Art, architecture, history, fashion, stunning beaches and delectable cuisine – France is every traveler’s dream. There are spectacular sights and experiences around every corner, and our curated list of best things to do in France includes some of the top attractions, from Paris to the Cote d’Azur. With so much to offer, it is little wonder then that France ranks among the top European vacation spots. Our destination experts weigh in on when is the best time to visit France.
The best time to visit France is during spring, from the months of March-May and then fall (September-November). This is the time that temperatures are comfortable along with fewer crowds. June – August is usually high season in France, and this is when the country is at its hottest and busiest. You can expect long queues at most of the famous attractions around this time! During the winters, it is cold throughout the country, with temperatures dropping well below freezing in some parts.
Best Time To Visit
Most Ideal
Low Season
overview
Winter is in full swing across France, and you can even expect snowfall in some parts of the country as well. January is usually the coldest month with temperatures averaging around 45°F. Precipitation is also high around this time, so make sure you carry plenty of layers and rain gear. Several hotels and restaurants in the countryside can be closed around this time, so do factor that in your plans. While it is the coldest in the north, expect it to be milder along the coast.
we recommend
Watch the New Year fireworks over the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Take advantage of sales across France and go shopping!
Go skiing in the Alps
overview
Cold and gloomy conditions continue throughout the month, but there will be a slight rise in day temperatures. Temperatures range between the high 30s and mid-40s and the wet conditions persist as well. But if you are in the mood for romance, there’s no better city to celebrate Valentine’s Day than the most romantic city in the world – Paris!
we recommend
Head to Nice to enjoy the parades, floats and festivities of the Carnaval, one of the biggest celebrations of the year
Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise on the river Seine in Paris as you celebrate Valentine’s Day
overview
This is one of the last few months before the crowds begin to descend across the country, so if you are willing to brave the cold and rain, this is a good month to visit France. Paris sees the temperatures range between 41-54°F; it is slightly cooler in the northeast and warmer along the Mediterranean.
we recommend
Witness the unusual celebrations during the Dunkirk festival
Take advantage of fewer crowds and go museum hopping in Paris
overview
The temperatures begin to rise, the sun begins to shine and the flowers begin to bloom, making the start of spring one of the best months to visit France. The weather can still be erratic so don’t forget to pack your layers and rain gear. Paris can get especially busy around Easter, so do book in advance if you plan to be here around this time.
we recommend
Take advantage of the warm weather and go on a walking tour of Paris
Explore the quaint charm of the Loire Valley region with its many chateaux
overview
This is the start of the high season across the country, and expect the crowds to make their presence felt especially towards the end of the month. Temperatures continue to vary as spring transitions into summer. While the days get warm, you can expect chilly evenings and the occasional rainy spells.
we recommend
Movie lovers can head to the Cannes Film festival
Watch the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris
Enjoy a culinary tour of Paris
overview
Expect crowds throughout the country and long lines at all the major attractions as this is the peak tourist season in France. Temperatures vary between the high 50s and the mid 70s, making this a good time to explore the beaches as well! Enjoying the sun across the parks in the country is the norm!
we recommend
Explore Nice on a bicycle
Relax on the beaches of the French Riviera
overview
This is one of the warmest and busiest months to be in France. Day time temperatures usually hit the high 70s and you can expect plenty of sunshine and crowds! This is also the time the lavender fields are in full bloom in Provence and the renowned cycling event, the Tour de France is held in the country.
we recommend
Attend the Festival d’Avignon, the annual summer arts festival in Avignon
Witness the celebrations of Bastille Day across the country
Explore the sights of Provence
overview
August is another hot month in France – and busy as well! The beaches continue to be a big draw, so book well in advance in case you plan to visit the country around this time. Do note that since this is the month of school holidays in France, many businesses tend to close during this month, so confirm your reservations well in advance.
we recommend
Go on a history tour in Normandy
Learn how to make macarons in Paris
Go for a boat ride off the coast in southern France
overview
Much like August, September remains hot and sunny. This is one of the better months to visit the country as this is the shoulder season, when the crowds reduce (relatively!). This is the month of transition, as autumn begins to set in but expect temperatures to remain in the mid 50s to the high 60s, only dropping towards the end of the month. This is also the harvest season in France, so a tour of a vineyard is a must at this time!
we recommend
Go on a tour of the vineyards in Bordeaux
Take advantage of the diminishing crowds and visit the sights of Paris
This is probably the last month to enjoy a beach vacation in the French Riviera
overview
It gets cooler and grayer through the month as autumn sets in across the country. Temperatures usually vary between the 50s and 60s and expect it to get cooler at nights as the month progresses. Make sure you carry layers as well as rain gear to deal with the vagaries of the weather.
we recommend
Visit family-run champagne cellars and vineyards in Champagne
Go on a culinary tour in Nice
Chocolate lovers, don’t miss the Le Salon du Chocolat in Paris
overview
Expect it to be cold, gray and wet throughout the month, which makes outdoor activities a bit difficult. However, this is a good time to explore the museums and other indoor cultural attractions, especially in Paris, as the crowds considerably thin out. Temperatures vary between the 40s and 50s and you can expect it to fall below 32°F at night at times.
we recommend
Go on a perfumery tour
Enjoy a culinary tour in Lyon
overview
Winter is in full swing across the country. Expect temperatures to drop below freezing in several parts as well as plenty of snowfall! The coastal regions experience plenty of rain and wind, so wherever you are, make sure you are carrying plenty of layers. The Christmas and New Year festivities are popular throughout the country, making this a festive time to visit, provided you are ready to brave the cold!
we recommend
Enjoy the Christmas markets of Strasbourg
Marvel at the Festival of Lights in Lyon
What to Pack for France
What you pack on your trip to France depends on when you travel to the country. Carry plenty of layers and rain gear if you are traveling in the winter months. For spring, summer and fall, ensure you have cotton clothes and summer wear, but carry a couple of layers for the chilly evenings during spring and fall. Don’t forget to carry sunscreen and sun hats for the beach vacations!
