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.
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.
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.
In just under two weeks, discover some of France's most beautiful châteaus and delicious wines. Spend one night in Paris before catching a train to Niort to explore the historic Château du Coudray-Salbart and the canals of the serene Marais Poitevin wetland. Then, drive to Chinon to visit its royal fortress and indulge in wine tastings at local estates. Stop at Caves Ambacia for a wine tour on your way to Blois, where you'll visit renowned châteaus before returning to Paris to explore the city and its cuisine.
Spend one week exploring France's capital, Paris, and relaxing at a wellness retreat in the countryside. Start with a free day in the city, then go on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to visit landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Cycle around the Latin Quarter and one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Le Marais, before heading to Ecolodge Instants d'Absolu. At this peaceful hotel and spa, nestled on the serene shores of Lac du Pêcher, you'll enjoy rejuvenating treatments like a massage and yoga class.
This action-packed, one-week tour offers an exciting mix of e-bike rides, wine tastings, and cultural experiences across southwestern France. Starting in Bordeaux, you'll visit La Cité du Vin before cycling to historic Saint-Émilion to see its Monolithic Church. Visit local wine estates and then continue to the medieval town of Mouleydier. Finally, explore villages and castles on your ride to Sarlat-la-Canéda, where you'll discover the region's prehistoric past with visits to the cave Lascaux IV and Parc du Thot.
From the gilded halls of Versailles to the fairy-tale castles of the Loire Valley, this 12-day tour features the opulent interiors and intricate gardens of some of France's most famous châteaux. Begin in Paris with day trips to Chantilly and Compiegne, then hop a train to Amboise to e-bike around the countryside and get lost in the hedge maze of Château de Villandry. More medieval fortresses and Renaissance châteaux await in Saumur and Angers before a train whisks you back to Paris for departure.
Perfect for connoisseurs of food, wine, and history, this 14-day tour focuses on the cities, coastlines, and countryside of western France. Start in Bayeux to visit Normandy's D-Day beaches and the tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel, then taste your way through Les Halles market and uncover the mysteries of the Louvre in Paris. Head south to coastal La Rochelle for a sunset cruise, and end in Bordeaux to taste vintages at family-run wine estates and savor oysters at Arcachon Bay.
This 11-day French road trip charts a path from Burgundy to the Brittany coast, winding through the best of the Loire Valley's grand châteaux and historic wineries along the way. Start in Beaune to sample Beaujolais wines and bike across Burgundy vineyards, then follow the Loire west through Amboise, Saumur, and Nantes. Turn north to feast on crêpes and cider in the walled city of Saint-Malo, and end in the tiny hamlet of Giverny, exploring the world of famed Impressionist artist Claude Monet.
Make it a honeymoon to remember with this two-week luxury getaway to France. Start in romantic Paris, where you'll take in the sights from a vintage Citroën and sample artisan cheeses and wines in Saint-Germain. Hop a train to Avignon to explore the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and explore charming Provençal towns like Les Baux and Saint-Rémy, then continue to Marseille for a private cruise through Calanques National Park. End in Nice with e-biking along the Riviera and a sunset sailing trip.
This 16-day tour takes you through France's past and present, showcasing its history, culture, and heritage. Start in Paris, where you'll glide down the Seine on an evening cruise and walk the paths of kings in Versaille. Then, head to the Normandy region for a visit to the ethereal Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey and an e-bike tour of D-Day beaches. See the châteaux and wineries of the Loire Valley, learn all about wine at Bordeaux's Cité du Vin museum, and end back in Paris for an evening of fine French gastronomy.
Get a taste of the best of France over two special weeks as you travel from top to toe, starting and ending in Paris. Explore the sights of the capital and take a day trip to the Champagne region, then venture north to Normandy to explore historic towns like Bayeux and connect with D-Day stories. From here, you'll rent a car and travel across the Loire Valley, visiting fairy-tale châteaux before taking the train to Aix-en-Provence and Nice, where Provençal and Riviera adventures await.
