France blends elegant cities, charming villages, and diverse landscapes, from grand boulevards and historic chateaux to sun-drenched coasts and alpine peaks.
Discover France
Discover France
Why visit France?
What to expect
You will find iconic landmarks in Paris, wine country in regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy, and dramatic scenery in Provence, the French Riviera, and the French Alps.
Plan your trip
France is easy to explore by rail and road, and also serves as a gateway to wider Europe, making it ideal for both city breaks and longer multi-country journeys.
Top experiences in France
See Paris from the Eiffel Tower
Ride to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower for sweeping views over Paris, from the River Seine to the citys famed monuments and rooftops.
Stroll along the Champs-Elysees and visit the Arc de Triomphe
Walk the tree-lined Champs-Elysees, then climb the Arc de Triomphe for a striking perspective of the grand avenues radiating across the city.
Explore the Louvre Museum
Spend time with masterpieces at the Louvre, wandering through galleries of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities housed in a former royal palace.
Cruise on the River Seine
Take a river cruise along the Seine to see many of Pariss landmarks from the water, especially atmospheric at sunset or after dark.
Day trip to the Palace of Versailles
Visit the ornate Palace of Versailles, its Hall of Mirrors, and expansive formal gardens that showcase the grandeur of French royal history.
Discover Montmartre and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Climb the steps to Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre for panoramic views, then wander cobbled streets filled with artists and cafes.
Relax in Luxembourg Gardens
Unwind in the Luxembourg Gardens, a central Paris park with manicured lawns, fountains, and shaded paths perfect for a quiet break.
Experience Frances way of life
Getting around
High-speed TGV trains link Paris with major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille, while regional trains and local metros and trams make it easy to move within cities and between nearby towns.
Local life & culture
In France, daily life often centres around neighbourhood squares, pavement cafes, and weekly markets, with each region expressing its own character through language accents, architecture, and local traditions.
Where to unwind
You can relax in city parks like the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, escape to lavender fields and hilltop villages in Provence, or head to coastlines and mountains for fresh air and open spaces.
A taste of France
National dishes & specialties
France is known for classics such as baguettes, cheeses, and pastries, with regional specialities spanning buttery dishes from Normandy, rich stews from Burgundy, and lighter Mediterranean flavours along the south.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Paris and other cities you will find relaxed bistros, contemporary brasseries, and neighbourhood bakeries where you can enjoy everything from quick lunches to modern interpretations of traditional recipes.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, consider restaurants with views over the Seine, rooftop terraces in Paris, or refined dining rooms in historic buildings and countryside estates.
Retail therapy in France
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Paris, large department stores and shopping centres gather international brands and French labels under one roof, while similar complexes serve major cities such as Lyon and Marseille.
Markets & local crafts
You will find open-air markets and artisan shops offering local goods in Paris neighbourhoods, Provençal towns, and cities like Strasbourg and Bordeaux.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, central Paris streets remain lively with illuminated window displays, late-opening boutiques in popular districts, and seasonal markets at certain times of year.
Best time to visit France
Peak season runs from June to August, when much of France is warm and busy, with average temperatures around 20–27°C (68–81°F) in many regions. Shoulder season covers April to May and September to October, with milder days averaging 12–20°C (54–68°F), fewer crowds, and generally pleasant conditions for sightseeing. Low season is from November to March, when temperatures can range from 3–10°C (37–50°F) depending on the region, bringing quieter cities, festive winter atmospheres, and colder weather, especially inland and in the mountains.