Plan an unforgettable trip to France with advice from our experts. We’ll time your vacation just right to ensure you see all of the highlights. Take a look at our popular France vacation packages and get in touch with us today for your personalized, obligation-free itinerary.
The South of France is all about the good life – great cuisine, charming cities and scenic landscapes. You’ll get to experience all of it on this 10-day tour that takes you off the beaten track. Go on a cruise aboard a luxury catamaran down the Bay of Cannes, spend time in Provence that served…
Love is in the air as you journey through two of the most romantic cities in the world – Amsterdam and Paris. Get started on a beautiful adventure that promises to be nothing short of magical. Get initiated into the rich art heritage of Amsterdam at the grand Rijksmuseum. Head out for drinks, dinner, and…
Explore France’s famed Christmas markets on this private vacation. Experience the romance of Paris with personalized explorations of its famed landmarks, see the twinkling Christmas lights and revelers of Strasbourg, and sample the culinary delights of Lyon, France’s food haven.
Explore the dreamy Côte d’Azur or French Riviera, from sun-soaked Nice to ruins and medieval villages. Travel inland to discover the lavender landscapes of Provence and the old town of Avignon. In Bordeaux, see historic monuments and sample famous wine at verdant vineyards. End your journey in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, with a…
This custom France vacation takes you to the heart of Normandy and the Loire Valley, where you can explore historic sites such as the D-Day Beaches, Mont St-Michel, romantic abbeys and classic French châteaux at leisure. Discover picturesque villages and tranquil valleys in Northern and Central France, live it up in Paris, and sample authentic…
Uncover the most-loved highlights of France on this custom vacation – from the romance of Paris to historic Normandy, the grand chateaus of the Loire Valley, Burgundy’s Côte d’Or vineyards, Avignon’s medieval charm, and the glamorous French Riviera. Soak in French culture, cuisine and natural beauty with unique tours, behind-the-scenes visits, priority access and more!
From the bustling streets of Nice to cruising down the French Riviera, the galleries of Paris, Normandy’s beaches, delightful cuisine and Bordeaux’s world-class vineyards, discover the top things to do in France with our top tips.
Before you set out on a tour of France, acquaint yourself with the practical details such as language, currency, visas and health information. Discover all this essential information for your vacation and more, in our France travel guide.
Part of UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, French cuisine is considered one of the best in the world! From regional delights to wine and cheese, cafe culture, and the best dishes by region, eat your way through France with our handy guide.
Whether you’re a fan of classical columns and ornate frescoes or more contemporary allures, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Italy. Learn more about Italian art and architecture to plan your cultural vacation.
Embark on a culinary sojourn that will most certainly tantalize your tastebuds! Our curated list of destinations will provide a truly mouthwatering vacation.
Enchanting Travels helped make our family trip to France exceptional. We were able to experience this beautiful country without worry, stress, or frustration because of their wonderfully curated itinerary. We cannot wait to travel with them again.
Rating 5/5
Heidi Benner
USA
We could never have imagined we would have the perfect trip to France, but with Enchanting Travels team, we were able to have the experience of a lifetime. Everything from the hotels we stayed in, the touring experiences, the transportation, the itinerary, and having everything at your fingertips, including the Enchanting Travels concierge was fantastic. We don’t think we will ever try to plan a trip on our own again when we know we can rely on Enchanting Travels to create future amazing travel experiences.
Rating 5/5
Anne Calistri
USA
First and foremost – A huge shout out to Nurit for how incredible she is! We love her! She, not only listens – truly listens, she is an amazing person and now a friend:) We appreciate her and trust her – which is so important! She was very patient and understanding throughout the process and made things work that we were wanting to do! The entire process is so simple and alleviates so much undo stress that is associated with traveling. You all know the areas – the places to go – where to go and when, etc. The transfers to and from airport, train station, excursions and hotels were a huge help! We will work with you all again and again! Also, Tanisha and team were and are GREAT – they were on top of responding to us when needed throughout the entire trip. Very good about getting right back always! Last minute questions were answered throughout the entire trip and if we needed to adjust anything she and the team were on it! Thank you! Thanks overall for a great trip – we are working on our next one now 🙂 100% recommend to anyone traveling! Tracy and Michayla George
Rating 5/5
Tracy George
USA
This was such an epic trip. A three week trip that included 6 cities. The planning was thorough and we were able to communicate our thoughts and desires easily w Nurit. She listened and included our desires and steered us in a better direction when appropriate. Easy to work with. Vipra was so easy to work with scheduling all the details. I am a retired engineer, and can be very tenacious about every detail. Vipra was sweet, professional and undaunted by my direct questions and handled everything timely and thoroughly. A 21 day trip and every step was perfectly executed as planned. I loved working with both of them. Our trip was perfect. Highly recommend Enchanting Travels.
Rating 5/5
Clark Cummings
USA
The Taste of France really lived up to its title. Given my medical issue, Lisa turned lemons into lemonade! The trip was well layer out and we got to see so much in a short period of time. Cheers to Nitika for always having our back throughout the entire trip.
Rating 5/5
Frank Salvatore Calfa
USA
From start to finish, Enchanting Travels provided a top-of-the-line experience. The concierge-style support made our trip relaxing and very memorable!
