Flights from Japan to France

Discover France

Discover France

Why visit France?
France offers a blend of grand cities, charming villages, and diverse landscapes, from elegant boulevards in Paris to sunlit vineyards and coastal towns. You find history, art, and fashion alongside relaxed café culture and scenic countryside.

What to expect
Most visitors begin in Paris, exploring its museums, riverbanks, and neighbourhoods before heading to other regions. The French Riviera, Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley, and the Alps each offer distinct scenery, architecture, and atmosphere, giving you many ways to shape your trip.

Plan your trip
France is a key gateway to Western Europe, with fast rail links and regional flights connecting major hubs. You can easily combine Paris with nearby countries, or spend longer exploring one region in depth for a slower, more immersive journey.

Top experiences in France

Explore iconic Paris landmarks

Stroll between the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine riverbanks, taking in famous views and leafy city squares.

Wander through French art museums

Discover masterpieces at the Louvre, Musée d Orsay, and smaller galleries that showcase classic and modern works.

Relax in the French Riviera

Head to coastal towns such as Nice and Cannes for promenades, beaches, and sea views backed by hills and villas.

Tour vineyards and châteaux

Visit the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Champagne for grand estates, historic towns, and rolling countryside.

Experience alpine landscapes

Travel to the French Alps for mountain villages, panoramic cable car rides, and scenic hikes in crisp air.

Discover medieval towns and villages

Explore cobbled streets in places such as Avignon, Carcassonne, and Dijon, where ramparts and old stone houses line the lanes.

Stroll open-air markets

Browse weekly markets across France for seasonal produce, flowers, and regional products in lively town squares.

Experience France s way of life

Getting around
France has an extensive high-speed TGV rail network linking Paris with cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, and Strasbourg. Regional trains, domestic flights, and well-maintained motorways make it straightforward to combine several regions in one trip.

Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on neighbourhood cafés, local bakeries, and regular markets, giving each area its own rhythm. You notice differences between the polished boulevards of Paris, the relaxed pace of southern towns, and the maritime character of coastal ports.

Where to unwind
Across France you find landscaped city parks, riverside paths, and long stretches of coastline ideal for slow walks or bike rides. Mountain regions offer lakes and forest trails, while spa towns and coastal resorts provide quiet corners to recharge.

A taste of France

National dishes & specialties
France is known for classic dishes and regional specialties that change from north to south. You might notice buttery pastries in Paris, rich stews in the east, and seafood along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Bistros, brasseries, and contemporary restaurants are easy to find in cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Cafés and casual spots often serve seasonal menus that reflect local tastes, making it simple to try different styles from region to region.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, you can seek out restaurants with city views, riverside terraces, or countryside settings in vineyard regions. Many places highlight local produce and careful presentation, creating memorable meals in distinctive surroundings.

Retail therapy in France

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major French cities feature shopping streets and centres that combine international labels with French brands. In Paris and Lyon, you find department stores, galleries, and modern complexes that bring fashion, beauty, and lifestyle shops under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Throughout regions such as Provence, Brittany, and Alsace, open-air markets showcase textiles, ceramics, and other local crafts. Towns like Nice, Strasbourg, and Avignon are known for streets where independent boutiques sit alongside long-established specialist shops.

Evening retail scene
In large cities, key shopping districts remain lively into the evening, with illuminated façades and late-opening stores on certain days. Around historic centres, you can combine an evening stroll with browsing window displays and smaller boutiques that stay open for leisurely shopping.

Best time to visit France

Peak season runs from June to August, when much of France is warm and lively, with average temperatures around 20–27°C (68–81°F) depending on the region. Coastal and mountain areas are popular for outdoor activities during this time, and major attractions can be busy.

Shoulder season typically covers April to May and September to October, with milder temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F). These months often bring pleasant conditions for city breaks and countryside trips, with fewer crowds and changing seasonal colours.

Low season is generally from November to March, when temperatures can range from 3–10°C (37–50°F) in many areas, and lower in the mountains. Cities are quieter, and some coastal resorts slow down, but you can enjoy festive decorations, cultural venues, and alpine snow in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions