The ItineraryFrance Blog

Transport, budget, culture, safety, current updates: our best advice for your trip to France.

33 articles

The Eiffel Tower seen across the Seine through the orange autumn leaves of a tree, Paris in October

France in October: Weather, Crowds, Best Routes & Events (2026)

Is October a good time to visit France? Yes, but everything depends on which version of October you travel through: Paris under a grey autumn sky, Burgundy vineyards turning gold, or the Mediterranean still mild enough for lunch outside. Get the region-by-region weather, the Toussaint holidays that change the crowds after 17 October, the 2026 events from the Lumière Festival to the Route du Rhum, and six routes that actually fit together.

François
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Illuminated Christmas tree in Strasbourg, Alsace, the strongest region to visit in France in winter

France in Winter: Best Places to Visit, 3 Realistic Routes & Tips for Christmas

Is France worth visiting in winter? Yes, but it calls for a more selective itinerary than summer. This guide compares the regions that genuinely work in December, January and February: Paris, Alsace, Lyon, Annecy and the Alps, Nice and the Riviera. It then sets out three realistic routes, the festive dates that catch visitors out (including December 26 in Alsace-Moselle) and the practical benchmarks behind them: temperatures, train times and nightly budgets.

François
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Alsace vineyard rows heavy with grapes during the September harvest in France

France in September: Weather, Crowds, Best Places & Itinerary Ideas (2026)

Is September a good time to visit France? Yes, and this guide shows you why. Early September still feels like summer on the coast, while late September is ideal for cities, wine harvest and food. Get the region-by-region weather, crowds, prices, events and ready-made itinerary ideas.

François
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Crowded beach in Nice on the French Riviera during summer

France in Summer: Best Places to Visit, Weather and Travel Tips

A practical guide to France in summer, with the best regions to visit, weather by region, pros and cons of high season, alternatives to crowded places and essential travel tips.

Erwan
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Football fans watching World Cup 2026 in France on a big screen in a lively city bar

Where to Watch World Cup 2026 in France: Cities & Match Nights

Choose the right French city and neighborhood for World Cup 2026 match nights, from international pubs in Paris to the Vieux-Port in Marseille, relaxed terraces in Bordeaux, northern beer bars in Lille, and Riviera evenings in Nice.

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The French Riviera coastline under clear summer light

France in August: Weather, Where to Go and Travel Tips

Visiting France in August means hot weather, busy beaches, summer festivals, and a very different rhythm in cities like Paris. This guide explains where to go, what to expect, and how to travel comfortably during the peak summer season.

Erwan
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Aerial view of Vieux Lyon, the Saône river and Fourvière hill

10-Day France by Train Itinerary: 3 Routes That Actually Work

Choosing a 10-day France by train itinerary gets much easier when the route has a clear logic. Compare three realistic options: classic Paris, Provence and Riviera, a Loire Valley to Bordeaux route, or a slower Mediterranean south trip with Lyon.

Erwan
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Train trips from Paris by rail including Chartres, Provins, Fontainebleau, Chantilly, and Giverny

Best Train Trips from Paris: Easy Day Trips by Rail

The best train trips from Paris are not always the famous ones. From Chartres and Provins to Fontainebleau, Chantilly, Giverny, and Champagne, here are the easy rail escapes I would actually recommend without renting a car.

Erwan
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Lavender fields in Provence under a summer sky

France in July: Weather, Where to Go, Events and Practical Tips

July in France offers the ultimate summer vibe, from blooming lavender in Provence to Bastille Day parties and the Tour de France. But with intense heat and peak crowds, you need a smart plan. Discover the best regions for cooler weather, quiet rivers, and how to structure your trip.

Erwan
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Traveler greeting a French shopkeeper before asking for help with French etiquette

Etiquette in France: 10 Simple Rules Tourists Should Know

French etiquette is not about acting formal all day. It is about small reflexes that change how locals receive you: greeting before asking, using a few polite phrases, slowing down at restaurants, keeping your voice low, and letting social greetings unfold naturally.

Erwan
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A scenic railway line in southern France, one of the best train trips in France

Best Train Trips in France: 7 Scenic Routes for 2026

Looking for the best train trips in France? Here are 7 scenic routes I recommend for 2026, from Nice to Marseille and the Blue Coast Line to the Alps, Pyrenees, Cévennes and Corsica.

François
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Lavender field in France during early summer

France in June: Weather, Best Places to Visit and Major Events

June is one of the most rewarding months to visit France, but it is not the same everywhere. Here is how to choose between Paris, Provence, the Loire Valley, Normandy, Annecy and the Riviera, with weather notes, booking tips and the key 2026 events to watch.

François
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Crowds in Paris near the Eiffel Tower during peak season, illustrating the importance of choosing the right months to visit France

Best Time to Visit France in 2026: When to Go & What to Expect

The best overall months to visit France are usually May, June, September, and October. This guide breaks down the best time by region, travel style, crowd level and budget, with practical advice for Paris, Disneyland, the Riviera, Brittany, the Alps and Alsace.

François
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Money for budget travel France

How Much is a Trip to France? 2026 Cost & Daily Budget Guide

Wondering how much does it cost to go to France? Get a realistic daily and weekly breakdown for Paris and the regions, with examples for solo travelers, couples, and families.

Erwan
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Ochre cliffs and pine trees in the Colorado Provençal at Rustrel

The Most Beautiful French Countryside: Villages and Landscapes

From medieval villages and vineyard towns to cliffs, mountains, and river valleys, these are the most beautiful places to discover in the French countryside.

Erwan
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Normandy harbor and coastline illustrating the best areas to stay in Normandy

Where to Stay in Normandy Based on What You Want to See and Do

Normandy is too big to treat as one easy base. This guide helps you choose the right place to stay based on what you actually want to see, from Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches to Honfleur, Rouen, Étretat, and quieter coastal villages, with a practical note on car versus train.

