Planning a Trip to France – Your Ultimate Guide to a French Getaway 2025

To determine where you should visit, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is your specific vision? – Do you picture yourself on a Mediterranean beach or in a magnificent Medieval cathédrale? Atop the French Alps skiing or drinking wine in the valleys of Bordeaux? These specifics will help you map out a game plan.
• Do you want to visit during Peak Season or Off-Season? – Peak season (summer) will offer more crowds, more to do, and nicer weather. Conversely, the off-season (winter) will provide cheaper rates, more peace, but unpredictably yucky weather. Shoulder season is a moderate balance of the two (spring and autumn), but certain weeks and holidays year-round may reflect high-season rates because the demand is steadily going up.
• Do your personal goals align with that season? – If seeking fun in the sun, the southern region will have stunning beaches and hikes to offer. If looking for city sightseeing – summer, spring, and autumn will provide a beautiful backdrop (I would avoid the off-season though, when it’s freezing and tends to rain very often). However, if you’re looking for snow, skiing, or want to avoid crowds, the quieter off-season months can be ideal.
• What is your budget?– Are you traveling on a budget like a backpacker, on a moderate budget that allows for more guided tours, or a luxury tour that will involve private excursions and top-notch experiences?
• Do you plan to city-hop? – Leave plenty of time in the itinerary to get from town to town. What looks like a 2-hour train ride can easily turn into a 6-hour journey to your next accommodation.

Keep in mind that most businesses in France are closed on Sundays. This is a period of religious homage rooted in France’s catholic faith. You’ll find some options in the morning, but other areas can feel like a ghost town.

And museums are often closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. So keep those tidbits in mind while you read this guide and plan your trip accordingly.

Let’s take a counterclockwise circle around this magical country, based on popular French destinations (including some hidden gems!):

Northern Region – Love, Architecture, & Beaches

Paris, Versailles, Champagne Region, Normandy, Mont St. Michelle
While the south is more Mediterranean in nature and cuisine – the north of France is more British (in culture, stoicism, and their love of creamy, buttery dishes!)

Paris

In Paris, be sure to hit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Historical monuments are scattered all over town and taking a river cruise down the Seine can be a romantic way to get a lay of the land.

Some of my go-to gems in Paris are:

Versailles

The former home of King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles is only 1 hour outside of Paris. This Château of extravagance was built in 1661 and became the center of politics, parties, and hunting. Louis XIV moved the government to the town of Versailles to extract more control over the nobility by separating himself from the sensationalism of Paris.

Dripped in gold exteriors and lavish details, it’s a thought-provoking tour that you should experience. You can walk through the royal quarters, bedrooms, chapel, hall of mirrors, and humongous gardens, hearing stories of how the French royals once lived (just before peasants came with pitchforks and chased them back to Paris!)

The Champagne Region

Normandy

Mont Saint-Michelle

Loire Valley, Angers, Bordeaux

As you make your way South to the Western region, this quadrant of France is known for its rich history, royal residents, and a plethora of les châteaux (castles). As a neighbor to Spain, the west side reflects its influence in terracotta architecture, rich flavors, fertile soil, and abundant sunshine.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, also known as ‘The Valley of Kings’ and ‘The Garden of France,’ sprawls across the Western Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire. There are day trips from Paris and I recommend stopping at Château de Chambord, the most famous and impressive of Renaissance castles. Château de Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Château d’Usse are also wonderful options.

Angers

Bordeaux

Marseille, French Riviera, Provance, French Alps

Moving along the Spanish border, you can take a 6-hour train or bus ride to the South of France.

This is my personal favorite part of the country, the most luscious and Mediterranean region with bright teal beaches, incredible hikes, fresh seafood cuisine, and luxury living. If you like sunshine 300 days a year and a fusion of Italian, Spanish, and French – this is the place for you.

Marseille

Once you reach the edge, you will be greeted by the most magnificent views and a horizon that feels infinite. I packed a 3€ bottle of wine (not the smartest for a hike, bring water too!) and enjoyed an afternoon on a pebbly beach, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

Fair Warning: The water is colder than you would expect, even in the summer. And the French love nude beaches so maybe leave the kids at home, but everyone keeps their space. If you go during the shoulder or off-season, you will have plenty of privacy.

French Riviera

You could easily dedicate a week or two to strictly exploring this region or jaunting down to Italy. Take your time and taste your way through every Mediterranean flavor this part of the country has to offer!

Provence

French Alps, Strasbourg, Lyon

Lastly, the Eastern handle of the country, also known as Le Grand Est, is an absolute delight for the senses!

Each region of France mirrors its closest border and takes on cultural aspects due to proximity and boundary lines that have gone back and forth for centuries. The East takes on influence from its next-door connections of Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland.

From towns like Strasbourg that looks like a Disney fantasyland, to the glaciers and mountain peaks of the French Alps, to the Vineyards of Burgundy – you will find no shortage of activities in Le Grand Est.

The French Alps

Lyon

Strasbourg

To be honest, there isn’t much to do here unless it’s the holidays and you’ve got Christmas markets in centre-ville. And everything is desolate on Sundays for religious reverence.

Utilize the well-developed network of public transportation at your disposal. Taxis and Ubers are useful options to have as a backup in larger cities, but they may not be as available in smaller towns (and can really add up fast against your budget!)

I use the Rome2Rio app to find the easiest method of transport from Point A. to Point B. Often, it’s complex (take this plane, walk 5 minutes, hop on the E bus, walk 10 minutes to a train station, take the RER high-speed train, walk 15 minutes, etc.), but you’ll have a step-by-step outline of multiple route options (best, fastest, cheapest, etc.)

If you plan to use the train throughout your travels, you can save money on accommodations by booking overnight train rides to far away destinations (6-9 hours+). You may also consider the Rail Europe Pass, which may help you to reap the benefits of savings and convenience (not having to buy a ticket for every individual trip).

Find cheap flights overseas through Skyscanner or Hopper. I also set a Google Flight alert so it makes me aware of any sudden drops in airfare rates.

If you are a U.S. citizen with a passport, you are not required to obtain a visa prior to your departure for France. The only exception is if you are visiting for 90 days within a timeframe of 180 days.

Travelers are also no longer mandated to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test or undergo a screening upon arrival in France. While all requirements are subject to change, you can reference the France International Travel website for up-to-date information.

We hope this guide has been helpful to you in planning the trip of a lifetime! Be sure to peruse our 2 Days in Paris – Bucketlist Itinerary and France Packing List.

Here are some final but crucial tips for traveling to France:

• Start planning 3 months early – It can take months to nail down all of the details.
• Give yourself 2-3 days minimum per city – I’d recommend 5 days in Paris if you have the time. Traveling between cities can take 2-12 hours.
• Book travel insurance – We use Faye Travel Insurance to protect our vacation investment against cancelations, delays, baggage loss, theft, and medical emergencies that could cost a fortune overseas.
• Purchase a VPN to prevent hacking – When utilizing public, free networks at cafes, airports, hotels, Airbnbs, etc., you are putting your private data at risk. Protect yourself with a virtual private network, adding a layer of encryption to all of your passwords, credit card numbers, and personal identity information.
• Fly in on a Tuesday or Wednesday for cheaper airfare tickets – November, January, and February are the cheapest months to fly to France.
• Convert your cash a few weeks in advance – Sometimes banks have to order it or you have to go to a larger location that carries multiple currencies.
• Call your phone company to set up an international plan – Or get a European SIM card for your phone.
• Bring jet lag relief – I truly notice a difference when I travel internationally with or without these. Natural jet lag relief supplements use chamomile and botanicals instead of uppers like caffeine to keep you energized through 10+ hour flights, layovers, time changes, and exhausting travel days.
• Bring activated charcoal in case of food poisoning – Food or impure tap water can cause bouts of nausea and stomach pain. We pack activated charcoal as a natural detoxifier that will remove pathogens that cause distress, minimizing the time wasted during a precious vacation. Remember that the French don’t typically offer ice in soft drinks or water (unless requested), but ice can lead to food poisoning.
• Consider the pros and cons of each region – The north has chilly beaches, and the south doesn’t have Paris… Weigh your priorities.
• Day trips are the best part of an extended trip – There are plenty of ways to bounce from different regions without having to pack up your bags or constantly find new accommodations. You can easily get from Paris to the Loire Valley, the Champagne Region, Mont St. Michelle, and Strasbourg. Or from Marseille to Provence, Monte Carlo, and Monaco. You can even take the high-speed train underneath the English Channel to nearby cities like London and Amsterdam.
• Don’t behave like a loud American – The French are a modest, quiet, and classy people. They will not be rude, unless you are drawing unnecessary attention to yourself or acting out of sorts. Americans have a reputation in Europe for being loud, proud, and saying whatever they feel all the time. While speaking out is more customary in the U.S., try to be respectful of the French culture, reflecting their volume levels and moderate temperaments. Let’s undo this unfair reputation, one low-key tourist at a time!
• Be patient at restaurants – Customer service is not the same in Europe as throughout the States, Australia, or many Asian countries. Servers may take 20 minutes to bring you water and may not check on you at all. Try not to take this as an insult and come prepared with patience. It is simply a cultural norm to let people dine in peace without checking on them constantly; it is seen as respecting your space and not intended to be rude. Rather, they are not rushing you out so you can enjoy your experience. Simply wave at a server if you wish to grab their attention.
• Don’t overbook or underbook yourself – This is the mistake I’ve made time and time again because I want to see it ALL when I’m abroad! But this can leave you rushing around, overbooked, and not able to be as present as you would like because there’s not enough time. If anything, do less and do it well. Come back to see more on future trips without cramming it all into one vacation.
• Plan your trip around a festival or event – My personal favorite is The Fête de la Musique on June 21st, where all of France breaks out into song and takes to the street for dancing, live music, drum lines, and beautiful community connection. I jumped in a drumline down the plaza, hung out with a group playing Nirvana classics, found an EDM band by the pub, then Beatles and Elvis impersonators on the next corner. It’s a wild time!

Even focusing on one region at a time will give you a lifetime worth of sights to see.

Ç’est tout et bon voyage à vous!