France offers layered history, art, and fashion, set among grand boulevards, coastal villages, and vineyard-covered hills. You can explore elegant cities and quiet countryside on the same trip.
Discover France
Discover France
Why visit France?
What to expect
Expect a mix of iconic sights in Paris, charming towns in regions such as Provence and Alsace, and dramatic coastlines in Brittany and along the Riviera. Efficient rail links and domestic flights help you move easily between regions.
Plan your trip
France works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that combine several regions. It is also a natural gateway to explore wider Europe by train or air, with Paris a major hub for onward travel.
Top experiences in France
Admire Paris icons
See the Eiffel Tower, stroll the Seine embankments, and visit world-renowned museums, from the Louvre to the Musée d Orsay.
Explore historic châteaux
Discover the palaces and gardens of Versailles or wander among the storybook châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Wander hilltop villages
In regions like Provence and Occitanie, stroll cobbled streets, stone squares, and lively weekly markets.
Follow the wine routes
Travel through Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, or Alsace to visit vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms set amid scenic landscapes.
Relax on the coast
Head to the French Riviera, Atlantic beaches, or Norman and Breton seaside towns for promenades, harbours, and sea views.
Discover mediaeval quarters
Lose yourself in the old quarters of cities like Lyon, Strasbourg, or Avignon, where narrow lanes and courtyards reveal centuries of history.
Experience alpine landscapes
Visit the French Alps for hiking in summer or snow sports in winter, with mountain towns offering cable cars and panoramic viewpoints.
Experience France s way of life
Getting around
High-speed TGV trains connect Paris with major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille, while regional trains and coaches reach smaller towns. For longer distances, domestic flights and car hire give added flexibility, especially in rural areas.
Local life & culture
Daily life in France revolves around neighbourhood streets, local cafés, and cultural institutions such as galleries and theatres. Each region has a strong identity, from coastal communities facing the Atlantic to alpine villages and the elegant city life of Paris.
Where to unwind
You can relax in Parisian parks and riverside walks, retreat to spa towns and mountain resorts, or enjoy slower days in countryside vineyards and coastal paths. Many regions offer scenic cycling routes and gentle walks through nature reserves.
A taste of France
National dishes & specialties
France is known for classics such as baguettes, cheeses, and slow-cooked bistro dishes, with each region adding its own specialities. Paris offers a bit of everything, while places like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Normandy showcase distinct culinary traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities across France, you will find relaxed bistros, brasseries, and contemporary cafés serving regional and international flavours. Food halls and lively neighbourhood streets make it easy to try a variety of tastes in one area.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for riverfront restaurants in Paris, vineyard-side tables in wine regions, or sea-view terraces on the Riviera and Atlantic coast. Historic town centres often pair refined cuisine with striking architecture or city views.
Retail therapy in France
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Paris and other major cities, large department stores and shopping centres bring together international labels, French fashion houses, and lifestyle brands. Many are located near central transport hubs for easy access.
Markets & local crafts
Weekly markets across regions such as Provence, Brittany, and Alsace showcase seasonal produce, textiles, ceramics, and crafts. City markets in Paris, Lyon, and Nice are ideal places to browse local specialties and design pieces.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets in cities like Paris and Lyon stay lively, with illuminated façades and late-opening boutiques on certain days. In warmer months, many towns host evening markets and pop-up stalls in main squares.
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), especially in Paris and southern regions. Shoulder season in April to May and September to October brings milder days of about 12–22°C (54–72°F), fewer crowds, and pleasant conditions for cities and countryside. Low season from November to March is cooler, about 3–10°C (37–50°F) in many areas, with shorter days and a quieter atmosphere, though mountain regions are busy for winter sports.