France Travel Guide
France is the country we keep coming back to.
Our first trip to Europe was to Paris in April 2008, and since then we’ve returned to France six times. We’ve visited Paris four times: on that first trip, with young kids, with teenagers, and as a couple. We’ve wandered the fairytale towns of the Alsace Wine Route in summer and during the Christmas market season, and spent five days hiking in Chamonix before starting the Walker’s Haute Route. In 2009, Tim and I spent 10 days road tripping through the French Riviera and Provence, running the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and cycling to the summit of Mont Ventoux.
Our most recent trip was in September 2026, when Tim, Tyler, and I raced the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice. Afterward, we stayed on to explore the French Riviera and Provence for the first time in 17 years.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Paris, a road trip through wine country, or a hiking adventure in the French Alps, this France Travel Guide is your starting point. Use it to choose your region, find the right itinerary, and get to our detailed guides for planning your trip.
Start Here: Planning Your France Trip
If you’re just getting started, here’s where to go next:
- Visiting Paris for the first time? → Read our 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Timers
- Deciding what to see in Paris? → Browse 40 Things to Do in Paris
- Road tripping through the south of France? → Start with our 10 Day French Riviera and Provence Itinerary
- Craving wine country and fairytale towns? → See 3 Days in the Alsace
- Hiking in the French Alps? → Read our Chamonix Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Chamonix
France At a Glance
Official Language: French
Population: About 68 million
Capital City: Paris
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Power Outlet: Type C and E
Paris
Paris was our first taste of Europe, and it’s the city we’ve returned to most. We’ve visited four times: on our first-ever trip to Europe in April 2008, with Tyler and Kara when they were kids and a few years later when they were teenagers, and as a couple in 2023. Each trip showed us a different side of the city. On our most recent visit, we slowed down, revisited the Louvre, Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower, and spent our evenings at rooftop bars and cafés. Below are our guides to help you plan your time, choose where to stay, and decide what not to miss.
3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Timers
Three days in Paris is just enough time to see the city’s biggest sights, explore a few of its most beautiful neighborhoods, and even squeeze in a trip to Versailles. In this 3-day Paris itinerary, you’ll visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre, and Arc de Triomphe, with a half-day visit to […]
40 Things to Do in Paris: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
In this guide, we cover the top things to do in Paris, from iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre‑Dame Cathedral, to charming neighborhoods such as Le Marais and Montmartre, as well as food and café culture, and a few hidden gems we’ve discovered during our trips to Paris. Paris rewards repeat […]
2 Days in Paris Itinerary: What to See & Do
Two days isn’t a lot of time in Paris, but with the right itinerary, you can still hit many of the city’s top attractions. This 2-day Paris itinerary takes you to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe, along with several of the city’s most beautiful streets […]
How to Visit the Louvre Quickly & Efficiently: A Self-Guided Masterpieces Route
The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and one of the top things to do in Paris. Planning a visit can sound complicated. With its massive size, long list of art exhibits, and tales of long lines, you may be wondering how to visit the Louvre and actually enjoy your time there, […]
Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time (+ Where Not to Stay)
Choosing where to stay in Paris for the first time can feel overwhelming. Paris is a BIG city, made up of many different neighborhoods (also called arrondissements) with its attractions scattered throughout the sprawling city center. Every neighborhood comes with is pros and cons, which we will get to in just a little bit, and […]
Ten Fun Things to Do in Paris with Kids
In 2012, our trip to London and Paris was our kids’ very first experience in Europe. We spent five days in London before making our way to Paris, wanting both cities to deliver recognizable landmarks, good food, and things that would keep an 8- and 9-year-old entertained. During our four days in Paris, we toured […]
Exactly How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2026
There are few landmarks in the world that evoke the same sense of awe, wonder, and romance as the Eiffel Tower. For many travelers, a trip to Paris would feel incomplete without seeing it, and it easily ranks among the best things to do in Paris. But visiting the Eiffel Tower takes more planning than […]
We Visited Paris at Easter: Here’s What to Expect
Easter in Paris…sounds nice, doesn’t it? Spring flowers, mild temperatures, the view from the Eiffel Tower without a coat on. Sure, that sounds nice, but it’s not always the reality. We found that out firsthand. We spent three days in Paris over Easter weekend in 2018, arriving on Good Friday and staying through Sunday before […]
10 Foods to Eat in Paris and Where to Get Them
What should you eat while in Paris? Since French culture is deeply intertwined with food, the answer to this question is just as important as what you should see and do while visiting Paris. Dining on escargot and freshly baked bread, planning a picnic lunch in front of the Eiffel Tower, and dining at a […]
14 Best Views of Paris: Our Favorite Viewpoints & Photo Spots
Paris is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. From sweeping views over the rooftops to classic views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, there are countless places to photograph the city. But some viewpoints are much better than others. We’ve visited Paris four times, and on every trip, photography has been a […]
How to Plan an Amazing Day Trip to Versailles from Paris
Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, but how you plan your visit can make an enormous difference in your experience. Tim and I have visited the Palace of Versailles twice, and those two visits could not have been more different. On our first visit, we arrived mid-morning on a rainy […]
Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Paris: Where to Dine with a View
There’s something special about watching the sun set over Paris with a cocktail in hand, the city’s rooftops spreading out below and the skyline glowing gold. As you’re planning your trip to Paris, rooftop bars are one of the best ways to combine three of the city’s biggest draws — food, views, and atmosphere — […]
European Itineraries with Paris
If you have 10 days in Europe and like the idea of visiting Paris, here are three wonderful ways to visit Paris and one or two more European cities.
