Colder than other months of the year, January is the perfect post-holiday month for cultural exploration, strolling the French Riviera without the crowds, and hitting the slopes of any of the top-notch mountains and resorts. And bonus, the world's longest-running carnival begins, enlivening the town of Limoux in southwestern France. Find out what to do and where to go with this January guide.
For a solid itinerary in France's wine capital, we recommend at least three days—ample time to explore the city's elegant streets and modern attractions with a day trip to nearby chateaux. Of course, a fun-filled day or two lets you experience a slice of the urban action while having closer to a week allows more freedom to discover UNESCO-listed treasures and beaches along the Atlantic coast. Let this local guide steer you in the right direction.
Cold, grey, and rainy, November is best suited for urban and cultural exploration: museums and galleries, food and wine. While this may seem like a less than ideal time to visit weather-wise, there are fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation, and world-class wines and truffles to be had. There's even a festival celebrating the release of new wine, mere weeks after the grape harvest. Read on to learn more.
December attracts Christmas and New Year visitors looking to spend the holidays in style. This is a great month to discover important works of art in world-class museums, sip hot chocolate while wandering the colorful stalls of German-influenced markets, and welcome in the New Year with a champagne toast and firework display over the Eiffel Tower.
Our researchers traveled throughout France. Our experts chipped in with their insights. Then we listened to what travelers themselves had to say: where they most want to go, what they most like to see, and what activities most turn them on. Finally, we assessed all their advice, studied all destinations and combinations, and factored in how much time average travelers to France are likely to have. The result? The following ultimate itinéraires française.
Despite the heat, soaring prices, and crowds, June offers sublime beach-perfect weather tempting the first bathers into the sea. Not to mention a chock-full roster of festivals and events, including the popular Fête de la Musique. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
For most travelers, nine to 11 days is the perfect amount of time for a France trip with stops in Paris, Bordeaux, and Tours. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four to eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Amboise, Bayeux, or Toulouse. See more ideas for Paris, Bordeaux, and Tours itineraries below.
Eleven days to two weeks is the most popular trip length for France travelers interested in visiting Nice, Paris, and Lyon, especially when also including Avignon. For travelers wanting to visit Nice, Paris, and Lyon exclusively, plan 10 to 11 days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as seven to nine days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Nice, Paris, Lyon, and beyond.
Nine to 12 days is a great length for a France trip with stops in Paris, Bayeux, and Amboise. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week or eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Saint-Malo and Tours. Get inspired with kimkim's Paris, Bayeux, and Amboise trip ideas below.
Most travelers will find that seven to eight days are perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille. It's also possible to hit the highlights in six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Saint Rémy de Provence, Paris, or Cassis. Get inspired with the below Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille trip ideas.