This relaxed road trip showcases the wineries, villages, and countryside of Provence. Start in Avignon with a "bistronomic" dinner and the city's UNESCO-listed sites, then drive to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to bike through lush vineyards and sample local wines. Learn to cook like a French chef in Saint-Rémy, wander the famous Provençal markets of Aix, wind your way through the Luberon region's hilltop villages, and end with the cobblestone streets and pastel-colored homes of Nice.
This lavish weeklong tour of France showcases the highlights of Paris and the Burgundy region. Start in the "City of Lights" for a dining cruise along the Seine and discover the wonders of the Louvre with an art expert. See the ornate artistry of Versailles, then depart for Beaune to walk its medieval ramparts and the historic Hospices de Beaune. Sip renowned Burgundy vintages and tour local vineyards, then return to Paris in time to catch a dinner show at the famous Moulin Rouge.
Active and adventurous travelers will love this outdoor-oriented itinerary that spends just over a week exploring the best of Paris and Provence. Warm up with an e-bike tour around the French capital, then hop a train to Marseille for cruising, kayaking, and snorkeling trips into the coastal waters of Calanques National Park. Drive inland for rafting and canyoneering fun in the dramatic Verdon Gorge, and skirt the lavender fields of Valensole for one last dose of Provençal scenery before the train back to Paris.
Combining plenty of independent exploration with luxurious stays, this 10-day road trip takes a leisurely route through the historic towns and famed wine country of Bordeaux and the Dordogne. Savor regional cuisine in Bordeaux and climb the dunes of Arcachon Bay, then drive to Sarlat to admire Gothic and Renaissance architecture. See shadows of the French Revolution at Château de Castelnaud, cruise the Dordogne River, and end in Saint-Émilion to meet winemakers and taste the region's best reds.
Spend eight days in luxury as you explore Paris' grandest sites and Normandy's historic treasures. Sip Champagne on the Eiffel Tower, walk the medieval halls of Sainte-Chapelle, and roam the Louvre with a private art historian. Hop a train to Bayeux and step into the past as you learn about the Norman invasion via the Bayeux Tapestry and pay your respects at the D-Day landing beaches. After a day on the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll return to Paris for a stroll around enchanting Montmartre.
Embrace the history and romance of Provence on this six-day luxury tour filled with cultural excursions, wine tastings, and top-notch cuisine. Start in Aix-en-Provence and stroll through winding streets to see the bustling Cours Mirabeau and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. Cruise the waters of Calanques National Park, sip fine wines, and taste freshly pressed olive oil at a local grove. You'll even squeeze in a safari through the Camargue National Park to see the resident white horses.
Combine urban adventures with the great outdoors on this nine-day excursion through northwestern France. Start in Paris, where you'll explore neighborhoods by bike and ascend the Eiffel Tower. Then, you're off to the Breton coast and the port city of Saint-Malo for a visit to the island settlement of Mont-Saint-Michel and fresh seafood in Cancale. End with a multiday trek along Brittany's Emerald Coast, visiting the seaside towns of Saint-Briac and Saint-Cast and en route to the Fréhel Peninsula.
This weeklong winter getaway showcases Paris and Strasbourg's rich culture, history, and a wealth of Christmas cheer. Start in the capital, where you'll take a luxury dinner cruise on the Seine and learn the art of French cooking in a private cooking class. Then, you're off to the Alsace region and the city of Strasbourg—known as France's "Capital of Christmas." Shop and eat your way through the region's best Christmas markets, returning to Paris for a spin around the Louvre and an evening of avant-garde cabaret.
This picture-perfect sojourn in Paris highlights the French capital's history, culture, and cuisine over eight eventful days. Check off historic monuments and neighborhoods with a guided e-bike tour, then ascend the Eiffel Tower at twilight to watch the famous "blue hour" settle over the city. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens with a private tour of Versailles, learn how to tell your croissant from your mille-feuille in Saint-Germain's pâtisseries, and end with a sunset dinner cruise on the Seine.
