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France travel guide

France

The complete guide to one of Europe’s most diverse holiday destinations – with regions, cities, beaches, wine, food and experiences.

France brings together culture, history, gastronomy, nature, beaches, wine regions and vibrant cities. Whether you dream of the Mediterranean, Bordeaux, Paris, the Alps or Corsica, there is a part of France that will suit you.

This guide gives you a clear overview and leads you to the pages, maps and experiences most relevant to your journey.

France offers elegant cities, quiet villages, dramatic mountains, long beaches, some of the world’s most famous wine regions and a cuisine that is reason enough to travel in its own right. You can shape the holiday entirely around your own interests.

Find your France

Choose the type of holiday that suits you and go straight to the most relevant parts of the guide.

First visit Paris, Provence and the Riviera Beach holiday The Mediterranean, Atlantic coast and Corsica Food and wine Markets, vineyards and regional specialities Active holiday Mountains, hiking, cycling, skiing and coast Family holiday Beaches, camping and experiences for all ages Road trip Maps, routes, campsites and touring ideas

The regions of France – one country, many worlds

France is divided into regions, each with its own identity, food culture and landscape. Geography shapes the way of life, and the differences between north and south, inland and coast, city and village are easy to feel.

Paris and Île-de-France Paris and Île-de-France Art, city life, monuments and classic day trips. Provence Provence Lavender, villages, markets and a gentler pace. Côte d’Azur Côte d’Azur Beaches, coastal towns, art and Mediterranean atmosphere. The French Alps The Alps Mountains, lakes, skiing, hiking and active holidays. The Atlantic coast The Atlantic coast Surfing, seafood, long beaches and strong local traditions. The wine regions of France The wine regions Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire, Rhône and Alsace. Corsica Corsica Wild scenery, mountains, clear water and striking contrasts. Plan your trip Plan your trip Flights, trains, car hire, hotels, camping and useful maps.

Why choose France as a travel destination?

France offers enormous variety within relatively short distances. The climate ranges from cool mountain areas to Mediterranean sunshine, and the character of the country changes from one region to the next. At the same time, excellent infrastructure makes travelling straightforward, with high-speed trains, a good road network and numerous air and ferry connections.

That variety is precisely what makes France so appealing. You can combine city life with village life, beaches with mountains, Michelin-starred dinners with simple market breakfasts on the same trip. The country suits families, couples, food lovers, culture enthusiasts and active travellers alike.

  • Families looking for safe beaches, holiday parks and manageable distances
  • Couples planning a romantic break with city life, wine and excellent restaurants
  • Food and wine lovers keen to discover local ingredients and regional flavours
  • Active travellers who want to hike, cycle, ski or explore the coast
  • Culture and history enthusiasts seeking museums, châteaux and old town centres

Practical travel information

France is easy to reach by air, car, train and ferry. The country has good roads, efficient rail connections and a wide choice of accommodation, from luxury hotels to small guesthouses.

  • The best time to travel depends on the region and your interests
  • A car gives you greater freedom outside the major cities
  • Some French is useful, although English is increasingly widely spoken
  • Local markets and bakeries are among the most authentic everyday experiences

It is worth deciding what kind of France you want to experience. Trains and city breaks bring you close to cultural life, while travelling by car opens up a different landscape of small towns, vineyards and natural areas.

Read next:Practical travel information

Family holidays in France

France is very family-friendly, with child-friendly beaches, holiday parks, campsites, theme parks such as Disneyland Paris, quiet villages and manageable distances between attractions. Many hotels and restaurants cater well for families, and the pace outside the largest cities is often pleasantly relaxed.

Read next:The complete guide to family holidays in France

Discover places and regions across France

Paris and Île-de-France

Paris and Île-de-France – art, culture and iconic experiences

Paris is far more than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. It is a sensory experience of food, art, architecture and everyday life, and a natural starting point for many journeys through France. Classic elegance meets a modern rhythm, and each neighbourhood has its own personality.

Along the Seine you will find world-class museums, historic monuments and green parks, while smaller streets are filled with cafés, bakeries and markets. Paris is ideal for weekend breaks, cultural trips and romantic stays. Beyond the centre, Île-de-France offers magnificent châteaux such as Versailles, peaceful villages and green surroundings that are perfect for day trips.

  • World-class art and culture
  • Food experiences for every budget
  • Easy access by air and rail
  • A rewarding destination throughout the year
Provence

Provence – lavender, wine and the authentic South of France

Provence is the classic image of French village life. Stone houses, colourful markets, lavender fields and vineyards stretch through a landscape filled with light and warmth. The region offers a relaxed pace, historic towns, Roman remains and meals built around local produce.

Nature, culture and gastronomy are easy to combine here. Provence is ideal for road trips, wine holidays and travellers seeking a more authentic side of France. Wine lovers can also explore the wines of Provence to understand why the region is synonymous with summer, rosé and the art of living well.

  • Local markets and vineyards
  • Picturesque villages
  • Hiking and cycling routes
  • A mild climate for much of the year
Côte d’Azur

Côte d’Azur – beaches, glamour and Mediterranean atmosphere

The Riviera is known for sunshine, beaches and elegant coastal towns. From Nice and Antibes to Cannes and Saint-Tropez, the Côte d’Azur combines luxury, history and relaxed Mediterranean life. There are lively beach clubs as well as small coves with clear water.

Behind the coast are green hills, artists’ towns and villages with spectacular views. The Côte d’Azur works equally well for beach holidays, city breaks and active trips, with short distances between contrasting experiences.

