Chic Parisians and crisp champagne, the Eiffel Tower and beautiful beaches of the French Riviera – the innate glamour of one of Europe’s biggest countries makes it a must-visit for every traveller at least once in their lives. Start planning your trip with our definitive France travel guide.
Best Places to Visit in France
France is truly a destination that can capture the hearts of travellers with penchants for all kinds of holidays.
Connoisseurs can taste their way through some of the world’s best wine regions. Beach-goers will fall in love with the glistening glamour of the French riviera. History buffs will adore cities like Paris and Normandy. Whatever you’re looking for, France has a destination that can deliver.
Paris
Paris’ leafy boulevards are home to world-class museums and restaurants, and climbing the Eiffel Tower at sunset is still one of the top things to do in the city.
Corsica
The rugged island of Corsica has a distinctly Mediterranean feel thanks to a host of glorious beaches and the locals’ penchant for afternoon siestas followed by long, late dinners.
Lyon
Anyone with an interest in food shouldn’t miss a Michelin star-studded visit to Lyon, which is fast becoming the restaurant capital of the country.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the type of place where you can wander or bike through vineyards and taste their produce til your heart’s content.
Best Time to Visit France
Choosing the best time to visit France will depend on what kind of trip you are looking for. The summer months are the best time to explore Provence, when its rolling lavender fields burst into bloom and the markets in honey-coloured towns such as Nîmes heave with local produce.
During peak season, it’s best to avoid tourist hotspots, and since many French travel within their own country during this time, the beaches in the south can also be very busy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are good times to go if you’d prefer a little more space.
Between December and March, the Alps are transformed by a thick mantle of snow which brings infamous skiing resorts like Val d’Isère and Méribel to life.
Best Places to Stay in France
From chic city hotels to coastal resorts and countryside retreats, the best place to stay in France depends on the kind of holiday you’re planning.
Beachside resorts
The strip of stunning coast from Cassis to the Italian border is known as the Côte d’Azur and is home to some of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Cap-Eden-Roc and Le Negresco perch beside the twinkling blue waters of the French Riviera.
Slightly lesser-known but no less charming is Deauville, the seaside town that inspired Coco Chanel. It’s packed with chic hideaways to suit every budget. Or head to Normandy’s chalky coastline for stays sea views, minus the crowds of the Côte d’Azur.
Luxurious chateaus
Before the revolution, French society was ruled by a decadent upper class, and many of their fairytale castles have been transformed into hotels or luxurious private rental properties. Some of the most beautiful can be found among the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux.
The Loire Valley was once a playground for French princes and it’s still a lush tapestry of pleasure gardens and majestic castles, which you can use as a base for exploring the many famous vineyards in the area. If you’ve only got time for one, make it the Chateau de Chantore in Normandy.
Stylish hotels
Some of the best hotels in France are found in the capital. At the top end there’s Ritz Paris, overlooking the Place Vendôme in the city’s first arrondissement.
In the countryside, a host of quirky options such as treehouse hotels reflect the growing trend for eco-travel. You’ll also find plenty of chic boutique options in cities like Le Havre, Lyon, Cannes and Marseille, too.
Best Places to Eat in France
It has given us croissants, raclette and macarons, so it’s no surprise that French cuisine is widely recognised as one of the best in the world. From decadent duck a l’orange to simple crusty baguettes, you’ll find something to satisfy every food craving in France.
France has one of the most ancient and well-respected cheese-making traditions and each region has its superstars. Hunt them down with our guide on where to find the finest cheese in France.
Of course, the drinks are as famous as the food, with two regions in particular getting wine-lovers all misty eyed: Bordeaux and Champagne. Whether by foot, bikr or car, there are plenty of ways to visit the country’s famous vineyards.
From classic bistros and neighbourhood cafes to Michelin-starred dining, Paris is one of the world’s great food cities. But once the sun goes down, the city’s stylish secret bars take centre stage – if you know where to find them.
