France Travel Insights

Best Things to Do in the French Alps

With towering snow-capped peaks, charming alpine villages, some of Europe's best skiing, and epic hikes to famous spots like Mt. Blanc, there's always something to enjoy in the French Alps. Ride a cable car to catch impressive views across the mountain range, boat or stroll around crystal-clear lakes, explore cultural towns, and taste the delicious food that keeps the locals warm and full all year long (we're talking cheese) all while breathing in that crisp alpine air.

Best Things to Do in Bordeaux

Known for its signature wine, Bordeaux's surrounding vineyards and La Cité du Vin museum might be its biggest draws, but there's plenty to enjoy in the city and beyond. With the Garonne River weaving through Bordeaux's center, you can explore the city by foot and boat. Stop at vibrant markets and wine shops, tasting gourmet goodies like canelé, oysters, cheese, chocolate, and, of course, a glass of red. Then, enjoy discovering the countryside havens of Gironde and Dordogne, full of picturesque hamlets and vineyards.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Paris

The City of Lights is home to almost as many hotels as it is love stories. The fourth and sixth arrondissements are two of the more enticing spots to stay, but there are plenty of options if you want to make sure you're close to your favorite attraction. Channel the cultural spirit of the city at these art-inspired, high-design hotels.

Best Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon often escapes the list of must-sees in France, but the city and its surrounding areas offer a lot to do, see, and experience. Spend your time exploring historic neighborhoods filled with Renaissance-era architecture and hidden courtyards, tasting the internationally recognized Lyonaisse cuisine, savoring historic sites like the Fourviere Basilica, and exploring the traditional world of silk. With more time, take a day trip to the surrounding vineyards or historic cities like Annecy.

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 vacationing newlyweds do not get much more iconically romantic than a view of Paris, the 'city of love' from atop the Eiffel Tower, a sip of champagne in the region where the drink is exclusively produced or a stroll through ornamental gardens depicting four different sorts of love in the Loire Valley. From a very long and lovely list, here we select the best destinations in France for a honeymoon and what to do in each.

Best Things to Do in Nice

Nice is brimming with unique cultural aspects, including vibrant markets showing off its signature Niçois cuisine, tiny multi-generational wine regions, a gorgeous coastline dotted with historic villages, and the title of the birthplace of perfume. Explore the city by diving deep into its culture, enjoying those legendary sunsets, and discovering neighboring villages and cities, such as Monaco, Eze, Cannes, and Antibes.

Best Things to Do in Paris

As "The City of Love," Paris is known for its romantic charm, impeccable cuisine, and vibrant history, which is why it's always topping the list of the most popular tourist destinations. You can hop from district to district and experience various scenes, from artsy to bohemian, historic to trendy. Try some of France's acclaimed gastronomy, dig into the city's history, and take in the sweeping views from atop sites like Montmartre or the Arc de Triomphe.

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 crowds, making it one of the nicest times to visit. The pleasant summer weather brings big crowds, especially paired with the D-Day commemorations in June, while autumn is rainy and winter is quiet. Read on for advice and information on the best times of the year to visit Normandy.

How Many Days Should You Spend in the French Riviera?

With two days to spend in the French Riviera, stick to a couple of key destinations, like Cannes and Nice or Saint-Tropez. You can add some time sailing around islands or hiking in the Alps if you have three to five days, and if you have around a week, detour to Provence. Travelers with ten or more days to spend have lots of options, whether you want to slow down and experience the region at a slower pace or add it on to a wide-ranging trip around France. Read on for advice on how many days to spend on the French Riviera.

Best Time of Year to Visit the French Riviera

The French Riviera is a true pleasure to visit at any time of year. Spring and summer are preferable if you're looking for the classic resort experience: even though you'll encounter festival crowds and vacationers left and right, you'll enjoy beautiful beach weather. Fall is quieter and rainier, though early fall is still. great for swimming in the Mediterranean. And winter is mild in the region, with few crowds, save for the tourist influx around Christmas and Carnaval. Read on for more information about the best time of year to visit the French Riviera.

Tour du Mont Blanc: Self-Guided Trail Run - 6 Days

Follow the classic Tour de Mont Blanc trail on this six-day itinerary, with a twist: you'll be running between villages and alpine passes, maximizing your time in the region. This adventurous trail running trip is perfect for active travelers who want to experience classic Alps views. You'll run between 19 and 28 miles per day as you wind your way around the Mont Blanc Massif, taking in the views of glaciers and spotted alpine cows before relaxing in mountain villages at night. 

Nice & Paris: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Nice and Paris spend about 11 to 14 days in France, which usually includes some time in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille as well. If you're only headed to Nice and Paris, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 7 to 8 days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in 7 to 6 days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries including Nice and Paris and beyond.

Food & History in Paris - 9 Days

Explore the City of Lights on this exciting gastronomy and culture tour. You will visit all the Parisian highlights, including the Musée du Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Opéra Garnier, and more. Additionally, you'll go off the tourist trail at St. Ouen Market and the Parisian Catacombs. Food tours and classes are sprinkled throughout the trip, sweetening the experience even more. You will also get to explore the city's surroundings, with day trips centered around famous chateaus.

Ultimate France Itineraries - 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days

Our researchers traveled throughout France. Our experts chipped in with their insights. Then we listened to what travelers themselves had to say: where they most want to go, what they most like to see, and what activities most turn them on. Finally, we assessed all their advice, studied all destinations and combinations, and factored in how much time average travelers to France are likely to have. The result? The following ultimate itinéraires française.

14 Days in Provence - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks is an ideal amount of time to spend in Provence: the region's highlights, from wineries to medieval villages to lavender fields, are best experienced at a relaxed pace. Go on a self-guided adventure, driving or riding an e-bike down country roads, or opt for an action-packed tour of the Provençal Alps that features hiking, boating, and kayaking in the mountains. Alternatively, visit Provence as part of a broader trip plan that includes Paris, Lyon, and Nice. The choice is yours—find out more about your options with these unique itinerary ideas.

10 Days in Provence - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With ten days in Provence, you can take your time and enjoy the relaxed pace and beautiful scenery of one of France's most famous regions. Opt for a road trip with stops for hiking and a hot air balloon ride, focus on wine country and the beach with a trip plan that includes a detour to the French Riviera, go on a luxury tour that features a private boat outing in Marseille, or explore Provence on an electric bike. Learn where to go and what to do with these unique itinerary ideas.

7 Days in Provence - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week to spend in Provence, you can tour the region's highlights, focus your time on a sub-region like Upper Provence, or opt for a trip that also includes a few days in the French Riviera or Paris. Take a road trip through wine country, pedal through lavender fields on a bike tour, cruise around Calanques National Park on a boat, hike and swim in gorges and rivers, take a cooking class at a country estate: there's so much to see and do. Learn more about your options with these unique itinerary ideas.

5 Days in Provence - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have just five days to spend in Provence, consider taking a road trip or a bike tour: both options allow you to pass through small villages and take in the region's famous scenery, stopping whenever you like to taste wines, tour castles, or snap photos of lavender fields. Alternatively, try a gourmet tour of Provence that features cooking classes and winery visits, or combine a few days in Provence with a short visit to the French Riviera. Find out more about your options with these five unique itinerary ideas.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Lyon?

Superb museums, UNESCO-listed neighborhoods, and the county's best gastronomy scene are just a few reasons why France's third-largest city is worth a visit. For a solid itinerary in Lyon, we recommend at least three days to explore the city's hills, rivers, bridges, and parks. Alternatively, you could squeeze in the top draws in a day or two, or take your time and soak in the culture over a week or more. Let this local guide help decide which trip length is right for you.

Food & Wine Tour of Provence: Avignon & Bonnieux - 5 Days

On this outdoorsy tour of Provence, you'll mix gourmet experiences with active pursuits. Start the trip in medieval Avignon, then take a tour of the Luberon on an electric bike before learning how to cook (and eat) like a local at a Provençal cooking class. You'll finish with a full-day tour of local wineries. Cheers!

How Many Days Should You Spend in Provence?

The French region of Provence is made for explorers—and there's a lot of room to explore. For a solid itinerary, we recommend at least four days to experience a few villages and sun-drenched landscapes. Of course, you can get a taste of the elegant Provençal lifestyle in a day or two; better yet, rent a car and take a long, leisurely road trip through lavender fields, ancient olive groves, clifftop roads, and Mediterranean views. Below, find a range of itineraries ranging from 24 hours to a week (or more).

How Many Days Should You Spend in Bordeaux?

For a solid itinerary in France's wine capital, we recommend at least three days—ample time to explore the city's elegant streets and modern attractions with a day-trip to nearby chateaux. Of course, a fun-filled day or two lets you experience a slice of the urban action while having closer to a week allows more freedom to discover UNESCO-listed treasures and beaches along the Atlantic coast. Let this local guide steer you in the right direction.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Marseille?

Historic, multicultural, and even a bit scruffy—a trip to Marseille in the South of France is a memorable feast for the senses. For a solid itinerary, we recommend at least two to three days so you can explore the city's famous port, its diverse neighborhoods, and the delicious food scene. Tack on more time for Marseille's ancient sites and modern museums, with possible day-trips to the Provençal countryside or Mediterranean coast. Check out some possible itineraries, ranging from 24 hours to a week or more.

