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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 & South of France - 7 Days
Paris & South of France - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary splits its time between the French Riviera and the City of Lights 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 line 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...

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...

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...

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
(9)
· 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...
Photo courtesy of Domaine de la Tortinière
Tours
Domaine de la Tortinière
5.0
(5)
· Upscale
Located in the Touraine area of the Loire Valley, Domaine de la Tortinière is a boutique hotel nestled within the picturesque landscapes of a beautiful château. The seasonal hotel, operational from spring to mid-December, is just over 9 miles (15 km) from Tours, a 20-minute drive. In just over...

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...
(Photo courtesy of Bateaux Parisiens)
Paris
Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music
4.7
(15)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Step aboard a restaurant boat on the Seine River and indulge in a gourmet dinner accompanied by live music as you take in Paris's illuminated landmarks from your window seat. As you cruise, enjoy French cuisine prepared fresh daily by an expert chef, with dishes that emphasize simplicity and...
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...

Our Latest France Content

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.

Drive through the lavender-growing region of Plateau de Valensole in the Verdon
Map of Paris to the South of France Road Trip: Beaune, Ardèche, Ventoux, Moustiers & Cassis - 11 Days
Paris to the South of France Road Trip: Beaune, Ardèche, Ventoux, Moustiers & Cassis - 11 Days

Explore the wonders of France on this 11-day self-drive adventure! In Paris, soak up culture at the Louvre, cruise the Seine, and enjoy a 2CV Grand Tour. Then, drive to Beaune for Burgundy winetasting and the dazzling "Paths of Light" show. Continue south to canoe through the dramatic Gorges de l'Ardèche and conquer Mount Ventoux on an e-bike. Discover the Provençal lanes of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the lavender fields of the Verdon before finishing in Cassis to kayak or hike in the Calanques.

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
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Map 5 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for France
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 27 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 Amandine Dumas

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 Mathilde Dubuisson
active 1 hour 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 Stephen Molloy
active 51 mins ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for France

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

suggestion do not book clients into citizens...
France | Jun 27 - Jul 7, 2025

F
frank h.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2025

suggestion do not book clients into citizensM hotel at Paris airport
hard to get to the hotel
rooms way to small
no room for luggage

additionally our Loevre Guide did not conform to the identification instructions that Kimkim provided and therefore we could not identify him as a result we did not meet him until 45 minutes after the set meeting time
additionally he was a business major at the university and knew nothing about art

Local specialist: Liz Chreist

We, overall, are very satisfied with the serv...
France | Jun 24 - Jun 30, 2025

Warren
Warren G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2025
We, overall, are very satisfied with the services provided by the Kim Kim team especially Sebastian. Throughout the planning process he was always quick to respond and make suggestions that worked out well for us. Our personal guide in Bordeaux, Hela, was a delight and took the time to explore the city and many of it's delightful food and beverage vendors. Ala Francaise host Vicki was also great and we really enjoyed her knowledge of the wine region and the process of wine making. Read more

We, overall, are very satisfied with the services provided by the Kim Kim team especially Sebastian. Throughout the planning process he was always quick to respond and make suggestions that worked out well for us.

Our personal guide in Bordeaux, Hela, was a delight and took the time to explore the city and many of it's delightful food and beverage vendors. Ala Francaise host Vicki was also great and we really enjoyed her knowledge of the wine region and the process of wine making.

Hotel Reviews
Hôtel du Cygne
Tours

Great location and fantastic large room. Most importantly, air conditioned! We happened to be in Tours France during an early heat wave and coming back after touring wineries and having dinner to a comfortable air conditioned room was most appreciated. David and the staff were friendly and accommodating during our three night stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lola Boutique hotel
Bordeaux

This small hotel was delightful and the staff was always helpful when we needed recommendations on things to do. It's location right across the street from St. Michel was a bonus. The atmosphere every evening for happy hour was fantastic taking place on the plaza in front of the church steps. The bartender made some amazing craft cocktails and we enjoyed sitting and people watching as we wound down our evening.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Wine tasting and discovery tour of Caves Ambacia
Wine tasting and discovery tour of Caves Ambacia
Amboise

This tour was worth the short train ride from Tours to Amboise. The castle and Da Vinci's resting place and home were very enlightening.

Quality of Experience
Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau castles & Vouvray wine tour - Full-day
Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau castles & Vouvray wine tour - Full-day
France

Our guide, Marion, for the tour of the amazing Castle Azay-le-Rideau, the Vouvray wine tour and the Chateau Villandry was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and was obviously a subject matter expert on the history and lifestyle of people who inhabited the Caste and Chateau.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Tourraine Wine tour
Afternoon Tourraine Wine tour
France

Our guide for this private tour was a former Lieutenant Colonel in the French army and current winery co-owner. Very knowledgeable and took the time to take us first to the vinyard to explain the cultivation, pruning and harvesting of grapes before taking us to the wine cave for a tasting. This was a hightlig for us and we learned so much about appelations, terrior, and thcuteriee types of grapes allowed in the production of wines in the Lorre Valley. The tasting in the cave was accomapnied by a great selection of Cheeses. Really enjoyed this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine discovery day from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion
Wine discovery day from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion
Bordeaux

