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

For cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds, the best time to visit France is during spring (April to June) or fall (October and November). Spring sees unpredictable rain showers, but they are usually short. This is also the time when the French countryside, with wildflowers blooming everywhere, looks stunning. Alternatively, fall is a great time to explore the wine-producing cities of Provence or Burgundy.

• Tour of Paris: The country’s capital is known for its fashion, art, and gastronomy. Take a tour in Paris and experience the city's iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Explore the French Riviera: Glamorous beach resorts are this destination’s main draw. Eschew the usually crowded Saint-Tropez in favor of lesser-known but equally beautiful communes like Saint-Paul de Vence or Eze.
• Visting Bordeaux: In addition to being one of the world’s biggest wine-producing regions, Bordeaux is stuffed with cultural sites, grand architecture, and world-class arts.
• Loire Valley: You can choose from more than 300 chateaux in this UNESCO World Heritage site in central France, or go wine tasting in its sprawling vineyards that extend all the way to the horizon. If you're up for renting a Chateaux, you might want to read our guide on the best Chateaux to stay in France.
• Voyage to Strasbourg: This city on the border of France and Germany offers striking historic attractions and a thriving arts and culture scene. Do not miss Le Petite France, one of Strasbourg’s most charming neighborhoods, during your stay there.

If you are planning a trip here, one week in France will allow you to explore important highlights. You can base yourself in Paris and easily cover at least one or two nearby regions if you are on a ten-day break. With two to three weeks, you can create the perfect vacation that covers central wine regions, the coastal areas of southern France, and the mountains in the country’s east.

Find out how many days to spend in France before you travel.

Air travel is the quickest way to get to France. Several airlines in Canada, the UK, and South Africa offer direct flights to the country. If you are traveling from New Zealand or Australia, consider a flight via Asia to get the best fares. Eurostar is an excellent alternative for those traveling from southern England. If you are planning to drive to the country, consider using the Channel Tunnel.

Before planning a trip to France, it is best to study local transportation options. France is highly accessible. City-to-city travel in the country is made easy by its national train network (SNCF). This service is very convenient for those traveling long distances and especially easy if you get a Eurail France pass. France’s budget-friendly bus services (Flixbus, Eurolines, and Ouibus) are a great choice for short distances. You can also rent a car with well-known rental agencies like AutoEurope, Hertz, Europcar, or Avis. Flying is a fantastic choice if you are looking to get somewhere fast. France has over 185 airports and domestic flights are affordable.

Where you go in France drastically affects how much you spend. Paris, for instance, is one of the most expensive cities in the world. So it will treat your pocket accordingly. The other expensive areas are those along the Mediterranean and the Dordogne, the Loire Valley, and cities like Lyon, Nice, and Bordeaux. Most of central France is a budget-friendly destination for travelers.

• A little French goes a long way in France. Brush up on your French as the locals, particularly in rural areas, speak very little English. A French-language guidebook or a translation app can be handy.
• Pickpocketing is a big issue in France, especially in major tourist areas, so hold on tight to your valuables. Learn more about scams and how to avoid them here.
• France’s emergency phone number is easy to remember: 112. It works from a public payphone, landline, or even a cellphone.

• France is generally a safe country to visit, but its safety has recently been compromised due to terrorist attacks. So it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. Report suspicious activities to the authorities.
• Touristy areas may be thick with thieves, so always make sure your belongings are secure.
• We recommend staying away from political rallies and demonstrations since France is notorious for having violent protests.

Known for its culture, architecture, and cuisine, it is no surprise France is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Get in touch with our local travel experts who can help you with a tailor-made trip to France.

• France City Sightseeing Tours
• France Wine Tasting Tours
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