Best time to visit France
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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 25 - OCTOBER 04)
Exploring the Calanques
This natural treasure of Provence and cousin to the Scandinavian fjords is an essential highlight of any trip to the region
Secret Hideaways
Ever dreamed of escaping to a hideaway resort?
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
Louvre with Shorter Queues
Whether you are a keen museum goer or not, the world's finest art is worth exploring!
Fromage de Chèvre or Goat Cheese
Wine and cheese are a classic, but in Provence, these words have a whole new meaning
Bouillabaisse
Not only the flavour of this fish soup is special, but the method of serving it as well
Paris Fashion Week
One of the world's coolest fashion parties!
Chestnut Season and Fête de la Châtaigne
A little province in the South of France is the chestnut capital of the world
Aïoli
You might think it's only mayonnaise but you'll discover that it's the centre piece of delicious provençal cuisine
Mont Saint Michel Tide
At one moment it's coastal, at another—an island in the open sea, cut off from the land with 15-meter high tide
Passage du Gois
Do you dare to meet the hour of driving on one of the world's most dangerous roads?
Boat Trips Around Corsica
Discover Corsica's beautiful seaside and mountain landscape on a remarkable boat ride
Hiking the GR20 or Grande Radonnee 20
The most challenging and beautiful hiking trail in Europe
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
Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny
Observe the famous lily pond in the painting and in reality
Corsican Chestnut Beer
A native beer flavour invented on Corsica
Grape Harvest & Festivals
Grape cultivation and wine festivals constitute the tangible part of the French lifestyle. Everyone can join in!
Hiking in Normandy
If you are looking for some fresh air and beautiful landscapes, Normandy is the place to go
Étretat
Known for its white cliffs and beaches strewn with rocks, Étretat attracts both tourists and world-famous artists
Brocciu
An exquisite Corsican sheep cheese
Oyster Season
Even if you don't like oysters, you'll love them in France!
Mont Ventoux
Take a scenic drive to the highest mountain of Provence
Col d'Izoard
An iconic high mountain pass featured in the iconic Tour de France race
Col de la Bonette
Ride along one of the highest roads in Europe nestled in the French Alps
Col du Tourmalet
A legendary road climb, most known as a Tour de France stage finish
Kite and Windsurfing
Corsica is a great place to learn kite and wind surfing
Surfing
Good waves arrive to Corsica with the cold
Palace of Versailles
Get a sense of royal lifestyle in the residence of the Kings of French Monarchy
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
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
Cider, Calvados, and Pommeau
Normandy is known for its apples and the best drinks are made from them
Pastis
The favourite apéritif of Provence
Vichy Spa
Engage in the recreational activities of the highest society of “la belle époque”
Hiking in Gorges du Tarn
Explore a magnificent canyon and search for a medieval castle
Guédelon Castle
Watch the team of volunteers that aim to build their own medieval castle, using traditional techniques and eco-friendly materials
Fort Boyard
The famous French fort built by Napoleon is now used for filming shows
Quiksilver Pro France
An elite surfing competition on the legendary Landes coast
Col du Lautaret
The highest year-round pass in France
Col du Galibier
An iconic climb that inspires cyclists and drivers
Puerto de Somport
A beautiful and exciting ride in the Pyrenees
40 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Lavender Fields in Bloom
One of the first things that may come to mind when you think of Provence is views of magnificent blooming lavender fields
The Gitan Pilgrimage
Watch a small sleepy seaside town of Saintes Maries de la Mer turns into a noisy and wild carnival with Gypsy dancing and music
Monaco Grand Prix
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
Tour De France
The world's biggest, most challenging and beautiful cycling event
Festival De Cannes
One of the world's biggest and most important events, the Cannes Film Festival speaks for itself
Sunset in the Arc de Triomphe
A biannual natural phenomenon that was not planned by the architect of the monument
Pétanque World Championship (Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque)
A sport in which the French are the ultimate champions
Marathon de Paris
It's not just about running beside world-famous monuments—music, cheese, and wine tasting wait en route too
Ironman 70.3
The home of a famous triathlon, Aix-en-Provence, annualy gathers triathletes from all over the world for a big race
Snorkelling and Diving
Corsican marine life is rich and diverse attracting both professional and amateur divers
Warm Up in Covered Passages
When 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
The military parade held in Paris's main avenue proves to be the largest one in Europe
Jazz à Vienne
Two weeks of jazz in an amazing outdoor setting
Rise Festival
Lots of snow, music and adventures in the famous French ski resort
Sun and Fun: Beach Season
Prepare for lively and energetic beach holidays in Corsica
Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Welcome to Christkindelsmärik—Europe’s oldest Christmas Market
Chorégies d'Orange
Visit the world's best preserved Roman theater in Orange when it hosts summer opera festival
Medieval Festivals
France is proud of its rich history. It's no wonder that Medieval festivals in the country are so popular
Hellfest Open Air Festival
Join fans of Sepultura, Iron Maiden or Cannibal Corpse during one of the biggest heavy metal music festivals in Europe
Olive Picking
In Provence you can still experience traditional farming and take part in olive harvesting
Black Truffle
You'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
The sweetest Provençal tradition—lei tretze dessèrts
Tour du Mont Blanc
Conquer Europe's highest mountain and test your endurance
French Alps Ski Season
This is one of best skiing destinations in Europe
Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
Once a year, night time in Lyon reveals the city's special colors
Frog Legs (Cuisses de Grenouille)
To eat or not to eat, that is the question ?
Mardi Gras (Carnaval)
Amazing floats, masquerades, and delicious food make winter festivities season in France unforgettable
Dunkirk Carnival (Carnaval de Dunkerque)
A unique celebration with a strong fishing theme
Snowboxx
A week filled with famous DJs, legendary Après parties, and lots of snow in the French Alps
Marathon du Médoc
A fun race combining wine, sports, delecious food and health
Carnaval de Paris and Carnaval des Femmes
The graceful moves of the colourful procession drives away winter and brings spring
Espelette Pepper Harvest & Festival
Visit the town of Espelette and check out the #1 Basque spice called Piment d’Espelette
Herri Urrats Festival
Every year, Basque people celebrate their language and culture
Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)
Alsace, Aquitaine and the French Riviera have their beautiful Christmas traditions
Tomorrowland Winter
The new edition of the world's biggest dance festival in snowy Alps
Wheels and Waves
Moto and surf festival on the France’s southwestern Basque coast
Château Perché Festival
Techno and deep house in the medieval castle in the heart of France
Snowattack
A week-long snowboarding and music extravaganza
Musilac
The festival renowned for its diverse lineups and scenic locations
Cherry Blossom
Spring is in the air when thousands of pink buds cover cherry trees
