Ultimate France Travel Guide
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In a single day, you can traverse the stunning landscapes of France, beginning with the coastal charm of Brittany and its ancient forests, moving through the verdant fields along the Loire River, ascending to the snow-capped Massif Central, exploring the dramatic gorges of Languedoc-Roussillon, and finally relaxing on the sun-kissed Mediterranean shores. Yet, the rich diversity of France's beauty often remains underappreciated.
French culture, often perceived as uniform, actually reflects a tapestry of historical and artistic epochs. From Roman France, marked by the Colosseum of Nîmes, to the Impressionist period celebrated for its depictions of Normandy and Rouen, and the grandeur of Louis XIV's Versailles, as well as the ancient cave art of Lascaux, France's cultural heritage is vast. Don't forget to visit the museums of Paris, which showcase this richness. One of the most accessible facets of French culture is its cuisine. Recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional food heritage, France is anchored in culinary tradition. With delightful dishes from Lyon, Alsatian flammekueche, and Breton crêpes, it is a paradise for food lovers. Wine enthusiasts can explore regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux, with vineyard tours available through various transport options, including the esteemedité du Vin.
Additionally, France promotes green and eco-friendly tourism. The well-connected rail system and numerous eco-lodges, ranging from ski resorts to remote gîtes, invite exploration of the country’s beauty. An extensive network of long-distance walking paths, such as the iconic Camino Frances and Corsica's challenging GR20, allows visitors to discover the stunning landscapes of the Pyrenees, the Ardennes, and more. With countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of, these experiences reveal the true joy of life in this remarkable country.
When to go to France
The French tend to stick to their own country when they go on holiday. This means that during the main French holiday periods train fares soar and road travel becomes unbearable unless you like miles-long tailbacks. Avoid August at all costs, when the entire country takes its congé annual and only the tourist industry remains open.
As expected, the general rule is that winter is cold, summer hot and spring and autumn pleasant. However on the Atlantic coast and in the north (in Brittany in particular), the weather can be highly changeable at any time of year. As you go further south temperatures tend to get hotter and the weather more predictable. The Mediterranean region gets most of its rainfall from late September to early November when the rains can be torrential. Winter sports enthusiasts can expect good snow on France’s numerous mountain ranges from mid-December to late March.
The summer months see the greatest concentration of festivals in France, ranging from the nationwide celebrations on Bastille Day (14 July) to the week-long music festivals and bullfighting ferias in the south of France. In December, head to Alsace for its Christmas markets and Lyon for the Fêtes des Lumières, when the entire city becomes a playground of light installations. In February, Nice holds France’s largest street carnival.
International Airports
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) 23 km from the city,
Paris-Orly (ORY) 14 km,
Bordeaux (BOD) 12 km,
Lille (LIL) 12 km,
Lyon (LYS) 25 km,
Marseille (MRS) 30 km,
Nice (NCE) 6 km,
Strasbourg (SXB) 12 km,
Toulouse (TLS) 8 km.
Getting around in France
France has a great rail network that includes regional TER and high-speed TGV trains, which can connect almost any two French cities within three hours. There are comfortable sleeper trains available as well. It's recommended to book your train journeys in advance to save on the fare. The practice of stamping tickets using special machines on platforms before boarding the train is being phased out with the rise of e-tickets, which don't require this.
For local bus timetables, you can find information at the bus stations (gare routières) and local tourist offices. Generally, buses are slower and cheaper than trains.
Outside of the main holiday season, France's roads can be a great option for cycling or driving. The motorway toll roads are suitable for those in a rush. If you plan to take scenic routes, it's advisable to invest in a Michelin map, which marks these routes in green.
Most French cities now have a network of 24-hour bicycle and e-scooter stations, where you can rent a bike for a small fee and drop it off at the nearest station at the end of the day.
Destinations
The Winter/Summer sports is renowned for its sunny climate. Established in 1936, the is located on a south-facing plateau at an altitude of 186m in the Grandes Rousses mountain range.
The ski area known as ‘Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski’ connects to the resort villages of Auris-en-Oisans, Huez, Ozen-Oisans, Vaujany, Villard-Reculas, La Garde and Le Freney. Its highest peak, Pic Blanc, reaches 3330 meters and provides stunning views that extend over one-fifth of France.
