandy. With so much on offer, you might find yourself struggling to choose one destination or activity over another — wine tasting at a Bordeaux vineyard or viewing landmark art at the Louvre? For inspiration and ideas on how many days should you spend in France go through our recommended France itineraries.

While you can travel the length of France from Hauts-de-France to Lamanère in just 10 hours, you will need more time than that to properly explore the country. If you are traveling through Europe and have only 4 days to spend in France, sticking to a region of interest just as the French Riviera and Burgundy or the Loire Valley will allow you to see more and waste less time on the road. First-timers would do well spending all 4 days in Paris, checking off highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Seine River cruise. If planned correctly you can even add in a day trip from Paris to Loire Valley or Versailles to a short 4-day tour in France. Overall 4 days in France is enough time to cover a couple of cities or a major region in the country.

If you are looking for a holiday in France but are hesitant because you only have 5 days, worry not! France in 5 days is perfectly feasible, allowing you to explore the capital of Paris, the central Loire region, and Normandy in the North with plenty of time to be able to take in the beauty of each destination to its fullest.

Continental France comprises 13 official regions, including the island Corsica, which are further categorized into six primary tourist areas. During 6 days in France, focus on one of these provinces, or travel to two. For example, the northwest includes Brittany, favored by cyclists, and Normandy. Ocean-lovers often prefer the south, including cities and towns like Nice, St. Tropez, Nimes and Provence, extending from the Riviera to the foothills of the Pyrenees. During your 6-day France tour, take the opportunity to uncover one of the regions thoroughly, or go with a tour that hops in between a few, covering the streets of Paris to Champagne-Ardenne. If you’re an avid hiker, the Western Massif Central beckons with its mountain ranges, including destinations like Loire and Rhône.

A week in France offers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, allowing you to immerse in its rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Begin in Paris, where iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and charming cafés await. Then, venture to the lavender fields and vineyards of Provence for a taste of French countryside living. Head to the glamorous French Riviera to relax on Mediterranean beaches or explore the chic streets of Nice and Cannes. With a week, you can experience France's diverse charm, from art and history to breathtaking coastlines and picturesque towns.

Whether you have been in love with Paris for the longest time or have been dreaming about biking or walking expeditions through its wine country. Maybe the French Riviera has been tugging on your heartstrings for as long as you can remember or you’ve always wanted to hit the ski slopes in Val d'Isère? Well, 8 days in France is ample time for any such endeavors. Paris is a good base for your France trip with plenty of opportunities for day trips, or settle down in the Loire Valley to become a wine connoisseur. Wherever you are, on an 8-day France tour, you can revel in uniquely French activities, such as perfume-making workshops, cooking classes, or honing in on your artistry skills like drawing.