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Best time to visit

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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.

108 things to do in France

Hellfest Open Air Festival

June 19-22, 2025 • Event

Join fans of Sepultura, Iron Maiden or Cannibal Corpse during one of the biggest heavy metal music festivals in Europe

Sun and Fun: Beach Season

July–August • Activity

Prepare for lively and energetic beach holidays in Corsica

Olive Picking

November–December • Food

In Provence you can still experience traditional farming and take part in olive harvesting

Lavender Fields in Bloom

June–August • Nature

One of the first things that come to mind when you think of Provence is a magnificent lavender field

Black Truffle

mid-November–mid-March • Food

You'll be able to not just taste some black tr​uffles, but also hunt them, visit the truffle fair, or try out other interesting activities offered by local farmers

Louvre with Shorter Queues

September–May • Activity

Whether you are a keen museum goer or not, the world's finest art is worth exploring!

Ironman 70.3

May 18, 2025 • Event

The home of a famous triathlon, Aix-en-Provence, annualy gathers triathletes from all over the world for a big race

Festival De Cannes

May 14–25, 2024 • Event

One of the world's biggest and most important events, the Cannes Film Festival in the French Riviera, speaks for itself

Saffron Farms

September–October • Activity

A precious spice is made out of the beautiful and tender flowers of saffron in Provence

Pétanque World Championship (Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque)

June 30-July 3, 2024 • Event

A sport in which the French are the ultimate champions

Mont Saint Michel Tide

all year round on selected dates • Nature

At one moment it's coastal, at another—an island in the open sea, cut off from the land with 15-meter high tide

Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale

July 14 • Event

The military parade held in Paris's main avenue proves to be the largest one in Europe

Paris Fashion Week

June 18–23, 2024 | September 23–October 1, 2024 • Event

One of the world's coolest fashion parties!

Exploring the Calanques

October–May • Nature

This natural treasure of Provence and cousin to the Scandinavian fjords is an essential highlight of any trip to the region

Parks and Gardens in Autumn Foliage

late September–November • Activity

Parisian parks and gardens are beautiful at any time of the year but in autumn they become especially charming and poetic

Sunset in the Arc de Triomphe

mid-May | early August • Nature

A biannual natural phenomenon that was not planned by the architect of the monument

Oyster Season

September–April • Food

Even if you don't like oysters, you'll love them in France!

The Gitan Pilgrimage

May 24–May 25 • Event

Watch a small sleepy seaside town of Saintes Maries de la Mer turns into a noisy and wild carnival with Gypsy dancing and music

The Thirteen Christmas Desserts

December 24–December 25 • Food

The sweetest Provençal tradition—lei tretze dessèrts

Carnaval de Paris & Carnaval des Femmes

March 2, 2025 | April 6, 2025 • Event

The graceful moves of the colorful processions drive away winter and bring spring

Kite and Windsurfing

April–October • Activity

Corsica is a great place to learn kite and wind surfing

Carnaval de Nice

February 15–March 2, 2025 • Event

The most important winter event in the French Riviera and one of the largest Carnivals in the world​​

Surfing

November–March • Activity

Good waves arrive to Corsica with the cold

Monaco Grand Prix

May 25, 2025 • Event

Formula 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

Snorkelling and Diving

March–April • Activity

Corsican marine life is rich and diverse attracting both professional and amateur divers

Chestnut Season and Fête de la Châtaigne

October • Food

A little province in the South of France is the chestnut capital of the world

Marathon de Paris

April 13, 2025 • Event

It's not just about running beside world-famous monuments—music, cheese, and wine tasting wait en route too

Fiesta des Suds

October 10–13, 2024 • Event

This international music festival is an essential part of Marseille's cultural identity

Corsican Chestnut Beer

May–September • Food

A native beer flavour invented on Corsica

Tour de France

June 29-July 21, 2024 • Event

The world's biggest, most challenging, and beautiful cycling event

Hiking the GR20 or Grande Radonnee 20

late June–September • Activity

The most challenging and beautiful hiking trail in Europe

Jazz à Vienne

June 26-July 11, 2025 • Event

Two weeks of jazz in an amazing outdoor setting

Chorégies d'Orange

June 14–July 22, 2024 • Event

Visit the world's best preserved Roman theater in Orange when it hosts summer opera festival

Fête du Piment d'Espelette, or Chili Pepper Festival

October 26–27, 2024 • Event

Visit the town of Espelette and check out the #1 Basque spice called Piment d’Espelette

French Alps Skiing Season

late December–late April • Activity

This is one of best skiing destinations in Europe

Christmas Market in Strasbourg

late November–late December • Event

Welcome to Christkindelsmärik—one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets

Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

late March–November 1 • Activity

Observe the famous lily pond in the painting and in reality

Grape Harvest & Festivals

September–mid-November • Event

Grape cultivation and wine festivals constitute the tangible part of the French lifestyle. Everyone can join in!

Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)

December 5–8, 2024 • Event

Once a year, night time in Lyon reveals the city's special colors

Medieval Festivals

May 11–12, 2024 | May 25–26, 2024 | June 1–2, 2024 • Event

In the context of the country's rich history, it's no wonder, Medieval festivals in France are so popular

Frog Legs (Cuisses de Grenouille)

early March–early May • Food

To eat or not to eat, that is the question ?

Vichy Spa

all year round • Activity

Engage in the recreational activities of the highest society of “la belle époque”

Étretat

April–October • Nature

Known for its white cliffs and beaches strewn with rocks, Étretat attracts both tourists and world-famous artists

Cider, Calvados, and Pommeau

September–November • Food

Normandy is known for its apples and the best drinks are made from them

Guédelon Castle

April 1–November 5, 2023 • Activity

Watch the team of volunteers that aim to build their own medieval castle, using traditional techniques and eco-friendly materials

Herri Urrats Festival

May 11, 2025 • Event

Every year, Basque people celebrate their language and culture

Musée d'Orsay

November–March (all year round) • Activity

Some of the best of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is collected at one neat place on Seine's left bank

Passage du Gois

all year round • Activity

Do you dare to meet the hour of driving on one of the world's most dangerous roads?

Fort Boyard

May-October (year round) • Activity

The famous French fort built by Napoleon is now used for filming shows

Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)

mid-November–early January • Event

Alsace, Aquitaine and the French Riviera have their beautiful Christmas traditions

Mardi Gras (Carnaval) in France

mid-January–early March 2025 • Event

Amazing floats, masquerades, and delicious food make winter festivities season in France unforgettable

Tomorrowland Winter

March 15–22, 2025 • Event

The new edition of the world's biggest dance festival in snowy Alps

Rise Festival

December 6-13, 2025 • Event

Lots of snow, music and adventures in the famous French ski resort

Marathon du Médoc

September 7, 2024 • Event

A fun race combining wine, sports, delecious food and health

Dunkirk Carnival (Carnaval de Dunkerque)

January 19–April 19, 2025 • Event

A unique celebration with a strong fishing theme

Quiksilver Pro France

October 16–24, 2021 • Event

An elite surfing competition on the legendary Landes coast

Wheels and Waves in Biarritz

June 12–16, 2024 • Event

Moto and surf festival on the France’s southwestern Basque coast

Château Perché Festival

June 27-30, 2024 • Event

Techno and deep house in the medieval castle in the heart of France

Snowattack

January 25-February 1, 2025 • Event

A week-long snowboarding and music extravaganza

Snowboxx

March 15–22, 2025 • Event

A week filled with famous DJs, legendary Après parties, and lots of snow in the French Alps

Col du Lautaret

all year round • Activity

The highest year-round pass in France

Puerto de Somport

all year round • Activity

A beautiful and exciting ride in the Pyrenees

Col du Tourmalet

late May–October • Activity

A legendary road climb, most known as a Tour de France stage finish

Col d'Izoard

mid-June–October • Activity

An iconic high mountain pass featured in the iconic Tour de France race

Cherry Blossom

late March–early April • Nature

Spring is in the air when thousands of pink buds cover cherry trees

Col de la Bonette

July–October • Activity

Ride along one of the highest roads in Europe nestled in the French Alps

Col du Galibier

late May–late October • Activity

An iconic climb that inspires cyclists and drivers

Lake Annecy Fireworks (Fête du Lac d'Annecy)

August 2, 2025 • Event

Watch the Bay of Albigny hosting one of the most fascinating pyrotechnic shows in Europe

French Open (Roland Garros)

May 25-June 8, 2025 • Event

The most prestigious clay court tennis championship of the world

Halloween

October 31 • Event

Check out the city's best amusement parks or take a special cruise on Seine

Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days)

September 21-22, 2024 • Event

Take advantage of the Open Doors Days to visit prominent cultural and historical sites across France

Paris New Year's Eve (La Réveillon de Saint Sylvestre)

December 31 • Event

What could be more inspiring than a New Year countdown in Paris?

