France Tours & Holidays
There’s a reason France is the most visited country in the world. Actually, there are several.
The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The Pyrenees and Chamonix. Escargot and ratatouille. Champagne and croissants and berets and baguettes. Napoleon and Simone de Beauvoir and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Jazz bars and vineyards and lavender fields as far as the eye can see. ‘Un petit peu’ of this, ‘un petit peu’ of that. A balmy evening on the French Riviera, a morning frost on the fields of the Somme. French flags flying after the FIFA World Cup. Guillotines falling after the French Revolution. Chanel and Chandon and Versailles and Vuitton. Forget the museums; this country is a work of art.
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Cycle the Loire Valley
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Paris to Madrid by Rail
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France at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Paris (population approximately 2.1 million)
POPULATION
Approximately 67 million
CURRENCY
Euro (EUR)
LANGUAGE
French
TIME ZONE
(GMT+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris
CALLING CODE
+33
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
Learn more about France
Culture and customs
What makes the French so, well, French? Is it the food? The wine? How about the art, the philosophy, the history, or the fierce passion often caricatured as arrogance? Whatever it is, it’s seduced Francophiles around the world for countless years and there’s no sign of it slowing down.
The French are lovers of life. They celebrate the ‘joie de vivre’, or joy of living, in every aspect of their day. Conversation should be meaningful; food should be rich and sumptuous; music should move you; art should change you.
Sure, there are the stereotypes of the French being rude, but you could be forgiven for your reluctance to speak English when you’re the most-visited country in the world. There are, after all, only so many times one can give directions to the Eiffel Tower. But sit down for dinner at a French person’s house and you’ll discover the opposite. France is a very liberal country and every topic is up for debate – dinner is just an entree for the conversation.
Much of France’s reputation rests on romanticised images of Paris. Sitting at a cafe on the Ile-St-Louis with a piping-hot croissant and cafe au lait, for example, or watching sunset from the steps of Sacre Coeur. But travel through France and you’ll find an incredibly diverse and multicultural country that changes so much between regions, from Marseille’s cultural melting pot to Biarritz’s surfers to the hardy mountain folk of the Pyrenees and Alps.
Every region and valley, every coastline and ridgeline and three-hour line for the Louvre, will offer up something different. But remember, there’s one thing that doesn’t change no matter where you go: the unwavering belief that there’s nothing better than being French.
History and government
Early
After the conquest of the Gauls and the fall of Rome, the area we know as France was dominated by a tribe known as the Franks. They were headed up by a brutal man named Charlemagne, whose mission was to convert all of Europe to Christianity. After Charlemagne’s death his empire was split into three, with West Francia corresponding to the modern territory of France.
The Hundred Years’ War
West Francia, which was really a patchwork of territories run by the dukes, had institutional power more or less centralised in the 12th century. As time went on the tension between France and England grew until the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War, which actually lasted 116 years. Though France’s population was decimated during this period, thanks to both war and plague, it was also a formative time for the country’s national identity.
One of the key figures to come out of this long period of fighting was Joan of Arc, who is still a national hero in France. She was born in 1412, just after the Battle of Agincourt, during which the French were dominated by the English. As a young girl she heard the voices and saw visions of multiple saints, all of whom told her to go fight for Charles, the rightful king of France. At the age of 16 she travelled to his court to convince him of her mission and somehow did exactly that. She turned the tide of the war and in doing so was captured by the English and sentenced to death as a witch. Her ashes were scattered in the River Seine, but her story was never forgotten.
The French Revolution
Bad harvests, taxation, abject poverty and an unrestrained aristocracy sowed the seeds of the French Revolution in the 18th century. The Renaissance began in Italy and spread across Europe, ushering in the Age of Enlightenment, which spread the ideas of individual liberty, tolerance and the separation of church and state. In France, King Louis XVI had inherited a country in dire trouble but was still living it up at the Palace of Versailles. The peasants revolted and stormed the Bastille Prison – hence the national celebration of Bastille Day – and King Louis, along with Marie Antoinette, his queen, were captured and executed by guillotine. A decade of chaos ensued.
