Planning a Trip to France: Tips for Planning Your Perfect Holiday

It is no wonder that travelers make a beeline for a France tour in June. For this is when flowers are in full bloom, the weather is warm and celebrations take place all over the country. France in June, however, is a mixed bag in terms of crowds and costs. Come early in the month for thinner crowds and bargain prices. Come late and you might have to contend with hordes of people and skyrocketing prices. However, regardless of all its shortcomings, June is an exceptional time to explore Paris, Normandy, and the sun-kissed southern coast of the country.

Crystal-clear skies, warm seas, and events taking place nationwide – it is no wonder travelers absolutely love a France tour in July. Welcome to the country’s warmest (and busiest) month, where beaches attract holidaymakers like moths to a flame and the country’s most popular attractions are jam-packed. France’s high season can be chaotic, so plan well in advance. Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris, explore Provence’s vineyards, go beaching at the French Riviera, or cheer on Tour de France competitors at Brittany.

France turns into a winter wonderland in December. If you do not mind the cold, now is a great time to experience the country's winter charm. A trip to France gears you up for a festive season, streets come alive with Christmas markets and concerts. Enjoy off-season rates and thinner crowds during the first few weeks of the month. Base yourself in Paris to discover its Christmas markets, hit the slopes in the Southern Alps, or seek respite from the cold at Côte d’Azur.

The reopening of schools around the world means that France in October is free from the crowds that the country sees from July through September. And while the temperature gently declines, this is more than made up for by the fall color of the country’s trees and shrubs, alongside annual events such as Paris’ Nuit Blanche, or ‘white night’. So if you are keen to discover France beyond the stereotypes, October could be the right month for you!

France in September offers warm weather with the added benefit of thinner crowds – a much-needed breather from the congested month of August. With summer in its twilight and autumn just around the corner, there are a host of wine-related festivals to take part in and mild water temperatures off the country’s coast beckon you to dive in. Now is a great time to explore Bordeaux and its wine-producing regions. You can also make the most of your stay in the country with a trip to the stunning French Riviera after the crowds have left.

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 11 days in France, you can explore the rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and culinary wonders this enchanting country offers. From the romantic ambiance of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux and the stunning coastal landscapes of the French Riviera, your journey can include a delightful mix of experiences. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in one or two iconic destinations or enjoy a whirlwind road trip across multiple destinations, the possibilities are endless. Explore more through our France 11-day tours.

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.

From the fashionable streets of Paris to the balmy Mediterranean shores along the French Riviera to the countrysides laden with vineyards, castles and perfumeries, your cup will be left full after 12 days in France. It’s just the right amount of time for moving between multiple cities, towns, villages and citadels in a day, or even day trips to new countries, like Monaco. Tick off UNESCO heritage sites, like the Roman Theater of Arles (built in the 1st century), the Episcopal City of Albi and the Pont du Gard, a Roman Aqueduct. Join authentic workshops or cooking classes, cruise through national parks, and see first-hand where some of the world’s greatest art geniuses lived and found inspirations for their masterpieces—all on a 12-day France holiday.

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.

Wondering if 9 days in France is enough time? The answer is a big YES! Choose in-depth explorations of cities, visiting one new destination a day, like Paris, the Loire Valley and Deauville; pick a part of the country to make your base and then day-trip plenty, for example, the French Riviera or Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes; or opt for an extensively jam-packed tour, visiting close to 20 cities, towns and villages, some days up to four new destinations in a go, or even a country, like the world’s second tiniest, i.e. Monaco. You can experience it all on a 9-day France tour.

From cycling across the Loire Valley to soaking up endless sunshine in the French Riviera, with 13 days in France you have the freedom of exploring a dizzying array of unique destinations. With this duration, you’ll be left with a cup overflowing with authentic, excellent French wine and food. Marvel at the sights that inspired fairytales like “Sleeping Beauty” and “Beauty and the Beast” in Ussé, Chambord and Riquewihr, and photograph some of our world’s most famous gardens. Explore cities founded by ancient Greeks and Romans, or set foot in the neighborhoods where great artists like Monet and da Vinci once lived. On a 13-day tour of France, you can also carve out time to see some of Europe’s most iconic architecture, from Romanesque-Byzantine churches to medieval forts.