Search Holidays in France Online
For travellers, France is a country of magical croissant and lavender scents, cosy villages in the mountains and along the coast, exquisite food and fashionable clothes. Visiting the French Republic is a dream for many. Its landmarks feature in books and films and are famous the world over.
Weather in France
Most of the country has a temperate climate, with mild, humid winters. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the north of the country, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Strong westerly winds blow on most days of the year, which is especially noticeable along the northern coasts. Rain is common in spring and autumn.
The south has a subtropical climate, and by May the air temperature already reaches +26°C. In summer the weather settles across the whole of France, with temperatures climbing to 28-30°C and the Mediterranean warming to 24°C. In mountain areas, the terrain and altitude bring harsher conditions, with cold winters, heavy snowfall and abundant rainfall.
Attractions and Beach Holidays in France
France is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks. Paris alone has hundreds of sights that draw travellers from around the world. In the capital, be sure to visit:
- The Louvre. One of the world's leading museums and once a royal palace. It houses Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting, the "Mona Lisa".
- The Eiffel Tower. A striking iron structure. Today the tower houses a restaurant and an observation deck. After dark, the landmark sparkles with thousands of lights.
- The Arc de Triomphe. The monument commemorates the great victories of Napoleon's armies.
- Notre-Dame de Paris. Famous thanks to Victor Hugo's novel. Its unrivalled architecture, historical value and religious heritage make the cathedral the most important in France.
- The Champs-Élysées. One of the capital's main avenues and the most fashionable street in Paris.
If you're planning to book a holiday on the French coast, keep in mind that the most prestigious, comfortable beaches are found on the French Riviera. For beautiful ocean views, head to Normandy and Brittany.
Lavender blooms in summer, so finding affordable flights to Provence in that period can be tricky. The most stunning photos are taken against the endless lilac fields. The Loire region, meanwhile, is full of châteaux and fortresses in a range of architectural styles. It's worth spending a couple of days there to see the finest examples.
Visa for France
France is a member of the Schengen Agreement, so whether you need a visa depends on your nationality — check the rules for your passport before you book. If you book a package holiday, the travel agency usually handles the visa application. If you're travelling independently, you'll need to apply through the French consulate or your nearest visa centre. The list of documents required for a Schengen visa is standard.
Currency in France
The currency is the euro, as in most European Union countries. Currency can be exchanged at any local bank. Before you book a tour to France online, decide which region you'd like to visit. And whichever you choose, be sure to try the local cuisine and take plenty of photos to remember your trip by.
