Personalized trips to France
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

Introducing France

France has long been one of the world's most celebrated destinations, and with good reason. Whether you prioritize art and architecture, haute cuisine, or adventures in the great outdoors, France is a country that boasts exquisite options for any traveler.

When is the best time to visit? 
The ideal time to visit France depends on where you'll be spending your time. France's Mediterranean coast is warm for most of the year, while Northern France and the Atlantic coast have wetter, less predictable weather. If you're interested in wine, time your trip to coincide with the grape harvest in Autumn. No matter when you visit, keep in mind that most French people vacation in-country, meaning big crowds during France's national holidays. Learn more

Where should I go in France?
You'll likely arrive in Paris, a legendary metropolis with enough museums, cultural landmarks, bistros, and boulangeries to keep you busy for weeks. But France offers even more to travelers than its romantic capital city lets on. Visit the lavender fields and hillside villages of Provence, check out the glitzy galleries and beaches of the French Riviera, or sample some of the world's most celebrated wines in regions like charming Burgundy or the castle-laden Loire Valley. 

How many days do I need?
Whether you have two days or two months, France holds more than enough variety in its landscape and regional delights to fill any itinerary. If your only stop is Paris, you can get away with as few as three days, though you could easily spend much more time exploring. If you have a specific region in mind that you'd like to see in-depth, plan for at least a week. Or, spend multiple weeks road tripping through the mountains, vineyards, coastline, and cities of this remarkably versatile country—the sky is truly the limit. Learn more

Getting Around France
An extensive network links many French cities and towns, and travel by train is an efficient way to see the country. Self-driving is good for exploring regions like Provence, Normandy, and the Loire Valley in more depth. And to cover large distances quickly, domestic flights connect major cities with most journeys taking about an hour. Learn more

Looking for inspiration? See our top France itineraries

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

France Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Finish this French adventure with a night in Nice
Map of Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 10 Days
Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 10 Days

Enjoy an authentic taste of France with highlight tours, day trips, cooking classes, and more over 10 memorable days. First, get an insider's look at Paris with a local guide before absconding to Aix-en-Provence to stroll its cobbled streets and visit nearby national parks. From there, you're off to the sun-kissed French Riviera to "do lunch" in Saint-Tropez and follow your nose on a tour of Grasse, the perfume hub of France.

Drive along the Bay of Villefranche during your last day in Nice
Map of Paris & the South of France - 7 Days
Paris & the South of France - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary splits its time between the French Riviera and the City of Light for a great introduction to France. Starting in Nice, you'll explore on your own before a local guide shows you around Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes (to name a few). Then, fly to Paris where you'll cruise along the Seine, skip the lines at Versailles, and summit the Eiffel Tower—at sunset!—to complete the adventure.

Famous medieval castle Sully sur Loire at sunset
Map of Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 10 Days
Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 10 Days

This epic 10-day French sojourn kicks off in Paris with three days of culture and cuisine in the "City of Lights." Then, hit the road to the Normandy coast to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel tidal island, medieval Bayeux, and Omaha Beach. Next is the Loire Valley, where you'll explore the charming towns and gorgeous castles of this famous wine region before returning to Paris for one more Belle Époque adventure.

One of the famous perched villages in Dordogne
Map of Western France Road Trip - 14 Days
Western France Road Trip - 14 Days

This spectacular road-trip adventure through Western France provides a subtle mix of history, culture, cuisine, wine, and outdoor activity—and plenty of picturesque landscapes between stops. Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, and the Dordogne region with a combination of tours led by English-speaking local guides and free time to explore on your own.

Old port at dusk in Marseille
Map of Provence & the French Riviera: "Like a Local" - 7 Days
Provence & the French Riviera: "Like a Local" - 7 Days

Love getting off the beaten track and traveling like a local? This tour was tailor-made for you. Experience the best of the French Riviera, including the hilltop villages of Luberon, multicultural Marseille, charming Aix-en-Provence, and vibrant Cannes.