This resort features facilities that blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering visitors a variety of indoor and outdoor sports and cultural activities. Alpe d’Huez is the ultimate lifestyle resort, providing numerous opportunities for snow sports alongside many other activities to explore.
With an efficient network of ski lifts and an extensive ski area boasting a significant vertical drop, snow enthusiasts can enjoy four different routes with nearly 2000m in altitude difference, ensuring endless fun on the slopes! The area's natural terrain includes gentle slopes at the base, ideal for gradual learning on the green runs and in two designated areas for beginner skiers.
With 250 kilometers of ski runs suitable for all levels, a vertical drop of 2210m, and 800 skiable hectares, Alpe d’Huez is just an hour from Grenoble and four hours from Paris, offering a wide range of activities perfect for families and friends to enjoy together.
Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe (at an altitude of 2,300 metres) and the highest point of the largest ski area in the world, the 3 Vallées (600 kilometres of interconnected runs). It’s a New World resort that combines the best of skiing with the best of atmospheres so that each holidaymaker feels UNIQUE and enjoys their very own Val Tho experience! Val Thorens ' credo is to reinvent enjoyment to give its guests the best possible holiday.
Val Thorens is a sporty, innovative, « ski in, ski out » car-free resort, built in pure mountain style.
Situated at the top of the Three Valleys, its high altitude means it is snow-sure, while the modern ski lift system makes it easy to access the linked resorts of Méribel and Courchevel.
The Val Thorens valley comprises three separate villages: Les Menuires, Val Thorens and Saint Martin de Belleville. With its glacier and a peak elevation of 3200m, one thing you’re guaranteed is amazing snow-sure conditions throughout the season and well into late spring.
There are 319 pistes totalling 600km in length as well as several beginner areas, 200 lifts and a great snowpark, making it a resort that suits all ages and abilities.
Well known as a lively resort, it is popular with students and families alike. The majority of accommodation here is in hotels or self-catered apartments and there are fewer catered chalets than in neighbouring Méribel.
Why you should visit France in 2025
Discover all the reasons to visit this year, from composer anniversaries to the reopening of Notre-Dame.
France, one of the world's most popular destinations, offers an abundance of attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, remarkable museums, and vast vineyards. Last year, it global attention with the Summer Olympics in Paris during July and August, but there are numerous reasons to explore ( return to) this beautiful country in 2025.
Here’s why France should be on your travel list this year…
Discover the recently reopened Musée des Augustins in Toulouse.
The Musée des Augustins in Toulouse is set to reopen by the end of 202 and is, now fully accessible to all visitors. Located in a former 14th-century convent, this fine arts museum showcases collections of sculptures and paintings, some dating back to the Middle Ages. The building has recently been renovated to resolve structural issues and modernize the space. Since 2021, several phases of archaeological excavations have been conducted, and the interior design of the Gothic halls, church, and painting salon has been revitalized. The new grand reception building will connect to a thoughtfully designed forecourt, enhancing accessibility.
2.Experience the renowned Loire à Vélo, now two decades after its initial launch.
The Loire à Vélo route stretches 900km through the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, renowned for its scenic cycle. Celebrating 20 years since the opening of its first section in 2025, this meanders alongside France's last great wild river, showcasing vine-covered hills and charming villages while offering numerous stops for award-winning food and wine to energize your ride. Along the way, you'll find over 700 cyclist-friendly accommodations, and if you need a break from cycling, a train runs parallel to the route to rest your legs.
3.Take a stop at Montreuil-Bellay on your journey.
Château de Montreuil-Bellay, established in 1025, is one of the-known gems of the Loire Valley, located along the Thouet River. This château boasts a 600-meter-long wall complete with towers, vast vaulted cellars, and a vineyard that produces red white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Visitors can delve into the history of the defiant Duchess of Longueville, a cousin of Louis XIV, as well as learn about the women who were once imprisoned here and the 1,000 wounded soldiers who were cared for during World War I. The village of Montreuil-Bellay recognized as a Petite Cité de Caractère (small town of character), is also part of the Loire à Vélo and Vélo Francette cycling routes.
4.Caen Millennium, the city will be buzzing with events all throughout 2025!
The Church of Saint-Pierre is located in the center of Caen
Another location in France celebrating its millennium is Caen, which will reach 1,000 years in 2025. Residents of Normandy and visitors alike will unite for a series of events throughout the year. The Caen Millennium will highlight all the elements that have shaped the city, focusing on its culture, arts, sciences, economy, and most importantly, its people. This year of celebration is intended to leave a lasting legacy, sign a pivotal ‘before and after’ moment for Caen.