This five-day French road trip takes you on a quick jaunt around the southwestern region, with an itinerary of outdoor excursions, cultural experiences, and of course, wine tasting. Start in the Auvergne countryside with a hike through the Parc des Volcans. Continue into the Dordogne for an exclusive château visit and hot-air balloon flight, then wind your way through rolling vineyards to reach Bordeaux, where you'll visit a prestigious winery in Saint-Émilion and end with a memorable gourmet dinner.
This eight-day French escape combines the best of the capital with a relaxed stint in the Provence countryside. Start with a few days in Paris, touring the bohemian alleys of Montmartre, ascending the Eiffel Tower, and savoring French gastronomy and river views on a dinner cruise down the Seine. Then, catch a train south into the heart of Provence and base yourself in historic Avignon to explore the region's charming hilltop villages, open-air Provençal markets, and ancient abbeys.
Combine cultural sights with outdoor adventures on this relaxed nine-day trip to Paris and the Côte d'Azur. Start in the capital with an evening river cruise along the Seine, then spend a day exploring the expansive Jardin du Luxembourg. Catch a train south to Marseille next, and dive into the rocky, coastal landscapes around Calanques National Park with hiking and snorkeling excursions. Follow the Riviera east to end in Nice, balancing relaxed beach time with day trips to Monaco and medieval Èze.
Discover the glitz and the glamour of the Côte d'Azur with this seven-day escape to the South of France. Begin in Nice to spend a day wine tasting at the world-class estates of Bellet, explore Monaco after dark with a private guide, and take a day trip to Saint-Tropez. Then, head into the fragrant hills of Provence to Grasse, where you'll step into a perfume house to dream up your new signature scent. Finish back on the coast to experience the medieval Old Towns and jet-set pedigrees of Antibes and Cannes.
With two weeks in France, you can embark on a finely-tuned journey offering a taste of world-renowned wine, cuisine, and landscapes. Raise a glass to the vineyards of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux on a luxury wine tour. Or, slow the pace and discover top-notch restaurants and enduring medieval villages as you travel from Paris south to Marseille. Other options include a getaway to Provence and the French Riviera and a wintry escape featuring enchanting Alpine villages.
With 10 days to experience the luxuries of France, you can delve into the serene landscapes of one region or pick up the pace on a highlights tour. Focus on Loire Valley and Bordeaux if you're a wine fanatic, or venture north to Normandy to uncover World War II history. Meanwhile, Provence and the French Riviera introduce you to the opulence of the Mediterranean, while Annecy, Chamonix, and Switzerland's Grindelwald provide scenic playgrounds for winter enthusiasts.
You don't need to decide between elegant Paris and the historic châteaux of the Loire Valley on this sumptuous two-week getaway that starts with a stylish stay in the capital before heading to the most renowned French wine regions. From the standout landmarks of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the gastronomic delights of Dordogne, you'll tick off all the highlights during a fortnight that's jam-packed with private tours for enophiles and culture connoisseurs.
Journey south from Paris to Provence on this two-week luxury tour and experience the best of French culture and gastronomy. Get an insider's look at the Louvre's treasures and wander the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. Then, it's off to Dijon and Lyon for wine tastings, food tours, and day trips into the countryside. Continue south to sun-soaked Aix-en-Provence and end in style in Marseille with a private boat charter around the Frioul archipelago and seaside dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
With a private driver at your disposal and gorgeous stays at 5-star and boutique hotels, you'll be able to unwind and see all the sights with this jam-packed luxury tour of two of France's most iconic regions: the Riviera and Provence. Work your way along the coast from Nice to Saint-Tropez for guided tours of Monaco and Antibes, Picasso's stomping ground. Then, it's off to Aix-en-Provence and Marseille for lavender fields, a private cruise, and Michelin fine dining. Who says you have to go home?
Spend 10 days in the lap of luxury as you discover the history, culture, and winemaking of northeastern France. It starts in Paris, where you'll settle into the Ritz and take a private cruise on the Seine. After exclusive tours of the Louvre and Versailles, you're off to Reims for Champagne tastings and a balloon flight over the region's famed vineyards. Continue east to settle into the colorful half-timbered town of Colmar and sample German-inspired wines and cheeses as you trace the scenic Alsace Wine Route.