Sunset on the trail
Map of Tour du Mont-Blanc Self Guided Trek - 7 days
Tour du Mont-Blanc Self Guided Trek - 7 days

Circle the highest summit in Western Europe in just six days of trekking with this weeklong summer itinerary. Start in the Chamonix Valley a nd hike through France, Italy, and Switzerland with iconic Alpine vistas throughout. Hike over high mountain passes and quiet meadows, see the Alps reflected in mirror-like Swiss lakes, visit the classic resort towns of Courmayeur and Chamonix, and spend each night sleeping comfortably in charming mountain huts and lodges.

Make the Most of Your Time in France

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
The Eiffel Tower in France's capital city
How Many Days to Spend in France

For a solid France itinerary that covers two regions plus Paris, a 10-day trip is a great choice. With less time, a well-rounded trip is still within reach, especially if you're...

One of many inlets in Calanques National Park
Map of 1 Week in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in France is enough time to explore Paris, plus the highlights of one other region. Wine aficionados can spend a few days in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, history...

France's tallest peak: Mont Blanc
Map of 10 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in France, you can journey through the country's iconic cities, dazzling coastlines, and serene countrysides on a highlights tour or spend time in Normandy and the...

Vineyards in the Beaujolais wine region, north of Lyon
Map of 2 Weeks in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

You can cover some serious ground with two weeks in France, spending multiple days in up to three different regions (plus time in Paris). For example, pair the South of France...

France Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
The old port of Honfleur in Normandy, France
Best Time of Year to Visit Normandy

Normandy offers beautiful beaches and mild temperatures, a lovely combination. In spring, especially later in the season, expect beautiful flowers, sunny days, and manageable...

Château de Villandry on a cloudy spring day
Best Time of Year to Visit France

France offers year-round appeal, whether you're craving sun and sea, powdery snow, or a peaceful, crowd-free escape. The winter months (December to February) are great for a ski...

The historic Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) in Avignon
Best Time of Year to Visit Provence

The shoulder season months of May and September are the best times to visit Provence if you like warm weather, clear skies, and beaches without the throngs of tourists. But for...

France Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
A couple look out at one of the Loire Valley's beautiful chateauxs
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in France

Ask soon-to-be honeymooners around the world to reveal their dream destinations for getting away together, and the chances are many would be in France. The settings for...

France Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise
Amboise
Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise
4.9
(10)
· Upscale
Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise blends history, style, and comfort. This 17th-century house was transformed into a hotel in 2003 and upgraded in 2011, all while preserving its authentic character. Nestled in the Royal City of Amboise, the hotel is just minutes away from Francois I's château and Leonardo...
Photo courtesy of Aquabella Hotel & Spa
Aix-en-Provence
Aquabella Hotel & Spa
4.8
(11)
· Upscale
Aquabella Hotel & Spa is a property inspired by Provence's tranquility and Aix's historical charm. Ideally located in the town center, you'll only be a 5-minute walk away from Pavillon Vendôme, Place des Cardeurs, and the famous works of Paul Cézanne. Here, you'll also be close to several...
Paris
Hôtel Jardin de Cluny
4.8
(10)
· Upscale
This convenient Latin Quarter hideaway sits on a pedestrian street in the 5th arrondissement, just steps from the Musée du Cluny and a 10-minute stroll from Left Bank landmarks like the Pantheon and the Jardin du Luxembourg. A recent renovation has transformed the interior into a...

Best Experiences in France

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Paris
Nighttime Seine River Cruise with Dining Experience
4.9
(21)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
On an evening river cruise on the Seine, enjoy breathtaking views of Paris's famed landmarks from the comfort of your window seat, complemented by a fine dining experience with a selection of wines and a welcome glass of champagne. The dinner is set to the tune of live music, adding to the...
Nice
Journey into the Heart of the French Riviera: Eze, Monaco & Monte Carlo
5.0
(6)
8 hours
·
Small group
Explore Monaco on a guided tour that introduces you to the city's charm and the excitement of the Grand Prix. You'll learn about key sites, soak up picturesque views, and even witness the city's preparation for the iconic race. Embark on a visit to a local perfume factory, where you'll gain...
Paris
Biking Day Trip Through Historic Versailles
5.0
(6)
8 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an immersive bike tour through the legendary village of Versailles, just a short train ride from Paris. Begin your journey with a ride through Versailles' royal forests, making your way to a local food market where you'll gather fresh French specialties for a picnic lunch. As the day...

