The Ultimate Travel Guide To France

Thousands of British tourists descend on France yearly, hoping to experience a week or two away in a warm and inviting environment.

Table of Contents

Essential France Travel Planning

When to Visit France

Spring (March–June): Blossoming gardens, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.
Summer (July–September): Peak season for festivals, beach escapes, and lively city life.
Autumn (October–November): Cooler weather, vibrant foliage, and lower prices.
Winter (December–February): Ideal for skiing in the Alps, festive markets, and fewer tourists in cities.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Schengen Visa: Required for travellers from non-EU/non-visa-exempt countries. Allows travel across France and other Schengen nations.
ETIAS: From 2026, travellers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., US, UK, Australia) must apply for ETIAS online before arrival.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Getting There and Around

By Air: Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly are the main international gateways.
By Train: France’s TGV connects major cities at high speed. Eurostar links Paris with London and Brussels.
By Road: Well-maintained highways connect France to neighbouring countries. Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural regions and wine routes.
Public Transport: Extensive metro, tram, and bus networks in cities. New 2025 fares in Paris: €2.50 for metro/RER, €2 for bus/tram, and unified Paris Visite passes for unlimited travel.

Couples tend to fly straight to Paris, families prefer the south, and singles or groups can usually wander around some of the more popular city locations.

Still, if you’ve never been to this country, knowing exactly where you should go can sometimes be tricky, especially for anyone who isn’t too big on geography.

With that firmly in mind, I’ve taken the time to write this article with the express purpose of educating you and helping you to decide on the most suitable place to visit in France. So, take a minute to read through this page and see if I succeed.

As with any European destination, which towns and cities you go for will depend heavily on what sort of experience you’re after; this means that considering whom you’re travelling with and their ages is probably a good idea.

Cannes

Home to one of the world’s largest and most respected film festivals, Cannes is a beautiful city that would suit any modern jetsetter and their friends.

With pristine sands and calm seas, this city docks thousands of yachts owned by some of Europe’s wealthiest and most famous people.

Though couples and elderly travellers may find this location a little full-on, groups of visitors or solo holidaymakers always seem to love it.

Nice

For anyone who enjoys spending money is designer boutiques and top restaurants, you could do far worse than a trip to this Riviera-style city on the southeast coast.

You’ll be glad to know that accommodation can usually be obtained for quite a reasonable price you can get some fantastic deals when booking hotels in Nice with Venere.

Lyon, France

With over 2000 years of fascinating recorded history and cobbled streets almost the same age, Lyon is often a top choice amongst young couples and those looking to experience something different.

Here, you’ll find no less than two ancient Roman amphitheatres, antique markets and a truly bustling nightlife guaranteed to tickle your musical taste buds.

Still, you’d better start saving early as holidays in this region can become very expensive when you factor in the cost of food and entertainment.

Chamonix

When the Olympic Games ran their first winter edition in 1924, Chamonix was lucky to be awarded the job.

Set in gorgeous surroundings with a huge snow-capped mountain range perfect for skiing or snowboarding, it should be unsurprising to learn that Pierce Brosnan filmed many scenes for various James Bond movies, including The World Is Not Enough.

I hope now you’ve got a better idea about which areas you should visit during your stay on the continent, and will be more prepared for the type of experience you’ll have.

France is a beautiful country and I recommend you visit at the earliest possible opportunity. Have fun!