Best time to visit France
Best time of year to visit France
You can find something unique in France at any time of year. However, the warmer period provides the best opportunities to explore its stunning natural and historical sites. Therefore, the best time to visit France is from May to October. In summer, you can witness the majestic lavender bloom in Provence, go hiking in the Alps, explore scenic Normandie, and find secret beaches on France's Mediterranean coast. In July, celebrate Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale in Paris and go on a picnic with the view of the Seine River and historical monuments. In September, visit saffron farms and marvel at autumn foliage.
42 THINGS TO DO IN FRANCE (SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 05)
Exploring the Calanques
This natural treasure of Provence and cousin to the Scandinavian fjords is an essential highlight of any trip to the region
Louvre with Shorter Queues
Whether you are a keen museum goer or not, the world's finest art is worth exploring!
Parks and Gardens in Autumn Foliage
Parisian parks and gardens are beautiful at any time of the year but in autumn they become especially charming and poetic
Secret Hideaways
Ever dreamed of escaping to a hideaway resort?
Fromage de Chèvre or Goat Cheese
Wine and cheese are a classic, but in Provence, these words have a whole new meaning
Paris Fashion Week
One of the world's coolest fashion parties!
Bouillabaisse
Not only the flavour of this fish soup is special, but the method of serving it as well
Grape Harvest & Festivals
Grape cultivation and wine festivals constitute the tangible part of the French lifestyle. Everyone can join in!
Passage du Gois
Do you dare to meet the hour of driving on one of the world's most dangerous roads?
Chestnut Season and Fête de la Châtaigne
A little province in the South of France is the chestnut capital of the world
Hiking the GR20 or Grande Radonnee 20
The most challenging and beautiful hiking trail in Europe
Aïoli
You might think it's only mayonnaise but you'll discover that it's the centre piece of delicious provençal cuisine
Étretat
Known for its white cliffs and beaches strewn with rocks, Étretat attracts both tourists and world-famous artists
Boat Trips Around Corsica
Discover Corsica's beautiful seaside and mountain landscape on a remarkable boat ride
Col d'Izoard
An iconic high mountain pass featured in the iconic Tour de France race
Ratatouille
Not the Disney movie, but the mouthwatering stewed vegetable dish from Nice
Saffron Farms
A precious spice is made out of the beautiful and tender flowers of saffron in Provence
Hiking in Normandy
If you are looking for some fresh air and beautiful landscapes, Normandy is the place to go
Palace of Versailles
Get a sense of royal lifestyle in the residence of the Kings of French Monarchy
Mont Ventoux
Take a scenic drive to the highest mountain of Provence
Corsican Chestnut Beer
A native beer flavour invented on Corsica
Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny
Observe the famous lily pond in the painting and in reality
Quiksilver Pro France
unconfirmedAn elite surfing competition on the legendary Landes coast
Col du Tourmalet
A legendary road climb, most known as a Tour de France stage finish
Brocciu
An exquisite Corsican sheep cheese
Col de la Bonette
Ride along one of the highest roads in Europe nestled in the French Alps
Oyster Season
Even if you don't like oysters, you'll love them in France!
Musée d'Orsay
Some of the best of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is collected at one neat place on Seine's left bank
Halloween
Check out the city's best amusement parks or take a special cruise on Seine
Pastis
The favourite apéritif of Provence
Kite and Windsurfing
Corsica is a great place to learn kite and wind surfing
Col du Lautaret
The highest year-round pass in France
Cider, Calvados, and Pommeau
Normandy is known for its apples and the best drinks are made from them
Guédelon Castle
Watch the team of volunteers that aim to build their own medieval castle, using traditional techniques and eco-friendly materials
Col du Galibier
An iconic climb that inspires cyclists and drivers
Picnics
Icons of Paris provide some of the world's most romantic settings for a picnic
Sardines
Try a delicious Corsican specialty—sardines with brocciu and wild herbs
Surfing
Good waves arrive to Corsica with the cold
Hiking in Gorges du Tarn
Explore a magnificent canyon and search for a medieval castle
Vichy Spa
Engage in the recreational activities of the highest society of “la belle époque”
Fort Boyard
The famous French fort built by Napoleon is now used for filming shows
Puerto de Somport
A beautiful and exciting ride in the Pyrenees
44 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Lavender Fields in Bloom
out of rangeOne of the first things that come to mind when you think of Provence is a magnificent lavender field
The Gitan Pilgrimage
out of rangeWatch a small sleepy seaside town of Saintes Maries de la Mer turns into a noisy and wild carnival with Gypsy dancing and music
