A First Timers Guide to Traveling in France

Have you ever dreamt of walking cobblestone streets, sipping wine while holding a baguette, and admiring landmarks like the Eiffel Tower? Welcome to France, a country that enchants travelers year after year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another rendezvous, we are here to guide you through everything we know about traveling to France.

If you aren’t aware, traveling to France is more than just visiting famous landmarks and ticking off bucket-list experiences—it’s about embracing the French way of life. Take walks along the Seine River, linger over long meals, and savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re sipping espresso on a sidewalk or perusing open-air markets, every moment in France is an opportunity to enjoy the little things; with a glass of wine, of course.

Brush up on your French phrases, and get ready for an adventure in the land of joie de vivre with our first-timers guide to traveling to France.

The history here all began thousands of years ago when ancient tribes settled in the land we now call France. Over the centuries, rulers like Julius Caesar and Charlemagne paved the way for the country we know and love today.

Then came the famous French Revolution in 1789 when the people said “no more!” to kings and queens, leading to a new era of democracy. Napoleon Bonaparte, a tiny man with big dreams, conquered much of Europe in the early 1800s, including France, leaving a huge mark on the country.

Fast forward to today, France is a beacon of art, culture, and fashion, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. It remains a land of romance, cheese, and croissants, where the past meets the present in a beautiful blend. Vive la France!

The best time to visit France really depends on your personal preferences. Are you trying to attend a festival? Maybe visit wineries during prime time for the harvest season? Or, perhaps you want to experience one of the oldest Christmas markets in all of Europe? Factors like this will dictate the best time to visit to fit your itinerary.

However, generally speaking, the best time to visit France is spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is usually mild and pleasant during these seasons, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Spring brings blooming flowers and festivals, while fall offers beautiful foliage and wine harvest festivals. Additionally, visiting during the shoulder seasons allows for more affordable accommodations and easier access to popular attractions.

Renowned worldwide for its cuisine, France is full of flavors, from buttery croissants and delicate macarons to savory coq au vin and foie gras. Experience French cooking through Michelin-starred restaurants, street markets, and cozy bistros tucked away on cobblestone streets. Whether savoring a simple baguette with cheese or having a gourmet dining experience, here are some of the best things to eat in France:

Baguette: Enjoy a fresh, crusty baguette from a local bakery, often served with cheese, charcuterie, or as a sandwich.

Escargot: Delight in this classic French dish of snails cooked in garlic butter, often served as an appetizer.

Foie Gras: Indulge in the rich and creamy delicacy of foie gras, made from fattened duck or goose liver.

Ratatouille: Enjoy a taste of Provence with this flavorful vegetable stew made with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and herbs.

Duck Confit: Enjoy this tender and flavorful duck leg simmered in its own fat until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Macarons: Treat yourself to these delicate and colorful almond meringue cookies filled with creamy ganache or buttercream.

Crème Brûlée: Indulge in this creamy custard dessert topped with a layer of caramelized sugar, creating a delicious contrast of textures.

France is big, and while Paris is a fantastic city that we believe everyone should visit at least once, there’s a lot more to see and do beyond the city of love. From the Eiffel Tower and beyond, here are our top highlights and places to go when visiting France:

Paris: Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral while walking along the Seine River.

French Riviera: Relax in luxury on the beach in Nice, stroll the Promenade des Anglais, and explore the glitzy resort town of Cannes.

Provence: Wander through lavender fields, explore villages like Gordes and Roussillon, visit the city of Avignon, and savor the abundance of wine of the region.

Loire Valley: Discover châteaux such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, explore vineyards and villages, and indulge in gourmet food.

Bordeaux: Tour renowned wineries in the Bordeaux wine region and enjoy gourmet dining experiences paired with world-class wines.

Mont Saint-Michel: Visit the UNESCO-listed island abbey rising from the sea and enjoy a sunset of the surrounding coastline.

Alsace: Explore towns like Strasbourg and Colmar with their half-timbered houses and visit vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route.

Lastly, France is home to dozens of festivals each year, drawing in thousands of visitors for their fun and excitement. Depending on when you visit, there is bound to be some kind of festival happening nearby. For help planning your itinerary, here are some of the best festivals in France to consider going to:

Cannes Film Festival: One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, held annually in Cannes, showcasing films and attracting filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the globe.

Nice Carnival: Known as the largest carnival in France, it features colorful parades, elaborate floats, and street performances.

Bastille Day: Celebrated on July 14th, Bastille Day commemorates the French Revolution with parades, fireworks, and festivities throughout France, including the big military parade along the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Strasbourg Christmas Market: One of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, it features festive decorations, traditional crafts, and seasonal treats.

La Fête des Vendanges: A wine festival held annually in Montmartre, Paris, celebrating the grape harvest with wine tastings, food, live music, and dances.

Menton Lemon Festival: Held in the town of Menton on the French Riviera, this festival celebrates citrus fruits with sculptures, parades, and exhibitions made entirely of lemons and oranges.

Well, there you have it. We have covered everything you need to know about visiting France, from when to go, what to see, places to visit, and meals to eat; you should be all set to visit this popular European destination. To make your planning even easier, contact us at Adventures by Matt and leave the bookings and scheduling up to us. Bon Voyage!