Ready for your dream France vacation? From the Normandy coastlines to the sun-kissed Riviera, the Alsatian villages to Parisian landmarks, this guide outlines the best France itinerary.
These easy-to-use itineraries help you find the top things to do in France, whether you’re watching the sunset at the Eiffel Tower, tasting wine in Bordeaux, or walking through lavender fields in Provence, this guide has everything you need for the perfect European journey.
Want to make your France trip even more special? Learn basic French before you go
- Paris: The City of Light delivers timeless romance, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, and café culture that never goes out of style.
- Nice: Sun-soaked and effortlessly glamorous—this French Riviera hotspot mixes Mediterranean beaches with Italian flair.
- Marseille: France’s oldest city brings together colorful port scenes, street art, and bold Mediterranean soul.
- Lyon: France’s food capital where cobbled streets, Renaissance charm, and bouchons turn every meal into an experience.
- Strasbourg: A storybook blend of French and German culture with timbered houses, canals, and a stunning Gothic cathedral.
- Bordeaux: Sip your way through the wine capital of the world, filled with 18th-century charm and riverside elegance.
- Cannes: Flash your shades and stroll the Croisette—this glamorous Riviera town is all about film, yachts, and beachfront luxury.
- Toulouse: Known as “La Ville Rose” for its pink-hued buildings, this southern stunner blends aerospace innovation with laid-back charm.
- Avignon: Step into papal history and Provençal sunshine in this walled city with Gothic flair and a legendary broken bridge.
- Montpellier: Youthful, energetic, and full of southern sunshine—beaches, cafés, and a buzzing student vibe await.
- Lille: Northern France’s underrated gem with Flemish flair, art galleries, and cozy old-town charm.
- Saint-Tropez: Chic and sun-kissed, this Riviera icon is packed with yachts, beach clubs, and coastal glam.
- Biarritz: Surf meets style in this elegant Basque beach town—great waves, seaside promenades, and a dash of Spanish flavor.
- Versailles: Just outside Paris, this royal escape stuns with gilded halls, fountains, and sprawling gardens straight out of a fairy tale.
- Annecy: A lakefront Alpine dream with canals, mountains, and old-world beauty that feels like a living postcard.
- Colmar: A charming Alsatian village with pastel houses, flower-lined canals, and fairytale vibes every step of the way.
- Reims: In the heart of Champagne country, toast to Gothic grandeur and bubbly bliss among vineyards and cathedrals.
- Carcassonne: Like stepping into a medieval movie—castle walls, cobbled streets, and towers that light up under the stars.
💡 France Tips
- Learn basic French phrases: Even a simple “Bonjour,” “Merci,” or “Parlez-vous anglais?” shows respect and goes a long way.
- Politeness matters: Always greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff when entering and leaving with “Bonjour” or “Au revoir.”
- Cash and card are both used: Cards are widely accepted, but keep some euros on hand for markets, bakeries, and small cafés.
- Tipping is modest but appreciated: A service charge is included in your bill, but rounding up or leaving small change (5–10%) is common.
- Public transport is efficient: Subways, buses, and trains are reliable — get a Navigo card in Paris for unlimited rides.
- Avoid tourist restaurants: Look for spots with French menus and locals dining — you’ll likely find better food and prices.
- Shops close midday and on Sundays: Many small businesses close for lunch or don’t open on Sundays, especially outside big cities.
- Meals are sacred time: Dining is leisurely and social. Don’t rush or expect fast service — enjoy the experience.
- Don’t touch produce in markets: Let vendors handle fruits and vegetables for you unless invited to choose yourself.
- Dress neatly: Especially in Paris — casual tourist attire like flip-flops or athletic wear can stand out.
- Strike culture is real: Protests and strikes can affect transit and services — check the news before travel.
- Tap water is safe: Ask for “une carafe d’eau” for free tap water in restaurants instead of buying bottled.
