France vacations

From the glittering Eiffel Tower and the ‘Mona Lisa’ to your first bite of a flakey croissant at a chic cafe, Paris casts an enchanting spell.

With its mix of urban energy, old-world grandeur and year-round sun, Nice is more than the capital of Cote d’Azur. It’s one of the Mediterranean’s most enduring getaways.

Discover the dynamic port city of Marseille, where ancient history, contemporary art and a coastline of golden beaches collide.

Beloved for its world-class wine, this elegant French city has reawakened with new art, culture and cuisine. Now that’s something to toast!

Cannes epitomizes the old-school glamour of the French Riviera. Soak up its dazzling beaches, luxurious resorts and sunny Mediterranean climate, and you’ll soon see why.

Brimming with storybook charm, this French Alpine city boasts winding canals and cobblestone streets surrounded by towering mountains and a bright blue lake.

This scenic corner of northern France has idyllic harbors, fascinating war monuments and quaint villages. It also serves up some of the best crepes in France.

History breathes through every corner of Normandy. Alongside medieval monasteries, World War II battlefields and a world-famous tapestry, you’ll find fabulous local cheese and cider.

Corsica offers natural charm and historical wonders in equal measure, from rugged beaches to citadels perched atop craggy cliffs. And its fresh Mediterranean cuisine sweetens the deal.

Nine million people visit Paris’ Musée du Louvre annually to see the famous ‘Mona Lisa.’ But great art isn’t restricted to the capital. Rouen’s Musée des Beaux-Art has one of France’s largest impressionist painting collections. And the Musée Picasso in Antibes is housed in a 14th-century castle. For another unique art gallery, try La Piscine in Roubaix — an Art Deco swimming pool turned museum.

Sampling the country’s world-renowned wines is one of the best things to do in France. But there are plenty more regions to uncork beyond the household names of Bordeaux, Beaujolais and Burgundy. The Route des Vins d'Alsace winds through wine-producing villages between Strasbourg and Colmar. And Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s cellars are some of France’s best. Look for ‘degustation’ or ‘goûtez’ on signs outside vineyards — this means tastings are available.

As host of the annual Tour de France, it’s no surprise that this country has some of Europe’s best cycling routes. Tackle the 800-mile-long Vélodyssée along the Atlantic Coast from Brittany to the Spanish border, or follow the Veloscenic route between Paris and Mont Saint-Michel. Visiting in winter? The French Alps are home to world-class ski slopes in Meribel, Val d'Isere and Chamonix.

France’s 3,400 miles of coastline range from the aquamarine coves of the Mediterranean to dramatic cliffs in Normandy. Surfers flock to Biarritz for its swells. And you’ll see the country’s young and famous sunning themselves in Saint-Tropez. With the Côte d'Émeraude’s Belle Époque resorts and Corsica’s crystal-clear waters, the beaches in France are some of Europe’s best.

Home to soaring alpine peaks, granite coastlines, sunflower fields and yawning canyons, France’s landscape is a patchwork of natural wonders. Spring brings flamingos to the Camargue’s pink salt marshes. And winter is the perfect time to hit the slopes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Looking for a sandy summer break? Try Lac d'Annecy or the beaches of Île de Ré.

You’ll find far more than haute cuisine in the restaurants in France. Expect buckwheat crepes in Brittany, Champagne in Reims and some of the world’s best bistros in Lyon. Part of planning your vacation here is mapping out every meal. Grab a quick bite at a ‘boulangerie’ (bakery), where a ‘croque-monsieur’ (hot ham and cheese sandwich) is always a treat.

With over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there’s culture to be found all over France. Pair a trip to medieval Carcassonne with a cruise down the Canal du Midi. And discover Versailles while visiting Paris. For a heavy dose of history, tour the Loire Valley’s fairy-tale ‘châteaux’ (castles). Or visit the Mémorial de Caen, one of the best World War II museums in France.

April to June is the best time to visit France, as there are fewer crowds and warm weather. Summer is the peak season for beach getaways and Bastille Day celebrations, so expect higher prices for flights and hotels. Planning a ski break? Travel between December and early April for the best snow conditions.

Prices will vary between cities and rural areas, but a cheap trip to France is definitely possible. Find an affordable meal for 15 euros (€), a coffee for about €3 and a local beer for €6. You can expect to spend a night in a hostel dorm for less than €40 a night.