France offers elegant cities, charming villages, and a strong sense of style, with art, history, and everyday café life shaping your experience from morning to night.
Discover France
Discover France
Why visit France?
What to expect
From Paris and its grand boulevards to the coastline of the Mediterranean and the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy, you can move easily between culture, countryside, and coast.
Plan your trip
France is well connected by rail and road, making it easy to combine Paris with other regions, and it also serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the wider European region.
Top experiences in France
Stroll along the Seine in Paris
Walk the riverbanks, cross historic bridges, and enjoy views of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Île de la Cité.
Explore the Louvre Museum
Discover a vast collection of art and artefacts, from classical sculptures to iconic paintings, housed in a former royal palace.
Discover the châteaux of the Loire Valley
Visit grand castles set among rivers and forests, and learn how French royalty once lived and entertained here.
Relax on the French Riviera
Head to coastal towns such as Nice and Cannes for seaside promenades, sunny beaches, and waterfront walks.
Wander the streets of Montmartre
Climb the hilltop district of Montmartre for cobbled lanes, artists' squares, and sweeping views over Paris.
Tour the vineyards of Bordeaux or Burgundy
Travel into wine country to visit estates, learn about French winemaking traditions, and see rolling landscapes of vines.
Step back in time in Provence
Explore hilltop villages, lavender fields in season, and Roman heritage sites in cities such as Avignon and Nîmes.
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 buses reach smaller towns and countryside areas. Within cities, you can rely on metros, trams, and well-signed cycling routes.
Local life & culture
Daily life in France centres around neighbourhood cafés, local markets, and time spent outdoors in public squares and parks. You will notice strong regional identities, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, each with its own accent, traditions, and festivals.
Where to unwind
In Paris and other cities, landscaped parks and riverside paths offer calm spaces for a break from the streets, while coastal regions provide beaches and sea views. In the Alps and Pyrenees, trails, lakes, and mountain resorts invite you to slow down close to nature.
A taste of France
National dishes & specialties
France is known for dishes such as coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and ratatouille, as well as an impressive variety of cheeses and breads found across the country. Each region adds its own touch, from seafood on the Atlantic coast to hearty mountain fare in the Alps.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find bistros, brasseries, and bakeries on most city streets, offering everything from quick lunches to relaxed evening meals. Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux also feature contemporary dining scenes that blend French techniques with global influences.
Signature & scenic dining
In major cities, you can dine in historic settings, on rooftop terraces, or beside the river with views of famous landmarks. Wine regions and coastal towns offer memorable meals in vineyard estates or by the harbour, often paired with local produce.
Retail therapy in France
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Paris, large department stores and shopping centres gather international fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands under one roof, often alongside cafés and food halls. Other cities such as Lyon and Marseille also offer modern malls close to the centre.
Markets & local crafts
Weekly markets in cities and villages showcase seasonal produce, textiles, and handmade items, with notable scenes in Provence, Normandy, and Brittany. In Paris, neighbourhood markets and small boutiques highlight local designers and artisans.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets in major cities remain lively, with illuminated windows and late openings on selected days. In Paris, areas such as the grands boulevards and riverfront districts combine evening strolls with opportunities to browse and shop.
Best time to visit France
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather, with average temperatures around 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) across much of France, making it pleasant for city walks and countryside visits with fewer crowds than in summer. Summer peak season (July to August) is warmer, with typical temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) in many regions, and higher along some southern and inland areas, drawing visitors to both cities and coastal destinations. Autumn shoulder season (September to October) cools to around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), offering comfortable sightseeing conditions, harvest events in wine regions, and generally calmer travel than peak summer.