Napoleon
It was Napoleon, a military general, that took control of France following the revolution and established the Napoleonic Code, which has become the foundation for the development of most modern democracies. He embarked on military campaigns throughout Europe and was eventually defeated and exiled by the combined forces of Russia and Prussia, a northern state that would rise to power as a united Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The World Wars
The 20th century was a horrific time for France with Germany invading the country twice. France suffered huge casualties during both WWI and WW2, and by 1945 it was on its knees. Further conflicts followed in colonial territories across Africa and Asia, which led to an influx of migration to France. In Europe, governments were dealing with the fallout from WWII and making agreements to avoid another conflict, from which the European Union was born.
Modern
France is now a leading power both in Europe and globally after a huge post-war effort to rebuild the country. It has the third-largest economy in the EU and is one of the most modern countries in the world, continuing to value liberty, fraternity and equality. Recent years have seen issues arise with the Islamic extremism and the European refugee crisis, but the country continues to grow and remains a thriving destination for tourism.
Eating and drinking
The gastronomic pleasures of France are world-renowned, so travellers won’t be worried about going hungry. There’s something to suit every budget here, from Michelin-star restaurants to market stalls and everything in between, and it’s not just frog legs and snails that are on the menu.
Baguettes
There’s simply no better buy than a fresh, crusty baguette. Buy one for less than a euro from the nearest bakery and take it down to the nearest park or river. Apply butter liberally, fill with whatever you like and bite into France – c’est magnifique!
Pastries, cakes and tarts
French chefs set the global quality benchmark for pastries so there’s no feeling guilty when you sample the croissants, eclairs, crepes, macaroons and whatever else you can get your hands on. Find them at your local patisserie and don’t forget to say merci (or mercy, depending on how many you eat).
Wine
If you’re going to indulge in a little wine, there’s no better place than France. It is, after all, home to some of the most famous wine regions in the world: Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, Provence, Champagne. Whether you’re at the cellar door or on the restaurant floor (please, drink responsibly), there’s tasty tipple with your name on it.
Cheese
When in France, right? From soft cheeses like brie and camembert to a hard, sharp Beaufort, it’s all on offer in France’s bountiful cheese shops and markets.
Beef Bourguignon
This beefy stew originates in Burgundy and is an example of a peasant dish now considered high-end cuisine. It’s prepared with beef braised in red wine and broth, flavoured with garlic, onions and mushrooms, and it’s absolutely perfect on a winter’s evening.
Geography and environment
Bordered by Spain, Andorra, Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Belgium, France’s geography is as varied as its neighbours.
In the south, the Pyrenees form a natural border with a Spain. This mountain range rises over 3400 metres and stretches from the west coast to the east. It’s a hiker’s paradise in summer, with thousands of kilometres of hiking trails, and a haven for snow sports in the winter thanks to a huge number of ski resorts.
To the south-east, France borders the Mediterranean Sea all the way up to the Italian border. A large stretch of this area is what’s known as the French Riviera, which has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its warm weather, calm water and golden beaches.
Continue north along the Italian border and you’ll reach the French Alps, France’s other predominant mountain range. The Alps are home to Mont Blanc – France’s highest point – and form another natural border, this time with both Italy and Switzerland.
France’s central region is mostly rolling hills and fields, perfect for farming and producing wine. There are two main rivers, the Loire and the Rhone, with the Rhone running south from Switzerland through to the Mediterranean and the Loire running north and west to the Atlantic.
The west coast is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and sees a cooler climate than the east. The large Atlantic swells have brought surfers to the area for years with several international surfing competitions being held throughout the year.
Northern France, which is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, remains relatively flat with grasslands, fields, forests and, of course, the capital of Paris. These northern areas suffered most during the wars, both because of their proximity to Germany and the landscape itself. This is where trench warfare was first employed, only possible because of the huge swathes of flat land.
Shopping
Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Dior. Lacroix. Hermes. You want luxury? You got it. Paris has long been considered the fashion capital of the world and if that’s your bag, well, you’ll need some room in your bag after a stroll down the famous Champs-Elysees. France isn’t all high fashion though. Yes, the French are notoriously fashionable, but there’s plenty of shopping to be done for those that aren’t quite ready to step out on the catwalk.
Remember, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Perfume
And you thought Paris was just about fashion? It also happens to be the fragrance capital of the world. There’s no better place to pick up a sensational scent than in one of the city’s many perfumeries, some of which have been trading for more than a century. It’s the perfect gift – or a subtle suggestion – for your friends and family back home.
Flea Markets
Parisian flea markets are a top spot to pick up a vintage bargain. From jewellery and purses to paintings and old-school electronics, you’re bound to find something unique or, at the very least, enjoy trying. Make Porte de Vanves and Porte de Saint-Ouen in Paris your first stops.
Village Markets
Regional French markets just ooze with charm and can be found all over the country. Peruse fresh produce, home-made jams, pickled vegetables, rich cheeses and summer flowers, or just soak up the provincial atmosphere and try your hand at having a chat with one of the locals.
Wine
France has been at the forefront of winemaking forever and there are plenty of high quality wines to be found at very decent prices. Just remember that French wines are named for their geographic origin rather than the grape. Take a Burgundy, for example: if it’s red it’s pinot noir, if it’s white it’s chardonnay. Do some research and reap the rewards.
Festivals and events
There are festivals happening all over France throughout the year. Whether you’re in the city or a small town, you can expect a lot of food, some phenomenal wine and plenty of music.
Bastille Day
The French National Day is celebrated on July 14 and commemorates the storming of the Bastille Prison during the French Revolution. It’s celebrated all over the country, but Paris is the place to be, with the city hosting parades, fireworks and the famous Firemen’s Balls, where the main station in each Parisian district throws open its doors for a huge ball lasting until 4 am. It’s a tradition that’s been happening for over 100 years.
Avignon Festival
Performers and art lovers from around the world descend on Avignon for this three-week celebration of performance art. Dance, theatre, comedy and musical performances feature on the bill, with everything from open-air classical concerts and sweeping operatic epics to spoken word poetry.
Tour de France
This is the world’s most iconic cycling competition. It lasts three weeks and was first held in 1903. Things are a little more high-tech now—back then, the cyclists didn’t have support vehicles, and they carried baguettes, wine and cheese for sustenance. They also had some phenomenal moustaches.
Nice Jazz Fest
The Nice Jazz Festival dates back to 1948 and is one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe. The first headliner was Louis Armstrong, and since then, a glut of phenomenal musicians have performed, including Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Erykah Badu.
Roland Garros
Also known as the French Open, Roland Garros is one of tennis’s grand slams and the premier clay-court competition in the world. The biggest tennis stars in the world converge on the courts to slug it out, but Rafael Nadal will forever be the king.
Public holidays that may impact travel include:
Labour Day
Victory Day 1945
Ascension Day
Whit Monday
Bastille Day
Assumption Day
All Saint's Day
Armistice Day
Please note that the dates of France's public holidays may vary.
Similar destinations
Thinking about a trip to France but still browsing other destinations? Check out tours to neighbouring locations:
Or maybe you need help comparing countries? Check out our blog:
Further reading
For inspiring stories to prepare you for your France adventure, check out these books:
- The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas
- Chocolat – Joanne Harris
- The Hunchback of Notre-Dame – Victor Hugo
- Dangerous Liaisons – Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
- Suite Francaise – Irene Nemirovsky
- A Year in Provence – Peter Mayle
- How to be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style and Bad Habits – Caroline de Maigret, Anne Berest, Sophie Mas, Audrey Diwan
- The House in France: A Memoir – Gully Wells
- Marie Antoinette: The Journey – Antonia Fraser
- Les Miserables – Victor Hugo
- Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
France travel FAQs
The best time to visit France depends on where you are planning to travel to.
The best time to visit Paris, in terms of sunshine and weather, is early summer and early autumn as the late summer can get quite hot. That said, the winter months are a dark albeit beautiful time to visit, like many European cities. The same applies for most of inland France.
If you’re heading to the east coast and the Mediterranean Sea, the best months are July and August as the sea breeze tends to keep the coast a little cooler than inland. There will, however, be more tourists than in the early summer or spring and autumn.
The mountains are best for skiing in February and March as the days are longer than in December and January, while the late spring, summer and early autumn are perfect for hiking.
The Atlantic areas of Brittany and Normandy are best experienced from June through August as they can get quite wet and cold outside of summer.
Yes, it is still safe to visit France, though parts of the country have been affected by various issues of late.
Over the past 5–10 years France has been targeted by extremist groups. These attacks have received widespread global coverage and while they are shocking and saddening, they are also very infrequent. France is at no more risk of extremist violence than any other Western country, but travellers should exercise caution nevertheless and keep up-to-date with local news sources.
Much has also been made of the Yellow Vests Movement, which has spread around the country. These protests began in 2018 after an increase in fuel taxes and have morphed into a movement demanding economic reform and the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Though the protests have turned violent on several occasions, particularly in Paris, they are also easily avoided. The protests occur on Saturdays and the streets are shut down by police – travellers should check local news sources and avoid any trouble areas on Saturdays.
