Travel to France — everything you need to know
When to go to France?
- Apr – Jun — Ideal : Mild weather, moderate crowds, spring flowers. Ideal for exploring Paris and the regions.
- Sep – Oct — Great : Golden autumn light, grape harvest in the vineyards, fewer tourists than in summer.
- Jul – Aug — High season : Good weather but large crowds and high prices, especially on the coast and in Paris.
- Nov – Mar — Low season : Cool winter in Paris, but skiing in the Alps and Pyrenees. Good city prices.
Weather in France
Check the weather city by city, starting with Paris.
- Paris: daytime highs from 8 to 26 °C depending on the season, 53 mm of rain per month on average.
- Lyon: daytime highs from 7 to 28 °C depending on the season, 69 mm of rain per month on average.
- Strasbourg (Alsace): daytime highs from 5 to 26 °C depending on the season, 53 mm of rain per month on average.
- Avignon (Provence): daytime highs from 11 to 32 °C depending on the season, 54 mm of rain per month on average.
- Bordeaux: daytime highs from 11 to 28 °C depending on the season, 77 mm of rain per month on average.
- Nice: daytime highs from 13 to 28 °C depending on the season, 66 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in France?
France is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, combining exceptional historical heritage, renowned cuisine and varied landscapes. From the beaches of the French Riviera to the Alpine peaks, via the Loire Valley châteaux and Bordeaux vineyards, the country offers remarkable diversity. Paris, the City of Light, remains one of the most important cultural and artistic centres on the planet.
Paris
An unmissable capital, Paris concentrates a density of artistic and architectural masterpieces unmatched anywhere in the world. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and Montmartre form an iconic backdrop that millions of visitors come to admire every year. Beyond the monuments, the city charms with its cafés, lively markets and buzzing cultural life.
Highlights : Eiffel Tower — symbol of Paris, panoramic view from the top, Louvre Museum — the world's largest museum, home to the Mona Lisa, Notre-Dame Cathedral — Gothic masterpiece under restoration, Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur — bohemian district with city-wide views.
French Riviera
The French Riviera stretches from Menton to Saint-Tropez with its turquoise waters, Belle Époque villas and colourful markets. Nice, Cannes and Monaco each offer a distinct identity, from the Promenade des Anglais to the Film Festival and the princely palace. The Mediterranean setting, Provençal cuisine and sun-drenched lifestyle make it a dream destination.
Highlights : Promenade des Anglais in Nice — iconic seafront walk, Monaco & the Rock — fascinating microstate overlooking the Mediterranean, Verdon Gorge — Europe's grand canyon with emerald waters, Old Nice — colourful alleys and the Cours Saleya market.
Loire Valley
Nicknamed "the garden of France", the Loire Valley is home to over 300 Renaissance châteaux listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise bear witness to the royal splendour of the 15th and 16th centuries. The surrounding vineyards produce renowned wines such as Vouvray, Sancerre and Muscadet.
Highlights : Château de Chambord — Renaissance jewel with 440 rooms and a double staircase, Château de Chenonceau — the "ladies' château" spanning the Cher river, Château d'Amboise — royal residence with Leonardo da Vinci's tomb, Clos Lucé — Leonardo da Vinci's last home.
Mont-Saint-Michel & Brittany
Mont-Saint-Michel, a medieval abbey rising from the sea at high tide, is one of the most photographed sites in France. The neighbouring Breton coast offers wild moorland and cliff landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and a lively Celtic culture. Crêpes, galettes, cider and seafood complete this authentically Breton experience.
Highlights : Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey — medieval wonder on its rocky islet, Saint-Malo — corsair city with grand ramparts facing the sea, Pointe du Raz — wild headland at Europe's westernmost tip, Carnac — one of the world's most important megalithic alignments.
Alps & Chamonix
At the foot of the roof of Europe, Chamonix is the world capital of mountaineering and skiing. The valley offers grand panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif, spectacular glaciers and renowned resorts. In summer, hiking and cable cars open up access to the high mountains.
Highlights : Mont Blanc, Chamonix — valley and cable cars, Vallée Blanche — legendary off-piste skiing, Mer de Glace glacier, Annecy & its lake.
Lyon & Gastronomy
Lyon is the world capital of gastronomy, with its "bouchons" bistros, covered markets (Halles Paul Bocuse) and the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Its Renaissance old town and "traboules" — secret passageways between buildings — form a UNESCO-listed labyrinth. At the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, Lyon is also a vibrant cultural city.
Highlights : Old Lyon & traboules — UNESCO-listed Renaissance district, Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica — overlooking the city, Célestins Theatre.
Alsace & Strasbourg
Alsace is a region on the Franco-German border with a unique cultural identity: flower-decked half-timbered houses, vineyards along the Wine Route, sauerkraut and kouglof. Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament and an exceptional Gothic cathedral. Its Christmas market, the oldest and most famous in Europe, attracts millions of visitors every year.
Highlights : Strasbourg Cathedral — 142 m Gothic spire, La Petite France — former tanners' district with half-timbered houses, Strasbourg Christmas Market — the oldest in Europe.
Provence & Avignon
Provence is a symphony of lavender, cicadas and joie de vivre under the southern sun. Avignon and its Papal Palace, the Roman Pont du Gard, the cliffside village of Les Baux-de-Provence, the colourful markets of Aix and the lavender fields of the Luberon make it one of the most photographed regions in the world. Rosé wine, tapenade and pastis included.
Highlights : Avignon's Papal Palace — the world's largest medieval Gothic palace, Pont du Gard — UNESCO-listed 3-tier Roman aqueduct, Lavender fields of Luberon & Valensole — June–July, Les Baux-de-Provence — clifftop village and Carrières de Lumières.
Bordeaux & Vineyards
Bordeaux is the world capital of wine and a UNESCO-listed city for its exceptional 18th-century architecture. La Cité du Vin is a spectacular immersive museum, the Place de la Bourse is reflected in the giant water mirror, and the Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Sauternes are within cycling distance. Since the high-speed train arrived in 2017 (2h from Paris), the city has become one of the trendiest in France.
Highlights : Cité du Vin — immersive museum dedicated to wine civilisations, Place de la Bourse & Water Mirror — monumental reflection on water, Saint-Émilion — medieval village and UNESCO grand cru vineyard, Place des Quinconces.
Travel budget for France
France is a mid-range European destination. Paris remains pricier than the national average, but the regions offer excellent value for money. Dining can be affordable with lunch set menus and bakeries.
- Backpacker : 70–90 €/j — Hostel, sandwiches and lunch sets, public transport
- Comfort : 110–170 €/j — 3-star hotel, lunch and dinner out, a few museums
Practical tips for travelling to France
- Flight from Paris : Domestic destination — high-speed train recommended for connected cities
- Visa : No visa required for EU/Schengen citizens. ID card is sufficient. Other nationalities should check Schengen visa requirements.
- Currency : Euro (€). Cards accepted everywhere, but keep some cash for markets and small shops.
- Language : French. English spoken in tourist areas but not guaranteed outside big cities.
- Electricity : Type E (round, 2 pins + hole). 230V / 50Hz. Adapter needed outside Europe.
- Health : Excellent medical care. European Health Insurance Card valid for EU nationals.
- Main transport : Extensive high-speed rail network. Paris has a dense metro. Car rental useful in the regions.
- Public holidays : 14 July (Bastille Day), 15 August, 1 November… Some shops closed.
Compare France with other destinations