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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 & 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.

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.

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.

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 ideal 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
(11)
· 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...
Paris
Hôtel Jardin de Cluny
4.8
(12)
· 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...
Photo courtesy of Hotel Le Negresco
Nice
Hotel Le Negresco
5.0
(7)
· Luxury
Hotel Le Negresco is a masterpiece of authenticity and character. This historic 5-star property is steps away from the Promenade des Anglais and a brief walk from Place Massena. Guests often rave about the hotel's unique blend of vintage and modern elements, particularly the charming vintage...

Best Experiences in France

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Paris
Nighttime Seine River Cruise with Dining Experience
4.9
(23)
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
(23)
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...
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
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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 Mathilde D.
active 7 days ago

Mathilde D.

Bonjour! I’m Mathilde in the heart of the Champagne region 🍾 Growing up surrounded by historic streets and bubbly traditions sparked my passion for sharing the beauty of French culture (don’t...

read more...
Travel specialist Valentine Julien
active 15 hours 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...
Travel specialist Liz Chreist
active 1 day ago

Liz Chreist

My favorite definition is- Travel (travel-ǝl)-noun- The only thing you buy that makes you richer. I have had the privilege of traveling to numerous countries. Traveling close to the earth has...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for France

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great planning and a great vacation by KimKim...
France | Jun 19 - Jul 2, 2026

S
Samantha S.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2026
Great planning and a great vacation by KimKim. We had several guides, but both Louis and Alex stood out above the rest. Their level of knowledge, interactions with us and command of the English language were superb. Cannot recommend them both enough. Read more

Great planning and a great vacation by KimKim. We had several guides, but both Louis and Alex stood out above the rest. Their level of knowledge, interactions with us and command of the English language were superb. Cannot recommend them both enough.

Hotel Reviews
InterContinental Chantilly Chateau Mont Royal, an IHG Hotel
La Chapelle-en-Serval
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Domaine de la Tortinière
Veigne

A beautiful Chateau! Would love to stay here again! Food was not as good here, but lots of options nearby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Le Relais Saint-Michel
Le Mont Saint-Michel

Really cool hotel, so unique and amazing location and views!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Paris

Great location, good AC.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Crémaillère
Courseulles-sur-Mer

The staff were so kind and helpful! Beautiful stay!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Mont-Saint-Michel Your Way : Abbey tickets included
Mont-Saint-Michel Your Way : Abbey tickets included
France
Quality of Experience
Monet's Giverny House & Gardens self-guided day Trip (Tickets are not included)
Monet's Giverny House & Gardens self-guided day Trip (Tickets are not included)
France

We ended up skipping this, needed more downtime.

Quality of Experience
Exploration of the Château Clos Lucé : Entrance tickets included
Exploration of the Château Clos Lucé : Entrance tickets included
France

Wrong tickets were uploaded to our app, had trouble getting in, but we did.

Quality of Experience
Immersive Sound and Light Show at the Invalides Dome
Immersive Sound and Light Show at the Invalides Dome
Paris

A unique experience, but feels like a money maker, I appreciate history more.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Exploration of the Opera Garnier
Private Exploration of the Opera Garnier
Paris

This was great, but we were too tired having just landed hours earlier.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exploration of the Château in Amboise : Entrance tickets included
Exploration of the Château in Amboise : Entrance tickets included
France
Quality of Experience
Private American Airborne Divisions War History Day Trip
Private American Airborne Divisions War History Day Trip
Bayeux

See other review for D-Day tour, all the same - Louis was the BEST.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Loire Valley Châteaux Day Trip: Chambord & Chenonceau
Private Loire Valley Châteaux Day Trip: Chambord & Chenonceau
France

Alex was amazing, wishing we had more time as we loved hearing about the history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alex was very engaging and worked with my daughter to help improve her French.
Transport
Private Château Chaumont & River Cruise Escape
Private Château Chaumont & River Cruise Escape
France

Our guide was not very engaging and little information to offer. She was unprepared for us, especially in not transporting us to the river cruise.

Quality of Experience
More engaged guide
Food
The lunch on the river cruise was one of our best meals.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Farmer's Market Day in Amboise
Farmer's Market Day in Amboise
Amboise

Go early to get parking

Quality of Experience
Self-Guided Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip
Self-Guided Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip
France
Quality of Experience
Self-Guided Beach Day
Self-Guided Beach Day
Bayeux

Definitely needed this day of relaxing in between tours.

