The Best Guide to Paris and Beyond: Your French Guide Book

The elegance and charm of France is a dream that lingers softly in the air in a country that outdoes itself in so many ways. Whether you aspire to visit France for the food and wine, artistry and architecture, Mediterranean beaches or the high-class design and fly life; your not going to be disappointed. Add a little history to the mix and you have a country that is, and can only be, France. 

Synonymous with the name of the country is its capital, Paris. In fact, in that short introduction, you probably already have the image of the city in your head. Paris is undoubtedly the most famous city in Europe, if not, the world, and quite rightly so. 

The best guides to Paris will show you those quintessential Parisian landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe, of course, the Eiffel Tower, and shower you with French arts in the many galleries of the city. A day in Paris will be everything that you want it to be! 

While your dreams may come true in the capital, the true charms of France, and what this travel guide to France will show you, are in the vineyards, hill towns, and riverside cities that give you that little bit more. France is a top skiing destination, a beach lovers paradise and a cyclist’s dream in one. 

Whether you want to people-watch in the French Riviera, go on a walking holiday in France’s Provence or sip wine in the vineyards of Burgundy, the French countryside has a quaint, rustic charm that lures you in. 

With so much on offer, finding the best guide to Paris is really only the beginning of your travels in France. This travel guide to France will introduce you to the wonders that are waiting for you;

When to Go to France

With European summers attracting many travellers from the same continent, summers in France, from May to September, are busy and with that, prices rocket. It’s also worth noting that many French people choose to travel in their home country, so July to August can be particularly busy. 

Similarly, winters in France offer some of the best skiing conditions in Europe, and in February, schools from across the continent descend on the ski resorts to learn the ways of the powder. Now we have an idea of when not to go, the best times to visit France are in the European spring, from April to June and autumn, from September to early November. 

Unique Experiences & Top Things to Do in France

Paris

The city of love, the city of light, no matter what you choose to call it, Paris excels in all departments. 

From the symbol of the city, the Eiffel Tower, to the Arc de Triomphe and the renowned art museum, the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa; Paris is bursting with man-made wonders. However, the best things to see in Paris are often hidden down quaint streets and squares that offer glimpses of Parisian life and amazing shopping opportunities that have earned the city’s reputation.

Following the Seine River, just like in this 6-day charming Paris tour, you’ll capture all of Paris’ artistic merits, as well as some hidden gems that only a local could find. 

Provence

Hugged by the Southern Alps and the French Riviera, Provence is France’s southeastern region that is typically known for its high-class produce, precariously perched hill towns and lavender fields.

With the rustic charm of hillside towns such as Saint Remy, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, the region is characterised by colourful markets and old town secrets, punctuated by a perfume that sits in the air from the endless rows of rosemary, thyme and olive groves. 

No Provence travel guide is complete without full recognition of the spell-binding beauty of the lavender fields like in this 7-day medieval Avignon, Arles and Marseille trip. The best time to view this blanket of purple is in mid-June when the lavender is in full bloom. 

Tip: When in France, dress to impress! Particularly when dining out.

Normandy and Mont St Michel

When you think of Normandy, the phrase “Battle of…” precedes it; however, this stunning part of France holds a lot more curiosity than the war history books tell us. 

Home to the Impressionist movement and France’s beloved camembert, Normandy is dotted with rolling hills and hidden beaches that introduce a plethora of fresh seafood to the region. However, you cannot leave the coast without doing a Normandy beach tour to Omaha and Utah that come with tales of D-Day. One of the most important days in the history of the Second World War, the importance of D-Day is detailed in the museum and commemorated by a stunning sculpture that sits on Omaha Beach.  

Sitting on the border of Normandy, Mont St Michel is a symbol of the northern regions of France perched on an island off the coast. This dramatic fortress town is centred by a Benedictine Gothic abbey that is home to monks. Dedicated to Archangel Michael, the original abbey dates back to 955 and has had a turbulent past, however, restoration efforts have ensured its preservation, along with some Romanesque additions. 

The town itself has just 44 inhabitants who live between the steep pathways that help you navigate the town on a Mont St Michel tour from Bayeux.

