France

Travel Info about France

Sunrise from Sacre Coeur, Paris

Fun Facts about France

• France is renowned as the fashion capital of the world, with Paris leading the way.
• The country boasts a staggering 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich history.
• The Louvre Museum in Paris houses over 380,000 objects, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa.
• The Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most visited monument in the World.
• When you visit France, you will find the country has a museum for everything and boasts over 1,200 museums.
• France produces over 1,000 varieties of cheese.
• France is also the world’s largest producer of wine with over 7 billion bottles produced annually.

French Culture

• France is very much proud of its culture, heritage, fashion and presence on the world stage, and citizens hold the country in high regard.
• When you visit France, make sure you try the national dish, Coq au Vin (Chicken in Wine). Also, if your palette is intrigued by more unusual tastes, you should taste escargot (Snails) and Frog Legs. France is also known for its incredible pastries, cheese and wine.
• The French way of life values leisure, art, and beauty.
• You may be surprised by greetings in France. For example, the customary cheek-kiss greetings (a kiss on each cheek with people you are familiar with). Make sure you always say “bonjour” (hello/ good day) when entering a shop or restaurant and “au revoir” (goodbye). Another word to know is “merci”, which means thank you.
• France is predominantly Catholic, so you’ll encounter countless stunning cathedrals and churches throughout the country.

Taken from Pont des Amours in Annecy

Budgeting in France

Travel and Transport

• Getting to France is very easy and convenient. Also, travelling around whilst you are there is made incredibly simple by the public transport system.
• France has a total of 18 international airports. For example, Charles de Gaulle in Paris, which offer frequent flights. Therefore, wherever you want to visit will be very easy to get too. Also, due to Paris and France being so popular with tourists, there are easy routes from most countries around the world.
• Make sure you book the cheapest flights for your next trip by using my expert guide here and use the code BLOG to get 25% off the marked price.
• Most visitors do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in France. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
• France boasts an extensive and reliable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the iconic Paris Métro. Efficient train systems in France, like the TGV, connect major cities and regions seamlessly, with speed and convenience.
• Renting cars, mopeds, or even tuk-tuks is also an option in certain areas.

View from Annecy le Vieux

Seasons/ When to Visit

When you Visit France, you will need to choose your travel dates wisely depending on the experience you desire. France will be busy for the majority of the year due to what there is to offer. Autumn is usually the quieter period to visit.

Spring in France (March to May)

• Spring in France is a magical time as flowers bloom and temperatures rise. Paris comes alive with cherry blossoms in parks like Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, while cities like Nice and Bordeaux enjoy mild weather, perfect for strolling through vineyards or along the French Riviera. Spring is also ideal for exploring France’s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. With fewer crowds and pleasant weather, it’s a great time to visit historical sites like Mont Saint-Michel or the Palace of Versailles.

Summer in France (June to August)

• Summer is peak season in France, with warm weather and vibrant energy. The French Riviera is bustling with visitors enjoying the beaches of Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Nice. Paris sees an influx of tourists, but the city remains alive with outdoor cafés, festivals, and events. Head to the Provence region to witness the iconic lavender fields in full bloom, or explore the Loire Valley with its picturesque châteaux. In the Alps, summer brings hiking and outdoor activities, with stunning mountain views.

Autumn in France (September to November)

• Autumn in France is a quieter, more romantic season. The countryside turns shades of red, orange, and gold, particularly in wine regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux, where the grape harvest takes place. Cities like Paris and Lyon become less crowded, making it a peaceful time to explore. The Alsace region is also a highlight in autumn, with its charming villages and vineyards, offering a fairy-tale experience. Fall festivals, like the Fête des Vendanges in Montmartre, celebrate the season’s bounty.

Winter in France (December to February):

• Winter in France brings a mix of festive charm and outdoor adventure. Paris sparkles with holiday lights and Christmas markets, especially around the Champs-Élysées and Place Vendôme. For ski enthusiasts, the French Alps, including Chamonix, Courchevel, and Val d’Isère, offer world-class skiing and après-ski activities. Meanwhile, the south of France enjoys a milder winter, making it a pleasant time to visit cities like Nice or Marseille without the summer crowds. Winter is also perfect for cozying up in French cafés with hot chocolate and indulging in hearty French cuisine.

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Areas to Stay/Visit in France

France has so many places you can visit for a great vacation. So, here are some of the most popular places.

Paris

• The capital of France is perfect for travelers seeking culture, romance, and history. Stay in the Marais for a trendy vibe with boutiques and cafes, or the Latin Quarter for classic Parisian charm near Notre-Dame. The Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower areas offer luxury hotels with iconic views.

Provence

• Known for its lavender fields and picturesque villages, Provence is ideal for a peaceful retreat. Stay in towns like Aix-en-Provence or Avignon to explore charming markets, ancient architecture, and vineyards, or in a countryside villa for a quiet getaway amid rolling hills and vineyards.

Nice

• On the French Riviera, Nice offers sun, sea, and sophistication. Stay along the Promenade des Anglais for beachfront hotels and views of the Mediterranean, or in the Old Town (Vieux Nice) to experience narrow streets, colourful buildings, and vibrant markets.

Bordeaux

• Known for its wine and elegant architecture, Bordeaux is perfect for wine enthusiasts and history buffs. Stay near the Place de la Bourse for proximity to the city’s landmarks, or in nearby wine regions like Saint-Émilion for a countryside chateau experience.

Loire Valley

• The Loire Valley is famous for its stunning châteaux and beautiful landscapes. Stay in the towns of Amboise or Tours to explore castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, or in a countryside manor for a tranquil experience among vineyards and gardens.

Alsace

• A picturesque region with half-timbered houses and vineyards, Alsace is great for a scenic getaway. Stay in Strasbourg for its mix of German and French culture, with its charming canals and cathedral, or in Colmar for a fairytale-like setting with colorful medieval buildings.

Normandy

• Known for its WWII history and rugged coastline, Normandy offers a mix of culture and natural beauty. Stay in Bayeux to visit the famous tapestry and explore the D-Day beaches, or in Honfleur for a quaint harbor town experience with its wooden houses and art galleries.

Lyon

• France’s culinary capital, Lyon is a must-visit for food lovers. Stay in the Presqu’île area between the Rhône and Saône rivers for central access to the city’s bouchons (traditional restaurants), or the Old Town for Renaissance architecture and cobblestone streets.

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The Luxembourg Palace at Jardin du Luxembourg

Things to Do

France offers an incredible variety of experiences, from world-class cities to charming countryside and breathtaking landscapes.

• Start your journey in Paris, the City of Light, where you can explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, visit the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the French capital.
• In the Loire Valley, explore majestic châteaux such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards. For wine lovers, a trip to Bordeaux or Burgundy offers the chance to visit prestigious wineries and sample some of the world’s finest wines. Don’t miss Provence in the summer, where lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see, and charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon offer a peaceful retreat.
• The French Riviera is perfect for sunseekers, with glamorous destinations like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez offering beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and vibrant nightlife. For winter sports enthusiasts, the French Alps provide top-tier skiing and snowboarding, with resorts like Chamonix and Val Thorens catering to all levels.
• History buffs should visit Normandy, where the D-Day landing beaches and Mont Saint-Michel offer deep historical significance and stunning scenery. Meanwhile, the Alsace region, with its half-timbered houses and vineyards, feels like stepping into a storybook.
• No trip to France is complete without indulging in its world-famous cuisine. Savor buttery croissants, fresh baguettes, and gourmet dishes in every region, and experience French culture through its rich culinary traditions. From bustling cities to tranquil villages, France offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.

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