France Tours and Vacations

While some months are busier than others, the best time to travel to France is between mid-spring and early summer, from April to June, and in fall, between September and November.

As the weather warms up in spring and early summer, travelers arrive to explore popular cities and famous regions such as the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, and more. Temperatures rise as the crowds gather in July and August, and while busy, summer travel is enjoyable when you have planned early to secure top accommodations and guides. In the fall, France is breathtaking and a quieter atmosphere invites you to slow down and appreciate the highlights.

While not the most popular time to visit, the winter months from December to February are excellent options for travelers spending Christmas in Europe or those seeking active adventures like skiing in the French Alps.

To find the right time for your tour of France, explore more in our guide on the best time to visit France, or learn about when to go to Paris if you are spending a few days in the capital.

From Paris to Normandy, the Loire Valley to Burgundy, and the French Riviera, each of France’s top destinations offers something unique.

Whether you want to enjoy pastries in boulevard cafés near the Eiffel Tower or taste fine wines in medieval villages in the countryside, here are some of the best places to visit in France:

• Paris: France’s capital is a beacon of romance, innovation, and tradition. Boasting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Michelin-starred restaurants, fashion districts, and famous museums, there is so much to explore.
• Loire Valley: Home to regal chateaus, including Chambord and Chenonceau, and a gateway to the cascading vineyards of the wine country, Loire Valley is a must-visit to explore France’s royal history and fine wines.
• Burgundy: From Pinot Noirs to Chardonnays, Burgundy produces some of France’s finest reds and whites. Explore the wine cellars on tasting tours or visit medieval towns that reveal the history and culture across the French countryside.
• French Riviera: Explore stunning resort towns and admire the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline of southern France. Spend time on sandy beaches, stay at upscale boutique hotels, and swoon over views of villages perched on the coastal cliffs.
• Normandy: With a picturesque coastline, charming towns, and emotionally stirring history, Normandy is a top spot for relaxation, cultural explorers, and history buffs.

Art and architecture bring France’s dramatic history to life while cafés and Michelin-starred restaurants reveal the traditions of French cooking. Wine estates offer a comfortable getaway from the bustling cities, and fashion takes center stage in the capital.

You can experience all of this and more as you plan to enjoy the following top things to do on tours in France:

• Enjoy the best experiences in Paris and visit the capital’s many landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre
• Explore French history on cultural tours of medieval villages, in famous museums, and at heritage sites
• Admire European art in France’s iconic galleries and exhibitions
• Taste French wine in the countryside at estates overlooking the hills and sweeping valleys
• Savor fine French cuisine and learn about the culinary traditions on food tours or during cooking classes
• Escape the bustling cities and visit the chateaus in the French countryside

Most of France’s top attractions can be seen in or around Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre.

Whether exploring the highlights of Paris or enjoying a day trip to Versailles, here are some of the top things to see in France:

• Eiffel Tower, Paris
• Arc de Triomphe, Paris
• Louvre Museum, Paris
• d’Orsay Museum, Paris
• Palace of Versailles, Versailles
• Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy
• Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley

France is famous for its romantic and fashionable capital, Paris, and its museums that display many of Europe’s greatest artworks. Travelers flock from all over to sample world-class wines and savor decadent desserts and pastries. You can experience all of this and more on trips to France.

French wine is considered some of the best in the world, and its wine regions are a global hotspot for wine enthusiasts.

From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the authentic champagnes of the Champagne region, you can cross the countryside to taste the fine wines or simply bask in the scenery of these famous wine regions in France:

• Bordeaux
• Burgundy
• Champagne
• Loire Valley
• Rhone Valley
• Alsace
• Languedoc-Roussillon
• Jura and Savoie
• Beaujolais

French cuisine is known for its deliciously sweet pastries and baked breads, hearty soups and stews, and unique delicacies like escargots.

Some of the most popular foods in France to try on French culinary tours include:

• Croissants
• Escargots, snails
• Cuisses de Grenouilles, frogs’ legs
• Foie gras, duck liver pate
• Coq au vin, chicken braised with wine
• Ratatouille
• Beef bourguignon, beef braised with wine
• Chocolate souffle
• Crepes
• Macarons

The best France itinerary combines several days in the capital city with extensions to the countryside, French coast, or medieval villages. Below, we share some of our most popular customizable France itineraries:

• From the capital city to the countryside, explore the best of Paris, Loire Valley, and Bordeaux on our Best of France Tour: Starry City to Countryside Chateaux.
• Spend several days in the bustling capital city, sample the vintages of Bordeaux and Lyon, and conclude your French experience on the coast with our Highlights of France Tour: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nice.

Showcasing the best Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera, our Opulent Visions of France Tour: Endless Cultural Delight combines cosmopolitan splendor, wine country exclusivity, and coastal charm.

France is a sensational winter destination. You can explore Paris when it's covered in snow, head for the French Alps to ski the slopes, or admire the Christmas festivals lighting up the center of Lyon.

When planning a winter trip, these are a few of the best places to spend winter in France:

• Paris
• Lyon
• Alsace
• Marseille
• Annecy
• Loire Valley
• The French Alps
• Lille
• Bordeaux

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to France and inspiration in our France travel guide.