France Travel Advice

A couple look out at one of the Loire Valley's beautiful chateauxs

Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in France

Ask soon-to-be honeymooners around the world to reveal their dream destinations for getting away together, and the chances are many would be in France. The settings for vacationing newlyweds do not get much more iconically romantic than a view of Paris, the 'city of love' from atop the Eiffel Tower, a sip of champagne in the region where the drink is exclusively produced or a stroll through ornamental gardens depicting four different sorts of love in the Loire Valley. From a very long and lovely list, here we select the best destinations in France for a honeymoon and what to do in each.

France in January: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Colder than other months of the year, January is the perfect post-holiday month for cultural exploration, strolling the French Riviera without the crowds, and hitting the slopes of any of the top-notch mountains and resorts. And bonus, the world's longest-running carnival begins, enlivening the town of Limoux in southwestern France. Find out what to do and where to go with this January guide.

France in February: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

February in France may be right in the middle of the chillier off-season, but those who venture here during this month are in for some pleasant surprises and wild parties. Not only are there fewer crowds to contend with but all across the country, the French welcome in the spring with one of the biggest celebrations of the year: Carnaval.

France in March: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

One of the lasts months to visit France on a budget, this low-season month packs a punch. From winter sports on world-class slopes and cozy après-ski environs to fewer crowds competing for Mona Lisa's attention, there's something for everyone in March. Read this monthly guide for more.

The Azay-le-Rideau Châteaux in the Loire Valley

France in April: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

April is a fabulous month to visit France. The weather is delightfully sunny and warm in the south and mild elsewhere, the flowers are in bloom, and the shoulder-season prices still offer a bargain. Now is a great time to get yourself to the Loire Valley to discover the ornate châteaux that are strewn throughout the region. Find out what more there is to do and where else to go with this April guide.

France in May: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

No matter where you find yourself in France this month, there's a host of events and fun outdoor activities to experience, especially now that the weather is often great. Hike and bike rugged mountain terrain of Mont Ventoux, kayak down the Verdon River in the south of France, and sip full-bodied wines of the Rhône Valley. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Cirque de Gavarnie in the French Pyrenees

France in June: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

June is an excellent time of year to visit France, now that the weather is consistently warm (on land and in the sea!), the flowers are in bloom, and there are exciting festivals and cultural events taking place throughout the country. Yet, opportunities to snag airfare or accommodation deals are dwindling, and the crowds of tourists are ever-growing—so the earlier you can go in the month, the better. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in France this month.

France in July: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

July is the warmest month of the year; the sea is its most inviting, the sky is its most clear, and all across the country there is an exciting event taking place, like the grueling Tour de France. It's the perfect month for getting outdoors to see and do it all. This is also the month of France's biggest holiday, Bastille Day, with celebrations all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).

Calanque de l'Éverine beach on the lesser-frequented Côte Bleue

France in August: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

France in August is warm, sunny, and crowded. But if you know where to go, you can plan the perfect summer holiday that all but ensures great weather and great adventure. And if you want to get in some beach time, read on to learn more on where to go for that less-frequented option.

France in September: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

September feels like an extension of warm and sunny August with the added bonus of diminishing crowds. Now is the time to tour wine country and explore the French Riviera, and if you're looking for a hotel or flight deal, you'll want to plan your trip closer to the end of the month. Let this guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

River with pebbles, mountains and picturesque forest on Corsica

France in October: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Though the weather is a little cooler and greyer, October is still one of the best times of year to discover France. Most attractions remain open, and you won't have to compete with hordes of holiday-makers like in the peak seasons. Discover France as you taste seasonal delicacies, explore vineyard-covered wine country and historic châteaux, and immerse yourself in cultural events like Nuit Blanche in Paris.

France in November: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Cold, grey, and rainy, November is best suited for urban and cultural exploration: museums and galleries, food and wine. While this may seem like a less than ideal time to visit weather-wise, there are fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation, and world-class wines and truffles to be had. There's even a festival celebrating the release of new wine, mere weeks after the grape harvest. Read on to learn more.