Our guide was delightful and our first wine tasting was great with the winery staff taking time to explain the wines and the process of how the wines were grown, produced and bottled. Our second tasting stop was more of a hard sell on the owners preference for the sparkling wine they produced. Lunch was provided there and it was a great selection of cheese, charcuterie and fresh salad with a nice red wine paring. Saint -Emilion was amazing but we were only allowed 45 mins before we needed to be back to meet the driver for our return to Bordeaux.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gourmet Dinner in Bordeaux
Gourmet Dinner in Bordeaux
Bordeaux

This dinner was fantastic and we were treated to a window seat that looked out over the central plaza and river bank. Food and wine were amazing and the cheese course for dessert featured a delicious selection of interesting cheese varieties.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
UNESCO Guided cruise on the Garonne river
UNESCO Guided cruise on the Garonne river
Bordeaux

Our guide was delightful and knowledgeable but the trip was short and it's highlights were really just the history of the bridges we passed beneath and some overview of the architectural rules governing development and restoration of the city's building facdes. We schduled this for the afternoon after Cite du Vin and wished we had spent more time at Cite du Vin

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cité du Vin : priority access with the skip the line ticket and wine tasting
Cité du Vin : priority access with the skip the line ticket and wine tasting
Bordeaux

We wished we had alloted more time to tour this museum. It's multimedia and interactive exhibits were immersive and informative. Our wine tasting experience there was top notch and an experience not to be missed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bordeaux gourmet & wine experience with a local
Bordeaux gourmet & wine experience with a local
Bordeaux

Hela was so engaging and knowledgeable about the history of Bordeaux and took us on a walking tour of some great local wine and culinary shops.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Jul 07, 2025
Hi Warren and Maureen, how are you? Thank you so much for your kind words — I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback! It was a real pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m so glad to hear that everything went smoothly and that the suggestions worked well for you. I’ll be sure to pass along your lovely comments to Hela and Vicki — they’ll be thrilled to know they made your experience even more special. If you ever feel like exploring another region of France (or... Read more

Hi Warren and Maureen, how are you?

Thank you so much for your kind words — I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!

It was a real pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m so glad to hear that everything went smoothly and that the suggestions worked well for you. I’ll be sure to pass along your lovely comments to Hela and Vicki — they’ll be thrilled to know they made your experience even more special.

If you ever feel like exploring another region of France (or coming back for more wine and food adventures!), I’d be delighted to help again.

Wishing you all the best,
Sebastian

Holiday in the South of France and Paris with my grandchildren 2025!
France | Jun 27 - Jul 6, 2025

Judy
Judy W.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2025
My specialist Simon did an excellent job in making my France experience with my grandchildren absolutely perfect. Our drivers were great, giving us some info on each place we were visiting, I literally never had to worry. Our hotel accommodations were absolutely wonderful especially in Nice and Aix en Provence - I could have stayed in Aix much longer as it was so beautiful. We had a lot of fun in Monaco in the Casino - No one won but definitely had fun while Nicole and Hillary enjoyed... Read more

My specialist Simon did an excellent job in making my France experience with my grandchildren absolutely perfect. Our drivers were great, giving us some info on each place we were visiting, I literally never had to worry. Our hotel accommodations were absolutely wonderful especially in Nice and Aix en Provence - I could have stayed in Aix much longer as it was so beautiful. We had a lot of fun in Monaco in the Casino - No one won but definitely had fun while Nicole and Hillary enjoyed browsing the stores and doing a little shopping at Zara’s.

The heat was my only downfall, kids didn't mind as they went to the beach to swim in the ocean and also in the pools to keep cool. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Perfume Making experience, so happy I did that. Our tours were all anmazing and the kids really enjoyed their night life in each place we stayed, not getting to bed until the wee hours of the morning. Paris is such a beautiful city with so much to see and do. The hotel we stayed at was wonderful as it was walking distance to everything. All the restaurants we went to had fabulous food, wine and cocktails no one complained.

Thank you Kim Kim for another wonderful and memorable holiday.

Hotel Reviews
Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel
Paris

Wonderful hotel walking distance to everything - disappointed their spa and pool closed even though they offered us to use another hotels pool.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa Saint Ange
Aix en Provence

This hotel was beyond beautiful with its lovely gardens, fabulous pool with restaurant attached to the pool area where we enjoyed lunch, excellent breakfast and walking distance to town .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Bastide Saint Antoine
Grasse
Authenticity & Character
Beautiful grounds and excellent dinner
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boscolo Nice Hôtel & Spa
Nice

Absolutely beautiful, walking distance to beach, excellent breakfast - highly recommend

Authenticity & Character
It’s beautiful decor
Location
Close to beach, cafes and bars
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Dinner at Le Plongeoir
Dinner at Le Plongeoir
France
Food
Local specialist: Simon Hardy

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