France is a land of contrasts, seas and mountains, monumental cities and traditional villages. It is an open-air museum where locals and travelers from all over the world write big and small stories. A country which, for all these reasons, remains since the 1990s the most popular tourist destination in the world. Traveling to France means discovering this mixture of softness and extremes that is found in a lifestyle renowned throughout the world. It is to taste a gastronomy marked by starred chefs and restaurants, by wines from Bordeaux, Alsace or the Loire, and more than a thousand varieties of cheese. It’s having a coffee on a terrace in Paris or dancing at night to French touch. It is impossible to talk about architecture, history and culture without mentioning the capital. From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, via the Seine and Saint-Germain des Prés to Versailles, live to the rhythm of famous people, sovereigns and writers. The largest cities of France, Strasbourg, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille, are not left out and compete with pomp and circumstance. There are so many things to see and do that it can be difficult to know how many days to spend in France! Depending on the travel time to and within the country and the number of visitors, planning ahead gives you the chance and time to be happily surprised by the encounters, the landscapes, the climate and the major events that punctuate the year. Each region is a destination in itself and each trip through the country allows at the same time to seize the shifts of atmosphere. From Brittany to Alsace, Auvergne to the Pyrenees, Gironde to the Côte d’Azur and Corsica, each region is a miniature France to discover as the seasons go by.

Destinations

Best time to travel

The weather in France is both very mild and very varied, making it rich in opportunities. In spite of very different seasons and marked differences, the whole country enjoys high temperatures for its latitude. This exceptional location makes it possible to visit France all year round at the rhythm of the events and activities available to you. Leisure activities and outdoor festivals, cultural or sporting seasons, skiing or sea bathing: it’s all possible, as long as you book according to availability and seasonal opportunities.

March – June Spring is a great time to travel. The return of sunshine and mild weather sees the blossoming of a rich vegetation and various events throughout the territory. It’s an opportunity to take a wide tour of France and enjoy the charm of its regions before the tourists arrive.

Weather

From March to April, despite scattered sleet, temperatures gradually rise along with sunshine. Earlier in the south, the summer season sees temperatures rise from 5 to 15°C, with an average of 11°C and a few heat peaks.

Events and parties

Early spring is a great time to stroll through city parks, rediscovering outdoor activities and the tradition of Easter and carnivals. In May and June, the Night of the Museums, the Cannes Film Festival and the French Open open the season of major events.

Price evolution

The very beginning of spring is still in the low season. By booking in advance, you can take advantage of low cost rides and rentals. With the month of May, the many holidays, bridges and festivals, rates and attendance reach new heights.

June – September During the summer season, heat and traffic peaks converge. Warm, but breathable, the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts are open to idleness, outings and outdoor activities. The mountains, for their part, offer a cool, calm refuge for hikers.

Weather

The whole country enjoys a sunny summer, with temperatures between 15 and 25°C. Brittany remains an oasis of coolness, while the extreme southeast remains hot and dry. Throughout the summer, localized heat waves and thunderstorms are to be expected.

Events and parties

Summer is marked by the Tour de France cycling race and numerous village festivals. It’s also the season for major outdoor music festivals, from Vieilles Charrues and Eurockéennes to Lollapalooza and Rock en Seine, as well as cinema with Deauville and theater with Avignon.

Price evolution

Summer alone accounts for more than half the year’s bookings. The prices are those of the highest season. It is strongly recommended to book as early as possible to benefit from availability and more affordable rates, whether for transportation or accommodation.

September – December Autumn is a pleasant in-between season, between greyness and warm colors, mildness and rain. This is a good time for city tours and forest walks. The public is moving to the rhythm of the back-to-school season, and it’s still possible to enjoy a few days close to an Indian summer.

Weather

Temperatures drop very gradually, and remain very favorable in the south until November, which is generally cold and rainy. They vary between 10 and 15 degrees depending on the region, and the hours of sunshine are clearly decreasing.

Events and parties

With the wave of returning holidaymakers, the cultural season is in full swing, welcoming a more diverse audience. Urban events are multiplying all over France, from Heritage Day to the Fête des Vendanges and Halloween to the Bol d’Or race.

Price evolution

Autumn is the least busy and least expensive season of the year. From September onwards, the prices of trips and overnight stays plummet. They are also more evenly distributed across the region, offering greater availability and diversity.

December – MarchThegreat winter sports season is also an opportunity to discover cities and their architecture in a new light. Temperatures are cold without being extreme, so you can alternate between a wide range of activities without being bothered by too many people.

Weather

Apart from a few isolated cold snaps and rare snowfalls, particularly on the summits, average temperatures range from 2 to 9°C, with an average of 5°C. The days are thus marked by the lowest thermal amplitude and sunshine duration of the year.

Events and parties

The end-of-year festivities are marked by theillumination of towns and shop windows. Everywhere in France there are beautiful Christmas markets, particularly in Strasbourg, Lyon, Paris and Marseille, which hosts the Foire aux santons.

Price evolution

Flights, accommodation and packages are available at low or high season rates , depending on your dates and activities. Remember to book well in advance for holidays, school vacations and skiing, and take advantage of the lowest prices for the rest.

Visas, currency and restrictions

Visas

If you are a European national, a member of the Schengen area or from one of the exempted countries, you can enter and stay in France for up to 3 months without a visa. All you need is a valid passport or ID. If you are a citizen of a non-European country, you must apply for a short-stay visa (type C) Schengen. This visa allows you to stay in France, as well as in all the countries of the Schengen area. You can fill out your visa application online, providing information and proof of your identity, means of payment, medical and repatriation insurance, as well as your accommodation. Remember to take this step as early as possible, ideally 3 months before your departure.

Currency

The currency used in France is the euro. ATMs are numerous and well signposted. They are freely available in the public space and in certain establishments and businesses. If you are a member of a country outside of the Euro zone, they will automatically convert your currency and give you the exchange rate. There are also currency exchange agencies. You can also pay by credit card, with or without contact. Since the Covid-19 sanitary measures, these means of payment have been deployed, but cash is still accepted everywhere. Check with your bank to find out what authorizations, limits and fees apply to the use of your payment card abroad. The fall in the euro, particularly against the dollar, combined with lower inflation than in neighboring countries, has made France more affordable.

Restrictions

Since August 1, 2022, restrictions on Covid in France have been lifted at border crossings. The government retains the option of reinstating them in the event of an emergency, the emergence of a new variant or the saturation of hospitals. For the time being, the rules previously applied no longer apply: travelers are no longer required to provide a health certificate or pass, nor are they required to undergo an antigen test. However, many countries still impose restrictions, so be sure to check your home country’s provisions for your return. Also, some accommodations, apartments or hotels, may temporarily close their most sensitive facilities such as pools and spas for your health and that of their employees. As the situation may change, it is advisable to check before you leave.