Our Latest France Content

The Paris Marathon loops past historic landmarks and ends on the Champs-Élysées
Map of Race Abroad in France: Run the 2026 Paris Marathon - 10 Days
Race Abroad in France: Run the 2026 Paris Marathon - 10 Days

Turn your date with the 2026 Paris Marathon into a perfect French vacation with this 10-day itinerary that gives you time to gear up for the race with sightseeing in the French capital. After you've put in your personal best on the 26.2 miles of Parisian cobblestones, take a relaxed journey south, tasting your way around Aix-en-Provence and soaking up the beauty of the Luberon countryside. End in Nice, where you'll cruise the French Riviera by private boat and take a day trip up the coast to Monaco.

Check out the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel, France's next most visited attraction outside of Paris
France FAQ

France is a dream destination for many, but if it's your first time visiting, you probably have plenty of questions. How many days should I spend? Is there a tipping culture? What should I pack? This guide answers the most common FAQs to help you navigate France with ease—whether you're exploring Paris, sipping wine in Bordeaux, or sunning on the French Riviera.

Conquer multiple routes in the French Alps on this weeklong cycling trip
Map of Cycle the French Alps: Annecy, Allemont & Aix-les-Bains - 7 Days
Cycle the French Alps: Annecy, Allemont & Aix-les-Bains - 7 Days

Smell the pine forests, hear the cowbells, and marvel at the snowcapped peaks as you cycle through the French Alps on this weeklong self-drive adventure. Touch down in Geneva and drive to Annecy to paraglide over the glacial lake and conquer two Alpine cycling routes. Explore the historic Old Town's canals and bridges before driving to Allemont for the legendary L'Alpe d'Huez climb and a ride around Lac du Verney. End your tour in Aix-les-Bains with a lunch cruise on Lac du Bourget and a thermal spa.

France Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 14 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 5 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for France
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 22 mins ago

Jane Davey

Born and raised in the UK, I’ve always had a love affair with the great outdoors. It’s no wonder I ended up in travel! Growing up, family holidays meant exploring the UK with my parents and...

read more...
Travel specialist Mathilde Dubuisson
active 51 mins ago

Mathilde Dubuisson

Bonjour! My name is Mathilde, I am 27 years old and I grew up in Troyes, in the Champagne region 🍾 It made me develop an interest for sharing my beautiful culture whenever I have the chance (but...

read more...
Travel specialist Amandine Dumas
active 3 mins ago

Amandine Dumas

Bonjour! I am Amandine and I am 35 years old. I am the mum of two little boys. I used to travel by myself and with my husband, but now we are traveling with family. For me, travel is the...

read more...
Travel specialist Valentine Julien
active 10 mins ago

Valentine Julien

Valentine is the girl from the French Alps! She grew up between the French & Swiss Alps, worked as a tailor-made trip planner in Sri Lanka & Maldives, and was an event organizer for extreme...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit France also visit these destinations

Trip Reviews for France

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Exceeded my expectations
France | May 18 - May 25, 2025

J
Jennifer B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

The trip to the Côte d’Azur planned by Sebastian was wonderful. The hotels, excursions and guides were all exceptional and well beyond what I had expected. Highly recommend .

Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Oct 01, 2025

Hi Jennifer, how are you?

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌞 I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip to the Côte d’Azur and that the hotels, excursions, and guides exceeded your expectations.

It was a pleasure designing this journey for you, and I truly appreciate your recommendation. Hopefully we’ll get the chance to welcome you back to France for another adventure soon!

All the best,
Sebastian

This was our first trip to Europe and we were...
France | Sep 8 - Sep 23, 2025

L
Lisa K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

This was our first trip to Europe and we were unsure about so many things. We took months to plan our itinerary and dumped our disorganized ideas into Audrey's lap. Unfazed, she helped us to plan out a near perfect vacation in France. And, when we had several transportation and housing issues, Audrey used her time and talent to help things run smoothly again. Because of her going the extra mile for us, we will continue to use kimkim as our travel agent, and if we return to France, we will ask for her again. She was wonderful!

