France Travel Guide

Choosing France for your holiday means opting for a unique experience combining culture, history, gastronomy and varied landscapes. Discover Paris, the City of Light, with its iconic monuments and world-famous art museums. Explore the Côte d'Azur for its glamour and idyllic beaches, and the French Alps for mountain adventures. Savour French cuisine, famous for its finesse and diversity, in wine regions such as Burgundy and Bordeaux. Every corner of France offers a unique experience, making it an unforgettable and diverse holiday destination, perfect for all travellers.

Exploring France

France is rich in varied destinations that captivate with their beauty and uniqueness. Explore the Provence region, famous for its lavender fields and art of living. Don't miss the Côte d'Azur, with its glamorous beaches and cities such as Nice and Cannes. Brittany offers a unique blend of Celtic culture and maritime landscapes. In Burgundy, discover the heart of the French wine region. Among the emblematic cities, Paris stands out for its historical and cultural heritage, while Lyon is renowned for its gastronomy. Cities such as Strasbourg in Alsace, with its blend of French and German culture, and Bordeaux, the wine capital, are also must-sees for an authentic French experience.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-les-Bains

Ajaccio

Annecy

Bonifacio

Bordeaux

Carcassonne

Colmar

Grenoble

Les Baux-de-Provence

Locronan

Louhans

Lyon

Marseille

Montpellier

Nantes

Nice

Nîmes

Paris

Perpignan

Porto-Vecchio

Saint-Florent

Saint-Malo

Saint-Tropez

Strasbourg

Toulouse

Versailles

Vitré

Activities and Visits

Discover a range of activities from sports to cultural experiences. Enjoy famous sporting activities such as skiing in the Alps, cycling in Provence, or sailing on the Côte d'Azur. Explore historic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, and the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Visit must-see museums such as the Louvre, Orsay and the Centre Pompidou. Don't miss iconic places like the lavender fields of Provence, the vineyards of Bordeaux, and the beaches of the Côte d'Azur. Each region offers unique experiences, reflecting France's rich cultural and natural diversity.

France offers a range of itineraries and excursions to discover its landscapes and culture. For a memorable road trip, take the Route des Vins in Alsace or the Route Napoléon in the south of France. Hiking enthusiasts will be enchanted by the GR20 in Corsica, one of Europe's most challenging long-distance hiking trails, or by the Camino de Compostela via Le Puy-en-Velay. Unique excursions include discovering the châteaux of the Loire by bike, exploring prehistoric caves in the Dordogne, or taking a guided tour of the First World War battlefields in Normandy. These experiences offer varied and captivating perspectives on France.

Not to be missed

France, with its rich culture and gastronomy, offers a host of unique activities for visitors. Taste renowned wines in Burgundy and Bordeaux, and take part in cookery classes to learn how to prepare traditional French dishes. Explore unusual itineraries such as a hot-air balloon ride over the Loire Valley or a guided tour of the catacombs of Paris. Don't miss out on must-do experiences such as cabaret shows in Montmartre, a cruise on the Seine, or a picnic in the lavender fields of Provence. These activities offer an authentic insight into French life and promise unforgettable memories.

Festivals and Events

France celebrates many events and festivals throughout the year. The Fête Nationale on 14 July is a must, with spectacular fireworks displays and military parades, notably on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Don't miss the Cannes Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. The Festival d'Avignon is a major event for lovers of theatre and live performances. The Fête de la Musique, on 21 June, transforms the streets of many towns and cities into open music stages. Other notable events include the Tour de France, a legendary cycling competition, and the Salon International de l'Agriculture in Paris, celebrating the country's rich agricultural and culinary heritage.

Nature and Landscape

France offers an incredible wealth of natural landscapes. From the rugged coastline of Brittany to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, from the verdant valleys of the Dordogne to the lavender fields of Provence. Natural attractions not to be missed include the calanques of Marseille, Mont Blanc, the forest of Fontainebleau and the Verdon gorges. For an immersion in nature, regions such as the Auvergne, the Pyrenees and Corsica offer spectacular unspoilt landscapes, ideal for hiking, cycling and adventure sports.

Ecotourism

France is actively committed to ecotourism and preserving its natural environment. The country has introduced initiatives such as protecting national parks, promoting organic farming and supporting eco-responsible accommodation. Visitors wishing to minimise their impact are advised to use environmentally-friendly modes of transport, such as the train for long-distance travel and bicycles for local trips. Tourists can also choose eco-certified accommodation and take part in sustainable tourism activities, such as guided walks in national parks and visits to organic farms. By choosing local products and services, visitors also contribute to sustainable development and the local economy.

Practical info

Cost of living

In France, the cost of living is generally higher in major cities such as Paris and Lyon than in rural areas. The country is known for its high standard of living, with costs above the European average, especially for accommodation and meals in urban areas. However, cheaper options are available in smaller towns and in the countryside. Compared with its neighbours, France is similar to Italy in terms of costs, but cheaper than countries such as Switzerland.

Currency, Language and Tips

The local currency is the Euro. French is the official language, with English widely used in tourist areas. Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated.

Transport

France has a highly developed public and private transport network. Trains, particularly the TGV, are a fast and efficient way to cross the country, with regular connections between major cities. Buses and metros are available in most urban cities, offering an economical option for local travel. Taxis and car hire services are also widespread, handy for exploring areas less accessible by public transport. For longer distances, internal flights can be a quick, if more expensive, option. Fares vary according to mode of transport and distance travelled, with pass options and discounts available for frequent travellers and young people.

Discover France

The best time to visit France is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant. It is advisable to learn a few phrases in French to make communication easier.

Gastronomy

French cuisine is famous for its diversity and finesse. Discover typical dishes such as Coq au Vin from Burgundy, Bouillabaisse from Provence and Cassoulet from Languedoc. Among the must-try local products are Brie cheese, foie gras from the South-West, and truffles from the Dordogne. In restaurants, be sure to try duck à l'orange, steak tartare and crêpes bretonnes. As for drinks, France is renowned for its wines, such as Bordeaux and Champagne, as well as Cognac and Pastis, two typically French spirits.

Find accommodation in France

In France, accommodation options are varied to suit all tastes and budgets. For a luxurious stay, consider renowned establishments such as the Ritz or the Crillon in Paris. For budget-conscious travellers, quality youth hostels and rural gîtes offer affordable alternatives. When it comes to eco-responsible accommodation, France offers eco-lodges, certified green hotels and bed and breakfasts committed to sustainable practices. For example, establishments such as the Yves Rocher Eco-Hotel Spa in Brittany or the Dihan Evasion tree houses in Brittany offer unique experiences while respecting the environment.

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