France blends history, art, and style, from grand boulevards and iconic monuments to charming villages and coastal escapes. You can explore major cities, wine regions, and mountain landscapes in a single journey.
Discover France
Discover France
Why visit France?
What to expect
You will find Parisian landmarks, medieval towns, and diverse regions such as Provence, Normandy, and the Riviera, each with its own character. Expect efficient trains, walkable city centres, and a strong focus on culture and everyday pleasures.
Plan your trip
France is a year-round destination and a gateway to wider Europe thanks to its rail and air links. Use Paris as your base to explore other French regions or connect onward to neighbouring countries.
Top experiences in France
See the highlights of Paris
Stroll along the Seine, admire the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and wander historic neighbourhoods such as Le Marais and Montmartre for classic city views.
Explore French châteaux
Take a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley or Île-de-France to visit elegant châteaux, manicured gardens, and riverside towns.
Discover France's art and museums
Spend time in major galleries in Paris and regional cities, where you can see masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts in thoughtfully curated spaces.
Experience coastal France
Head to the Atlantic coast or the Mediterranean for sandy beaches, harbour towns, and relaxed promenades with sea views.
Enjoy wine routes and countryside
Travel through regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace to see vineyards, rolling hills, and traditional villages linked by scenic routes.
Venture into the French Alps
In the mountains you can hike in summer or ski in winter, while enjoying fresh air, alpine lakes, and cosy villages.
Walk historic old towns
Many French cities, from Paris to provincial centres, preserve stone streets, plazas, and riverside paths that invite slow exploration on foot.
Experience France's way of life
Getting around
High-speed and regional trains link Paris with major French cities, making rail a convenient way to cross the country. For more remote areas, a mix of domestic flights, car hire, and local buses helps you reach coastal, rural, or mountain regions.
Local life & culture
In France, daily life centres on neighbourhood streets, local cafés, and lively public squares. Each region has its own pace, accent, and traditions, from elegant Parisian avenues to relaxed southern towns and atmospheric port cities in the north and west.
Where to unwind
You can relax in Parisian parks, riverside promenades, and tree-lined gardens, or escape to lakes, forests, and coastal paths around the country. Spa towns, mountain retreats, and peaceful countryside stays offer quiet places to recharge between days of sightseeing.
A taste of France
National dishes & specialties
Across France you will find classic dishes such as baguettes, cheeses, and slow-cooked stews, alongside regional specialties from the coasts, mountains, and countryside. Paris brings many of these tastes together in one place.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Paris and other cities, you can choose from bistros, contemporary brasseries, and relaxed cafés offering everything from quick snacks to multi-course menus. Many neighbourhoods have vibrant food streets where you can sample both French and global flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, you can dine in restaurants with landmark views, riverside terraces, or historic interiors. In wine regions and along the coast, many venues pair local produce with scenic vineyard or sea backdrops.
Retail therapy in France
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Paris offers grand department stores and modern shopping centres that bring together international labels and French designers. In larger cities, mixed-use districts combine shops with dining, cinemas, and cultural spaces.
Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood markets across Paris and regional towns showcase fresh produce, textiles, and handmade goods. Areas known for crafts and design often feature small boutiques, galleries, and workshops where you can find distinctive souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets and covered passages stay lively, with illuminated façades and late-opening boutiques on selected days. In some districts, shopping blends easily with an evening stroll, a drink on a terrace, or a show.
Best time to visit France
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F) and blooming parks, ideal for city walks and countryside trips. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, with warm days of about 18–27°C (64–81°F), busy sights, and lively coastal resorts. Autumn and winter (November to March) are generally a low season, bringing cooler weather from about 3–12°C (37–54°F), quieter attractions, and a more relaxed pace, especially outside holiday periods.