Bienvenue en France! Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but there are so many more places to travel in France, including beautiful fairytale towns, picturesque coastal cities and quaint romantic countrysides.
We have family in France and we’ve traveled through the country multiple times. Sampling delicious wines, exploring incredible chateaus, walking around Paris and hiking in stunning mountain ranges are just a few of our favorite things to do when we visit. There truly is a little something for everyone in France.
- Capital City: Paris
- Population: About 68 million
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro ($1 USD = 0.92 EUR)
- Time Zone: Central European Time (UTC +1) and Central European Summer Time (UTC +2)
Top Places To Visit In France
Alsace – Located in the northeastern part of France along the bank of the upper Rhine River, Alsace is popular for it’s wine tours, numerous historial sites, delicious gastronomy and beautiful Christmas markets. Make sure you try the sauerkraut when you’re in town!
Bordeaux – Known for it’s incredible wine scene, Bordeaux in southwestern France has officially been named the World Capital of Wine. With over 300,000 acres of vineyards, you’re spoiled for choice if you want to sip on some of the best wines in the world.
Dordogne – This southwest region is loved for it’s medieval charm, impressive castles, alluring landscapes and numerous caves. It’s also home to many prehistoric paintings which are considered to be the best in Europe.
French Alps – If you’re looking for adventure, head to French Alps. Here you’ll find some the best ski slopes in Europe and unparalleled beauty in various alpine landscapes. When the mountains are clear of snow, the Alps are popular for hiking and biking. We hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc in June 2022 and it became one of our favorite hiking experiences to date.
French Riviera – Also know as Côte d’Azur, the French Riviera is located in the southeastern corner of France along the Mediterranean coastline. It’s popular tourism destinations include Cannes, Nice, Monaco, St Tropez, Menton, Grasse and Villefranche-Sur-Me.
Loire Valley – Nestled along the Loire River, this area is a romantic escape in central France. It’s filled with beautiful chateaus, unique accommodations, quaint farms and lush vineyards. The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a very laid-back vibe so it’s a great choice for those travelers looking to explore a little slower.
Mont St. Michel – One of France’s most iconic landmarks, the photogenic walled commune of Mont Saint Michel is unmissable if you’re planning to visit the northwest. You can walk up twisting cobbled roads leading to the famous Abbey at it’s summit.
Paris – As France’s capital city, Paris is year-round tourist destination. It’s home to popular attractions such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. But it also offers world class shopping, incredible architecture and over 100 museums.
Versailles – Visiting the Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. If your itinerary allows give yourself an entire day to explore the massive estate including the beautiful gardens and Queen’s Hamlet.
Paris
Paris is one of our favorite cities in the world. Even after multiple visits, we can always find unique things to do in this the City of Lights. Below you can explore our Paris travel guides:
Paris Pass Comparison: Which One Is Best?
Visiting The Palace Of Versailles From Paris
Need help planning your trip to Paris?
Our popular Paris travel guidebook helps you with planning every aspect of your visit, including must-visit attractions and museums, where to eat and stay, itinerary ideas and map!
View Paris Guidebook
Most Popular Tours In France
How Many Days Do You Need In France?
If you’re only planning to visit Paris, we recommend spending 2-4 days in the city on a first trip. You can then add more time for day trips to Versailles, Fontainebleau, Chantilly or even Mont St Michel.
For longer trips to France, we recommend you consider visiting Normandy, Alsace, the French Riviera and the Loire Valley. You could plan a fantastic 2-3 week trip which also includes spending time in Paris.
Best Time To Visit
France’s best weather is between April and October, so if you want warm sunny days you should plan to visit in peak season. Just remember, summer draws the biggest crowds and highest hotel costs, especially in Paris.
We’ve been to France in all four seasons, and we think the shoulder season months of April, May, September and October are the best times of year to visit. You’ll benefit from a nice balance between costs, crowds and weather in the shoulder seasons.
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