Tip: A tour to Mont St Michel has to be at low tide. Check before you go to avoid disappointment. 

Loire Valley

Rolling hills, charming chateaux and rustic vineyards characterise the Loire Valley, a place with a penchant for all things gastronomy. Neither northern nor southern, the Loire Valley has a regal past which can be seen in the impressive number of castles and palaces that dot the landscape. 

Best explored by bicycle, the riding between vineyards, chateaux and palaces warrants a little wine tasting along the way. This is a dreamy escape from the city hustle, making Loire Valley wine tours from Paris top of the list. Trips like this 12-day Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley tour, take you from Chambord Castle after wining and dining in Amboise creating an idyllic tour that showcases what this region has to offer. 

French Riviera

Lining the coast of southeastern France, the French Riviera, or Cote d’Azur as it is known, is everything you think it will be. The gateway to the tiny country of Monaco, the French Riviera is a necklace of towns that ooze glamour and class, and have since the 19th century. 

Starting in the capital, Nice, from Saint-Paul-de-Vence to Eze and St Tropez, travel these star-studded towns are fronted by yachts, backed by white-washed mansions and frequented by well-known celebrities as you might discover in this 14-day journey through southeast France.

When you are not people watching, the towns that make up the French Riviera warrant a leisurely stroll as this part of France really has something for everyone: art lovers will find their place in Antibes, foodies will get lost in Nice and beach lovers and high-flyers will adore Saint Tropez travel.

Bordeaux and Marseille

A port city sitting on the Garonne River, Bordeaux’s old town has a medieval charm that attracts tourists. However, this is rapidly overthrown by “La Cite du Vin”, a high-tech museum that celebrates French wine. Here, two things that Bordeaux does best, technology and wine, come together in one prolific piece of architecture that dominates the riverside. The museum talks to how Bordeaux should be explored: by embracing the traditions of the city and appreciating its modern edge.

In contrast to the modernity of Bordeaux, Marseille is the oldest city in France and a wonder to explore. As an important port to the Greeks and the Romans, Marseille was the key to the north from the Mediterranean with the keyhole being the Rhone River and the marina that surrounds it. 

Marseille is a collage of French architecture from the 12th to the 19th century that can be seen from its marina. The Old Port has millennia behind it, yet today it is lined by waterfront restaurants and cafes that look onto the Fort of Saint-Jean, churches and cathedral, all from different periods of time. 

Rhone Valley and Burgundy

Two of France’s most iconic wine regions sit side by side, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. While the Rhone Valley is home to Chateauneuf du Pape and Syrah style wines, Burgundy is home to smooth Pinot Noirs and crisp Chardonnays. 

Sitting on the outskirts of Lyon, the Rhone Valley is populated by vineyards, ruins and fruit orchards. Bordering Provence, the valley similarly enjoys ideal conditions to grow the ingredients for great food and wine as you will discover on this 11-day Paris, Rhone Valley and Provence tour. 

Sampling the wines of the Rhone Valley is an essential addition to Michelin travel guides in France with world-renowned vineyards that you simply cannot miss while in the country! 

With household names like Chablis within Burgundy’s repertoire, this wine region is a treasure trove for wine lovers. Burgundy has stunningly typical French countryside where hopping between vineyards and chateaux is the norm. Starting from Dijon, as you would in this 8-day Paris and Burgundy tour, will have you sampling your way through this luxuriant part of France! 

How to Get around France

With stunning country roads and biking in France being one of the most popular holiday choices in France, there is no shortage of ways to get around. 

Train

From Paris, you can get the train to all of France’s major cities on the high-speed train, making it incredibly easy to get around the country. In fact, France was one of the first countries to have a high-speed train service. 

With affordable prices throughout the year, if you are planning to travel during the European summer, it is worth noting that you should book far in advance, our Local Designers in France who are on the ground and ready to tailor a trip for you can book tickets for you.

The train works on a self-service system; you’ll notice that people stamp their tickets in a machine before boarding the train. It’s important that you do the same otherwise your ticket is not valid. 

Private Driver and Self-Drive Tours

When you cannot take advantage of the high-speed train services, France is a stunning place to drive around. Whether it is an escorted tour of Paris or you are looking for the best way to explore Provence, hiring a private driver or driving your own car through France is easy, convenient and can vastly broaden your horizons like in this 8-day south of France self-drive from Bordeaux to Marseille tour. However, if you are not a confident driver, it is advised that you avoid the cities as it can be chaotic. 

Flying 

Flying domestically can be expensive in France, particularly in the summer months. However, if you are looking to get from city to city fast, flying will be your best bet. European budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet are low cost and convenient; there is also the local airline, Air France which has many flights across the country and Europe. 

Cycling

One of the most popular ways to explore France is by bicycle. While in the cities, you can use the city bike-sharing services where you pick up and drop off bikes around the city. 

For the most dedicated cyclers, there are an extensive range of guided cycling tours in France as well as self-guided routes that are well sign-posted.

Where to Stay in France

From quaint countryside cottages to mansions, France balances modern city living with simple rural life which in turn, offers some of the most luxuriant accommodation options. 

Provence

From sun-soaked beaches to endless fields of lavender, Provence has a plethora of experiences with amazing accommodation to match! From cosy cottages to beachside villas, Provence has accommodation to suit romantic holidays, family getaways and peddlers looking to find the best cycling holiday in the south of France. 

For those looking to experience Provence’s picturesque villages, look no further than Luberon and Roussillon. For adventure, you’ll find that Camargue sits in an idyllic river delta while beach getaways like Cassis are within close proximity to clear waters, charming coves and bays. Not forgetting, if you are looking for capturing the perfect picture of the lavender fields, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque will seduce you with its purple vistas. 

Paris

The highly romanticised city of Paris is divided into lots of smaller districts that are easily navigable by the metro system, so your Paris city guided tour will be easier than ever. With this in mind, you’ve just got to pick a district that suits your travel style and interests and you’ll be ready to take on this spectacular city!

Settling for nothing less than true Parisian style is a given in this city, and Marais fits the bill; boutique stores, traditional restaurants and lavish cafes are interspersed with mansions. If you are looking for a little more rustic artistry then Montmartre embodies everything that Paris was and what many international travellers imagine is still so. The creative corner of the city is magical and seems world’s away from the busy financial centre. 

Similarly, if bustle, fashion and high-end Parisian style are what you are looking for, South Pigalle will have you seen in only the most trendy locations while Saint Germain des Pres will elevate you even higher to socialise with jazz aficionados and philosophising in the footsteps of Sartre. 

French Riviera 

In the land of sunshine and glamour, only the best accommodation is available on your travels through the French Riviera. From the sun-kissed capital of Nice to the celebrity favourite, Cannes, and the glitz and glamour of St Tropez; the French Riviera is strictly reserved for a more luxurious budget, Here, stunning villas, converted mansions and high-class hotels are the norm.

Bordeaux

In a city where traditional, culture and an eclectic music scene are vibrant and uniquely French, for first-timers, you need not look any further than the city centre of Bordeaux. With a great variety of accommodation choices set in medieval buildings, Bordeaux character and charm will engulf you, not to mention you are close to all of the attractions you’ll want to tick off while here. 

Food & Drink You Must Try in France

The pride and joy of the French people, no matter where you go in France, you will dine on strictly French products. Here’s some you have to try;

Wine and Champagne

From the robust reds of Bordeaux to the fine bubbles of Champagne; the Pinot Noir of Burgundy to the soft rose wines of Provence, French wines are distinct in taste essential on your travels through the country. 

Whether you want to make wine the sole purpose of your visit to France or are simply looking for a Loire Valley day trip from Paris, spending a little time getting to know more about what fills your glass is imperative to the French experience as you will learn in this Provence cycling holiday. 

Foie Gras

A dish that comes with a little controversy, foie gras is a traditional light and fluffy duck or liver pate that gets its flavour from fattening up the animal by force-feeding it – hence, the controversy! This dish is banned in many countries across the world.

