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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.