Holidays to France
Top destinations in France
Paris
From the glittering Eiffel Tower and the ‘Mona Lisa’ to your first bite of a flakey croissant at a chic cafe, Paris casts an enchanting spell.
Nice
With its mix of urban energy, old-world grandeur and year-round sun, Nice is more than the capital of Cote d’Azur. It’s one of the Mediterranean’s most enduring getaways.
Marseille
Discover the dynamic port city of Marseille, where ancient history, contemporary art and a coastline of golden beaches collide.
Bordeaux
Beloved for its world-class wine, this elegant French city has reawakened with new art, culture and cuisine. Now that’s something to toast!
Cannes
Cannes epitomises the old-school glamour of the French Riviera. Soak up its dazzling beaches, luxurious resorts and sunny Mediterranean climate, and you’ll soon see why.
Annecy
Brimming with storybook charm, this French Alpine city boasts winding canals and cobblestone streets surrounded by towering mountains and a bright blue lake.
Brittany
This scenic corner of northern France has idyllic harbours, fascinating war monuments and quaint villages. It also serves up some of the best crepes in France.
Normandy
History breathes through every corner of Normandy. Alongside medieval monasteries, World War II battlefields and a world-famous tapestry, you’ll find fabulous local cheese and cider.
Corsica
Corsica offers natural charm and historical wonders in equal measure, from rugged beaches to citadels perched atop craggy cliffs. And its fresh Mediterranean cuisine sweetens the deal.
France: fast facts
| Language | French |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
France holiday highlights
Iconic art
Nine million people visit Paris’ Musée du Louvre annually to see the famous ‘Mona Lisa’. But great art isn’t restricted to the capital. Rouen’s Musée des Beaux-Art has one of France’s largest impressionist painting collections. And the Musée Picasso in Antibes is housed in a 14th-century castle. For another unique art gallery, try La Piscine in Roubaix — an Art Deco swimming pool turned museum.
Wine country
Sampling the country’s world-renowned wines is one of the best things to do in France. But there are plenty more regions to uncork beyond the household names of Bordeaux, Beaujolais and Burgundy. The Route des Vins d'Alsace winds through wine-producing villages between Strasbourg and Colmar. And Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s cellars are some of France’s best. Look for ‘degustation’ or ‘goûtez’ on signs outside vineyards — this means tastings are available.
Outdoor adventures
As host of the annual Tour de France, it’s no surprise that this country has some of Europe’s best cycling routes. Tackle the 1,300-kilometre-long Vélodyssée along the Atlantic Coast from Brittany to the Spanish border, or follow the Veloscenic route between Paris and Mont Saint-Michel. Visiting in winter? The French Alps are home to world-class ski slopes in Meribel, Val d'Isere and Chamonix.
Things to do in France
Top attractions
Book ahead to visit the Eiffel Tower’s second-floor observation deck at sunset for panoramic golden hour views over the capital. Not far from Paris, the Palace of Versailles brings the historic opulence of King Louis XIV’s court to life. In Normandy, the rocky islet of Mont Saint-Michel is home to a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey and some of Europe’s highest tides.
Beaches
France’s 5,500 kilometres of coastline range from the aquamarine coves of the Mediterranean to dramatic cliffs in Normandy. Surfers flock to Biarritz for its swells. And you’ll see the country’s young and famous sunning themselves in Saint-Tropez. With the Côte d'Émeraude’s Belle Époque resorts and Corsica’s crystal-clear waters, the beaches in France are some of Europe’s best.
Nature
Home to soaring alpine peaks, granite coastlines, sunflower fields and yawning canyons, France’s landscape is a patchwork of natural wonders. Spring brings flamingos to the Camargue’s pink salt marshes. And winter is the perfect time to hit the slopes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Looking for a sandy summer break? Try Lac d'Annecy or the beaches of Île de Ré.
Culture and museums
With over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there’s culture to be found all over France. Pair a trip to medieval Carcassonne with a cruise down the Canal du Midi. And discover Versailles while visiting Paris. For a heavy dose of history, tour the Loire Valley’s fairy-tale ‘châteaux’ (castles). Or visit the Mémorial de Caen, one of the best World War II museums in France.