Depending on how you feel about its production, it’s still a must-try, a luxury and a delicacy enjoyed across France, served with fresh crusty bread and a light salad. The flavours are very delicate, so the accompaniments tend to be too.  

Escargot

A dish that you will either love or hate. Escargot is a must when in France. The escargot, which are large snails cooked in lashings of butter and garlic, are served with a tiny fork to help you whittle the snails out of their shells. 

While some may feel that snails are not for the faint-hearted, you’ll be surprised by their flavour and texture; escargot is luxuriously moreish. 

Croque Monsieur

The king of snacks that first appeared on a plate in 1910, croque monsieur is a toasted sandwich with a thin slice of French ham and Gruyere cheese. Simple, yet delicious, this toasted sandwich is all about the quality of ingredients. 

Gratin Dauphinoise

A classic French accompaniment to any meal. Gratin Dauphinoise is made up of thin layers of finely cut potatoes baked in a creamy sauce a la Dauphine, in reference to the southeastern region that the dish originated from. 

The result is a hearty potato dish that is crispy on the top and soft in the middle with the layers still clearly defined. The dish is completed by the perfect balance of garlic. 

Tarte Tatin

It is difficult to choose just one sweet dish. France is a land filled with crispy pastries and mouth-watering desserts that you won’t be able to get enough of, and for us, tarte tatin is very high in the list!

Named after the Tatin sisters who created this dish, tarte tatin is an upside-down apple tart with a pastry bottom and sticky caramel bitter apples on top. Drooling yet?

Festivals & Events in France

Bastille Day – July 14th

The most important day on the French calendar, Bastille Day is the day that Parisians attacked the fortress and prison of Bastille that kicked started the end of the monarchy and the fight for France’s philosophy: liberty, fraternity and equality. 

Festival d’Avignon – July

This summer theatre festival sees the transformation of Avignon’s Palais des Papes as arts lovers come to enjoy performances, music and visual arts over the course of a month. Each night there is a different performance, and even a chance to share your opinion with others.

Nice Carnivale – February

One of the largest carnivals in the world, Nice Carnivale is a celebration of the ludicrous that aligns with the same Catholic festivals in Venice, Brazil and New Orleans. The tradition all started with people coming together to let their wild side out before Lent, now Carnivale is one of the most famous festivals in the world. During this time, the French Riviera bursts with colour as people dress up in costumes and parade down the streets of Nice. 

Berck Sur-Mer Kite Festival – April

In the past, this spring festival has seen over two million people come to witness the annual flying of kites in the town of Berck. From dragons to cats and pirates, anything can fly at this festival; it’s a great day out for the family as people gather together in the warm spring weather to picnic and enjoy the outdoors. 

Quick Tips & Important Facts for Travelling to France

Currency: The currency in France is the Euro. At the time of writing, November 2020, 1 USD is equal to 0.84 cents in Euros. 

Language: The main language in France is French. It is generally advised that you learn some before travelling to France as it is expected that you are able to communicate a little. 

Religion: The main religion is Christianity (Catholic), although a large number of French people are agnostic. Statistically, this is around half and half. 

Visa: Most countries are not required to have a visa to enter France. However, it is advised that you check well before arriving. 

Tipping: The tip, particularly in Paris, is included in your bill; however, it is also recommended, and almost expected, that you add an additional tip for the waiter. 

Do: French people greet others with a kiss on each cheek if they know them and shake hands if they don’t, this is custom for everyone.

Don’t: The French respect their food so not sitting down to enjoy every bite is seen as insulting to the food you are eating. Unless the cafe you are visiting is a chain restaurant, getting something to go is not advised.

Ready to Travel With This Best Guide to Paris and Beyond?

Rich culture and heritage, fine food and wine, and artistic and architectural wonders define France. With so much to see and do, it’s difficult to take in all that France has to offer, however, at Designer Journeys, we have a host of passionate Local Designers on the ground in France and ready to create a tailored trip for you. 

If you are looking for inspiration, browse our range of fully-customisable trips to France and start talking with our Local Designers to tailor one to suit your travel needs and interests.