FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE
Visitors are drawn to France by the allure of its aesthetic treasures, fine food, great wine, pretty beaches and the charm and romance of both big cities and quaint medieval towns. Paris, the nation’s capital, is everything its reputation speaks of and more, offering art, architecture, fashion and food of standards to challenge any world capital.
For sand and sea, cities such as Nice, Cannes, Biarritz and St Tropez are home to some of the finest beach resorts in Europe. Bordeaux, meanwhile, is wine country and a must for anyone with a passion for fine vintage. Lyon, the second largest city in France, compares with Paris for its cultural attractions and has a reputation for hosting some of the finest restaurants in the country.
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FRANCE WEATHER - When To Go
The weather in France varies between the north and south, with the south warmer thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. Summer is the best time to visit France, irrespective of the region, as this is the season that brings the warmest weather. Popular southern holiday resorts such as Nice, St Tropez and Biarritz can see temperatures climb to 30°C, while Paris can see highs of up to 25°C. Autumn is cool and damp while spring is fresh and transitional.
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FRANCE HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Paris: the nation’s premier city is popularly considered one of the world’s great capitals and is unquestionably France’s centre for cultural, gastronomic, economic and political affairs. Fine architecture, internationally acclaimed art galleries, world-class restaurants and some of the continent’s most attractive shopping areas are just a few of the attractions of this romantic European city.
Be sure to take in the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and Notre Dame cathedral before hitting the museum and gallery trail to catch the likes of Place Pompidou, Musée National Picasso, Musée National D’Histoire Naturelle. The Louvre, the city’s most famous gallery is, of course, a must-see, especially if you want to observe Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Alexandros of Antioch's Venus de Milo.
For families, Disneyland Paris - located just outside the city in Marne-la-Vallée - is a must. The popular theme park offers a mixture of rides, shows and activities, with something for visitors of all ages. Come lunch or dinner time, Paris’s huge selection of dining establishments offers opportunities to enjoy truly exquisite cuisine. Later, catch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge or check out the nightlife around Canal St-Martin, Belleville or Ménilmontant.
- Lyon: France's second city lies 450kms south of Paris and has a rich history and abundant cultural heritage. Major attractions for visitors include Cathédrale St-Jean, Basilique de Notre Dame de Fourvière, Mosquée de Lyon, the National Opera House of Lyon, Musée Gallo-Romain et Parc Archéologique de Fourvière and the Fine Arts Museum. The city’s gastronomy is considered one of the best in the country and some of the choicest restaurants can be found around Place des Jacobins and Place Sathonay. By train from Paris, Lyon is just 2 hours away.
- Bordeaux: the capital of the Aquitaine region is 3 hours, 30 minutes by train from Paris and is best known for producing some of the best wines in the world and for its rich history and heritage. Sightseers come to check out the Roman architecture at Victory Arch, Fleche St Michel - the country’s second highest stone tower, the historic Golden Triangle area and the architecturally-rich Place Gambetta. For family visitors, Bordeaux Zoo is a good bet while come summer season the city’s beaches are the place to be. For wine lovers, tours of the city’s best vineyards are available and offer plenty of opportunity to sample fine vintages.
- Cannes: best known for its annual film festival, Cannes is a coastal city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region with a reputation for being both glamorous and expensive. Top attractions to visit during a Cannes holiday include Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Chapelle Bellini, the Fragonard Perfume Museum, Île Saint-Honorat and Île Sainte-Marguerite. For culture enthusiasts, the Musée de Beaux Arts, Musée Art Contemporain and Museum-Aquarium of Arcachon are must-sees while anyone wanting sunshine and relaxation can make a beeline for the city’s beaches - top spots when the weather is fine. Cannes is 5 hours, 30 minutes from Paris by train.
- Nice: one of the biggest resorts on the French Riviera, Nice is best known for its interesting history and its wealth of architectural treasures. Top attractions to catch on a sightseeing tour include the Cimiez Convent, the Russian Cathedral, Misericorde Chapel, Parc du Château, Palais Lascaris and Nice Castle. Though the city is by the sea, its beaches are pebbly and not considered the best for sunbathing or other activities. The Promenade des Anglais is one of the city’s focal points and the best place for dining and shopping. By train, Nice is 5 hours, 40 minutes from Paris.
- Strasbourg: the capital of the Alsace region is close to the border with Germany and hence influenced by the cultures of both countries. It’s best known for being home to the seats of several major political bodies such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. Top sights include Rohan Palace, La Petite France, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Eglise St Thomas. For museum fans, the Alsatian Museum, the Museum of l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame and the Museum of Modern Art are all well worth a visit. By high-speed train, the city can be reached in 2 hours, 20 minutes from Paris.
- Marseille: considered the heart of Provence, Marseille is historically rich and blessed with plenty of scenic natural areas, giving it broad appeal as a visitor destination. Essential stops on a tour of the city include the historic Vieux Port, Abbeye Saint Victor, Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Marseille Cathedral and Chateau d'If. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish both the beauty and potential for activities in the stunning mountainous region known as the Calanques, located just outside of the city. The city is just 3 hours from Paris by train.
- Other France Highlights: if you have time, other destinations to visit include Lille with its fine architecture and Flemish heritage; Nantes, often dubbed ‘the best place to live in France’, and St Tropez with its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
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FRANCE HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: French food is internationally revered and provided you choose reputable venues, eating out can be one of the highlights of your trip. Among the many different regional cuisines available, the best include those of Provence, Alsace, Burgundy, Gascony and Normandy. Restaurant prices are expensive as a rule. Don’t miss out on notoriously stinky cheeses such as camembert and brie or delicacies such as croissants and foie gras. Adventurous diners can order snails or frogs’ legs.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: in the country that brought you Stella Artois and Kronenbourg, the big cities are where the vibrant nightlife is focused, with Paris offering the widest and most varied selection of evening entertainment venues. From theatre and live music venues to bars and booming nightclubs, the country has it all.
- Accommodation: a hotel room in France rarely comes cheap, especially in Paris. Book ahead for the best hotel deals. Upmarket hotels can be found in all of the big cities and include chains such as Sofitel, Novotel and Le Meridien while quaint mid-range bed and breakfasts are also widely available. Budget travellers could considering camping, caravanning or a hostel.
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TRAVEL TO FRANCE FROM THE UK
FRANCE FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
There are a many options to fly to France from the UK. Many regional UK airports provide flights to France without the need to fly via London. Paris is the most popular flight destination, and has two main airports (Orly and Charles de Gaulle airport), plus Beauvais (used by Ryanair, but 65 miles from Paris city centre). Flights to popular cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille and many more are availble from the UK via the following flight providers:
BA / British Airways - Easyjet - Ryanair - Jet2.com - Flyglobespan - BMI - flybe - Air France
It is also worth trying travel sites such as Expedia.co.uk or ebookers for flight deals to France from the UK.
FERRIES to FRANCE - Ferry Tickets from the UK
Instead of flying, anyone who wants to visit northern France and/or wants to take their car to France should look at booking ferry tickets to Calais from Dover, offered by P&O Ferries.
To book Dover to Calais Ferries with PO Ferries, click HERE
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FRANCE by TRAIN - Eurostar Tickets from the UK
Eurostar tickets are ideal for anyone travelling between London and Paris. More convenient and greener than flying between the two cities. Eurostar trains now leave from St Pancras Station in the centre of London.
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