Local specialist: Audrey Benezech
Audrey
Audrey Benezech
Local specialist in Montpellier | Replied on Sep 30, 2025

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for your message. It was a real pleasure to organise this trip for you and Tim. Come back!!
I am sorry you had to leave earlier, and I hope you are doing fine.

I wish you all the best.
Audrey

Bonjour mes amis!
France | Sep 15 - Sep 21, 2025

Melody
Melody B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2025
Liz and Greg and Diliana, were great to work with. I worked with Liz the most and she answered ALL of my questions, and addressed ALL my concerns. I told her exactly what I wanted, and she was able to come up with a plan and also changed it when needed. The guides we had were great as well, in addition to the lodging and wineries! Just as a heads up, chateau de pizay where we stayed was beautiful but it is, its on entity. Meaning you will need to take a cab into town if you want to eat at... Read more

Liz and Greg and Diliana, were great to work with. I worked with Liz the most and she answered ALL of my questions, and addressed ALL my concerns. I told her exactly what I wanted, and she was able to come up with a plan and also changed it when needed. The guides we had were great as well, in addition to the lodging and wineries! Just as a heads up, chateau de pizay where we stayed was beautiful but it is, its on entity. Meaning you will need to take a cab into town if you want to eat at different restaurants. But the winery and vineyards there are lovely! And Paris was great too and a change of pace in our trip. Ending with a trip to Champagne, was great as well. This trip is best for wine lovers, unless you want to experience the calmness, of the countryside of France.

Hotel Reviews
Hôtel A La Villa des Artistes
Paris

This is an authentic European hotel, the rooms are not big, but the location of the hotel is nice, and there was breakfast every morning. The hotel is away from the tourist area, but not far, therefore the restaurants around were good and not “touristy.” Locals were all around, which is nice! Also it is not a big hotel, very cozy!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Château de Pizay
Belleville-en-Beaujolais

The chateau was great! But if you want a variety of restaurants you will need to take a cab into town, which cost about 20euros. The chateau almost looks like like a storybook with the vineyards and garden. You can also wine taste at the winery, at the chateau which was nice! It’s calm and peaceful! And had it been a little warmer I would have taken advantage of the pool!

Authenticity & Character
To me it’s the epitome of a château.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Champagne Region Day Trip with Tastings
Champagne Region Day Trip with Tastings
Paris

Just go and take it all in, it was great! And visiting the more family owned house versus the larger champagne houses, was nice as well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free time for Shopping: Best Shopping Areas in Paris 🛍️
Free time for Shopping: Best Shopping Areas in Paris 🛍️
Paris
Quality of Experience
Free Day in Paris
Free Day in Paris
Paris
Quality of Experience
Private Beaujolais Wine Route Experience
Private Beaujolais Wine Route Experience
Lyon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Chreist
Liz
Liz Chreist
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Sep 29, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled that our team made your planning experience smooth and responsive—I was very happy to plan your trip to your travel style. It’s wonderful to know that the guides, lodging, and wineries all contributed to a memorable journey. We appreciate your thoughtful note about Château de Pizay. It’s truly a stunning property, and your heads-up about transportation into town is helpful for future travelers. The vineyards there are indeed a highlight,... Read more

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled that our team made your planning experience smooth and responsive—I was very happy to plan your trip to your travel style. It’s wonderful to know that the guides, lodging, and wineries all contributed to a memorable journey.

We appreciate your thoughtful note about Château de Pizay. It’s truly a stunning property, and your heads-up about transportation into town is helpful for future travelers. The vineyards there are indeed a highlight, and we’re glad you got to enjoy them!

It sounds like your itinerary struck a beautiful balance—from the elegance of Paris to the serenity of Champagne and the countryside. Your reflection that this trip is ideal for wine lovers and those seeking calm is spot-on, and we’re so glad it resonated with you.

Thank you again for sharing your experience—we hope to help you plan another unforgettable adventure soon!
Liz and the Kimkim team!

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.