Central Christmas tree and surrounding market in Strasbourg

France in December: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

December attracts Christmas and New Year visitors looking to spend the holidays in style. This is a great month to discover important works of art in world-class museums, sip hot chocolate while wandering the colorful stalls of German-influenced markets, and welcome in the New Year with a champagne toast and firework display over the Eiffel Tower.

Historic Avignon's Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-Bénézet glow serenely in the early evening

Provence in January: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

The Mediterranean coast remains quiet with near-empty beaches offering a serene environment in a part of France that is crazy busy the rest of the year. Meanwhile, the Provençal Christmas season continues seeing plenty of food and wine festivals, among others, there's the much-sought-after black truffle. Hit the slopes of any of the stellar resorts, shop the winter sales, and discover cultural delights within Lourmarin's Château walls.

Performer in the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) parade in Menton

Provence in February: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

February in Provence offers much to the intrepid traveler, no matter the interest. Snowy adventures on the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, blossoming yellow mimosa trees along the southern coast, and festivals to welcome in the spring season pop up in places like Menton and Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Find out what to do and where to go with this February guide.

Mountains in Écrins National Park peek through the clouds in the Champsaur Valley

Provence in March: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

There's something for everyone in March: winter sports on the slopes of the Southern Alps, white water rafting along the Ubaye River, and the cultural delights of Nice's Vieille Ville (Old Town). Spring is here and with that comes warmer weather, blooming flowers, and lively parties for Carnaval.

Provence in April: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

April transitions to Provence's shoulder season when visitor numbers increase, yet there are still bargains to be had. The weather is warm during the day and though there are plenty of April showers, they're short and give way to clear blue skies that characterize the south coast. Wildflowers and trees bloom inviting skiers to trade in their ski boots for hiking gear and Arles' marks the start of the bullfighting season with its Easter Feria.

Provence in May: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Hands down May is one of the loveliest months of the year to visit Provence as the warm weather draws in the sun-seekers looking to enjoy the beaches along the French Riviera, as well as partake in the host of activities on offer everywhere else. With so much to do and so much to see let this monthly guide help you plan your Provençal adventure.

Villefranche-sur-Mer looks over the French Riviera

Provence in June: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Despite the heat, soaring prices, and crowds, June offers sublime beach-perfect weather tempting the first bathers into the sea. Not to mention a chock-full roster of festivals and events, including the popular Fête de la Musique. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Lavender fields in the Valensole plateau

Provence in July: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

July is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year and for good reason, as the weather is beach-perfect, the festival season is in full swing, and Provence's famous lavender fields are blooming. This is also the month of France's biggest holiday, Bastille Day, with celebrations all over the region. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Provence this month.

Rocky coast along the Côte d’Azur near Saint-Raphaël

Provence in August: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

If you can’t beat the crowds, you might as well don your party hat (or swimsuit!) and join in the revelry. August sees plenty of festivals, the French join tourists on their holidays, and the extensive coastline teem with beachgoers and traffic. To avoid disappointment, book activities and restaurants in advance and read on as this guide will tell you what to do and where to go.

Tour the number of vineyards strewn throughout Provence, like this one in the Gigondas region

Provence in September: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

There’s a welcome change in the air as August’s chaos turns into September’s calm. Temperatures taper off as the month progresses and the holidaymakers migrate home. Plus, the vineyard's darkened vines bear grapes ready for the picking: it’s the start of the vendange (grape harvest) season!

Saint-Tropez looks out onto the Mediterranean

Provence in October: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Even though it’s the rainiest month of the year, it’s still Provence. That means the showers are short and heavy, leaving you time to enjoy the bouts of sunshine. Plus, the Mediterranean Sea is pleasant enough to entice beachgoers and harvest festivals are plenty. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

The well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheater in Arles

Provence in November: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Summer is a distant memory with cooling temperatures and changing foliage. The vineyards of Provence transform into a blaze of gold, bronze, and red while towns and villages celebrate the "primeur" tastings of the season’s harvest from months earlier. And with the Toussaint holidays, you can expect reduced hours at major sites and attractions.

Provence in December: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Though the nights are a little longer and the days cooler, December kicks off La Calendale Christmas season in Provence brightening spirits. Every village, town, and city gets a festive makeover of twinkling lights, lively window displays, and bustling Christmas markets. Plus, it's time to hit the slopes of the Southern Alps now that the ski season is underway.