France
France

France Travel Guide

Welcome to the romantic country of France and get ready to explore historic Paris, beautiful coastal cities, fairytale towns, wine regions, the rolling French countryside, and the mighty Alps. No matter your interests, whether it is a busy sightseeing tour through Paris, a road trip through Provence or the Alsace, hiking in Chamonix, or a history lesson in Normandy, France has countless things to offer.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Paris

Paris is a beautiful city with a long list of things to see and do. To help you plan your trip, learn about the top experiences, how to plan your time, where to stay in Paris, and more.

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 […]

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.

Alsace Wine Region

The Alsace wine region, located in eastern France, is a wonderful blend of fairytale towns and picturesque vineyards. 

The Perfect Bavaria Germany Christmas Market Itinerary

It’s no secret that Germany hosts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. But unless you have tons of time, it’s best to concentrate on one region of Germany. This Christmas market itinerary focuses on southern Germany. Not only will you visit some of the most historic markets in Europe, but you will tour […]

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 […]

3 Days in the Alsace: Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

The Alsace wine route, located in eastern France, is a wonderful blend of fairytale towns and picturesque vineyards. 3 days in the Alsace wine region gives you enough time to visit a handful of these charming towns and to explore the countryside. About the Alsace Wine Route The Alsace wine route stretches 170 km, starting […]

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 […]

10 Fairytale Towns to Visit on the Alsace Wine Route

When I first saw photos of the town of Colmar, it immediately got added to our travel wish list. With its colorful buildings, bouquets of flowers, and scenic streets, it looked like it was plucked right out of a fairy tale. With a little more research, I was thrilled to learn that Colmar is just […]

Chamonix

Chamonix is a top-notch hiking destination in the summer and a superb skiing destination in the winter. It is also the starting point for two famous treks in the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Walker’s Haute Route.

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.

French Riviera

Visit the glitzy towns on the Mediterranean coast, go wine tasting in Provence, and explore the small towns southern France.

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 […]

Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info

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 […]

Top Experiences in France

Paris. Fall in love with Paris, one of Europe’s loveliest cities. Famed by poets and enchanted by artists, this city has become a hub for culture, art, and fashion. Stroll from Parisian cafes to historic streets to colorful gardens. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a view over the city, tour the world’s most famous art museum, and lookout over Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Versailles. Versailles is a royal chateau located on the outskirts of Paris. For a little more than 100 years, this was the seat of government for France. That ended in 1789 with the French Revolution.

The French Riviera and Provence. Explore the beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches and vineyards and indulge on one of the world’s best cuisines.

Explore fairytale towns along the Alsace Wine Route. Located in eastern France, the Alsace Wine Route
spans 170 km, starting near Strasbourg in the north and ending just south of Colmar. This area is a wonderful blend of French and German culture.

Colmar. Colmar is the heart of the Alsace wine route. And the heart of Colmar is “la Petite Venise,” also called Little Venice. Half-timbered buildings line the canals in central Colmar, creating a city center that feels similar to Venice, in more ways than one.

Normandy. If you are eager to visit a place rich in European history, Normandy is a must-visit for you. From Viking invasions to the Hundreds Year War to D-Day, Normandy has seen its share of war and conflict. And you won’t want to miss Normandy’s beautiful chalk-white cliffs and blue seas at the Alabaster Coast.

Mont St. Michel. Travel to the fairytale town of Mont St. Michel. This town is set on a small island in a shallow bay just off the coast of Normandy and Brittany. Fortified ramparts surround the town, and at the heart of the island lies an impressive Gothic abbey. Mont St. Michel makes a perfect day trip for those looking to explore a quaint medieval town and to learn some of France’s ancient history.

Bordeaux. World famous wineries, medieval architecture, cathedrals, delicious food, and beautiful beaches… Bordeaux is wonderful place to visit with much to do. Explore the old town, learn the city’s history, tour art museums, and visit the picturesque reflecting pool in front of Place de la Bourse.

The Loire Valley. As the home to the French royalty, the Loire Valley is filled with beautiful châteaus and lush vineyards. Touring these ancient castles and going wine tasting in this region makes for a great day trip from Paris.

Chamonix. The mountain town of Chamonix is a perfect base for venturing into the Alps. From the town you get a great view of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps. Cable cars will take you up into the mountains, there are many beautiful hikes to do, and the town is teeming with delicious food and adventure seekers.

Lake Annecy. Fall in love with the beauty of Annecy, a medieval town set amongst the Alps and a glittering blue lake. Rivers run through the town which make Annecy appear like a little French Venice. And towering over the old town is the Château d’Annecy, a glorious castle to explore.

Corsica. Explore France’s Mediterranean island, Corsica. This island is a land of beautiful beaches, coastal cities, and inland mountains. Come and see the colorful town of Bonifacio perched on top of rocky cliffs, learn the ancient history of Ajaccio, and explore the beautiful area of la Balagne.

Best Time to Visit France

France can be visited year-round and there will be different experiences offered depending on when you visit. The best weather is between April and October. Yet, some places such as Paris and the French Riviera get insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. 

If you are visiting the Alsace Wine Region, you can visit during one of its many festive seasons. From late March through early April, Colmar is decorated for Easter and you can go shopping at the Easter markets. In early July, classical musical artists perform at the Colmar International Festival. At the end of July into early August, Colmar hosts the Alsace Wine Fair. And finally, the streets in Colmar fill with smalls shops and decorations during the Christmas market season.

The busiest times to visit the Alsace are during the summer months and from late November through December, when it is the Christmas market season. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the Alsace Wine Route in late winter and early spring, in between New Year’s and Easter.

Late spring and early fall are also nice times to visit France. This is the shoulder season so crowds and hotel prices are lower.

46°F 38°F
Jan
50°F 39°F
Feb
55°F 42°F
Mar
62°F 46°F
Apr
68°F 52°F
May
76°F 59°F
Jun
79°F 62°F
Jul
79°F 62°F
Aug
72°F 57°F
Sep
63°F 51°F
Oct
53°F 44°F
Nov
48°F 41°F
Dec
Average High/Low Temperatures – Paris
1.8in
Jan
1.4in
Feb
1.8in
Mar
1.4in
Apr
2.7in
May
2.0in
Jun
1.5in
Jul
1.9in
Aug
2.0in
Sep
2.2in
Oct
1.7in
Nov
2.2in
Dec
Average Precipitation – Paris