  • Sunshine and warmth for much of the year
  • A wide choice of beaches
  • Culture, art and gastronomy
  • An excellent base for day trips
The French Alps

The Alps – nature, mountains and active holidays

The French Alps are a paradise for nature and activity lovers. In winter, this is one of Europe’s leading ski regions, while summer brings green valleys, clear lakes and spectacular peaks. You can combine hiking, cycling, climbing and relaxation in small Alpine towns.

The Alps suit families as well as experienced outdoor enthusiasts. This is a part of France shaped by fresh air, wide views and activity, but also by welcoming mountain villages, local cheeses and quieter evenings.

  • World-class skiing and winter sports
  • Summer activities in the high mountains
  • Nature experiences throughout the year
  • Authentic mountain villages
The Atlantic coast

The Atlantic coast – beaches, surf and strong traditions

France’s west coast has long sandy beaches, wilder scenery and a completely different atmosphere from the Mediterranean. Surf culture, seafood and regions with strong local identities shape the coast. Brittany offers dramatic shores and historic towns, while the Basque Country combines beaches, gastronomy and a colourful culture.

The climate is fresher, the light is different and the pace is often calmer. It is an excellent choice for active holidays, open space and a less polished but deeply characterful side of France.

  • Long beaches and plenty of space
  • Surfing and water sports
  • Local traditions and seafood
  • Less pressure from mass tourism
The wine regions of France

The wine regions – flavour, landscape and the art of living

France is synonymous with wine, and every wine region has its own style, history and flavours. From prestigious estates to small family producers, wine is woven into the landscape and culture. Tastings can be combined with village visits, gastronomy and stays among the vineyards.

Explore classic regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, Alsace, Provence and Corsica.

  • Wine tasting in beautiful landscapes
  • Great variation between the regions
  • A natural combination of food, culture and accommodation
  • Experiences for newcomers and connoisseurs alike
See our complete wine guide to France for more inspiration, regional guides and ideas for wine holidays.
Corsica
Highlights
  • Some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Local specialities
  • Less mass tourism

Corsica – wild scenery and crystal-clear beaches

Corsica is France without a filter. Mountains fall steeply towards the sea, and hidden beaches, dramatic gorges and small villages create a strong sense of identity. Beach life can be combined with mountain walks, local food and authentic culture.

Corsica is ideal for travellers seeking nature, freedom and memorable experiences at their own pace. The island feels far removed from everyday life, while its food, wine and infrastructure make it rewarding to explore.

The contrasts are part of its appeal. In a short distance, you can travel from lively harbour towns and sheltered coves to high mountain passes, chestnut forests and villages where traditions remain strong. The roads can be winding and slow, but the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

The island suits both quiet days by the sea and active holidays filled with hiking, boat trips, snorkelling and coastal discoveries. Allow plenty of time and choose a few bases rather than trying to cover the entire island.

Food and wine – the heart of France

French cuisine is world-famous and changes from region to region. It is built around ingredients, season and tradition, whether you are having a simple lunch in a village café or dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Baguettes, cheese, croissants, seafood and slow-cooked dishes take on different forms across the country.

Wine is a natural part of the meal, and many regions offer vineyard visits, tastings and pairings with local dishes. Food and wine are not merely things to consume in France; they are part of the culture, atmosphere and journey.

Beach holidays, nature and active experiences

France has some of Europe’s most varied beaches, from long Atlantic sands to small coves on the Riviera and Corsica. The country is also ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking, sailing, diving, skiing and Alpine sports.

National parks, nature reserves and coastal paths offer rich experiences for every level. Activities are often easy to combine with culture and gastronomy, so a day outdoors can end with a good meal, a vineyard visit or an evening in a village square.

City breaks and culture

France has a rich cultural life of museums, concerts, festivals and historic monuments. Beyond Paris, cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Strasbourg and Toulouse are rewarding destinations.

What makes French cities so fascinating is the combination of history and everyday life. A day of museums and monuments can end in a small bistro or on a square where the pace feels calmer than in many other major cities.

Read next:Special eventsThe most beautiful villages

France – a country you can always return to

What makes France exceptional is that it never seems to run out. Every region offers new experiences, flavours and landscapes. Whether this is your first visit or your tenth, there is always something new to discover.

Frankrike.no offers guides, travel advice, recommendations and inspiration to help you plan your next journey, whether it takes you to famous classics or lesser-known places. France is not one destination, but many destinations within one country.

Plan the next stage of your trip

French food and local produce
Gastronomy

Food experiences in France

Markets, cheese, seafood, bakeries and regional dishes are part of the journey itself.

Read about food and wine
Vineyards and wine experiences in France
Wine travel

Explore the wine regions

Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire, Rhône, Alsace, Provence and Corsica.

Go to the wine guide
The Calanques and national parks in France
Nature

France’s national parks

Mountains, coast, forests, volcanic scenery and some of the country’s greatest natural experiences.

Explore the national parks
Camping and motorhome holidays in France
On the road

Camping and motorhome travel

Find campsites, touring stops, routes and practical guides for journeys across France.

Camping Motorhome

Activities in France

View all activities

What would you like to experience in France? Find ideas for hiking, cycling, diving, golf and other activities that can make your trip even more rewarding.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit France?

Spring and early autumn are ideal for cities, wine regions and active holidays. Summer is best for beaches, mountains and family trips, although popular areas should be booked early.

Is France suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. Good transport links, a wide choice of accommodation and clearly defined regions make it easy to plan a trip around cities, beaches, culture or nature.

Should you travel by train or car?

Trains are efficient between major cities. A car gives you greater freedom in villages, wine regions, mountain areas and on touring holidays.

Is France suitable for a family holiday?

Yes. The country has family-friendly beaches, campsites, holiday parks, theme parks and a wide range of activities.

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