5.Explore the legacy of Paul Cézanne by touring his residence and art studio.
Le Jas de Bouffan, the former residence of renowned impressionist painter Cézanne, is set to reopen in spring 2025. This reopening will honour Cézanne's legacy, alongside his art studio, which still contains the models for his final still-life works. As a designated historic monument, Cézanne’s home was the site of many of his creations, allowing visitors to his living spaces and gardens, which frequently appeared in his celebrated watercolour paintings. Be to visit the Bibémus quarry, a favored painting location of his, and stroll through the streets that influenced his life and artistic journey. For more information, visit the dedicated website cezanne2025.com.
6.Take a guided tour of the former residence of 20th-century composer Maurice Ravel in celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Maurice Ravel’s former residence in Montfort-l’Amaury has been transformed into a museum. Born near St-Jean-de-Luz in the Basque Country, Ravel was a prominent composer of the 20th century and celebrated his complex compositions. With inspiration from Erik Satie's distinctive style and guidance from Gabriel Fauré, he crafted renowned works including Boléro, Daphnis et Chloé, and Pavane pour une infante défunte. The 150th anniversary of Ravel’s birth presents an excellent opportunity to visit his former home, now a museum offering tours by reservation, located near Paris.
7.Join us in commemorating the 80 anniversary of VE Day in Reims!
France is preparing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, 2025, following last's events celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. While the 75th anniversary of the official end of World War II was affected by the COVID-19, a ceremony is scheduled in Reims this May, the location where Germany signed its surrender. Keep in mind that VE Day is a public holiday throughout France, which may lead to altered opening hours for museums and attractions—it's advisable to verify in advance.
8.Witness the Notre-Dame restored to its former glory after the devastating fire in 2019
Notre Dame Cathedral has reopened to the public with a newly designed visitor route.
Just five years after the catastrophic fire in 2019, Paris's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral welcomed visitors back at the start of December 2024. While extensive efforts have been made to restore the cathedral to its former glory, the renovations also allowed for enhancements to the visitor experience. New bronze liturgical furniture, including the altar, tabernacle, and baptistery crafted by fonderie d’art Barthélémy Art, has been installed, and the crown of thorns now resides in a striking four-meter high reliquary. One of the most discussed aspects of the restoration is the revitalized stonework, which has been meticulously cleaned to reveal its historical beauty. In addition to exploring the cathedral, visitors are encouraged to check out the nearby Musée de Cluny for a special exhibition on medieval carved decorations, running until March 16.
Marseille, France
Go for: a thriving art scene, southern French food, glamorous beach clubs, and the gateway to Provence
This year, the Ruby Hotels group will have its first opening in France, and the team has chosen Marseille. It’s not hard to see why, with its packed cultural calendar and a more affordable price point than other southern French seaside spots. It’s a combination that’s been slowly attracting a buzzy young crowd who jet in to visit some of the city’s best bars, clubs, and restaurants (see: Livingston with its cutting-edge chef residency program; Twerkistan’s DJ collective, which hosts nights in incredible locations; and hip natural wine bar Planète Livre Marseille la Passerelle) and then head out to its surrounding small towns for some R&R. In the charming city of Aix-en-Provence, head to Gallifet, an 18th-century Provençal mansion that houses an art gallery, garden restaurant, and design store. Similar laidback vibes can be found at Tuba Club, a stylish, pocket-sized hotel and restaurant in the Marseille neighbourhood of Les Goudes, which has created a loyal following of creatives with its sleepy fishing port atmosphere and produce-led restaurant on a rocky outcrop that drops off into the sea (perfect for post-prandial dips).
The considerable investment made in preparation for the Olympics and Marseille’s earlier stint as the City of Culture has transformed the city's infrastructure, and this will be the first year to fully appreciate the benefits without the crowds. If events are your thing, though, Marseille is expecting a bumper line-up of musicians in 2025, ranging from Ed Sheeran to Bruce Springsteen.
How to plan it: Summer in the South of France is known for lots of tourists and high temperatures, so shoulder season might be a more pleasant time to visit. Much of life in these parts revolves around being outside—at beach clubs, festivals, and terraces—and in winter, the Mistral wind can be bitter and much of the tourist industry shutters.