France Tours and Vacation Packages

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 feature of any France vacation.

If you're spending time in Paris, keep in mind that stereotypes about French rudeness are outdated.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. Tourists making an attempt to speak the language on their France vacations will always be appreciated, even if it's a simple “Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais?”

What is the visiting etiquette in France?

It’s considered respectful to make eye contact and greet people with a friendly bonjour (hello). You may notice friends and acquaintances exchanging a kiss (or multiple!) on alternative cheeks. But don’t jump into this social norm; make sure the other person initiates the gesture. Be mindful that the French do not prefer hugs, as they’re considered too intimate for casual acquaintances. Shaking hands when meeting is an appropriate greeting when on your France trip.

In general, avoid dressing too casually when visiting, such as wearing flip-flops. The French do not expect punctual arrivals from their friends if it is a dinner or cocktail party at someone’s home, but do arrive on time for restaurant dinner reservations.

What is France best known for?

Many travellers on trips to France will notice that the French savour life at a slower pace. They’re more relaxed, and devote time to enjoy little pleasures, such as a leisurely dinner or a delicious coffee. France is one of the top wine producers (and consumers) in the world, defined by its diverse regions creating exceptional wine varietals. Whether sampling wine in one of the different Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées (AOP), or enjoying a glass while dining, French wine is designed to be savoured and sipped.

From high-end fashion houses producing haute couture, to an overall fashion-forward mindset, the French are celebrated for being stylish. While French fashion has become slightly more casual over the years, it is not uncommon to notice more understated and sophisticated attire being worn by locals. 

What are some French traditions?

The French adore celebratory events, whether centered around sports or nationally recognized holidays. Taking time away from work is mandated at a minimum of five weeks of vacation a year. The best time to visit France is during one of its biggest patriotic holidays, Bastille Day, held annually on July 14. It marks a celebratory day to herald national unity. In Paris, it is commemorated with a lavish military parade and aircraft flyover along Champ-Elysees. Elsewhere across the country, spending time with family attending picnics, concerts, and fireworks is common.

France is the distinguished birthplace of film and cinema. To this day, film is an important part of its heritage. Going to the theatre in France has continued to be a mainstay tradition, despite an increase in home digital film availability. The Cannes Film Festival is an international draw to celebrate cinema in France, and there are many vacation packages available to take part in this annual event.

What are French people like socially?

On trips to France, when popping into small shops or stores, greeting staff and being socially courteous is the norm. The French appreciate all opportunities to be polite, and they will usually greet you with a bright bonjour. It is considered somewhat harsh if you do not say hello, so be sure to follow up with your own greeting when someone else says bonjour. Then, when departing, always declare au revoir to acknowledge your exit.

It may be uncommon to find French people being boisterous on the streets, as decorum in public is more reserved. The French tend to respect people’s privacy and steer clear of small talk. While conversing, try using open-ended questions to help to gain respect and full attention. That said, in a social setting with friends and acquaintances, conversation can become lively, as debates are commonplace and are not to be taken personally.

What language does France speak? 

French is the national language in France, and only around 30% of the population in France speak some English. English is not as common in France as in other parts of Europe, though many guided tours and hotels can transact in English. Ask your travel agency to provide you with some small French phrases that will go a long way, such as using bonjour (hello) and au revoir (goodbye) when visiting shops. Also, politely ask someone parlez-vous anglais (do you speak English?) before trying to ask them a question. The French will appreciate your efforts at attempting to speak their language.

France travel is always a good idea, so there are only two factors to consider when planning your trip: one is weather, and the other is price. Planning your trip with a travel guide will help ensure ideal timing for the type of trip you wish to take. 

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 France tours, so be sure to book them early through your travel agency. Parisians tend to escape the city for their own France 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. 

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 is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.

When is France’s peak tourist season?

Late May through to September is peak travel season in France. While accommodation rates in Paris will be highest during the summer, there are plenty of hotels, so finding all inclusive vacation packages is still manageable. The French Riviera becomes busiest during the summer months, especially August, as it is a popular France vacation destination for tourists and French citizens. Given the exodus of locals, you might find Paris to be quieter in August than in July. You’ll likely experience less congestion even in the summer during a visit to France’s historic towns and villages, such as Trouville and Deauville.

If you are seeking fewer crowds, plan your France trip  (especially if you are visiting Paris), during the shoulder season months of April, May, October, and November. These months also feature milder temperatures, perfect for long days of exploring. May becomes exceptionally busy in the South of France, as the internationally attended Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix take place.

Which is the most affordable time to visit France?

From November to March, when typically cooler wet weather is found, the prices are lower for accommodation and flights across France. If your trip involves a lot of museums, then you'll benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds.