Quality of Experience
Private Omaha & Utah Beach War History Day Trip
Private Omaha & Utah Beach War History Day Trip
Bayeux

Louis was the BEST guide! His level of knowledge and engagement were above and beyond. Wishing I had more time to do more of the beaches with him as a guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Louis was thoughtful, humorous, engaging and the most prepared with water for hot, hot days.
Transport
The vans were super clean and comfortable.
Private Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit  with Priority Access
Private Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit with Priority Access
Paris

Felix was a great guide! Sainte-Chapelle was spectacular!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Seine River Cruise
Private Seine River Cruise
Paris

Very relaxing and great way to see some of the sights while working through jet lag.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Liz Chreist

I liked the way that the guides were able t...
France | Jun 12 - Jun 27, 2026

J
jeannette B.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2026

I liked the way that the guides were able to tell us about the French cities we were visiting. They knew the facts of the cities and pointed out some of the highlights of the city. The guides were on time to take us to the locations we were to visit. They were easy pick up and easy drop off.

All-in -all, it was a memorable experience.

Local specialist: Liz Chreist

Amazing family trip!
France | Jun 14 - Jun 23, 2026

Frances
Frances B.
New Orleans, LA, USA | Reviewed on Jun 30, 2026
We had a truly incredible trip to France! It was my children's first trip abroad (7yrs and 4 yrs) and my first time taking them on such a big adventure as a parent. Lucie made sure the trip was a perfectly tailored balance of things the kids would enjoy, parents would enjoy, and inclusive of enough downtime to make sure we all weren't overtired. We made several hotel changes and location changes and always had fantastic, kind, drivers to bring us from place to place with all of our luggage. ... Read more

We had a truly incredible trip to France! It was my children's first trip abroad (7yrs and 4 yrs) and my first time taking them on such a big adventure as a parent. Lucie made sure the trip was a perfectly tailored balance of things the kids would enjoy, parents would enjoy, and inclusive of enough downtime to make sure we all weren't overtired. We made several hotel changes and location changes and always had fantastic, kind, drivers to bring us from place to place with all of our luggage. Our hotels were wonderful spaces for us to enjoy as a family, and the neighborhoods she found for us to stay in were walkable and right on the Metro lines. We loved Paris - we had a wonderful, kid friendly tour of the Louvre. We saw the Eiffel Tower (my 7 year old's big dream for the trip), explored Montmartre, took the Metro all over. We travelled my train to the charming town of Nantes and saw the old town and the Machines de l'Ile, rented a car to go to Puy du Fou, and then spent 3 perfect lazy days in Ile de Re. It was a magical trip - Lucie handled EVERYTHING. When our flights got severely delayed (to the next day) she rearranged our cars, informed the hotel, and moved around our Louvre tour to accommodate our new schedule. The next time my family goes to France we will absolutely reach out to Lucie.

Hotel Reviews
Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Paris

We had a very short and very enjoyable stay at this hotel. It's right near the Seine and the Pont Neuf. Large space for a family to enjoy. Kind staff. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Baronnie Hôtel & Spa
Saint-Martin-de-Re

This is the best hotel I have ever stayed in. The staff were so kind, so helpful, and so friendly. The room was stunning. My kids loved getting to have their own bedroom and loved the bunk bed. When we forgot our newly purchased stuffed animal on checkout, they called us and arranged to fly him home. We also got a cute little picture of him working at the front desk which charmed my children and me. I would love to come stay here again - it was magical.

Authenticity & Character
The most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in.
Location
Ile de Re is amazing and this hotel is right near the spot you want to explore. It's stunning.
Staff
The staff is so friendly, helpful, and kind. They clearly really want you to enjoy your time at the hotel and on the island. They knew our names and we walked in and out of the building and would have bent over backwards for us to make sure the trip was perfect.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A truly wonderful family room.
Domaine Mélusine
Les Epesses

Wonderful breakfast. Perfect spot for visiting Puy du Fou.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel 29 Lepic
Paris

Perfect space for a family in a wonderful, charming, part of town. Would love to come back and stay a day!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect street in Montmarte.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discovery of the Machines de l'île
Discovery of the Machines de l'île
Nantes

Unfortunately the elephant ride was out of commission, which was disappointing, but we really enjoyed the machines.

Quality of Experience
Self-Guided Visit of the Eiffel Tower with Access to the Summit (Entrance Tickets included)
Self-Guided Visit of the Eiffel Tower with Access to the Summit (Entrance Tickets included)
Paris
Quality of Experience
Louvre Treasure Hunt
Louvre Treasure Hunt
Paris

This was the perfect way to introduce a child to this massive Louvre. We saw 10 preselected pieces, discussed them, and left. It was the best way to get my child into the Louvre without overwhelming her. Our guide was wonderful and so engaging. My daughter adored her.

Quality of Experience
Our tour guide was fantastic!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our tour guide was fantastic!
Transport
We took the Metro.
Local specialist: Lucie Rousseau

Why travelers love kimkim

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