Erwan
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Best regions to visit in France: Brittany, Provence, Alsace

Best regions to visit in France: Brittany, Provence, Alsace

Compare Brittany, Provence and Alsace to choose the best region to visit in France based on your travel style, the season and how you like to move around.

François
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The hilltop village of Gordes in Provence

The Perfect 7 Days Itinerary to explore France (Paris and Provence)

Combining the elegance of Paris with the sun-baked charm of Provence is the ultimate French trip. I will walk you through a realistic route combining the Louvre, the Luberon villages, and the Calanques. You will see the best of both regions smoothly, using high-speed trains and just three hotel bases.

Erwan
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A stone bridge over clear water in the Gorges de la Méouge

Uncover Quiet Hidden Gems in the South of France to Escape Crowds

Forget the heavy crowds of the Riviera. The southern half of the country is massive, stretching all the way to the Atlantic. By looking beyond the Mediterranean edge, you can discover quiet river canyons, unspoiled coastal islands, and authentic rural villages for a genuinely peaceful French holiday.

Erwan
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Planning a trip to france

How to Plan a Trip to France: a Realistic 5-Step Guide

A realistic 5-step guide to plan a trip to France: trip length, budget, regions, activities, and transport. Evaluate, plan, organize!

François
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The remains of the Mulberry harbour at Arromanches on the Normandy coast.

How Many Days to Visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy? 3-Day Itinerary

Deciding how many days to visit the D-Day beaches is the first step to a successful Normandy trip. This guide breaks down the logistics of the landing zones and explains why a three-day itinerary offers the best balance of history and local charm without the forced march feel of a rushed day trip.

Erwan
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Panoramic view of the French Riviera coastline for a car-free itinerary from Nice

French Riviera Itinerary Without a Car (2026): 3, 4 & 5-Day Plans From Nice

Discover a realistic French Riviera itinerary without a car, with practical 3, 4 and 5-day plans from Nice plus beach, festive and village-focused versions.

François
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Alsace Wine Route winding through the vineyards

France Road Trip 2026: Driving Rules, Tolls, Crit’Air & Car Rental Guide

A practical France road trip guide for 2026: when to go, how much to budget, what to know about rental cars, toll roads, ZFEs, parking, Crit’Air stickers and the driving rules that matter most.

Erwan
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TGV at a French station, travelers with suitcases on the platform

Train Travel in France 2026: TGV, TER, OUIGO, Tickets & Local Tips

Traveling by train in France in 2026? Here is the practical guide to TGV, TER, OUIGO and Intercités: booking tickets, understanding stations, choosing the right train, and planning scenic routes with confidence.

Erwan
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View over Nice on the French Riviera, a practical base for a car-free stay

Where to Stay on the French Riviera Without a Car (2026): Best Bases

Find the best base on the French Riviera without a car, with practical advice on Nice, Cannes, Menton and Monaco depending on your travel style and priorities.

François
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Overview of various landscapes and villages to help choose where to stay in Provence

Where to Stay in Provence: An Honest Guide to Choosing Your Base

Choosing where to sleep in Provence completely changes the vibe of your trip. From the elegance of Aix to the charm of the Luberon or the buzz of Marseille, the right hub will save you hours on the road. Here is my local advice for finding the perfect base.

François
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Bordeaux riverside skyline along the Garonne, ideal for a one-day itinerary from Paris

Paris to Bordeaux Day Trip: Train Schedule, Itinerary & Is It Worth It? (2026)

Can you really do Bordeaux in one day from Paris? YES, thanks to the TGV. This guide gives you the best departure/return times, a realistic walking itinerary in Bordeaux, a clear cost breakdown, and the honest verdict: doable, but more enjoyable with an overnight stay.

François
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Aerial view of Paris and the Seine, illustrating the choice of the best neighborhood

Where to Stay in Paris for First Timers: The Honest Neighborhood Guide

Choosing accommodation in Paris is tricky. Between the expensive center, the romantic Montmartre, and the practical suburbs like Levallois, your address changes your whole trip. Here is the honest guide to the best neighborhoods (and the traps to avoid) to find the perfect base camp for your first visit.

Erwan
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View over Bormes-les-Mimosas

Visit Bormes-les-Mimosas: Zehra discovers a hilltop village between flower-filled streets and the Mediterranean

Story and practical guide: Zehra discovers Bormes-les-Mimosas, a photogenic hilltop village between flower-lined streets and the Mediterranean.

François
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I'm French: here are the dishes you must try in France

I'm French: here are the dishes you must try in France

A (deliberately subjective) guide to dishes to try in France: regional specialties, safe picks in brasseries, and my personal top 3 to avoid restaurant disappointments.

François
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How to plan a trip to France: practical itineraries and transport tips

Planning a France trip in 2026: logic, transport, and expert itineraries

Stop over-complicating your France trip. Here is my method for choosing where to go, managing your budget, and following realistic itineraries for Paris, Normandy, and Brittany.

Erwan
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Cyclotourism in France: a quiet road through rural landscapes

The Complete Guide to Renting a Bike in France in 2026: Routes, Prices, and Practical Tips

Stop getting lost in the rental jungle. Here’s how to rent a bike in France without stress: prices, bike types, and the key traffic rules tourists actually need.

François
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Buying a SIM or an eSIM to travel in France: a simple guide (2026)

Buying a SIM or an eSIM to travel in France: a simple guide (2026)

Buying a SIM or an eSIM to travel in France: a simple guide (2026). Range of prices, tips and recommendations.

François
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This blog is written by members of our team, the same people who design and organise trips in France. Grounded advice, verified information and updates when needed.

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