🇫🇷 France Menu
- Baguette: The iconic French bread — crusty on the outside, soft inside. Often eaten fresh daily with butter, cheese, or jam.
- Croissant: Buttery, flaky pastry best enjoyed in the morning from a neighborhood boulangerie.
- Cheese (Fromage): With over 400 varieties — from Brie and Camembert to Roquefort and Comté — cheese is an essential part of French culture and meals.
- Crêpes (Brittany): Thin pancakes — sweet (with Nutella, jam, or sugar) or savory (galettes made with buckwheat, filled with cheese, ham, egg, etc.).
- Coq au Vin (Burgundy): Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and garlic — a rustic, slow-cooked classic.
- Boeuf Bourguignon (Burgundy): Beef stew slow-cooked in red wine with vegetables — rich, deep, and hearty.
- Quiche Lorraine (Lorraine): Savory pie with eggs, cream, cheese, and bacon — served warm or cold, often as a light lunch.
- Ratatouille (Provence): A vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes — fragrant with herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Duck Confit (Confit de Canard) (Southwest France): Duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat until tender and crisp — a rich, indulgent specialty.
- Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy): Snails baked in garlic-herb butter — a classic appetizer often enjoyed with bread and white wine.
- Foie Gras (Southwest France): Duck or goose liver pâté — luxurious and often served on toast or with fruit preserves.
- Soupe à l’Oignon (French Onion Soup): Rich beef broth with caramelized onions, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese — comforting and timeless.
- Bouillabaisse (Marseille): A Provençal seafood stew made with various fish, shellfish, and a saffron-infused broth — served with rouille and toast.
- Tartiflette (Alps): A hearty dish of potatoes, Reblochon cheese, onions, and bacon — perfect winter comfort food.
- Macarons: Delicate, colorful almond meringue cookies filled with ganache or buttercream — available in many flavors.
- Crème Brûlée: Rich vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar crust — simple, elegant, and iconic.
- Wine (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne): France produces some of the world’s best — sample regional varieties with meals or on winery tours.
📅 France Calendar
- Biennale de Lyon (Art or Dance) (Alternating years): A major contemporary arts or dance event drawing international creators
- Paris Fashion Week (January, February, June & September, Paris): Front-row seats to the most glamorous runways in the world
- Nice Carnival (February, Nice): Join the flower battles and parades during France’s top winter celebration
- Lyon International Fair (Foire de Lyon) (March–April): Massive trade show with food, travel, home, and cultural showcases
- Cannes Film Festival (May, Cannes): Walk the Croisette and spot global stars at cinema’s most prestigious event
- Lyon Street Food Festival (June): Chefs, food trucks, and pop-up kitchens serving global and local cuisine
- Lavender Season (June–July, Provence): Peak bloom in Valensole and Luberon lavender fields
- Les Nuits de Fourvière (June–July, Lyons): Open-air theater, dance, and concerts at the Roman amphitheater on Fourvière Hill
- Fête de la Musique (June 21, Nationwide): Dance in the streets during this free national music celebration
- Avignon Theatre Festival (July, Avignon): France’s biggest performing arts festival
- Tour de France (July, Nationwide): Cheer on cyclists as they race through epic landscapes and historic towns
- Bastille Day (July 14, Paris + Nationwide): See Eiffel Tower fireworks, military parades, and national pride come alive
- Lavender Bloom Season (Late June–Early August, Provence): Capture iconic shots of purple fields under blue skies
- Jazz in Marciac (August, Marciac): World-class jazz performances in a small village setting
- Grape Harvest Festivals (September–October, Bordeaux): Wine tastings, vineyard events, and harvest tours
- Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (October, Paris): Toast Paris’s last working vineyard with wine, food, and fireworks
- Fête des Lumières (December, Lyon): Stunning city-wide light installations and performances
- Strasbourg Christmas Market (Late November–December): Sip mulled wine and shop chalets at Europe’s oldest holiday market