France Vacations

The French way of life involves an appreciation for slowing down and savouring the simplicity of everyday life. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, try to take a few moments to enjoy what's around you. Eating your meal slowly while people watching is a quintessential French experience.

If you're spending time in Paris, keep in mind that stereotypes about French rudeness are outdated. Paris may be one of the most romantic cities on Earth, but it's also an economic capital full of people trying to live their normal lives. Making an attempt to speak French will always be appreciated, even if it's a simple Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais?

When greeting each other, it's common for the French to kiss each other on both cheeks, or to shake hands when meeting.

France is always a good idea, so there are only two factors to consider when planning your trip: one is weather and the other is pricing.

If your trip is concentrated in Paris, spring is the loveliest time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The city heats up in summer, as does the size of its crowds. Parisians tend to escape the city for their own vacations, meaning some businesses will be closed in August. Fall weather is cooler but brings a lot of shows and exhibitions, meaning accommodation prices can be high. Winters are wet and cold. However, if your trip involves a lot of museums, then you'll benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds.

If you're in search of an adrenaline adventure in the French Alps, your dates will depend on your desired activities. Most ski resorts open at the end of November until mid-April, with peak timing in January. For hiking, July through September will give you stable pleasant conditions.

The French Riviera enjoys a pleasant year-round Mediterranean climate. Winters are relatively mild with some rain, and summers are hot and dry with a few light breezes. Tourist season is highest from May to August, drawing particularly large crowds in May for the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix.

Weather in Brittany and Normandy is a bit more unpredictable. Both are generally mild, particularly in the winter as frost and snow are rare. Summers can be hot, but rain does occur from time to time. Summer is peak season for both areas, so May and September are the best time to avoid the crowds.

A service charge of between 12-15% is usually added to bills in hotels, restaurants, and bars. However, it is still customary to leave small change.

In France, you'll feast like a king. French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its pastries, Michelin-star restaurants, and fresh ingredients. Browse the weekly markets for locally-grown goods, or follow the scent of fresh bread to your nearest bakery for a croissant, baguette, or both. Finish off your meals with a specialty cheese or glass of wine unique to the local area.

Food varies by region, with each area of France toting its own specialties. In the south, enjoy the Provençal herbs of ratatouille — stewed vegetables from Nice — or bouillabaisse — a traditional fish stew from Marseille. Pot-au-feu is a classic beef stew enjoyed across the country. France's drink and food traditions combine in coq au vin, a chicken-based dish stewed in Burgundy wine.

As one of the world's largest wine producers, French vineyards are ripe with flavourful grapes like Cabarent Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and more. France's most famous wines come from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhone, and the Beaujolais. Beers can also be found across the Hexagon, with local names like Kronenberg and 1664.