Renaissance castles, medieval villages, and the exceptional wines of Bordeaux and the Loire await on this 10-day trip to France. Your vacation begins with a sunset hot-air balloon flight and a three-night stay in a luxury 17th-century manor house, perfectly placed for vineyard trips and the châteaux of the Loire. The 5-star theme continues with private transfers to Bordeaux and Sarlat to visit Saint-Émilion's renowned vineyards, a truffle hunt in the Dordogne, and iconic Arcachon Bay oysters.
This luxury tour takes you from the bright lights of Paris to the Provençal countryside, showcasing France's food, wine, and culture along the way. Start among the capital's medieval treasures, coupled with a cheese tasting in the Marais. Then, you're off to Dijon, where you'll explore the city via bike. Sip your way through the wineries of Burgundy, sit down to a gourmet dinner in Lyon, and end in Aix-en-Provence, visiting its surrounding villages and cruising the inlets of Calanques National Park.
One week in France is an excellent amount of time to uncover the luxurious side of one region. Lovers of the Mediterranean will find Nice and Saint-Tropez perfect destinations, while those fond of adventure focus on the Alpine landscapes of Annecy and Chamonix. Other options include a history-infused tour featuring Normandy and Brittany, a delightful escape amid the vineyards of Bordeaux, and a classic tour showcasing the hidden gems of Paris, Dijon, and Lyon.
Combine the glamour of the French Riviera and the serene beauty of Provence on this 10-day vacation that begins with a private Champagne cruise on the Côte d'Azur before visits to the coast's most idyllic medieval towns and elegant gardens. You'll squeeze in another private cruise to the eucalyptus-scented Lérins Islands, then hop over to Provence, where Michelin fine dining, lavender fields, and whimsical hilltop towns await.
World history meets French culture on this lavish 10-day tour. It starts in the capital city of Paris, where you'll see sobering World War II reminders, such as the Deportation Memorial and the Holocaust Museum. Then, head to Normandy for the infamous D-Day beaches and Caen's Memorial Museum. Experience the island and abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, drive along the Emerald Coast, and visit the charming villages of Dinan and Saint-Suliac before returning to Paris for a Seine dinner cruise.
This fabulous winter tour of France and Switzerland offers history, culture, and the incredible outdoors. Start in the French village of Annecy, where you'll learn about pastoral life at a dairy farm and sample fine Savoie wines. Then, you're off to Chamonix for snowshoeing, skiing, and a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Cross the border to Switzerland's Lavaux region for delicious wine, cheeses, and chocolates. Ascend the Jungfrau Railway in Grindelwald, ending with a lively folklore show in Lucerne.
This lavish winter adventure takes you to the mountains of both France and Switzerland for history, gastronomy, and exhilarating Alpine winter sports. Start in the French village of Annecy with a foodie tour through the charming old town, then transfer to Chamonix for striking glaciers and snow-based adventures. Last but not least, hop over to Switzerland to ascend Europe's highest railway station and take to the slopes at stylish Zermatt.
Travel in luxury as you spend a week exploring the wild coastline and rich history of northwestern France. Begin in Normandy to tour historic Bayeux, admire its eponymous tapestry, and visit windswept D-Day beaches. Then it's on to Brittany and the walled city of Saint-Malo, where you'll experience the awe-inspiring Mont-Saint-Michel, take a private sailing cruise along the Emerald Coast, and end your trip with a tour of the charming medieval villages of Dinan and Saint-Suliac.
Indulge in the best of French food, culture, and wine on this luxury trip through the country's gastronomic heartland. Start in Paris to explore the treasures of the Louvre alongside a local art historian and sample cheese in the Marais. Then, you're off to Dijon to bike around the city's historic sites and taste the wines of Burgundy while learning about the winemaking process. The journey ends in Lyon, where you'll explore its hidden passageways and take a day trip to the golden villages of Beaujolais.
