Holidays to France 

Things to do 

Family days out

Wherever you stay in France, family attractions are sure to be a short drive away. From the rides and shows of Disneyland Paris to giant water parks like Splashland near Avignon, you won't lack for day trip options, making it easy to keep every family member entertained. 

Romantic city break destinations

If you're looking for a two-person city break, France has plenty of possibilities. Paris is the jewel in the country's crown, offering the chance to scale the Eiffel Tower, walk arm in arm along the Seine, or duck into the restaurants and bars of Montmartre. But Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and Lille have plenty to offer as well. 

Explore beautiful scenery

Why not rent a cottage or find a hotel in France's sublime beauty spots? Tour the castles of the Loire Valley, walk in Alpine meadows, clamber down to secluded coves on the coast of Provence, or skip from vineyard to vineyard in the Perigord. There's beauty to discover in every corner of the country. 

Relax on the beach

With 2,000 miles of coastline and warm summer temperatures, France is well-suited to beach holidays, and you can choose from a wide range of coastal destinations. From the craggy coastline of Brittany to elegant southwestern resorts like Biarritz, and the sun-drenched Cote d'Azur, the coastline of France is full of appealing places to visit.

Strap on some skis in the French Alps

If you're looking for a winter getaway, France has it all. The Alps and the Pyrenees offer first-class ski resorts like Val Thorens, Les Arcs, or La Mongie. And with airports on the doorsteps of major resorts, getting to the slopes couldn't be easier.

Best time of the year to visit France

Bastille Day (14 July) is the biggest occasion on the French calendar, with street parties and fireworks wherever you look, but it's not the only event worth visiting. The Tour de France sees elite cyclists battle it out across the country (also in July), Paris Fashion Week draws crowds in February and March, while film lovers flock to Cannes in late summer. March's Mardi Gras festival is also huge, with floats and pancakes taking centre stage, and Nice probably hosts the most lively street party.

Top Places to visit 

Paris

Paris is crammed with attractions, so give the capital plenty of time. Home to da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Louvre is one of the world's great art galleries and is complemented by the modern art-themed Pompidou Centre. Climb to the ramparts of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, ascend the Eiffel Tower, or visit iconic cultural landmarks like the Moulin Rouge nightclub.
If you’re planning a romantic getaway there’s nowhere better than Paris. Any trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without a climb up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Originally built for the 1889 World Fair, its elegant structure is a brilliant way to get a glimpse of all the city has to offer. Another must-see in Paris is the Musée du Louvre. One of the largest and most diverse museums in the world, the Louvre is home to some 35,000 works of art including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Your ticket will be valid for the whole day, and you’ll need at least that to see even a small part of what’s on offer, so make sure you leave enough time to enjoy it all.

If the Louvre leaves you wanting more, then a great place to visit is the Musée Rodin, dedicated to the work of the world-famous sculpture and painter, Auguste Rodin. The museum’s collection is fantastic and includes some of Rodin’s most famous work like his sculpture, The Kiss. 

Marseille

France's major Mediterranean city, Marseille has so much to offer. Explore the calanques - a series of picturesque bays just outside town. See modernist architectural masterpieces like Le Corbusier's Unite d'Habitation, head to world class museums like Mucem to learn about Mediterranean civilisation, or just chill out in the Vieux Port with Provencal cuisine and the scent of fresh sea air. 

Chartres

Among some incredible competition, the Cathedral of Chartres stands out among Europe's religious architecture. Famed for its soaring vaulted roof, dazzling blue stained glass and remarkable level of preservation, it's a medieval treasure like no other.

Lyon

The second largest city in France is a cultural powerhouse. The Musée des Beaux Arts boasts an art collection that rivals anywhere in Europe, while the ruins of ancient Lugdunum are fascinating. And the medieval Quartier Saint-Jean is a great place to shop for souvenirs, catch traditional puppet shows, or sample some of the city's legendary cuisine. 

D-Day beaches

If you’re interested in some of France’s World War Two history, a fascinating place to visit are the beaches used in the D-Day landings. The landings took place along 80km of beaches, the most famous being Omaha, Juno and Utah. Lots of the villages dotted along the beaches have their own museums focusing on the unique events.

How to get to France

Travellers from the UK have numerous options when visiting France. Since 1994, tourists have been able to catch the Eurostar from London's Kings Cross St Pancras station - a great option for trips to Paris or Lille. You can fly to Paris in a little over an hour, and UK airports offer regular air connections to cities like Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, Chambery, and Rennes. The flight time won't be longer than 2 hours, whatever destination you choose. Buses are also an option, with affordable London to Paris fares from companies like Flixbus or Eurolines. Remember, France is 1 hour ahead of the UK, so set your watch before you fly.

Things to see in France

Mont Saint-Michel

Located on an island and accessible by a pedestrian causeway at low tide, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most beautiful religious sites in Europe. Home to a monastery since the 8th century and an abbey spire which rises 155 metres above the English Channel, it earned the nickname "the Marvel" from pilgrims who were awestruck by its dramatic appearance. Nowadays, it's one of the most photogenic attractions in the world. One of France’s most iconic places to visit, Mont Saint-Michel is a historic island commune in Normandy. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for its Norman Benedictine abbey. Make sure you wear comfy shoes when you visit, as the only way to get around the island is on foot, and there are lots of steps to climb.

Versailles

Not far from Paris, the Palace of Versailles and its huge park are an unmissable attraction. Built by King Louis XIV in the 17th century, the palace itself is a Baroque masterpiece, but it is matched by superb gardens and the Petit Trianon - home to Marie Antoinette. 

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

France is home to a huge number of gorgeous hillside villages (there's even a club which protects them called "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France"). But Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is probably the most beautiful of all. Located in the southwestern Lot region, its cliffside lanes are home to 13 listed buildings, and an impressive art collection at the Rignault Museum. 

National parks in France

France’s national and natural parks are spread all around the country. But for the most stunning scenery, we recommend heading south. Here you’ll find the rugged mountain landscapes of the Pyrennes and the alpine woods and lakes of Ecrins, making them particularly scenic choices for a France national park holiday.

Typical food and gastronomy in France

France created the tradition of haute-cuisine, turning cooking from an everyday activity into an art form. Famous dishes range from ratatouille (vegetable stew) and bouillabaisse (Provencal fish stew), to coq-au-vin (a rich chicken casserole) or steak haché (rare steak served with fries). You can gorge on grenouilles (frogs legs) or escargots (snails), or indulge your sweet tooth with crêpes stuffed with chocolate, or decadent eclairs. Gastronomy varies by region, with Normandy famous for its cheese, Lyon specialising in pork dishes, and seafood dominating in Provence - so you can explore all kinds of culinary delights. And don't forget the wine. No people loves wine quite like the French.