July is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year and for good reason, as the weather is beach-perfect, the festival season is in full swing, and Provence's famous lavender fields are blooming. This is also the month of France's biggest holiday, Bastille Day, with celebrations all over the region. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Provence this month.
The City of Lights is home to almost as many hotels as love stories. The 4th and 6th Arrondissements are two of the more enticing spots to stay, but there are plenty of options to ensure you're close to your favorite attraction. Channel the cultural spirit of the city at these art-inspired, high-design hotels.
Many travelers choose France specifically for its unique and diverse culture. Explore Paris for its food, literature, and cabaret, visit Normandy for its art (including Claude Monet's gardens), and escape to the Loire Valley for chateaus, palaces, castles, and more. When ready, head to the south and peruse the unique cuisine and culture of the French Riviera and Provence, plus romantic hilltop villages and medieval riverside hamlets.
June is an excellent time of year to visit France, now that the weather is consistently warm (on land and in the sea!), the flowers are in bloom, and there are exciting festivals and cultural events taking place throughout the country. Yet, opportunities to snag airfare or accommodation deals are dwindling, and the crowds of tourists are ever-growing—so the earlier you can go in the month, the better. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in France this month.
Why just tour a chateau when you can stay in one? Get up close experience with the historical luxury and design of the Loire Valley with a stay in a remodeled chateau, either in the city center of Amboise or a secluded riverside park in Blois.
Lyon often escapes the list of must-sees in France, but the city and its surrounding areas offer a lot to do, see, and experience. Spend your time exploring historic neighborhoods filled with Renaissance-era architecture and hidden courtyards, tasting the internationally recognized Lyonaisse cuisine, savoring historic sites like the Fourviere Basilica, and exploring the traditional world of silk. With more time, take a day trip to the surrounding vineyards or historic cities like Annecy.
The French Riviera is a true pleasure to visit at any time of year. Spring and summer are preferable if you're looking for the classic resort experience: even though you'll encounter festival crowds and vacationers left and right, you'll enjoy beautiful beach weather. Fall is quieter and rainier, though early fall is still great for swimming in the Mediterranean. And winter is mild in the region, with few crowds, save for the tourist influx around Christmas and Carnaval. Read on for more information about the best time of year to visit the French Riviera.
Summer is a distant memory with cooling temperatures and changing foliage. The vineyards of Provence transform into a blaze of gold, bronze, and red while towns and villages celebrate the "primeur" tastings of the season’s harvest from months earlier. And with the Toussaint holidays, you can expect reduced hours at major sites and attractions.
There’s a welcome change in the air as August’s chaos turns into September’s calm. Temperatures taper off as the month progresses and the holidaymakers migrate home. Plus, the vineyard's darkened vines bear grapes ready for the picking: it’s the start of the vendange (grape harvest) season!
With towering snow-capped peaks, charming alpine villages, some of Europe's best skiing, and epic hikes to famous spots like Mt. Blanc, there's always something to enjoy in the French Alps. Ride a cable car to catch impressive views across the mountain range, boat or stroll around crystal-clear lakes, explore cultural towns, and taste the delicious food that keeps the locals warm and full all year long (we're talking cheese) all while breathing in that crisp alpine air.