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

Visiting France in summer is always a great idea. Summer in France can be quite hot and crowded in certain spots, but you can easily have the perfect vacation with a few simple France summer travel tips. The rhythm of this season is all about warm weather and embracing the slow life. Of course, a lot depends on where to go in France in summer. The north and the south offer completely different climates, so your daily plans will change depending on your destination. Because accommodations and activities book up incredibly fast and get expensive at the last minute, planning ahead is key. This is exactly what I will cover in this article.

Table Of Contents

• France in Summer: Is Summer a Good Time to Visit France?

• Pros and Cons of Visiting France in Summer

  • Advantages of Visiting France in Summer
  • Disadvantages of Visiting France in Summer

• How Hot Is France in Summer? Weather by Region

  • Where to Go in France in Summer Instead of the Crowds

• Visiting France in Summer: June, July, August or September?

• Best Places to Visit in France in Summer

  • Provence & French Riviera: Classic France in Summer
  • Brittany & Normandy: Cooler Summer in France and Fewer Crowds
  • Jura & Vosges: Best Summer Places in France to Beat the Crowds
  • Pyrenees & Alps: Fresh Air, Hiking and a Cooler France Summer Itinerary
  • Dordogne, Ardèche & Gorges du Tarn: Best Places in France in Summer for Rivers and Canoeing
  • Atlantic Coast and Basque Country: Beaches, Surf and France Summer Travel
  • Paris and Major Cities in Summer: Culture, Terraces and Slower Streets

• France Summer Travel Tips for a Better Trip

  • Book Early for the Best France Summer Travel Options
  • Avoid Traveling on Saturdays and Sundays in Summer
  • Check if Your Accommodation Has Air Conditioning
  • Visit Crowded Places Early or Late
  • Check the Weather Vigilance Before Going Outside

• France in Summer: Final Thoughts

France in Summer: Is Summer a Good Time to Visit France?

Yes, summer is definitely a good time to visit France. It’s the perfect season to go to the beach, and the sea is usually warm. It’s also vacation time in France, which means many towns and cities organize events like music festivals or village parties. The days are really long too, with the sun going down around 9 pm, even in August, so you can enjoy a full day and organize it the way you want.

However, it can also get very hot depending on the region and the heat waves. We’ll look at the temperatures in more detail just after. It can also be really crowded in some areas, especially the South of France in general, the Mediterranean coast in particular, or around big events and famous monuments like Mont Saint-Michel. Be careful with prices too, because they can be very high depending on the place, and you often need to book early. But if you plan it well, summer can be the perfect season.

Pros and Cons of Visiting France in Summer

Advantages of Visiting France in Summer

High Season: More Places Open in Summer

Summer is high season, which means most tourist places are open, especially near the sea and in popular areas. It also means you can do more activities and enjoy plenty of restaurants, ice cream shops, bars, and other places that may be closed during quieter months.

Long Daylight for a France Summer Itinerary

The days are really long in summer. The sun rises around 6 am and goes down around 9 pm, depending on whether you are more in the east or west of France. This means you can enjoy a long day and manage your time the way you want. I highly recommend doing some activities either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This way, you’ll feel much less rushed compared with people who all try to find a place at the beach around 2 pm.

Sunny and Hot Weather Across France

The weather is usually sunny and hot, even in the north of France. It can be a bit cooler there, but not cold at all, especially with global warming. So if you want sun and warm days, summer in France is usually a good choice.

Summer Events, Festivals and Village Parties

A lot of things are organized during this season. You can find music festivals, city parties, village events, or activities organized by local associations almost anywhere. I recommend checking the villages or places around you, because you can often find nice local events happening nearby.

Cities Can Feel Empty in July and August

For some people, this can be a disadvantage, but for me, it’s definitely a plus. Cities can feel emptier in summer because many people who live there, especially in places like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, or Bordeaux, have gone on vacation. It means you may not have to queue as much for restaurants, and the subway can feel less crowded.

The only two bad points, in my opinion, are that some stores may be closed because the owners are also on vacation, and the heat can be harsh in the city sometimes. However, tourists are still there, so you can expect almost the same amount of people in museums and tourist places.

Pack Lighter for Summer in France

You don’t have that much to pack because summer is hot, so you don’t need to bring a big coat and lots of heavy clothes. This can really be a big advantage if you have to take the plane and have limits on what you can bring. Just be careful, because the north of France can still be a little cold at night.

French Lifestyle: Terraces, Apéro and Slow Evenings

Summer is also a great time to enjoy the French lifestyle. You can relax on a terrace, spend a long time in a restaurant, or have an apéro when the evening starts to get a little cooler.

Disadvantages of Visiting France in Summer

Some Days and Places Can Be Really Hot

Some days and some places can be really hot, especially with global warming. The South of France can easily reach 38-40°C on some days.

But if that’s not something you like, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid France in summer. Mountains are a big part of France too, with the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, and the Alps, and the weather is cooler there. The north of France is also usually much less hot, or at least the heat waves are often shorter.

Crowds Can Be Intense in Popular Summer Destinations

It can be really crowded. The busiest places are usually close to water, especially beaches around the Mediterranean. You can still find places with fewer people, and some hidden gems in the South of France can feel much calmer, but unless you know these spots really well, you’ll probably never be completely alone.

A good tip is always to walk a little further from the main entrance or the parking lot. You can be really surprised by how, just 200 meters further, the number of people can be divided by four. These are my own statistics, but from my experience, it tends to be true.

Accommodation Can Be Expensive in High Season

Accommodation can be expensive, and you need to book early for the main places, especially if they are good. Be careful with last-minute reservations. Either you are really lucky, or the place may not be that good.

