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France

A lifetime of exploration in one country: Paris bistros, royal chateaux, lavender fields, Alpine peaks and the turquoise Cote d'Azur, all reachable in hours by TGV.

  • Currency € Euro (€)
  • Language French
  • Visa
  • Plug Type C/E · 230V
  • Best time April – June, September – October
  • Safety Check FCDO FCDO →

A lifetime of exploration in one country: Paris bistros, royal chateaux, lavender fields, Alpine peaks and the turquoise Cote d'Azur, all reachable in hours by TGV.

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France offers an endless variety matched by few countries on earth. From the bistros and boulevards of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, the royal chateaux of the Loire and the turquoise Cote d'Azur, it is a global leader in culture, cuisine and effortless elegance.

Its landscapes are as celebrated as its cities: Alpine ski resorts, Bordeaux wine estates and sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, all stitched together by the superb TGV high-speed rail that puts region after region within easy reach.

For 2026, France pairs its world-famous gastronomy and heritage with soft adventure and slow travel. Ride the rails to lesser-known Loire villages and Provencal hills, and savour a country built for a lifetime of return visits.

When to go

Weather & timing in France RIGHT NOW 31° cloudy

Best May, Jul, Sep · Shoulder Apr, Jun, Aug

  1. Jan / -4°
  2. Feb / -2°
  3. Mar 12° /
  4. Apr 18° /
  5. May 24° / 14°
  6. Jun 28° / 18°
  7. Jul 30° / 20°
  8. Aug 28° / 18°
  9. Sep 24° / 14°
  10. Oct 18° /
  11. Nov 12° /
  12. Dec / -2°

Best time to visit

April – June, September – October

Best for
  • Wine Regions
  • Riviera
  • Alpine Ski
  • Museums
At a glance
Sunshine 7 hr/day (est.)
Rain days 8 days/mo (est.)
Wettest December · 60mm
Driest June · 10mm
Part of Western Europe →
France monthly temperature & rainfall charts
Places to go

Cities and regions worth your time

13 destinations in France — pick a base or link them into a route.

Local events

What's on in France

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Plan your trip

Curated France itineraries

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  • 3 Nights

    4 Days in Paris

    The essential Paris — landmarks, museums and Montmartre — at an unhurried family pace.

    Price on enquiry

    View trip
Where to stay

Hand-checked places in France

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