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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
With quick access to the nearby Giverny gardens, see Vernon's medieval "Vieux-Moulin" watermill in May or June
Best Time of Year to Visit Normandy

Spring (March to May) is one of the nicest times of the year to visit Normandy—particularly later in the season—when beautiful flowers, sunny days, and manageable crowds can be...

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
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 garden-inspired...
Photo courtesy of Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise
Amboise
Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise
4.8
(12)
· 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 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
(24)
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
4.8
(25)
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
Private Exterior Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit with Priority Access
4.7
(25)
2.5 hours
·
Private
Uncover the heart of Paris's Gothic legacy on a private walk through Île de la Cité, where you'll visit the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris (referred to simply as Notre-Dame) and the nearby luminous Sainte-Chapelle, both marvels of 13th-century craftsmanship. With priority access to...

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
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for France
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 3 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 Liz Chreist
active 3 hours 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 many countries around the world. Traveling close to...

read more...
Travel specialist Mathilde D.
active 2 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 51 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...

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Trip Reviews for France

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Fabulous trip to Reims and Paris!
France | Sep 25 - Oct 1, 2026

Alicia
Alicia S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2026
Pauline did a wonderful job putting together an itinerary for my 50th birthday girls trip to France. I provided a general overview of what we wanted to do and she came back with an itinerary that included accommodations we were happy with and a few tours/activities we were pleasantly surprised with, particularly the private panoramic tour of a quaint Champagne village while viewing the beautiful vineyard landscapes. Read more

Pauline did a wonderful job putting together an itinerary for my 50th birthday girls trip to France. I provided a general overview of what we wanted to do and she came back with an itinerary that included accommodations we were happy with and a few tours/activities we were pleasantly surprised with, particularly the private panoramic tour of a quaint Champagne village while viewing the beautiful vineyard landscapes.

Hotel Reviews
Chouchou Hôtel
Paris
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hyatt Centric Reims
Reims
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided visit and tasting at Mumm
Guided visit and tasting at Mumm
Reims

Excellent tour, guide was friendly and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Night Cruise on the Seine with Music & aperitif (With drinks included - 1 glass of Wine)
Night Cruise on the Seine with Music & aperitif (With drinks included - 1 glass of Wine)
Paris
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Eiffel Tower Stair Climb to Level 2 + Elevator to the Top - Guided tour
Eiffel Tower Stair Climb to Level 2 + Elevator to the Top - Guided tour
Paris

Tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Art of Pairing Cheese & Wine
The Art of Pairing Cheese & Wine
Paris

Loved this, the presenter was very knowledgeable, enjoyed meeting other travelers, the wine and cheese quantities were perfect.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Panoramic tour with a local guide
Panoramic tour with a local guide
Reims

We loved this tour. I don’t think we paid attention that we would be going through a vineyard and were pleasantly surprised. The views were amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transfer from the railway station to the city center (hotel)
Private transfer from the railway station to the city center (hotel)
France
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu

Highly Recommend
France | Sep 25 - Oct 1, 2026

Lesley
Lesley M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2026

Kimkim made our girls’ trip to Paris absolutely seamless! The team was incredibly responsive, attentive, and always quick to help. Their exceptional service made our trip truly special. We highly recommend Kimkim and would absolutely use them again!

Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu

The Countryside of France
France | Sep 8 - Sep 23, 2026

Bonnie
Bonnie M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026
We really want to thank you Audrey, for creating such a fantastic trip and for all your assistance while we were sick. Your arranging for us to see a doctor in Arles was extremely helpful and we were able to get medication to help us for the remainder of our trip. Although being sick changed our trip and we were not able to do all the things as planned, our experience of France, the lovely people, the amazing food and beautiful countryside will leave us with lasting memories which we will... Read more

We really want to thank you Audrey, for creating such a fantastic trip and for all your assistance while we were sick. Your arranging for us to see a doctor in Arles was extremely helpful and we were able to get medication to help us for the remainder of our trip.

Although being sick changed our trip and we were not able to do all the things as planned, our experience of France, the lovely people, the amazing food and beautiful countryside will leave us with lasting memories which we will cherish forever and we owe all of this wonderful experience to you!

I would like to mention some of the places in which we stayed and the individual owners who made our stay with them exceptional.
The little boutique hotel in Carcassonne was amazing, such a lovely place! Although we were only there one night the owners were fantastic. Katy and her husband are the most accommodating owners. They were very helpful in helping us get a taxi to our meeting point for the Medieval City tour. Katy makes a delicious breakfast consisting of many homemade items. They also recommended an amazing restaurant within walking distance where we enjoyed the delicious local Cassoulet and some local wine. Our guide for the Medieval City was incredible. She was very knowledgeable of Medieval City, and we learned so much history of the area,

Mas Petit Fourchon in Arles is beautiful Provençal farmhouse and Pascale the owner is such a lovely and welcoming person. Her estate is beautiful and the three days we spent there were very much needed and gave us the opportunity to rest in a peaceful and lovely environment.

