France
France
Romantic getaways and the art of living
You think you know France, and then you discover a castle lost in the Périgord mist, the perfect bistro in Burgundy, or a secret calanque between Marseille and Cassis. France reveals a new side of itself on every trip.
At a glance
Exchange rates and flight times are approximate.
Why France
Romantic getaways
A weekend in a hilltop village in Provence, a cruise along the Canal du Midi, dinner in a Loire Valley château.
The art of the table
Burgundy vineyards, Provençal markets, Lyon bistros: every region has its own culinary identity, and we take you to the right addresses.
Paris off the beaten path
Forget the Eiffel Tower. We show you the Paris of covered passages, hidden rooftops and neighborhoods the guidebooks ignore.
The right season for France
April to June and September to October: the ideal windows, with stable weather, less crowded regions and moderate prices. Avoid July-August (intense heat, big crowds, summer closures) and December-February (cold, expensive season).
Temperate oceanic climate in the north, continental in the mountains, Mediterranean in Provence. Winter (-5°C to +5°C): rain and chill. Summer (25-35°C): sunny depending on the region. Spring and autumn are ideal (15-22°C).
The must-sees
Paris off the beaten track
The covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement, hidden rooftops in the Marais, Île Saint-Louis at sunset, far from the Eiffel Tower.
The calanques (Provence)
Coastal trails between Marseille and Cassis: turquoise coves, dizzying cliffs, secret beaches you reach on foot.
The Loire Valley châteaux
Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry: the château route by bike or car, through dreamlike landscapes.
Mont-Saint-Michel & its bay
An abbey suspended between sky and sea, Norman crêperies, a wild bay: a classic, and perfectly enjoyable outside summer.
Hilltop villages of Provence
Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux: white stone houses, Provençal markets, endless panoramas.
Burgundy vineyards
The roads between Beaune and Gevrey-Chambertin: tastings in family-run cellars, picturesque villages.
Local flavours to try
- Croissants & pains au chocolat: the legendary Parisian breakfast
- Coq au vin & boeuf bourguignon: heart-warming bistro dishes in Burgundy
- Crayfish & Périgord truffle: gastronomic luxury at reasonable prices outside Paris
- Bouillabaisse & Mediterranean seafood: Provence and the southern coast
- French cheeses (Camembert, Comté, Roquefort): tastings in regional cheese shops
- Ladurée macarons & pâtisseries: refined sweets steeped in tradition
Practical tips
- Transport: a weekly Navigo pass or a 10-ticket carnet in Paris. In the regions, renting a car often works out cheaper than the train.
- Motorway tolls: electronic toll tags or bank cards accepted; keep some change for smaller roads and car parks.
- Tipping: not required (service is included), but rounding up by 5–10% is welcome in restaurants.
- Opening hours: small shops close from 12 to 3pm. Sundays: many shops closed, cafés open.
- Museums: free entry on the first Sunday of the month (Paris) plus regional discounts, check before you go.
- Useful apps: Google Maps, Citymapper (Paris), Booking.com, Michelin Guide (restaurants).
Frequently asked questions · France
France in one week, is it doable?
Yes, but it's dense. Better to choose: Paris + the Loire, or Provence + the Côte d'Azur. Three days with time to breathe beats seven in the car. A romantic weekend works perfectly (Paris, Champagne, or a small château).
Do I need to rent a car?
It depends: Paris doesn't need one (excellent metro). For the châteaux, Provence or the coast, a car saves time and buys freedom. Trains are also great for long distances (Paris–Nice) but less flexible for villages.
Is eating out in France really expensive?
An unfair reputation. An average bistro: €15–25 for a main and a glass of wine. Shop at the market and cook for yourself: very affordable. Only Paris is expensive. In the provinces, excellent value for money.
When should I go to avoid the tourists?
May, September, October. July-August: packed with tourists. April and June are still manageable. November–March: fewer people but less reliable weather; hotel discounts make up for it.
Is Paris really worth it?
Yes, but not on its own. Combine it with the regions: 3 days in Paris + 4 days around a château, in Provence or in Burgundy. You'll see the real France, not just the capital.
Which region for a first trip to France?
Provence if you love sun and food. The Loire for a romantic château. The Normandy coast for peaceful shores. Burgundy for wine. Each one tells a different France.
The France we love isn't in the guidebooks. You have to earn it, and we take you there.
Browse a sample handbook