Flights from New Zealand to France

Discover France

Discover France

Why visit France?

France offers a blend of elegant cities, charming villages, and varied landscapes, from grand boulevards to alpine peaks and sun-soaked coasts.

What to expect

You will find iconic landmarks in Paris, vineyard-lined hills in regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, and relaxed seaside atmospheres along the French Riviera and Atlantic coast.

Plan your trip

France is an ideal base to explore Europe, with high-speed rail, extensive domestic flights, and well-connected roads linking major cities, regional towns, and neighbouring countries.

Top experiences in France

Stroll through Paris and the Seine riverbanks

Wander past the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, then pause along the Seine for views of historic bridges and elegant townhouses.

Explore chateaux and vineyards in the Loire and Bordeaux

Visit storybook castles, cycle between villages, and tour vineyards to learn how France crafts some of its most famous wines.

Relax along the French Riviera

Head to Nice, Cannes, or Antibes for coastal promenades, pebbled beaches, and hillside towns overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Discover the Alps and outdoor adventures

In Chamonix, Annecy, and nearby resorts, you can enjoy mountain views, hiking, and winter sports in dramatic alpine scenery.

Step back in time in Provence and hilltop villages

Wander cobbled streets, sunlit squares, and weekly markets in villages surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves.

Uncover history in Normandy and Brittany

Visit coastal towns, historic sites, and dramatic cliffs while exploring the maritime character of north-western France.

Experience art and culture in French museums

Discover masterpieces in Paris museums, and explore regional galleries showcasing sculpture, painting, and decorative arts across the country.

Experience France's way of life

Getting around

High-speed TGV trains link Paris with major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille, while regional trains, domestic flights, and extensive motorways help you reach smaller towns and coastal areas.

Local life & culture

Daily life in France moves between lively street cafés, neighbourhood squares, and local festivals, with each region showing its own accent, traditions, and pace.

Where to unwind

You can unwind in city parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg, on quiet country lanes in Provence, or along lakes, beaches, and mountain trails across the country.

A taste of France

National dishes & specialties

Classic French cuisine includes dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, and freshly baked bread, with regional cheeses and specialities celebrated in places like Normandy, Alsace, and Lyon.

Casual & modern dining hubs

From Paris bistros to relaxed brasseries in Lyon and seaside spots in Nice, you can enjoy everything from simple set menus to creative contemporary cooking with influences from across Europe and beyond.

Signature & scenic dining

In France you will find refined dining rooms with city views, wine-focused restaurants in vineyard regions, and historic venues set within grand townhouses or countryside estates.

Retail therapy in France

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Paris and major cities such as Lyon and Marseille, large shopping centres and department stores bring together international labels, French fashion houses, and lifestyle brands under one roof.

Markets & local crafts

Browse open-air markets and boutiques in cities like Paris, Nice, and Strasbourg for handmade textiles, ceramics, and regional products created by local artisans.

Evening retail scene

After dark, central districts in Paris, Nice, and Bordeaux light up with late-opening boutiques, lively streets, and seasonal markets that invite an unhurried evening stroll.

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 cooler conditions in the mountains. Shoulder season covers April to May and September to October, with mild days between roughly 12–22°C (54–72°F), fewer crowds, and varied colours in the countryside. Low season is from November to March, when averages can fall to 3–10°C (37–50°F) in northern areas, while southern regions remain a little milder, and alpine areas experience cold and snow.

Frequently Asked Questions