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.
37 THINGS TO DO IN FRANCE (SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 24)
Grape Harvest & Festivals
Grape cultivation and wine festivals constitute the tangible part of the French lifestyle. Everyone can join in!
Louvre with Shorter Queues
Whether you are a keen museum goer or not, the world's finest art is worth exploring!
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
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
Passage du Gois
Do you dare to meet the hour of driving on one of the world's most dangerous roads?
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
Hiking the GR20 or Grande Radonnee 20
The most challenging and beautiful hiking trail in Europe
Étretat
Known for its white cliffs and beaches strewn with rocks, Étretat attracts both tourists and world-famous artists
Aïoli
You might think it's only mayonnaise but you'll discover that it's the centre piece of delicious provençal cuisine
Boat Trips Around Corsica
Discover Corsica's beautiful seaside and mountain landscape on a remarkable boat ride
Mont Ventoux
Take a scenic drive to the highest mountain of Provence
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
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
Oyster Season
Even if you don't like oysters, you'll love them in France!
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
Col du Tourmalet
A legendary road climb, most known as a Tour de France stage finish
Col de la Bonette
Ride along one of the highest roads in Europe nestled in the French Alps
Tour du Mont Blanc
Conquer Europe's highest mountain and test your endurance
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
Col du Lautaret
The highest year-round pass in France
Pastis
The favourite apéritif of Provence
Kite and Windsurfing
Corsica is a great place to learn kite and wind surfing
Vichy Spa
Engage in the recreational activities of the highest society of “la belle époque”
Cider, Calvados, and Pommeau
Normandy is known for its apples and the best drinks are made from them
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
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
59 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
Wheels and Waves in Biarritz
unconfirmedMoto and surf festival on the France’s southwestern Basque coast
Exploring the Calanques
out of rangeThis natural treasure of Provence and cousin to the Scandinavian fjords is an essential highlight of any trip to the region
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
Paris Fashion Week
out of rangeOne of the world's coolest fashion parties!
Tour De France
out of rangeThe world's biggest, most challenging and beautiful cycling event
Quiksilver Pro France
on holdAn elite surfing competition on the legendary Landes coast
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
Christmas Market in Strasbourg
unconfirmedWelcome to Christkindelsmärik—one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets
Carnaval de Nice
out of rangeThe most important winter event in the French Riviera and one of the largest Carnivals in the world
Chestnut Season and Fête de la Châtaigne
out of rangeA little province in the South of France is the chestnut capital of the world
Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
out of rangeOnce a year, night time in Lyon reveals the city's special colors
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
Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)
out of rangeAlsace, Aquitaine and the French Riviera have their beautiful Christmas traditions
Marathon de Paris
out of rangeIt's not just about running beside world-famous monuments—music, cheese, and wine tasting wait en route too
Olive Picking
out of rangeIn Provence you can still experience traditional farming and take part in olive harvesting
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
Jazz à Vienne
unconfirmedTwo weeks of jazz in an amazing outdoor setting
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
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
Marathon du Médoc
out of rangeA fun race combining wine, sports, delecious food and health
Martinique Carnival
out of rangeFeel the real tropical vibe at this French carnival, held on a Caribbean island
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
Brocciu
out of rangeAn exquisite Corsican sheep cheese
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
unconfirmedFormula 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
Mardi Gras (Carnaval)
out of rangeAmazing floats, masquerades, and delicious food make winter festivities season in France unforgettable
Tomorrowland Winter
out of rangeThe new edition of the world's biggest dance festival in snowy Alps
Dunkirk Carnival (Carnaval de Dunkerque)
on holdA unique celebration with a strong fishing theme
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
French Open (Roland Garros)
out of rangeThe most prestigious clay court tennis championship of the world
Paris New Year's Eve (La Réveillon de Saint Sylvestre)
out of rangeWhat could be more inspiring than a New Year countdown in Paris?
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
Fiesta des Suds
out of rangeThis international music festival is an essential part of Marseille's cultural identity
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 ?
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
Halloween
out of rangeCheck out the city's best amusement parks or take a special cruise on Seine
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days)
out of rangeTake advantage of the Open Doors Days to visit prominent cultural and historical sites across France
Lille Christmas Market
out of rangeThis amazing Christmas market in Lille has all the chances to become your go-to place during the winter holidays
Metz Christmas Market
out of rangeDiscover what Christmas Market in Metz has prepared for you
Reims Christmas Market
out of rangeThe country's third largest holiday fair with 140+ beautiful chalets and a perfect setting
Herri Urrats Festival
canceledEvery year, Basque people celebrate their language and culture
Carnaval de Paris & Carnaval des Femmes
out of rangeThe graceful moves of the colorful processions drive away winter and bring spring
Espelette Pepper Harvest & Festival
out of rangeVisit the town of Espelette and check out the #1 Basque spice called Piment d’Espelette
Guédelon Castle
out of rangeWatch the team of volunteers that aim to build their own medieval castle, using traditional techniques and eco-friendly materials
New Year's Eve in France
out of rangeWelcome the new beginning shouting out "Bonne année!" at midnight
Musilac
out of rangeThe festival renowned for its diverse lineups and scenic locations
Château Perché Festival
out of rangeTechno and deep house in the medieval castle in the heart of France
Snowattack
unconfirmedA week-long snowboarding and music extravaganza
Colmar Christmas Markets
out of rangeA holiday showcase of Alsace cuisine, decor, and culture
Easter (Pâques)
out of rangeOne of the largest annual holidays for the Catholic Church