The Perfect 10 Day London Paris Itinerary
A visit to London and Paris is a classic European trip. Climb the Eiffel Tower, stroll up the Champs-Elysees, visit the world-class museums of the Louvre and the British Museum, and even take a day trip to Stonehenge. With this London Paris itinerary, visit two of Europe’s grandest cities and make some lifelong memories.
10 Day London Amsterdam Paris Itinerary
With 10 days you have just enough time to visit London, Amsterdam and Paris, although it will be a bit of a whirlwind tour. There is a lot to see and do here, and our London Amsterdam Paris itinerary will help you manage your time so you can have the best experience possible.
The Perfect 10 Day Amsterdam Brussels Paris Itinerary
On this Amsterdam Brussels Paris itinerary, visit three of Europe’s best cities. Start in Amsterdam, where you get to stroll along the canals and visit the world class Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Travel by train to Belgium where you will spend two days dining on chocolate, waffles, and beer and exploring the fairytale towns of Bruges and Ghent. And what better way to end your holiday than with three days in romantic Paris.
Alsace Wine Region
The Alsace Wine Route winds through eastern France near the German border, connecting vineyard-covered hills with half-timbered villages that look like they were plucked from a fairytale.
We’ve visited the Alsace twice. The first time was in summer, when flower boxes spilled over from nearly every window and the vineyards were at their greenest. The second was during the Christmas market season, when Colmar and Strasbourg were lit up with twinkling lights and market stalls selling mulled wine. Colmar makes an excellent base, and from there it’s easy to explore a handful of towns along the wine route.
3-Day Alsace Itinerary: Colmar, Fairytale Villages & Strasbourg
The Alsace Wine Route is one of our favorite road trips in France, with colorful villages, vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, excellent food, and plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. With 3 days in Alsace, you have enough time to explore Colmar, visit several of the prettiest towns along the Wine Route, tour Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, and […]
10 Fairytale Towns to Visit on the Alsace Wine Route
The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most scenic drives in France, winding through vineyard-covered hills and a string of colorful towns and villages that look like they belong in a storybook. Half-timbered houses, flower-filled streets, medieval churches, castles, and wine cellars are all part of the experience. And because many of these towns […]
Strasbourg & Colmar Christmas Markets in Photos
Colmar is one of the most festive places to visit in Europe during the Christmas season. This small city is stunning year-round, with its colorful half-timbered houses, decorated storefronts, and cobblestoned streets. Add in twinkling lights, Christmas trees, garlands, and stalls selling mulled wine and holiday gifts, and you have one of Europe’s best destinations […]
One Perfect Day in Colmar: Things to Know on Your First Visit
Colmar is a picture-perfect town located in the Alsace region of France. This small town, with its colorful, half-timbered houses, overflowing flower pots, and bustling street cafes, looks like it has been plucked right out of a fairy tale. With one day in Colmar, you have just enough time to explore the scenic streets, dine […]
Chamonix
Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, and it’s one of the best mountain towns in Europe for hiking, cable car rides, and glacier views. We spent five days here in July 2022, just before starting the Walker’s Haute Route. We rode to the top of Aiguille du Midi, hiked to Lac Blanc and along the Grand Balcon Nord, and spent our evenings dining on fondue and French cuisine.