Sunset in the Arc de Triomphe
out of rangeA biannual natural phenomenon that was not planned by the architect of the monument
Tour De France
out of rangeThe world's biggest, most challenging and beautiful cycling event
Festival De Cannes
out of rangeOne of the world's biggest and most important events, the Cannes Film Festival speaks for itself
Pétanque World Championship (Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque)
out of rangeA sport in which the French are the ultimate champions
Mont Saint Michel Tide
out of rangeAt one moment it's coastal, at another—an island in the open sea, cut off from the land with 15-meter high tide
Carnaval de Nice
canceledThe most important winter event in the French Riviera and one of the largest Carnivals in the world
Marathon de Paris
out of rangeIt's not just about running beside world-famous monuments—music, cheese, and wine tasting wait en route too
Strasbourg Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Strasbourg)
out of rangeWelcome to Christkindelsmärik—Europe’s oldest Christmas Market
Warm Up in Covered Passages
out of rangeWhen it's cold and windy outside find a beautiful and cozy old passage and have a cup of tea or shop for souvenirs
Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale
out of rangeThe military parade held in Paris's main avenue proves to be the largest one in Europe
Ironman 70.3
out of rangeThe home of a famous triathlon, Aix-en-Provence, annualy gathers triathletes from all over the world for a big race
Jazz à Vienne
out of rangeTwo weeks of jazz in an amazing outdoor setting
Olive Picking
out of rangeIn Provence you can still experience traditional farming and take part in olive harvesting
Snorkelling and Diving
out of rangeCorsican marine life is rich and diverse attracting both professional and amateur divers
Chorégies d'Orange
unconfirmedVisit the world's best preserved Roman theater in Orange when it hosts summer opera festival
Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
canceledOnce a year, night time in Lyon reveals the city's special colors
Hellfest Open Air Festival
out of rangeJoin fans of Sepultura, Iron Maiden or Cannibal Corpse during one of the biggest heavy metal music festivals in Europe
Sun and Fun: Beach Season
out of rangePrepare for lively and energetic beach holidays in Corsica
Medieval Festivals
out of rangeIn the context of the country's rich history, it's no wonder, Medieval festivals in France are so popular
Monaco Grand Prix
out of rangeFormula One race time is nothing but speed, glamour, passion, noise, and a hint of danger because the cars are never too far away from the barriers
Tour du Mont Blanc
out of rangeConquer Europe's highest mountain and test your endurance
Dunkirk Carnival (Carnaval de Dunkerque)
canceledA unique celebration with a strong fishing theme
Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)
out of rangeAlsace, Aquitaine and the French Riviera have their beautiful Christmas traditions
Mardi Gras (Carnaval)
out of rangeAmazing floats, masquerades, and delicious food make winter festivities season in France unforgettable
Marathon du Médoc
out of rangeA fun race combining wine, sports, delecious food and health
Wheels and Waves in Biarritz
out of rangeMoto and surf festival on the France’s southwestern Basque coast
Black Truffle
out of rangeYou'll be able to not just taste some black truffles, but also hunt them, visit the truffle fair, or try out other interesting activities offered by local farmers
The Thirteen Christmas Desserts
out of rangeThe sweetest Provençal tradition—lei tretze dessèrts
French Alps Ski Season
out of rangeThis is one of best skiing destinations in Europe
Frog Legs (Cuisses de Grenouille)
out of rangeTo eat or not to eat, that is the question ?
Tomorrowland Winter
canceledThe new edition of the world's biggest dance festival in snowy Alps
Rise Festival
out of rangeLots of snow, music and adventures in the famous French ski resort
Snowboxx
out of rangeA week filled with famous DJs, legendary Après parties, and lots of snow in the French Alps
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeSpring is in the air when thousands of pink buds cover cherry trees
Espelette Pepper Harvest & Festival
out of rangeVisit the town of Espelette and check out the #1 Basque spice called Piment d’Espelette
Herri Urrats Festival
out of rangeEvery year, Basque people celebrate their language and culture
Château Perché Festival
out of rangeTechno and deep house in the medieval castle in the heart of France
French Open (Roland Garros)
out of rangeThe most prestigious clay court tennis championship of the world
Carnaval de Paris & Carnaval des Femmes
out of rangeThe graceful moves of the colorful processions drive away winter and bring spring
Snowattack
out of rangeA week-long snowboarding and music extravaganza
Musilac
out of rangeThe festival renowned for its diverse lineups and scenic locations
Lake Annecy Festival (Fête du Lac d'Annecy)
out of rangeWatch the Bay of Albigny hosting one of the most fascinating pyrotechnic shows in Europe