If you are hoping to spend any time along the French Riviera, consider October when the summer crowds are gone, accommodation is reasonably priced, but the water is still warm for swimming. You could also consider a cruise during this time, to see more of the coast of France.

How long should I plan to visit France?

It would be easy to return to France many times and still have more to see. If it is your first time visiting, ideally spend 7 to 10 days, starting with Paris for three and choosing two other spots, such as the French Riviera and Brittany. If you’ve got extra time, consider two weeks to explore more, heading north to Normandy, then down further to explore the Bordeaux region before heading to the beach. 

When is the ideal time to visit France?

Late September to early October you will find warm weather, with less crowds, making it an ideal time to visit France. Spring is known for having comfortable temperate weather, along with beautiful greenery and lavender flowers in bloom. Summer is the best time to visit France for festivals, concerts, and beachgoing. To avoid crowds, plan your France trip, especially Paris, during the shoulder season months of April, May, October, and November. For hiking tours, 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 light sea breeze. Despite the cold, winter in France is still a draw with stunning light installations during Fete des Lumières in Lyon, comforting French food and winter sports in Alpes-Mont Blanc, or dipping into hot thermal springs in the Pyrenees. 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, featuring peak ideal conditions in January.

How much does it cost to travel to France?

Create tailor-made vacation packages to fit your budget, with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist. In planning your France vacation, look to budget at least $3,000, not including international airfare, for one-week trips to France. Beyond Paris, there are endless options to explore France vacations to suit your budget in smaller cities and the countryside.

What documents do I need to travel to France?

All visitors from Canada and the United States require a passport for France vacations up to 90 days. Travellers will go through passport control when arriving in France. An online electronic travel authorization form, known as ETIAS, will be required to be filled out prior to your France travel, starting in 2025.

How long can you vacation in France?

France is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that allow unrestricted movement of people. Visitors from Canada and the United States can travel to any of the Schengen zone countries for 90 days within a 180-day period. Be sure to consider taking advantage of this time by visiting as many countries as you can. Any stay over 90 days in a 180-day period requires a long-stay visa.

How do I plan a trip to France?

As Audrey Hepburn once declared, “Paris is always a good idea.” Do you want to spend an evening gazing at the sparkling lights at the Eiffel Tower, or walk the historical grandeur halls of the Palace of Versailles? Taking a vacation to France has limitless itinerary options, with highly rated destinations in each corner of the country. Get in touch with a Goway Destination Specialist to help plan a France trip that is tailor-made for you. Whether you’d prefer a week of relaxation and exquisite cuisine on the coast, or to explore the history of France in museums, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to France. 

Where are some of the best places to visit in France?

Paris is one of the most beloved cities in the world and has been attracting travellers for centuries. In the City of Light, wake early for a sunrise at the Eiffel Tower, take a boat cruise down the Seine River, and shop the boulevards of the Champs-Élysées. After Paris, Bordeaux has the most preserved buildings in France, making it a historical highlight of France tours. Normandy is known for its rugged coastlines, seaside villages, iconic medieval castles, and historical World War II battlefields. Finally, travel south to enjoy sunshine and blue waters along the scenic coast of the French Riviera, also known as the Cote d’Azur. 

Where are the best wine tours in France?

France has it all when it comes to wine, with some of the most historical and exceptional vineyards in the world. With 11 distinct wine regions and over 27,000 wineries, travelling to France for wine will not disappoint. Travel guides can arrange tours of the most famous wine regions to tour in France, including the Loire Valley, Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne.

What are the best beach vacation spots in France?

The best months for a sunny vacation in France are June through August. Enjoy the salty breeze along coasts bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea. The dramatic cliffs and shores of Northern France feature waves for surfers and history-laden coastal towns. Deauville in Normandy is known for its golden sand and colourful umbrellas. Northwestern France includes many beaches in Brittany, such as Plage de Boutrouilles and Pointe de Saint-Hernot, with picturesque cliffs, wild dunes, and unique granite boulder formations. The South of France is known as the French Riviera and is home to the most popular and glitzy beach destinations such as Nice, Saint Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes.

Is France LGBTQ+ friendly?

France is known for celebrating diversity and being progressive in its support of LGBTQ+ communities. Discrimination aimed toward sexual orientation or gender identity is banned in France. In general, LGBTQ+ visitors to France, especially in Paris, will experience a sense of belonging and community.

What currency does France use?

France uses the Euro (EUR) as its official form of currency. On average 1 USD is worth 0.90 EUR, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check with your travel agency for the latest rates before travelling. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are common in all towns and cities.

Do I need to tip in France?

A service charge may be included in the price of a meal at a restaurant, known as a service compris. In general, tipping for meals and services in France is not required or expected, though the gesture of a modest tip is welcome.

Can I drink tap water in France?