24 Best Things to Do in Chamonix, France in the Summer
Discover the best things to do in Chamonix, France in the summer. This guide covers the top cable cars, hiking trails, glaciers, and adventures in Chamonix, based on our firsthand experience hiking and exploring the area. Chamonix is one of the most spectacular mountain destinations in Europe, and in the summer, it’s an outdoor playground […]
Aiguille du Midi + Panoramic Mont-Blanc: The Ultimate Guide
At 3,842 meters (12,605 feet), Aiguille du Midi is one of the highest places you can reach by cable car in the world and the closest most people will ever get to the summit of Mont Blanc without a rope and crampons. We’ve ridden cable cars across Europe from the Dolomites to Zermatt, and this […]
Argentière Glacier Hike: One of the Best Day Hikes Near Chamonix
The hike to Argentière Glacier is one of the best day hikes near Chamonix, with trails leading to multiple viewpoints of the glacier at different elevations. Depending on how you access the mountain, this can be either a moderate out-and-back of about 4.7 km or a challenging full-day loop of 14 km with over 1,100 […]
Chamonix Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Chamonix
Chamonix is one of the best places in the French Alps for a summer itinerary packed with cable car rides, glacier views, high alpine hikes, and jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc. With 1 day, you can ride to Aiguille du Midi and see one of the most famous views in Europe; with 3 days, you […]
Grand Balcon Nord Hike: Best Direction, Hiking Stats & Tips
The Grand Balcon Nord is one of the best hikes in Chamonix. This trail runs above the valley, offering sweeping views of Mont Blanc at one end and Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, at the other. Tim, Tyler, Kara, and I hiked it in July as part of a five-day visit to Chamonix before […]
How to Hike to Lac Blanc, Chamonix (Photos, Stats & Map)
There are several reasons why the hike to Lac Blanc is one of the best in Chamonix. For one thing, this alpine lake is beautiful. A series of gondolas and chair lifts lop off the first big climb, making this hike doable for most ages and ability levels. But one of the best reasons to […]
The Walker’s Haute Route is a 14-day trek from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. It’s a challenging walk through the Swiss Alps. Along the way, you visit Swiss towns and hamlets, cross 10 mountain passes, and have extraordinary views of this part of Europe. It’s a beautiful journey and one of our favorite travel experiences.
Ultimate Guide to the Walker’s Haute Route
In our Guide to the Walker’s Haute Route, we cover the logistics of planning and hiking the Haute Route. Learn how to plan your trek, get an overview of each stage, and get helpful tips.
French Riviera & Provence
Our first trip to the south of France was a 10-day road trip in 2009. Tim and I started in Nice, explored the coastal towns of the French Riviera, and fell for the hilltop town of Vence. Avignon was our home base in Provence, where we cycled to the summit of Mont Ventoux, and spent several days visiting wineries and small towns in Provence.
In September 2026, we returned to race the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice. We spent a total of two weeks revisiting the French Riviera and Provence. We have a lot of new content in the works from this trip, including an updated version of our French Riviera and Provence itinerary, and we’ll add it here as it’s published.
Vence, Our Favorite Town in the French Riviera
Vence, a town that charmed us immediately, was also a town we weren’t planning on visiting during our trip to the French Riviera. Prior to the trip, Tim and I researched the best towns to visit, such as Nice (our home base for three days), Antibes, Cannes, Villefranche su Mer, Eze, Cap Ferrat, and St. […]
Cycling Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence
Mont Ventoux is one of the most famous mountains in Europe. It is featured in many Tour de France races, appearing every several years as one of the great climbs of the race. The history and the drama that has unfolded on this mountain is legendary. For cyclists, both amateur and professional, Mont Ventoux is […]
10 Day French Riviera and Provence Itinerary
The south of France…the land of beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches, vineyards, lavender, and one of the world’s best cuisines. This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in […]
France Highlights
France is a country we’ve explored in pieces, one region at a time. Here are the experiences that stand out most from our trips.
Paris. After four visits, Paris still feels new every time. Climb the Eiffel Tower, spend a morning in the Louvre, wander Montmartre and Le Marais, and save time for long café lunches. This is a city that rewards slowing down.
Versailles. Just outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles was the seat of French royalty until the Revolution in 1789. We’ve visited twice, and how you plan your visit makes an enormous difference.
