Flights from South Africa to France

Discover France

Discover France

Why visit France?

France offers elegant cities, timeless villages, and landscapes that range from sun-soaked coastlines to Alpine peaks, all wrapped in a deep sense of history and style.

What to expect

From Paris with its grand boulevards and iconic landmarks to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the glamour of the Côte d Azur, you will find art, architecture, and character in every region.

Plan your trip

France works beautifully as both a stand-alone destination and a gateway to wider Europe, with fast rail links and domestic flights connecting major cities and resort areas.

Top experiences in France

See Paris from the Eiffel Tower

Ride up the Eiffel Tower for sweeping views over the Seine, grand avenues, and the rooftops that define the Paris skyline.

Stroll the Louvre and its courtyards

Explore masterpieces at the Louvre Museum, then wander the historic courtyards and nearby Tuileries Garden.

Cruise the Seine at sunset

Take a Seine river cruise to see Paris monuments glow at dusk, from Notre Dame to the glittering bridges that span the water.

Explore châteaux in the Loire Valley

Visit storybook castles in the Loire Valley, set among gentle rivers, forests, and formal gardens.

Experience the French Riviera

Head to the Mediterranean coast for seaside promenades, palm-fringed beaches, and colourful old towns in cities such as Nice and Cannes.

Discover the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy

Travel through vineyard-dotted countryside near Bordeaux and Burgundy, visiting cellar doors and historic wine towns.

Journey into the French Alps

Escape to the French Alps for snow sports in winter and hiking, lakes, and mountain villages in summer.

Experience France s way of life

Getting around

High-speed TGV trains and regional rail lines link Paris with major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille, while domestic flights and well-maintained motorways cover longer distances efficiently.

Local life & culture

Life in France often centres on neighbourhood streets and squares, with café terraces, weekly markets, and a strong focus on the arts, design, and everyday style.

Where to unwind

Relax in city parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg, escape to Atlantic beaches and Mediterranean bays, or retreat to tranquil rural regions such as Provence and Dordogne.

A taste of France

National dishes & specialties

From flaky pastries and baguettes to regional classics like coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and crêpes, French cuisine changes character as you move between Paris, Provence, and coastal regions.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Across cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille you will find everything from simple bistros to contemporary brasseries and international eateries, making it easy to dine well at any time of day.

Signature & scenic dining

Enjoy refined tasting menus in historic townhouses, riverside terraces, and hilltop villages, often paired with wines from nearby vineyards for a distinctly French sense of occasion.

Retail therapy in France

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Paris and major cities you will find grand department stores, designer boutiques, and modern shopping centres that bring together global brands and local labels.

Markets & local crafts

Browse open-air markets and artisan shops for textiles, ceramics, soaps, and regional products, especially in areas such as Provence, Brittany, and Alsace.

Evening retail scene

In larger cities, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening boutiques create a relaxed evening atmosphere, with window displays and café stops breaking up your browsing.

Best time to visit France

Peak season runs from June to August, when much of France is warm, with average temperatures around 20–27°C (68–81°F) in many regions and higher along the Mediterranean coast. Shoulder season in April to May and September to October offers milder weather of about 12–22°C (54–72°F), fewer crowds, and comfortable conditions for city sightseeing and countryside trips. Low season from November to March is cooler, typically 3–10°C (37–50°F) in many areas, with colder conditions and snow in the Alps but quieter cities and a different, more local rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions