September feels like an extension of warm and sunny August with the added bonus of diminishing crowds. Now is the time to tour wine country and explore the French Riviera, and if you're looking for a hotel or flight deal, you'll want to plan your trip closer to the end of the month. Let this guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Though the weather is a little cooler and greyer, October is still one of the best times of year to discover France. Most attractions remain open, and you won't have to compete with hordes of holiday-makers like in the peak seasons. Discover France as you taste seasonal delicacies, explore vineyard-covered wine country and historic châteaux, and immerse yourself in cultural events like Nuit Blanche in Paris.
France in August is warm, sunny, and crowded. But if you know where to go, you can plan the perfect summer holiday that all but ensures great weather and great adventure. And if you want to get in some beach time, read on to learn more on where to go for that less-frequented option.
July is the warmest month of the year; the sea is its most inviting, the sky is its most clear, and all across the country there is an exciting event taking place, like the grueling Tour de France. It's the perfect month for getting outdoors to see and do it all. This is also the month of France's biggest holiday, Bastille Day, with celebrations all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).
June is an excellent time of year to visit France, now that the weather is consistently warm (on land and in the sea!), the flowers are in bloom, and there are exciting festivals and cultural events taking place throughout the country. Yet, opportunities to snag airfare or accommodation deals are dwindling, and the crowds of tourists are ever-growing—so the earlier you can go in the month, the better. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in France this month.
This epic trip loops around three beloved regions in France with a nice mix of free time and guided tours. Start in Normandy to visit historical sites—spanning 900 years—between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Next is Brittany, where you'll have free time (and a car) to explore the wild, rugged coastline at your own pace. Then experience UNESCO-listed villages and castles in the Loire Valley before finishing with two days in Paris.
This 10-day adventure combines three of France's easternmost gems, starting with the nation's capital of gastronomy: Lyon. While here, indulge in its outstanding dining scene, visit nearby vineyards, and meet farmers and artisans. Then travel to Annecy, a storybook medieval town so gorgeous it's nicknamed the "Venice of France," before finishing in Chamonix and hiking the tallest peak in France—Mont Blanc.
This relaxing 5-day jaunt focuses on the Loire Valley, a fertile region south of Paris dotted with hundreds of opulent châteaux (many that are UNESCO-listed) that once belonged to kings, queens, dukes, and influential artists. Enjoy a series of full-day private tours where you'll explore the area's best estates, gardens, game reserves, vineyards, and charming towns, especially Amboise—your home base for the trip.
Ideal for history buffs, this Northern France itinerary spans an impressive timeline from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 to the D-Day landings of 1944. With the help of local guides, you'll experience the island monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, pay respects at transfixing World War II memorials and museums, and enjoy free time in the evenings to explore the charming city of Bayeux—your home base for the trip.
Traveling by train, this weeklong French adventure covers three destinations with a focus on history, architecture, food, and wine. Start in Bordeaux to experience the city's UNESCO-listed streets and world-renowned vineyards. Then head to Amboise for stunning castles and gardens surrounded by bucolic landscapes. Finish with two nights in Paris and let local experts show you the quintessential attractions.
Ideal for food, wine, and culture enthusiasts, this trip travels at a relaxed pace from Paris to Nice over the span of two weeks. Start off with several days in the 'City of Lights' and the French culinary mecca of Lyon. Then pick up a car in Avignon to experience Provence's vineyards and lavender fields at your own speed. Finish the adventure indulging on Mediterranean views and fresh seafood in the French Riviera.
This spectacular road-trip adventure through Western France provides a subtle mix of history, culture, cuisine, wine, and outdoor activity—and plenty of picturesque landscapes between stops. Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, and the Dordogne region with a combination of tours led by English-speaking local guides and free time to explore on your own.
This epic 10-day French sojourn kicks off in Paris with three days of culture and cuisine in the "City of Lights." Then, hit the road to the Normandy coast to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel tidal island, medieval Bayeux, and Omaha Beach. Next is the Loire Valley, where you'll explore the charming towns and gorgeous castles of this famous wine region before returning to Paris for one more Belle Époque adventure.
History buffs will love this Northern France itinerary, which spans an impressive timeline from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 to the D-Day landings of 1944. With the help of local guides, you'll experience the island monastery of Mont Saint Michel, visit transfixing WWII memorials, photograph spectacular cliffs, and enjoy free time in the evenings to dine in a range of charming port cities.
Experience the highlights of France's Provence region, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Gorges du Verdon, with this 10-day road trip that perfectly combines outdoor activities with cultural tours. In between memorable experiences like hot-air balloon rides, sailing trips, and cooking classes, you'll have plenty of free time to explore lavender fields, charming villages, famous vineyards, and UNESCO-listed monuments at your own pace.
This exciting, yet easy-going itinerary is the perfect introduction to France—especially for groups and families (ages 10 and up). Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, the Loire Valley, Provence, and the French Riviera with a fun mix of educational tours led by local guides and free time to explore on your own.
You will be delighted by this trip in Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux and the Dordogne region. This is a subtle mix of French history and culture, wine and flavors, and some bucolic landscapes such as the Atlantic coast and Dordogne perched villages. A great road trip adventure for the whole family!
Spend 10 memorable days celebrating the splendor of French wine, history, and gastronomy. Zip around France by train, stopping to marvel at Bordeaux's neoclassical architecture and taste the vintages at world-class vineyards. Next is the Loire Valley and its array of medieval castles dotting the countryside, followed by a showstopping tour of Paris, where highlights like Notre Dame and the Louvre await.
This weeklong itinerary splits its time between the French Riviera and the City of Lights for a great introduction to France. Starting in Nice, you'll explore on your own before a local guide shows you around Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes (to name a few). Then, fly to Paris where you'll cruise along the Seine, skip the line at Versailles, and summit the Eiffel Tower—at sunset!—to complete the adventure.
Get behind the wheel in the South of France during this weeklong road trip through the Provence region. Starting in Marseille, you'll swim in the Mediterranean, tour cafés and vineyards in Aix en Provence, and explore a range of picturesque hilltop villages in the Luberon. At the end of each day, hang your hat on some of the most charming hotels in France while choosing between exquisite dining options.
Perfect for first-timers, this weeklong itinerary kicks off in the French capital where you'll summit the Eiffel Tower, gain skip-the-line access at Le Louvre, and sample some of Paris's best bakeries and chocolatiers. Then, ride a high-speed train to Avignon—your base for exploring the Provence region with canoeing and biking tours as well as a trip to a national park along the Mediterranean to finish the adventure
Perhaps no other region encompasses France's exceptional beauty better than Provence. During this five-day self-drive itinerary, you'll experience the highlights with stops in emblematic cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, as well as traditional villages in the scenic countryside. Finish the adventure in medieval Avignon and a wine tasting in nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
This five-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Bordeaux—the hub of the famed wine-growing region in southwest France. Known for its stunning architecture (both old and new), this lively UNESCO-listed city will be your base for a series of tours to markets, vineyards, beaches, and beautiful chateaux around the region, which you'll explore with the help of friendly English-speaking guides.
This relaxed, self-drive itinerary travels through some of the best coastal and countryside villages in the French Riviera. Starting and ending in Nice, you'll experience Mediterranean beaches, medieval architecture, local markets, perfumeries, and even hiking trails in the nearby mountains (if you so choose). Stay at a different scenic destination each night for a road-trip adventure you won't soon forget!
Experience three of the major regions of France with this trip through Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, and Paris. Start off shopping in the morning markets and sipping wine in historic vineyards, continue to tours of Renaissance-era castles and classic châteaux, and end your trip amid the city streets and cultural institutions of the City of Lights.
Barack Obama and his family recently visited Provence, choosing a village near Avignon as their base for exploring the region. Follow in their footsteps with this 7-day trip inspired by their itinerary—you'll dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant where the presidential family enjoyed a celebratory meal, shop in the same off-the-beaten-path village known as the "Provençal Venice" for its charming canals, visit the region's best vineyards, and more.
This quick five-day getaway reveals the culture and flavors of Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of the Provence region of southeastern France. You'll discover the secrets of "Aix" with a guided stroll through its ancient thoroughfares, sample regional gastronomic specialties, plus take a local cooking class. You'll even enjoy a bonus cooking class in a nearby village in the Alpilles Mountains.
Experience the best of Provence in five days, with numerous guided cultural and gourmet experiences. You'll explore charming Aix-en-Provence and its surroundings via walking tours, a cooking class, and wine experience, all under the bright skies of southern France.
Experience the best of Provence and the French Riviera in 10 days. Visit Cannes, Nice, the hill-top villages of Luberon, Aix-en-Provence, and more regional highlights. Along the way, you’ll enjoy gourmet culinary tours, local culture, and charming boutique hotels.
This scenic itinerary starts with a self-guided road trip through exceptional villages, cities, and wine regions in the heart of Provence. Over the course of 9 days, you’ll explore Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, and the Rhone Valley with visits to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as hidden gems. Finish the adventure in Paris with a mix of private tours and free time to explore on your own.
One region that perfectly encapsulates France's rich culture is Provence. On a self-drive tour, you'll stop in historic cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence as well as hilltop villages like Uzès and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. As an added treat you'll hike canyons, kayak along the coast, and participate in a cooking class and wine tour.
On this nature and culture tour, you'll experience the best of the Southern Alps and French Riviera, famous for their alpine scenery and Mediterranean coastal beauty. Over three days, you'll discover the historic city of Nice, the valleys of Mercantour National Park, ancient petroglyphs, and much more.
This six-day trip to France's famously beautiful Provence region allows you to experience its highlights. On top of touring the area's national parks and vineyards, you'll spend time in historic Marseille, plus travel around the Luberon massif, which is home to ancient hilltop villages. You'll also indulge in outdoor and gourmet excursions all while enjoying the amenities of the lavish hotels in which you'll be residing.
Discover the best of the culture and art in the French Riviera and Provence in 10 days on this incredible self-drive tour. Visit vibrant Nice and Monaco, stroll through hill-top villages of Luberon, and discover the peaceful countryside of Aix-en-Provence. Follow the footsteps of some of the world's greatest artists (Van Gogh, Picasso & others) and explore the landscapes that inspired them.
This family-friendly itinerary features heart-pumping fun and adventure in Southern France's Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe and your playground for the next 9 days. You will raft the Verdon River, hike the edge of the canyon, paddle Lac de Sainte-Croix, and climb Via Cordata for an exceptional experience, ending your stay in Aix-en-Provence.
Enjoy an authentic taste of France with highlight tours, day trips, cooking classes, and more over 10 memorable days. First, get an insider's look at Paris with a local guide before absconding to Aix-en-Provence to stroll its cobbled streets and visit nearby national parks. From there, you're off to the sun-kissed French Riviera to "do lunch" in Saint-Tropez and follow your nose on a tour of Grasse, the perfume hub of France.
On this self-drive tour, you'll get behind the wheel and take off into the south of France, discovering the highlights of the famed Provence region in just over a week. The tour will take you from the nation's oldest city, Marseille, to the markets and cafés of charming Aix-en-Provence. It continues to the historic city of Avignon, on the Rhône River, as well as into the Alpilles Mountains and over the valleys of the Luberon region. At the end of each day, you'll hang your hat in some of the most charming hotels and B&Bs in all of France.
This self-drive 12-day itinerary highlights the best of the Rhône Valley, from north to south. Perfect for the whole family, you'll start in food forward Lyon, then work your way through the colorful countryside of Provence and down to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you'll taste full-bodied wines, marvel at ancient Roman ingenuity, and enjoy the majestic beauty that is southern France.
France is known the world over for its romance, but there might be no other region that encompasses its quintessential beauty—the cities, villages, hills, and beaches—quite like Provence. This is where the countryside meets the coast, where the Alps meet lavender fields, and where the French Riveria runs from Marseilles to the Italian border. Experience it all on this luxurious 12-day driving tour.
Cover the highlights of Provence at your own pace on this eight-day cycling tour. You'll start and end in the medieval walled city of Avignon, wheeling your way through the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône, historic fortresses, charming villages, and mountain landscapes of the Provence region.
The newest bikeway in France, la Véloscénie (the Veloscenic) cycle route links Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel via some of the country's most scenic landscapes. Spend a week exploring the secrets of northern France as you cycle along greenways, bike paths, and quiet secondary roads, through the hedgerow fields of the Bocage Normand, forests of oak and pine, and the nature parks of La Perche and Normandie-Maine, sampling Normandy's gastronomic heritage along the way.
Experience some of the most famous Tour de France climbs in Provence and the Southern Alps for yourself on this challenging six-day cycling tour, from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez. Cycle up the “Giant of Provence,” spin through the peaks of the Alps, and explore French country towns, all accompanied by scenic natural views to help you keep your pace up along the way.
Provence encomasses more than tbe southeastern coast of France. Go north and you’ll find valleys abounding with olive groves and lavender fields, the limestone cliffs of the Alpilles Mountains, and chateaus producing some of the best wines in the country. See it all on an e-bike tour of Upper Provence—with this eco-friendly mode of transportation, you'll cover up to 50 miles per day on a rechargeable battery.
In just over a week it's possible to see all the highlights of southeastern France's most stunning region: Provence. This is a whirlwind tour that includes visits to its most beautiful cities, hill-top villages, national parks, and vineyards. You'll spend time in the oldest city in France, travel between the towns of the UNESCO-listed Luberon, and more.
If you're dreaming of hitting the open road but are short on time, this 5-day cycling trip is the perfect fit! Travel on the Via Rhone, a quiet and peaceful path along the Rhone River between the cultural capitals of Lyon and Geneva. Stop in the picture-perfect villages of Pérouges and Seyssel, explore shimmering lakes and fields of wildflowers. Every stop along the Rhône possess nuggets of history, timeless beauty, and a hint of magic.
Explore the heart of Provence at your own pace on this 6-day, self-guided bike tour. Begin in Bédoin or Mazan and end in Roussillon or Gargas, enjoying short daily rides to fully experience Provence. Visit some of Provence’s most acclaimed wine-making towns, climb legendary Mont Ventoux, or snake through the Gorges de la Nesque. In between, lodge in medieval villages and enjoy local cuisine.
This award-winning cycling tour takes place in the Alps playground. From the shores of Lake Geneva to the world-famous alpine resort of Alpe d'Huez, climb some of France's most famous cols: Colombiere, Saisies, and Alpe d'Huez. The tour is available in two options: self-guided or with a support vehicle. Enjoy winding downhill roads, stunning views of the Alps, and comfortable overnight accommodations.
Imagine cycling across expanses of farmland as you spot something floating in the distance—a spire reaching toward the sky, extending above tiers of weathered stone resting on a rocky island. The towering island of Mont-Saint-Michel, its ancient abbey, and its serene bay are the major highlight of this six-day cycling tour, but the rest of the region has plenty to recommend it. You'll start and end in the walled port city of Saint-Malo, making your way through the countryside of Brittany and Normandy to destinations including the fishing port of Cancale and the village of Dinan.
Discover the countryside towns and historic landmarks of the Dordogne River region as you bike along its banks on this eight-day itinerary. You'll pass by prehistoric dwellings, Roman ruins, medieval castles, and some of France's officially designated most beautiful villages, accompanied by picturesque natural landscapes and rich cuisine.
Travel the Atlantic coastline from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the contemporary art of Bilbao on this 11-day itinerary. After exploring the wine regions of Bordeaux, you'll continue with bike tours of the countryside and the seaside glamour of Biarritz before you arrive in artsy Bilbao to wrap up your trip with a museum tour and a few more glasses of wine.
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