Best time to visit France

The French Riviera, where you can sip on ice-cold glasses of Côtes de Provence wine and enjoy the aromas of pine cones and fresh lavender! The French Riviera was famously a favourite destination for Hollywood jet setters in the 1960s and retains its popularity today. This dreamy destination combines the pleasures of sophisticated French cuisine and culture with the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean.

The best time to travel to the South of France is during the months of June, July and August. During the summer you can guarantee beautiful Mediterranean sunshine. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy the beach, al fresco dining and bathing in the sea. In the winter, parts of the French Riviera become quiet, but cities such as Cannes, Nice and Monaco are still worth visiting, even when the weather is cooler. September and October are often said to be the best time of the year to visit the French Riviera as the weather is still very pleasant and the price of accommodation is much lower than during the high season.

Stretching all the way from the outskirts of Paris to the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire Valley is a popular destination, home to vineyards, historic chateaux and exceptional natural beauty. The best time to visit the Loire Valley is from April to June or from September to November. Spring and autumn are perfect for enjoying the great outdoors without the strong summer sun or crowds. The breeze that travels from the Atlantic ensures a temperate climate all year round so there is never a bad time to visit the Loire Valley. The only thing to keep in mind is that some of the chateaux and vineyards close their doors during the winter season for renovations.

To know the best time of year to visit the French Alps, you will have to take into account the reason for travelling. If you want to go skiing, the ski resorts in the region open around mid-December. At this time the snow becomes thick enough for winter sports and temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius. This snow cover generally lasts until the end of March so there is plenty of time to enjoy this winter wonderland. On the other hand, if you want to visit the French Alps during the spring and summer, you can enjoy all manner of outdoor sports. Canoeing, rock climbing, hiking and lake swimming are particularly popular. Autumn in the Alps is best known for its beautiful autumnal leaves, which transform into a stunning palette of gold and orange.