Travel to France Meet the French regions

When is it best to travel to France ?

Because it’s a country with such a variety of sights to see and activities to do, holidaymakers come to France all year round. But of course, certain regions really do come into their own at specific times of year.

In general, the busiest (and hottest) season in France is the summer, running from mid-June through to the end of August. If you’re dreaming of a vacation spent soaking up the rays and sipping cocktails on the beach, this is the best time to plan your trip. Just expect that beach to be crowded, particularly in the most popular tourist spots.

If you’re willing to compromise, consider planning your couple’s getaways, girls’ trips, or family holidays in France for the shoulder season, which runs from April-May, and then from September to early October. The weather is still mild, (and usually sunny!) but you’ll be able to avoid those summer crowds.

And in the winter? Well, France also has a reputation for world-class skiing, so if the slopes are calling to you, plan your trip to France during the winter months. And across the country, you’ll find twinkling Christmas lights, impressive Christmas trees, and charming traditional Christmas markets, all of which make the holiday season a great time to plan a trip to France.

However, one particular region is especially good to visit at Christmas time: Alsace. Bordering Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is a place which has always kept its unique character, and that’s never clearer than during the holidays, when the major cities and many of the villages come alive with traditional markets. Alsace’s Christmas markets are famous throughout the world, and usually run from the end of November to the beginning of January. See some more suggestions from our partners here

Visiting Paris? There’s a reason we’re called Paris-Toujours.

The word “toujours” means “always” in French, and we firmly believe that Paris is always a good idea. As one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris welcomes visitors year-round, whether for outdoor activities in the summer, culture-soaking in museums in the Spring or Autumn, or twinkly Christmas lights and markets in the winter. The only time we wouldn’t recommend visiting Paris is the first two weeks of August, when most of the city is on holiday.

We’ll include specific information on each page for the best time to visit each region of France, so that you can plan ahead to get the most out of your France travels.

Is it safe to travel to France?

We’re firmly convinced that Paris – and France – is always a good idea ! Before traveling, be sure to check your local foreign office’s latest advice on travelling abroad. And if you’re concerned about traveling to France or have questions on how to keep your family safe, feel free to contact us for support.