New Year's Eve in France

December 31 • Event

Welcome the new beginning shouting out "Bonne année!" at midnight

Martinique Carnival

March 2-5, 2025 • Event

Feel the tropical vibe of this celebration, held on a beautiful Caribbean island

Easter (Pâques)

April 20, 2025 • Event

One of the largest annual holidays for the Catholic Church

Colmar Christmas Markets

late November–late December • Event

A holiday showcase of Alsace cuisine, decor, and culture

Lille Christmas Market

late November–late December • Event

This amazing Christmas market in Lille has all the chances to become your go-to place during the winter holidays

Metz Christmas Market

late November–late December • Event

Discover what Christmas Market in Metz has prepared for you

Reims Christmas Market

late November–late December • Event

The country's third largest holiday fair with 140+ beautiful chalets and a perfect setting

Mountain of Hell Race

June 20-22, 2025 • Event

How about a bike race on a mountain covered in sheer ice, snow, and rocks?

Fêtes de Bayonne

July 10-14, 2024 • Event

The biggest celebration in the South-West of France

Grande Motte Cable Car

all year round (best mid-June–August) • Activity

The second-highest cable car in France offers terrace views in the summer

Underwater Wine of Saint-Malo

June • Event

A town in Brittany sends its wine to the bottom of the sea

The Cave of Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche

all year round • Nature

One of the largest caves in France offers an exceptional show

Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons

July, 2025 • Event

One of the largest hot air ballooning festival in Europe

Les Montgolfiades de Rocamadour

September 28–29, 2024 • Event

At this spectacular hot-air balloon festival, you'll take the best pictures ever

Les Montgolfiades de Chalon-sur-Saône

June 28-29, 2025 • Event

A spectacular ballooning event taking place on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in rural Bourgogne

Montgolfiades de Thouars

August 30–September 1, 2024 • Event

The annual ballooning event in Thouars is held during the first weekend of fall

AirExpo Air Show

May 11, 2024 • Event

If you think air shows are not your thing, save the day for this event and prove yourself wrong!

Fête Aérienne: Le Temps des Hélices

May 18-19, 2025 • Event

One of the oldest and most famous air shows in France

France Air Expo

June 5-7, 2025 • Event

Learn about the ins and outs of the aero industry at this magnificent event

Le Touquet Paris-Plage International Airshow

July 1–2, 2023 • Event

Discover the best of French airmen and aircraft!

Meeting Aérien International de la Somme-Hauts de France

August 24, 2024 • Event

You've never seen such dexterity and skilfulness as there is at this aviation show!

Paris Villaroche Air Legend

September 14-15, 2024 • Event

Admire war aircraft and take in the 1940s ambiance

Meeting Aérien de Roanne

September, 2025 • Event

About 60 airplanes, exhibitions, and other exciting events on the ground

Jazz in Marciac

July 18-August 4, 2024 • Event

Book your tickets to the famous international jazz festival in southwest France

Jazz sous les pommiers

May 24-31, 2025 • Event

8 days of world music in the heart of Normandie

La Magnifique Society Festival

June 23–25, 2023 • Event

One of the best jazz fests in France welcomes you!

Festival Django Reinhardt

June 26-29, 2025 • Event

The annual mecca for the fans of jazz, guitars, and Romanis

Jazz sur son 31

October 9–20, 2024 • Event

Two weeks of excellent jazz music in Southwestern France

Paris Jazz Festival

June 30–September 8, 2024 • Event

Soothing sounds of jazz in the beautiful green setting

Tourcoing Jazz Festival

October 12–19, 2024 • Event

Enjoy eight days of jazzing in the historical city in northern France

Festival Jazz à Juan

July 8–18, 2024 • Event

Europe's oldest jazz festival at an iconic Mediterranean seaside location

Nancy Jazz Pulsations

October 5-19, 2024 • Event

One of the most recognised jazz event in France

Cognac Blues Passions

July 2-5, 2025 • Event

A week of excellent rhythm and blues in Cognac

Jazz à la Villette Festival

August 29-September 8, 2024 • Event

This festival is proof that jazz is not dead!

Solidays Festival

June 27-29, 2025 • Event

Experience the perfect union of vibrant music and social commitment at the heart of France

Touquet Music Beach Festival

August 23–24, 2024 • Event

Experience an unforgettable electronic weekend in the heart of Le Touquet

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