The Arcanse Hotel in Arcachon was also a very lovely place in a great location. They served a wonderful breakfast, and all the staff were extremely helpful.

I would like to mention both the wine tours we attended were wonderful. Charly our guide in the Burgandy area was very knowledgeable and we learned so much about the wine production in that area. The two wineries where we tasted were lovely and the wine was amazing!
The lunch and wine tour and tasing at Chateau Guiraud was most enjoyable. The food at the restaurant was incredible and we learned a lot about the production of the sweet wine of that area. Our guide for the tour was very knowledgeable, and we really enjoyed the entire day.

Lourdes was a very special experience for us. I have been wanting to visit Lourdes for so many years, and I was so happy to finally experience such a special place. We were able to attend the Dutch Pilgram's Mass, and we did the candlelight processions both nights that we were there. We had a lovely suite at the Le Grand Hotel Gallia in Lourdes.

Our train trip from Arcachon to Paris was a bit stressful. The train from Arcachon to Bordeaux was 15 minutes late in arrival at Bordeaux so we missed our original train to Paris. We had a four hour wait but they were able to get us on another train but unfortunately, they could not provide us with reserved seats which presented a bit of a stressful train ride for us. We had to change seats several times. Fortunately, two lovely gentlemen who boarded the train at two different stops gave up their seats for me for which I was most grateful. The train was very full, and it would have meant moving all our luggage to try to find another seat. We did make it back to Paris without having to move to a different car with all our luggage thanks to the very kind gentlemen who gave up their seats.

The entire trip was fantastic, and we are very grateful to you, Audrey for making all the wonderful arrangements and for your assistance while we sick. As I mentioned it is unfortunate we could not do all the events as planned and there were days, we just had to push through to the next hotel but we thoroughly enjoyed all that we were able to experience and we met some lovely people and enjoyed the beautiful countryside of France.

Thank You, Audrey! I would for sure recommend you and Kimkim to anyone wanting to experience a wonderful vacation.

Additionally, the Kimkim app was great!

All the Best
Bonnie and Dennis

Hotel Review
Mas Petit Fourchon
Arles

The Mas Petit Fourchon is a fantastic Provencal farmhouse just outside of Arles. The house is beautiful and the owner, Pascale was very warm and welcoming. She ensures your stay is most enjoyable and relaxing. The grounds are beautiful; there is also a lovely pool for swimming and relaxing. Additionally she raises Camargue horses which are beautiful. Also, on her property are Alpacas and two lovely dogs which will greet you upon arrival. Her estate is very family friendly with a playground area for children. She severs a lovely breakfast out on the patio which was most enjoyable. The Bed and Breakfast is only 3 kilometers from Arles. I would highly recommend a stay at this lovely Bed and Breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
The house is very authentic with lovely decor.
Location
Lovely place and perfect for exploring the area around Arles
Staff
The owner Pascale is a very warm and welcoming person
Cleanliness & Comfort
our room was very clean and well furnished with everything we needed
Activity Reviews
Guided Visit of the Medieval City of Carcassonne
Guided Visit of the Medieval City of Carcassonne
Carcassonne

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable regarding the history of the Medieval City of Carcassonne. She made the tour most enjoyable.

Immersive Experience at Château Guiraud
Immersive Experience at Château Guiraud
sauternes

The food at the Chateau Guiraud restaurant was incredible. We loved the tour and learned so much about the history of this estate and the production of their sweet wines. Our guide for the tour was very knowledgeable and explained everything about the production of their wines.

Côte de Beaune or Côte de Nuits wine tasting tour
Côte de Beaune or Côte de Nuits wine tasting tour
France

Charly was an excellent tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area and winemaking. He took us to two lovely wineries for tasting and a tour. We learned so much about the Burgandy area wines and production. It was a lovely day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Audrey Benezech
Audrey
Audrey Benezech
Local specialist in Montpellier | Replied on Sep 29, 2026
Dear Bonnie & Dennis, Thank you so much for your lovely message! It really made my day. 😊 It was a real pleasure to organize this trip for you and to be with you along the way. I am so happy to know that you enjoyed your time in France. I am very sorry that you were sick during your trip, but I am glad to hear that you are both feeling better now. I am also very sorry about the train delay. I understand that it must have been stressful for you, and I truly apologize for this. It would be... Read more

Dear Bonnie & Dennis,

Thank you so much for your lovely message! It really made my day. 😊

It was a real pleasure to organize this trip for you and to be with you along the way. I am so happy to know that you enjoyed your time in France.

I am very sorry that you were sick during your trip, but I am glad to hear that you are both feeling better now.

I am also very sorry about the train delay. I understand that it must have been stressful for you, and I truly apologize for this.

It would be a great pleasure to welcome you back to France for new discoveries! There are still so many beautiful regions, charming villages and delicious food and wine to explore together. Whenever you are ready for your next adventure, I will be here to help you plan it.

Take good care of yourselves, and thank you again for your trust.

Greetings from Montpellier, South of France 🌞
A bientôt!
Audrey

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