It’s easy to reduce France to a single city: Paris. But as you can see in both of our documentaries, this country offers incredible variety, from the tides of Normandy to the lavender fields of Provence, from the châteaux of the Loire to the glaciers of the Alps. In this guide we use Paris as a hub and suggest routes heading off in four directions.
Paris: The City of Light
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the banks of the Seine and the Marais neighborhood are Paris must-sees on a first visit. The city is best explored on foot and by metro. An early-evening boat ride on the Seine is a lovely way to see the monuments lit up. Just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles and its gardens make an ideal day trip.
To stay clear of the city’s scams, be sure to read our guide to Paris tourist traps.
The north: Normandy and Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel, with its abbey perched on a rocky islet in the sea, is one of France’s most iconic sights. Depending on the tides, the sands around the island can be covered by water, so never walk out onto them without checking the tide table. Normandy is also home to the D-Day landing beaches and the white cliffs of Étretat.
The Loire Valley: Land of châteaux
Southwest of Paris, the châteaux lining the Loire River tell the story of Renaissance France in all its splendor. Chenonceau, which spans the river like a bridge, and the enormous Chambord are the best known. Because the distances between châteaux are short, cycling is a popular way to explore.
The south: Provence and the Riviera
Provence is famous for its purple lavender fields in early July, its stone villages and its markets. Gordes, Roussillon and the Valensole plateau are photographers’ favorites. A little farther east is the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur): Nice’s seafront promenade, the eagle’s-nest village of Èze and Cannes. Monaco is a short train ride from the Riviera.
In the southwest you’ll find the walled medieval city of Carcassonne and the wine capital of Bordeaux. For tours: things to do in France.
The east: Alsace and the Alps
In Alsace, on the German border, Colmar and Strasbourg look like something out of a fairy tale with their colorful half-timbered houses and canals. Their Christmas markets in December are famous. Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is one of the most famous mountain towns in the Alps.
When to go
May–June and September are the most balanced months. July and August are peak season in Paris and on the Riviera. Go in early July for lavender, in December for the Alsace Christmas markets and from January to March for skiing.
Getting around
TGV high-speed trains connect the major cities, and booking early saves a lot. A rental car is the most practical option for Provence’s villages, the Loire châteaux and Normandy. For flights: flights to France.
Where to stay
In Paris, Le Marais, Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter are central; for lower prices, look at outer neighborhoods close to metro lines. Avignon is a good base for Provence, and Nice for the Riviera: hotels in France.
What to eat
Fresh croissants and baguettes, endless cheeses, crêpes, Provence’s vegetable stew ratatouille, Marseille’s fish soup bouillabaisse and Alsace’s tarte flambée all reflect the flavors of different regions.
Sample itinerary: 12 days
- Days 1–4: Paris and Versailles.
- Day 5: Mont Saint-Michel (day tour or one night).
- Days 6–7: The Loire châteaux.
- Days 8–10: TGV to Avignon; the villages of Provence.
- Days 11–12: Nice and the Riviera.
Unusual facts
- France has held the title of the world’s most visited country for many years.
- The Eiffel Tower was built as a temporary structure for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, and it was supposed to be taken down.
- Mont Saint-Michel sits on a rocky islet that becomes surrounded by water at high tide.
- There are hundreds of châteaux in the Loire Valley, and the valley as a whole is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Thanks to its overseas territories, France spans more time zones than almost any other country in the world.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- In Paris, people running “petitions” or claiming they’ve “found a ring” around the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the metro are classic scams.
- On the steps of Montmartre, don’t let anyone tie a string bracelet around your wrist and then demand money.
- If you don’t book timed tickets for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in advance, expect long lines.
- Many local businesses close for vacation in August, so finding an open restaurant in small towns can be tricky.
Visas & entry
France is in the Schengen Area. Entry rules depend on your passport: many travelers (including US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others, such as Turkish citizens, need a Schengen visa. Plan early if you need an appointment, and check current requirements with official sources.
Visa and entry rules depend on your passport and change often. Before you travel, always check the latest requirements with the destination country’s official sources and your own government’s travel advisory (for US citizens: travel.state.gov).
France guides
Frequently asked questions
How many days should I spend in Paris?
3–4 days for the major museums, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Marais; 5 days if you want to add a day trip to Versailles.
When does the lavender bloom in Provence?
Usually from late June to mid-July; harvest dates vary by area and year.
Can you travel around France by train?
Yes. TGV lines connect Paris with Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg. For Provence’s villages and the Loire châteaux, a car gives you more flexibility.