16 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 16 days in France, you have the luxury of time—more than two weeks to explore the country's highlights or take your time in one region, like the French Riviera. See Provence on two wheels on an electric bike tour, sip and swirl your way along the Avenue of Champagne, go on a private boat tour around the Îles d'Or, visit Mont-Saint-Michel at low tide, or cross the border and spend part of your time in Spain. Learn more about where to go and what to do with these unique itinerary suggestions.

15 Days in France - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 15 days in France, you can check off a long list of highlights or focus on a particular region, like Provence or the French Riviera. Take a cooking class with a local chef in Nice, ride an electric bike through lavender fields and vineyards, sip bubbly on the Avenue of Champagne, take a sunset cruise on the Seine River: with two full weeks to spend, you won't be in a rush. Learn more about what to do and where to do with these unique itinerary ideas.

13 Days in France - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Take your time: with 13 days in France, you can slow down and enjoy yourself, whether you're catching the sunset on a riverboat cruise or tasting wine straight from the barrel in the Alps. Go on a grand tour of the French Riviera, explore Provence on an electric bike, see the City of Lights in a chauffeured car, sip and swirl your way down the Avenue of Champagne: there's so much to see and do. Learn more about your options with these unique itinerary ideas.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 6 Days

Savor the tastes of Southern France's Provence region on this six-day road trip itinerary. Take a farm-to-table cooking class, sample the vintages of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, and stroll across the songworthy bridges of Avignon with your time in this culinary territory.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 8 Days

Provence was once the first Roman territory beyond the Alps, and while you won't be riding in as a conqueror, you'll see why they wanted it for their own after this eight-day self-drive trip. Craft your own soap, cruise around the coast of Marseille, cook with ingredients from local markets, and more as you explore the region.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 9 Days

Twirl around to the catchy tune of Sur le Pont d'Avignon as you cross said bridge and more on this nine-day self-drive trip. In addition to crossing the celebrated bridge of Avignon, you'll stroll down the Mediterranean coast and through markets, vineyards, olive groves, and more to see all that Provence has to offer.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 10 Days

Take 10 days to stop and smell the lavender as you traverse the fields, vineyards, and villages of Provence on this self-drive trip. This popular region of southeastern France has plenty for your senses to enjoy: take in the scents of soapmaking workshops, sights of the Mediterranean coast, and tastes of famous wines and market-fresh cooking on your adventure.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 11 Days

Whether you're picking up a single sunflower in the market or shelling out for one of the world's most expensive bottles of rose wine, you're sure to find something worth indulging in on this eleven-day road trip itinerary. From France's oldest city of Marseilles, up to the Luberon's hilltop villages, and down to the former seat of the papacy in Avignon, every destination has something new to offer.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 12 Days

See the scenery that attracted the likes of Rénoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Van Gogh on this 12-day self-drive itinerary. You may even find some artistic inspiration of your own as you cruise down the glittering coastlines, wander through picturesque villages, and sip the vintages of old-growth vineyards.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 13 Days

Provence gets roughly 2,900 hours of sunshine per year, so you'll have plenty of time to bask in this 13-day road trip through the South of France. You'll make your way from coastal Marseilles inland to experience French farm cooking, hilltop villages, established wine estates and olive oil groves, and even ancient Roman ruins under the southern French sun.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 14 Days

Provence is home to some of France's most populated spots, and you'll soon see why it's so popular with this two-week self-drive itinerary. Start by looking for the perfect angles to capture the city of Marseilles, then learn to cook with some help from the experts of Aix-en-Provence. Sample well-established wines and olive oils, wander ancient stone streets, and you just may be convinced to join the many residents.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 15 Days

As one of France's first wine regions, Provence has been making wine for more than 2,000 years. Taste the fruits of all that historic expertise and more on this 15-day road trip. You'll stay in six different cities in the region, exploring everything from soapmaking to Sauternes, and modern museums to Roman ruins, as you take in all that Provence has to offer.

12 Days in France - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Consider yourself lucky if you have 12 days to spend in France. With nearly two weeks to explore the country, you don't have to choose between Provence and the French Riviera—or between the wineries of Bordeaux and the pastry shops of Le Marais. Opt for an itinerary that combines wine tasting with scenic drives along the coast, choose a trip plan that takes you through the countryside on an electric bike, try a road trip around Bordeaux and western France, or see the country's highlights on a luxury tour that features private cooking classes, boat rides, and chauffeured rides in a vintage car. Learn more about where to go and what to do with these unique itinerary ideas.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 6 Days

Find your French spirit with a six-day swing through the Verdon Gorge, the largest in Europe. You'll start and finish in Mediterranean Marseille, but head to the Verdon region in between for four nights of horseback rides, rafting, and a search for the gorge's famous vultures.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 7 Days

Get your French kicks on this seven-day adventure trip. After a soap-making experience in Marseille, a city known for its savon, you'll head out to Europe's largest gorge for horseback riding, river rafting, a via cordata climb, and more.

