Ultimate France Travel Guide
In just one day, you can travel across the beautiful landscapes of France, from the coastal regions of Brittany and its medieval forests, through the lush pastures along the Loire River, to the snow-capped peaks of the Massif Central, the deep gorges of Languedoc-Roussillon, and finally to the sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. However, the diverse beauty of France is often not fully appreciated.
Similarly, French culture is often viewed as monolithic, but in reality, it encompasses various historical and artistic periods. There's Roman France, characterized by structures like the Colosseum of Nîmes; the era of the Impressionists, known for their paintings of Normandy and Rouen; the time of Louis XIV, epitomized by the opulence of Versailles; and prehistoric France, illustrated by the ancient cave art of Lascaux. Not to forget the world-renowned museums of Paris.
Perhaps the most accessible aspect of French culture is its cuisine. As the first country with its entire food culture recognized by UNESCO, it is a nation deeply rooted in culinary traditions. From the rich dishes of Lyon to the Alsatian flammekueche and Breton crêpes, France is a haven for food enthusiasts. And, of course, there is the wine – from Burgundy to Bordeaux, with vineyard tours accessible by various means of transport, and the prestigious Cité du Vin.
France also offers green and eco-friendly tourism options. The country is well-connected by rail, and numerous eco-stays, from ski lodges to off-grid gites, providing access to France's wilder side. The extensive network of long-distance footpaths, including the iconic Camino Frances and Corsica's challenging GR20, offers visitors a chance to explore the Pyrenees, the Ardennes, and beyond.
There are endless opportunities to experience the beauty of France, and it is in these experiences that the true joy of life can be found in this 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 annuel 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
International Airports
Paris-Charles de Gaule (CDG) 23km from the city, Paris-Orly (ORY) 14km, Bordeaux (BOD)12km, Lille (LIL) 12km, Lyon (LYS) 25km, Marseille (MRS) 30km, Nice (NCE) 6km, Strasbourg (SXB) 12km, Toulouse (TLS) 8km.
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.