This weeklong tour through France offers top-notch luxury, active adventures, and the best in culture and cuisine. Start in Lyon, visiting the Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse market and trying its delicious food and wine. Then, you're off to the French Alps to explore Savoyard cuisine and coast around Lake Annecy via e-bike. Continue to Chamonix and see the cemetery where mountaineers were laid to rest, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and end with a hike along glacier trails to Montenvers.
Spend a luxurious week touring France's premier wineries and the picture-perfect villages of Bordeaux and the Dordogne. With enchanting 5-star stays in the region's best hotels, you'll spend your days tasting world-famous reds, such as Margaux, and sampling local gastronomy. Start in Bordeaux, La Cité du Vin, and tour the "Château Route," then it's off to Saint-Émilion for a Grand Cru experience before a sunrise hot-air balloon ride above the Gironde completes your trip.
Take a stylish spin around the French Riviera with this weeklong tour that whisks you from the elegant coastal city of Nice to the glitz and glamour of Saint-Tropez. Throw in stays at two 5-star hotels, a Champagne sailing cruise around the Côte d'Azur, an afternoon at a chic beach club, and visits to the Riviera's renowned wineries, and you'll see why regulars return to this slice of paradise each year.
Experience the best of Provence in luxurious style with this weeklong getaway that combines world-class gastronomy with sumptuous 5-star hotels. Start in Aix-en-Provence (described as a "Mini Paris"), then head to the Luberon for charming Provençal hilltop villages and the natural wonders of Roussillon. Round out your trip with Michelin-starred dining, wine tasting in the Alpilles, and a Jeep tour through the Camargue Biosphere Reserve.
Discover the best of Paris and the Champagne region on this weeklong luxury tour. Start in the capital, where you'll ascend the Eiffel Tower, sample artisan treats in Le Marais, and step into splendor at the Palace of Versailles. Then, you're off to the Champagne region and the city of Reims, home to some of France's most prestigious Champagne houses. Enjoy exclusive tastings, float above vineyards by hot-air balloon, see the grand Reims Cathedral, and end by e-biking through the French countryside.
Sports and culture lovers rejoice—the Olympics are coming to Paris! This memorable 10-day journey combines the spectacle of the 2024 Olympic Games with the food culture that has made France a legend in the world of gastronomy. After immersing yourself in the sporting spirit of Paris, you're off to Lyon, Burgundy, and Marseille for foodie tours, truffle hunts, wine tastings, Champagne boat cruises, and more.
Olympics 2024, here you come! Paris will be hosting this 3,000-year-old tradition, and you'll experience the pomp and circumstance over 10 event-filled days—plus enjoy adventures in other highlight regions. After experiencing the best of Paris, catch a train to the Loire Valley for vineyard tours, explore the historic villages of Brittany, and visit Bordeaux for bike tours and to indulge in fine food and wine.
Got Olympic fever? Let this 10-day journey across Europe get you in the mood for the 2024 Games. It begins in scenic Switzerland on Lake Geneva with a visit to the Olympic Museum, followed by a trip to France and more grand tours in Paris, where the Olympics will be held. In between, you'll enjoy food tours in Lyon, wine tastings in Burgundy, boating on Lake Annecy, and many other cultural and culinary adventures.
The 2024 Olympics are headed to Paris, and there's no better way to prime yourself than on an active adventure through France. It begins in the City of Lights, the epicenter of the upcoming Olympic Games, with tours, cabarets, and a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine. Then, you're off to France's Brittany region, where you'll experience its walled city of Saint-Malo, take a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel, and explore the stunning English Channel coastline with multiday hikes and watersports.
Travelers to France typically plan a trip for 11 to 14 days when combining Paris, Bayeux, and Saint-Malo with Amboise. For travelers wanting to visit Paris, Bayeux, and Saint-Malo exclusively, plan 8 to 10 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in five to seven days for travelers with limited time. For the best itineraries, including Paris, Bayeux, and Saint-Malo, keep reading below.
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