The Alsace Wine Route. Half-timbered villages, vineyard-covered hills, and a blend of French and German culture make the Alsace one of the most charming regions in France. Colmar, with its canal-lined Little Venice neighborhood, is the highlight.
Christmas Markets in Strasbourg and Colmar. During the holiday season, the Alsace becomes one of the most festive places in Europe.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Ride the cable car to Aiguille du Midi for a close-up view of Mont Blanc, then spend your days hiking to alpine lakes and glacier viewpoints. Chamonix is one of our favorite mountain towns in Europe.
The French Riviera. Run or stroll the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, explore glamorous coastal towns, and venture inland to hilltop villages like Vence.
Provence and Mont Ventoux. Go wine tasting, explore small Provençal towns, and, if you’re a cyclist, take on Mont Ventoux, one of the legendary climbs of the Tour de France.
Still on our France wish list: Normandy, Mont St. Michel, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Annecy, and Corsica.
How Many Days Do You Need in France?
France is much too big to see in one trip, so the best approach is to focus on one or two regions per trip.
For Paris, plan on at least 3 days, which gives you time for the major sights plus a half-day trip to Versailles. With 4 or 5 days, you can slow down and explore more neighborhoods.
For the Alsace Wine Route, 3 days is ideal. Colmar is just over 2 hours from Paris by high-speed train, so it pairs easily with a Paris visit.
For Chamonix, plan on 3 to 5 days, especially if you want to hike. Chamonix is quick train ride from Geneva, Switzerland, which is usually the easiest airport to fly into.
For the French Riviera and Provence, 10 days gives you time to explore the coastal towns and spend several days in Provence.
If you have 10 days, we recommend combining Paris with one other region. Paris pairs well with the Alsace or Chamonix, or combine Paris with London, Brussels, and/or Amsterdam, depending on how much time you have.
Best Time to Visit France
We’ve visited France in almost every season, and the time of year shapes the trip as much as where you go.
Our first trip to Paris was in mid-April, and it was everything you’d hope spring in Paris would be: mostly sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s°F, and trees and flowers in bloom. A decade later, we spent Easter weekend in Paris (which was at the end of March that year) and got cold, gray weather, so it’s a good reminder that spring weather here can go either way. In Chamonix, we visited in July during a European heat wave, which made high-elevation hikes and cable car rides especially appealing. And in September 2026, we found Nice and Provence very warm and sunny, with smaller crowds than summer.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect by season:
- Fall (September–November): Our favorite time for the south of France, with warm weather and thinner crowds. It’s also harvest season in the wine regions. Some Chamonix cable cars begin closing for the season in mid to late September.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and often gray in Paris, but with fewer crowds. Late November through December is Christmas market season in the Alsace, and Chamonix becomes a ski destination.
- Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make this one of the best times for Paris. Colmar decorates for Easter, but high-elevation trails in Chamonix are still snow-covered.
- Summer (June–August): Peak season. Paris and the French Riviera are hot and crowded, especially in July and August, but this is the best time for hiking in Chamonix.
Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info
30 Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe & How to Visit Them
From world class museums and ancient archaeological sites to stunning natural wonders, Europe boasts a diverse array of attractions that attract millions of visitors every year. Here are 30 of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and how to visit them.
One Week in Europe: 25 Epic Itineraries
Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?
In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe.
10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip
Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you. In this […]
15 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe
Some of the best moments of a European road trip happen spontaneously: a hilltop village you pulled over for on a whim, a coastal viewpoint you would have blown past on a train. Having your own car makes that possible. But before you hit the road, there are a few things about renting a car […]
30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Our Favorites)
It is no secret that Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From grand historic cities and charming fairytale towns to soaring mountain ranges and sun-soaked beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to […]
Best Hikes in Europe: 25 Incredible Hikes for Every Level
From the dramatic cliffs of Norway to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites and the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, Europe is packed with some of the most unforgettable hikes in the world. In this guide, we share our favorite hikes in Europe, trails that stand out for their scenery, uniqueness, and overall experience from start […]
How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe: Everything You Need to Know
Picture this: you’ve decided you’re finally going to do it. You’re going to Europe. The excitement is real. So is the panic when you open Google and realize there are roughly a million opinions on where to go, what to see, and how to do it all in 10 days. We’ve been traveling to Europe […]
Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. October 2025 Update: We […]