France is a member of the Schengen Convention, which means that if you travel to an EU member country or countries, like France, for a total of less than 90 days, a visa is not required. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK and other member countries of the EU and Schengen area are included under this arrangement.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your country of origin. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.
Most restaurants in France will include a service fee within the bill; however, tipping extra (while not absolutely necessary) is customary and will be appreciated by wait staff. Usually rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is sufficient. Feel free to tip more if the service has been exemplary or if you’re feeling generous.
The internet access is great in France. All cities and major towns should have internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots, while most of the country aside from very remote areas will have phone reception should you wish to use your mobile/cell phone.
Travellers can use their phones throughout France, though remote and isolated areas in the Pyrenees or Alps may have limited service.
You’re able to purchase a local SIM on arriving in France, which will generally be cheaper than using international roaming. If you do wish to use international roaming, ensure it’s activated before leaving your home country and ask your provider what charges apply. Data use can be particularly expensive while overseas.
Flushable, Western-style toilets are the standard across France.
Drinking water from taps is considered safe in France unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottle water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
Major credit cards are widely accepted across France. Some smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, especially in more rural areas, so be sure to carry enough cash to cover small purchases.
ATMs are common across France in both cities and towns so there shouldn't be a problem finding one.
France’s weather varies depending where you are.
Paris tends to be quite cool with temperatures averaging 15–25°C (59–77°F) even in the height of summer. The winter average is 2–7°C (36–45°F), though it’s worth keeping in mind that the city can experience more extreme heat in the summer or snow in the winter.
The French Riviera, including Nice, has a sunnier climate and averages 20–27°C (68–81°F) in the summer and 5–13°C (41–55°F) in winter. This area is quite sheltered compared to the rest of the south-east coast, which will much hotter and dryer in the summer.
The mountainous regions, like Chamonix in the Alps, will vary depending on altitude. Chamonix experiences an average temperature of 9–24°C (48–75°F) in the summertime and -7–3°C (19–37°F) in the winter. The summer also sees afternoon thunderstorms and more precipitation than other times of year.
The climate on the Atlantic coast tends to be quite cool and wet, with rain and wind all year round, particularly around the English Channel. Bordeaux, which is much further south, enjoys a warmer climate though it’s prone to both the cold Atlantic fronts as well as cold winds from the north-east. Its average temperature in summer is 16–27°C (61–81°F), while winter averages 3–10°C (37–50°F).
France is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers and has always been celebrated for its liberal attitudes towards sexuality. Paris was the first European capital to vote in an openly gay mayor in 2001 and France was the first country in the world, back in 1791, to decriminalise same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 and attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ identifying people are generally positive across the country.
Paris has had a thriving queer scene for years which revolves around Le Marais, a district just north of Notre-Dame, though the city is so open that it can be difficult to pin down its epicentre. Active queer scenes can be found in most major cities across the country including Bordeaux and Lyon.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
France is a relatively accessible destination for travellers with disabilities, particularly for those visiting Paris. All buses and trams in the Paris metro area are equipped for wheelchairs and most, though not all, metro stations have been equipped to make travelling with a disability as hassle-free as possible. The city’s official visitor website has a section dedicated to visiting Paris with a disability in both French and English.
Elsewhere, as in much of Europe, travellers may find that the older city buildings and infrastructure in smaller towns may present them with some difficulty, depending on their disability. If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made.
As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.
France is a very liberal country and travellers should not feel compelled to dress particularly conservatively unless visiting a religious site. After all, Paris is the fashion capital of the world – go hard or go home. That being said, Intrepid encourages all travellers to respect the locals in the places we visit. If they wouldn’t wear something, we don’t suggest that you do.
Remember that the weather in the mountains can change extremely quickly, even in summer, so your best bet is dress in layers. If you do plan on visiting the Alps or Pyrenees, be sure to take a raincoat, sturdy walking shoes and a wind breaker or warm jacket.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to France directly support our French partner Fonds de Dotation. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Fonds de Dotation
Fonds de Dotation are on a mission to create inclusive work opportunities and lessen stigmas for people with disabilties in France. Donations help them power their two inclusive restaurants in France and spread awareness about the importance of inclusive work environments and opportunities.