Cuisine
You’ll find far more than haute cuisine in the restaurants in France. Expect buckwheat crepes in Brittany, Champagne in Reims and some of the world’s best bistros in Lyon. Part of planning your holiday here is mapping out every meal. Grab a quick bite at a ‘boulangerie’ (bakery), where a ‘croque monsieur’ (hot ham and cheese sandwich) is always a treat.
Family friendly
Step into a wacky fantasy world at Les Machines de l'Île in Nantes, where giant mechanical animals and interactive exhibits promise a fun-filled day. In Marne-la-Vallée, Disneyland Paris is arguably the greatest theme park in Europe. Planning a winter break? Take the family to Strasbourg, home to France’s oldest Christmas market.
Find the best time to visit France
Weather in France
March – May: Relatively mild temperatures and fewer tourists make spring a great time to visit. Pack layers and an umbrella for sunny days, chillier evenings and occasional rain showers.
June – August: Look forward to long sunny days, balmy evenings and festivals during the summer. In the south, temperatures often reach 32°C, and beaches fill up with sun seekers.
September – November: Take advantage of warm days for hiking trips and outdoor excursions. The autumn harvest season is a prime time to visit the storied wine regions or go cider tasting in Normandy.
December – February: This is the best time to visit France for skiing and winter sports. Be prepared for the chance of snow and temperatures that often hover around freezing.
Events in France
Nice Carnival (February or March): Head to Nice for France’s biggest Carnival, featuring elaborate parades, dancers and musicians. Don’t miss the Battle of Flowers, where costumed performers shower the public with flowers.
Fête de la Musique (June): Some of Europe’s top bands and DJs take over city streets for this annual music festival. While it’s celebrated in towns and cities across the country, Paris’ festivities are the biggest. Look forward to gigs at iconic landmarks like the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries.
Bastille Day (July): All of France springs to life for this national holiday. In Paris, a military parade down the Champs-Élysées is a highlight, along with aircraft displays and fireworks.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Don’t let the stereotypes fool you — the French value courtesy, discretion and formality in public interactions. Take time to greet someone with a ‘bonjour’ (hello) and say goodbye with an ‘au revoir’. The French love to dress to impress, so skip the tracksuits and leisure wear, especially in fashionable cities like Paris. France takes its cuisine seriously — avoid asking restaurants for menu substitutions.
Health and safety
The weather can be unpredictable in France’s mountain regions. And there’s a risk of heavy snow and avalanches, especially during the winter months. Follow weather forecasts closely and dress appropriately for the given conditions. Altitude sickness can also be an issue in the mountains when skiing or hiking. Drink lots of water to help your body adjust.
LGBTQ+ travel
France’s long tradition of welcoming LGBTQ+ travellers makes it a popular and safe destination for the queer community. In Paris, neighbourhoods like Le Marais pulse with LGBTQ+ life. Beyond the capital, Nice stands out for its gay-owned businesses and lively Pride celebrations, while Toulouse also offers a mix of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
Budget
Prices will vary between cities and rural areas, but a cheap holiday to France is definitely possible. Find an affordable meal for 15 euros (€), a coffee for about €3 and a local beer for €6. You can expect to spend a night in a hostel dorm for less than €40 a night.
Getting around France
Public transportation
Buses: Local and regional buses serve large towns, cities and rural villages. Major operators like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus provide cheap long-distance journeys on popular routes like Paris to Lyon and Marseille to Nice.
Trains: Reliable and affordable, trains are one of the best ways to travel around France. SNCF operates services that cover much of the country, with high-speed TGV routes linking cities like Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille. Regional TER trains serve smaller towns.
Boats: Ferries connect mainland France to islands like Corsica and Île de Ré. There are also routes along the French Riviera, including Cannes to Île Sainte-Marguerite and Nice to Saint-Tropez.
Domestic flights
To cut carbon emissions, France has reduced domestic flights on routes that can be made by train in under two and a half hours. Some of the country’s biggest airports include Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly in Paris. Both are within easy reach of the city centre by shuttle bus and suburban rail service (RER). Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and Nice also have major airports.
Driving
Driving in France is safe and easy. You won’t find a main motorway running the length of the country, but an extensive network of ‘autoroutes’ connects most regions. Expect a toll charge on longer journeys.
