Travel to France
About our group trips to France
France is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe and it's easy to see why. There's a mix of everything from big cities like Paris to sunny beaches in Nice . For those who like wine, there are entire areas full of vineyards in Alsace , and if you want to experience small picturesque villages or take on the Alps , there's that too. Food culture is a big deal here. France is known for its endless varieties of cheese and fantastic wines. The famous sights? Sometimes they almost feel like more than you can fit in on a trip; think the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Mont Saint-Michel, French castles ... the list goes on. So, whatever you're craving - big city life, walks among vines, beach life on the French Riviera or just strolling around a village, there's a trip to France that suits you.
Capital
★ Paris
Language
★ French
Residents
★ Approximately 68.5 million
Currency
★ Euro (€)
Trips to Paris
Paris is the magnificent capital of France. Lots of people travel here every year and it's no wonder. The city is full of wide avenues, small cozy cafes and has a rather special romantic atmosphere. It's of course hard to avoid the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame or the Louvre if you're there for the first time, but Paris also has neighborhoods like Montmartre with its slightly bohemian, artistic side. If you like art, clothes or good food, there's something for you around every corner. You can grab a steaming fresh croissant in the morning, or splurge and book a table at a nice restaurant if you feel like it. Walking along the Seine for a while or checking into one of the many museums also makes a visit to Paris memorable.
Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower really stands out in the Paris skyline, and is an obvious symbol of the city (and indeed the whole country, if we’re being honest). The tower is an impressive 324 meters high, and it was built for the 1889 World’s Fair. The idea was originally that it would only stand there for a while, mostly as a temporary feature. But now it’s basically synonymous with France. If you get up to one of the platforms, you get a fantastic view of the city. You can see both the big sights and small, hidden streets from above, which is pretty cool, especially if it’s your first time in Paris. And in the evening (every hour on the hour) the tower sparkles, so it kind of shimmers against the night sky. For many, the Eiffel Tower is almost mandatory once you’re in Paris. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been there before or not, it’s a place you often return to.
Travel to Nice and the French Riviera
Nice is one of the most popular cities in the south of France, and it's no wonder. It's located right on the French Riviera overlooking the Mediterranean. The Promenade des Anglais is perhaps the most famous, that long promenade that attracts both locals and tourists. The weather is often pleasantly mild, and the pace here is quite relaxed. If you go a little outside the city, there are also lots of small villages and communities to explore. Vineyards, local markets and small shops pop up here and there, often with local produce such as local cheese, olives and fresh vegetables. There's always something to do here, whether you want to relax on the beach for a whole week or if you prefer small excursions along the coast.
Trips to the Alps
The French Alps are truly something special. It’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to them, whether it’s winter or summer. Once the snow has settled, it’s hard to find an area with more ski resorts or better conditions. The slopes are long, the lifts are modern and the view is of snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see. When the snow melts, the Alps are filled with hikers, cyclists and people who want to try everything from climbing to paragliding. You almost feel like just sitting down, taking a deep breath and trying to take it all in. That’s the thing about the French Alps – you can go here in winter, summer, or indeed, anytime, and find fun things to do.
Champagne and French food culture
France is world-famous for its food culture, and the Champagne region is particularly famous for its exclusive sparkling drink. Here you can visit vineyards and wine cellars to learn more about the production of champagne and try local varieties. French food culture is characterized by quality, tradition and carefully selected ingredients. Cheeses, bread, pastries and wine are an obvious part of the meals, and each region has its own specialties. Experiencing the food in France is an important part of the trip and adds to the experience.
Tips for your trip to France
Before your trip to France, it is good to know that the country has a strong food culture where meals are often an important part of the day. Lunch and dinner can take time and are something you like to enjoy in peace and quiet. It is also common to greet with a simple “bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants. Public transport is well developed, especially in cities like Paris, which makes it easy to get around. Pack according to the season and region, as the climate can vary between different parts of France.
Climate and weather in France
What is the climate like in France?
France has a climate that is influenced by both the sea, the mountains and the country's geographical location. The country is located in the temperate climate zone, which means clear seasons with warm summers and colder winters. On the west coast, the climate is mild with relatively small temperature differences, while inland Paris has slightly greater variation between the seasons. Along the southern coast, for example in Nice, the climate is drier and sunnier with many hours of sunshine and mild winters. This variation means that the climate in France can differ greatly depending on where you are.
What is the weather like in France?
On the west coast of France, the weather can change quickly and rain occurs for much of the year. In Paris, summers are often warm while winters can be chilly with frost and sometimes snow. To the south, in cities like Nice, the weather is sunny and warm for most of the year, with mild and relatively dry winters.
Climate zones
★ France is located in the temperate climate zone with distinct seasons.
Weather & vineyards
★ Mild and humid on the coast, warmer inland and sunnier in the south, which also creates good conditions for vineyards.