When traveling across France, rest assured that the tap water is drinkable. If there is a tap that is not meant for consumption, it will be labeled as eau non-potable. Don’t forget to pack a refillable water bottle for your days exploring. When in Paris, you will see dozens of public fountains, featuring unique historical and modern designs. You may even come across one of the public fountains that features complimentary sparkling water (yes, really!).

On your France vacation, you'll feast like a king. French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its pastries, Michelin-star restaurants, and fresh ingredients. Ask a travel guide, or browse the weekly markets for locally-grown goods, or even 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 and food tours. In the South of France, 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 Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and more. France's most famous wines come from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhone, and the Beaujolais. The best time to visit vineyards during your France trip is May and June. Beers can also be found across the Hexagon, with local names like Kronenberg and 1664.

What is France's traditional cuisine?

Taking pleasure in food and wine is a large part of France’s national identity. France is renowned for its meticulously crafted and quality cuisine, prepared using local ingredients. Food such as coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, crepes, macarons, and eclairs are all must try essential French dishes. 

Be sure to try a charcuterie plate (a classic experience on France vacations), with traditional French preserved meats such as pates, jambon, sausages, and salamis. And of course, baguettes, with crispy crusts and soft interiors, are also synonymous with trips to France. They are readily available fresh at over 27,000 boulangeries, where the bread must legally be baked on the premises. Grabbing a baguette on the go for a quick snack, or on the way home from work is not uncommon for the French. 

What is the dining etiquette in France?

Expect meals to linger, as the French appreciate savouring mealtime and enjoying food, friends, and family. France tours often have a late dinner hour, with meals most commonly starting around 7pm. If travelling with children, ask your travel agency about vacation packages with family meal options, as it is rare for restaurants to have a kids menu.

If you’ve been invited to dinner at someone’s home, or at a restaurant, let the host indicate where everyone should sit. Prior to eating, it's common to start a meal with a customary bon appetite, a polite phrase to indicate it's time to eat. If there is bread or a baguette on the table, refrain from eating it until the starter has arrived, and break it into small pieces to consume. Be well-mannered at dinner; don’t start eating until everyone is seated, eat slowly, and rest your hands on the table. Do not use your hands to eat, the French use a knife and fork to eat most everything besides bread and frites (fries).

If enjoying a three-course meal, don’t be surprised to be served cheese after your main; it is traditionally served before dessert. You'll likely have to politely request your bill or pay at the counter when finished dining, as servers do not just bring it over, unless you are at a high-end restaurant. 

What is drinking etiquette in France?

Upon sitting down to a meal, you will likely find two glasses; one for water and another for wine. It is standard for the French to drink wine only with a meal, or beer at a pub. Other beverages such as liquor or cocktails are typically consumed as an apéritif (appetizer) or a digestif (after a meal). It is common to find the French filling the streets after work to indulge in a casual apéro, a pre-dinner drink said to stimulate hunger and relieve the fatigue of the day. Rather than overindulging, drinking is known in France for everyone to enjoy in moderation. Drinking wine during meals is an important part of French culture. Servers at restaurants will often willingly suggest wines that pair well with specific dishes. Before taking a sip of your drink, be sure to make eye contact with the person you are clinking with, and do not cross arms with another person simultaneously.

Does France cater to dietary restrictions?

Overall, Paris is your best option to find dining that can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. You can also find halal and kosher options. Other cities in France will offer some options too, while smaller towns are less accommodating. A knowledgeable travel guide can help you find places to accommodate your needs. 

French restaurants are less receptive to modifying menu items. It is best to present any dietary restrictions clearly as an intolerance or allergy versus a preference. France, being a part of the EU, ensures packaged food in grocery stores lists top allergens on their labels. 

What do meals typically cost in France?

France, especially Paris, can accommodate meals at all price ranges. In the morning, grabbing a fresh pastry and a coffee to go will cost around US $5 per person. Alternatively, if you sit down at a cafe for the ambiance and people-watching over a continental breakfast and espresso, expect to spend about US $15 per person. 

You’ll find delightful, fresh, quick-eat options abundantly available for lunch, such as take-and-go quiche, or fresh baguette sandwiches, which are often around US $10. Also, France travel means that you can usually find food carts offering pizza, waffles, and even hot dogs in just about any city. Consider picnic lunches too, as stunning gardens and parks are plentiful. 

For dinner, a mid-range bistro or brasserie will likely see meals costing about US $30 per person. Modestly priced wines are commonly available on tap too. If you’re looking for gourmet food at high-end restaurants, expect to spend nearly three times as much, closer to US $120 per person. Watch for prix fixe meals on menus that come with a starter, main, and dessert, allowing you to enjoy a complete meal at a reasonable cost. Especially in Paris, consider visiting less busy arrondissements to find spots that are lower priced, such as in Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.