France has always been the center of culinary envy, known worldwide for its signature cuisine consisting of traditional techniques, ancestral secrets, and home-cooked comfort dictated by high-quality standards. From morning pastries to afternoon macrons, farm-fresh cheeses to wine, cider, and olive oil, and fresh food markets offering the freshest produce to unique dishes like snails and frog legs, you can truly enjoy it all in France.
Considered one of the gateways to the Provence region, Avignon is especially popular with travelers who don't have their own vehicle, thanks to the easy access to group tour pickups. These hotels in the historic center, ranging from quaint beds and breakfasts to former noble residences, will let you explore the city and its wider region from a comfortable and convenient home base with plenty to offer.
The shoulder season months of May and September are the best times to visit Provence if you like warm weather, clear skies, and beaches without the throngs of tourists. But for travelers who can handle the crowds and surging prices, the summer (June to August) is a close second, as the lavender fields are in full bloom, and the French Riviera is open for business. If you're here in winter (December to February), enjoy a ski holiday in the Southern Alps or stick to the coast for wild carnival celebrations.
As "The City of Love," Paris is known for its romantic charm, impeccable cuisine, and vibrant history, which is why it's always topping the list of the most popular tourist destinations. You can hop from district to district and experience various scenes, from artsy to bohemian, historic to trendy. Try some of France's acclaimed gastronomy, dig into the city's history, and take in the sweeping views from atop sites like Montmartre or the Arc de Triomphe.
Most people visiting both Paris and Tours spend about 9 to 11 days in France, which usually includes some time in Bordeaux as well. If you're only headed to Paris and Tours, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to nine days. For the best itineraries, including Paris and Tours, keep reading below.
Find your own French charm with a stay somewhere beyond just your standard hotel. From floating villages to former castles, these stays will give your trip that little extra je ne sais quoi.
France offers year-round appeal, whether you're craving sun and sea, powdery snow, or a peaceful, crowd-free escape. The winter months (December to February) are great for a ski holiday and cultural exploration, while the summer (June to August) is the busiest and priciest time of year due in part to its great weather. However, the best time to visit France is in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is warm, and the crowds are manageable.
February in Provence offers much to the intrepid traveler, no matter the interest. Snowy adventures on the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, blossoming yellow mimosa trees along the southern coast, and festivals to welcome in the spring season pop up in places like Menton and Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Find out what to do and where to go with this February guide.
If you can’t beat the crowds, you might as well don your party hat (or swimsuit!) and join in the revelry. August sees plenty of festivals, the French join tourists on their holidays, and the extensive coastline teem with beachgoers and traffic. To avoid disappointment, book activities and restaurants in advance and read on as this guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
April is a fabulous month to visit France. The weather is delightfully sunny and warm in the south and mild elsewhere, the flowers are in bloom, and the shoulder-season prices still offer a bargain. Now is a great time to get yourself to the Loire Valley to discover the ornate châteaux that are strewn throughout the region. Find out what more there is to do and where else to go with this April guide._x000D_