11 Days in France - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have eleven days to spend in France, you have time to visit several destinations or focus on one region. Go trekking through Alpine landscapes in the Ville des Glaciers, motor around Provence on an electric bike adventure, see Paris in a chauffeured vintage car and Marseilles on a private boat during a luxury tour, revel in the culinary pleasures of Basque Country on both the Spanish and French sides, sip bubbly in world-class champagne houses and visit quaint villages in eastern France—learn how with these unique itinerary ideas.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days of adrenaline with this adventurous itinerary. After exploring the streets of Marseille, you'll head into the mountains to meet the Verdon Gorge from all angles via horseback rides, river rafting, climbing, and canyoneering.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 9 Days

Take a dive into nine days of adventure with this expedition. Start off by exploring Marseille and the French Mediterranean coast, then head inland to the Provençal Alps and Verdon Gorge. You'll ride horses, raft down rivers, climb along the canyonside, and more before you return to Marseille.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 10 Days

Take every matter  of transport on this ten-day adventure trip. You'll cruise along the coast of Marseille, ride horses up to Sainte-Croix Lake, and tackle the Verdon Gorge by foot, river raft, and via cordata climb to take in the wild face of Europe's largest gorge.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 11 Days

Capture your perfect angle, even if it's upside-down, on this 11-day adventure itinerary. In addition to two expert photography workshops, set in coastal Marseille and the mountains around the Verdon Gorge, you'll ride, raft, hike, and climb to some of France's most spectacular views.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille, Verdon, & Aix-en-Provence - 12 Days

Tackle 12 days of excitement with this adventure trip. After exploring France's oldest city, Marseille, you'll head out to the Verdon Gorge region. Hike along its edges to discover the wild animals and plants, then descend into the Gorge via climbs and canyoneering to experience it from all angles. You'll end your trip in Aix-en-Provence, home to some of Cézanne's favorite landscapes.

9 Days in France - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Wine tasting in Bordeaux, sailing around the Lérins Islands, sightseeing in Paris, sunbathing in Saint-Tropez: with nine days to spend in France, you'll have time for a wide range of activities. The itinerary depends on your interests—you could focus on major highlights like Paris and Provence, take your time exploring the laid-back French Riviera, or road-trip through the gorgeous scenery of western France, visiting castles and crossing the border to Switzerland, to name just a few options. Learn more about where to go and what to do with these unique itinerary ideas.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille, Verdon, & Aix-en-Provence - 13 Days

Find both adrenaline and inspiration on this 13-day adventure trip. You'll explore both city streets and wooded paths with professional photographers, ride horses and rafts through Europe's largest gorge, and see the natural sights and urban landscapes that inspired famous Impressionists over the course of your adventure.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille, Verdon, & Aix-en-Provence - 14 Days

Hop into a heart-pumping two weeks with this exciting itinerary. Whether you're cruising along the Mediterranean coastline outside Marseille, hiking up mountains, descending into the Verdon Gorge, or taking a bike ride around Aix-en-Provence, you're sure you find something that thrills you.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille, Verdon, & Aix-en-Provence - 15 Days

Indulge all of your senses, especially your sense of adventure, on this 15-day trip. You'll cruise to isolated islands in the Mediterranean, inhale the fragrant flower fields of Provence, scope out sunset summits, and more, frequently accompanied by expert guides and professional photographers to make sure you absorb the experience from every angle.

8 Days in France - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With eight days in France, you have time to visit more than one region, or you could choose to focus on one area, like the French Riviera. Combine a visit to Paris with a few days in the wine-growing region of the Loire Valley or a tour of Normandy's historic sites, or go on a food-focused journey around the Rhône Valley or a hiking trip in the Alps. Learn more about where to go and what to do with these unique itinerary suggestions.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille, Verdon Gorge, & Aix-en-Provence - 16 Days

Sink your teeth into 16 days of Southern French sensations with this itinerary. You'll experience the markets of Marseille along with a cooking class in a local chef's home, then find your courage to tackle Europe's largest gorge via hiking, horseback riding, canyoneering, climbing, and more. Wind down with more hikes and a bike ride through charming Aix-en-Provence before you head home.