For example, if it’s August 14 and you want to book a night for the same day, it can be almost impossible, especially because August 15 is a holiday in France. If there is still availability, either you’re not in a very touristic place, or there may be something strange with that place. Always check the reviews before booking.

Summer Traffic Can Be Really Bad

Traffic can be really bad in summer. Many people, especially French people, usually book from Saturday to Saturday because of how holiday rentals work. A lot of places only accept one-week stays, from Saturday to Saturday. This means Saturdays are usually the busiest days on the road, even if they are often the quietest days on the beach or for activities.

But in general, many days are busy. It’s especially true if you need to drive to the beach and park there. You can go from “enjoying a beach day” to a nightmare day without finding a parking space.

That’s why you should always check where you want to park before going, and check if it’s still possible by the time you arrive. Also think about buses or trains. It may sound annoying at first to depend on something else, but between looking for a parking spot for two hours or taking the bus and arriving directly at the beach without wondering where to park, the bus can be a really good option. And the price can be good too.

Book Trains and Long-Distance Buses Early

Trains, except most TER trains, and buses between big cities often need to be booked a long time in advance. This is less true for small areas or buses inside cities, but for longer trips, prices can also be high.

Air Conditioning Is Not Everywhere in France

Air conditioning is not everywhere, even in the South of France. If you book a hotel without checking if they have air conditioning, there is a real possibility they don’t. So remember to check before booking.

All of these points are not a reason not to go. It’s just that you need to know some tips so you don’t accumulate all of these problems and end up disappointed. With the right advice, the right places to visit depending on what you like, and the kind of weather you prefer, summer can be the best season to visit France, without a doubt.

How Hot Is France in Summer? Weather by Region

France can be really hot, especially during heat waves. With the following table, here is what you can usually expect:

Place in France	Typical summer temperature	During heatwaves	Heatwave period	What it feels like
Provence & French Riviera	27–35°C / 81–95°F	38–42°C+ / 100–108°F+	Mostly July–August, sometimes late June or September	Very hot, sunny, dry inland, more humid near the sea
Brittany & Normandy	18–25°C / 64–77°F	28–34°C+ / 82–93°F+	Shorter heatwaves, usually July–August	Cooler, fresher, windy near the coast, better if you dislike strong heat
Jura & Vosges	20–28°C / 68–82°F	30–35°C+ / 86–95°F+	Mostly July–August	Warm days, cooler nights, good for nature, lakes and hiking
Pyrenees & Alps	18–28°C / 64–82°F in valleys, cooler at altitude	28–34°C+ / 82–93°F in valleys	Mostly July–August	Fresh mountain air, cooler nights, perfect for hiking, but sun can be strong
Dordogne, Ardèche & Gorges du Tarn	25–33°C / 77–91°F	36–40°C+ / 97–104°F+	Mostly July–August	Hot inland areas, but rivers make it easier to enjoy summer
Atlantic Coast & Basque Country	22–28°C / 72–82°F	32–38°C+ / 90–100°F+	Mostly July–August, sometimes late June	Warm, sunny, ocean breeze, but inland southwest can get very hot
Paris & major cities	22–30°C / 72–86°F	35–40°C+ / 95–104°F	Mostly July–August, sometimes June	Hot and heavy in the city, especially without air conditioning

Where to Go in France in Summer Instead of the Crowds

Summer in France can be amazing, but not everyone wants the same kind of trip. Some famous places can be hot, expensive, crowded, or just a bit too intense in July and August. It doesn’t mean you should avoid them completely. You can still go, of course. But if you don’t want to deal too much with that, there are often other places that give you a similar feeling, but in a calmer and sometimes easier way.

If you wanted to go to…	Why people usually go there	Main summer problem	Where to go instead
French Riviera or Provence	Beaches, villages, markets, sun, and Mediterranean landscapes	Very crowded, hot, and expensive in July and August	Dordogne, Lot, Drôme, or Ardèche. You still get beautiful villages, markets, rivers, and a warm summer feeling, but usually with more space.
Famous beaches in the South of France	Warm sea, beach days, restaurants, and summer atmosphere	Parking can be a nightmare, beaches are packed, and prices can be high	Atlantic coast. Places in Landes, Vendée, Charente-Maritime, Brittany, or the Basque coast can be a good alternative if you mainly want the beach.
Biarritz, Arcachon, or Île de Ré	Ocean, surf, seafood, and relaxed coastal towns	Very popular too, especially near the beach and in the most famous towns	Smaller towns along the Atlantic coast. You can still enjoy the ocean, but with fewer people if you avoid the biggest names.
Very famous villages like Gordes or Saint-Cirq-Lapopie	Old stone houses, small streets, viewpoints, and local food	They are beautiful, but they can feel too full in the middle of the day	Dordogne, Aveyron, Lot, or Ardèche. These areas also have beautiful villages, and some are just as charming but easier to enjoy.
Mont-Saint-Michel	History, sea views, and one of the most famous places in France	It can be extremely crowded in summer	Dinan, Cancale, Saint-Malo, or smaller places around the bay. You still get old towns, sea views, and the Brittany-Normandy feeling. You can also visit Mont-Saint-Michel very early or later in the day.
Étretat	White cliffs, sea views, and coastal walks	The cliffs are beautiful, but the village, paths, and parking can be very busy	Yport, Fécamp, Dieppe, or other places on the Alabaster Coast. You still get cliffs and Normandy landscapes, but often with less pressure.
Paris	Museums, cafés, monuments, and beautiful streets	It can be hot, expensive, and famous monuments are still crowded	Lyon, Nantes, Lille, Strasbourg, Rennes, or Bordeaux. These cities are still interesting, lively, and beautiful, but they can feel easier to visit.
Annecy	Lake, mountains, swimming, and a pretty old town	The lake, roads, old town, and parking can be really busy	Jura, Auvergne, Vosges, or smaller Alpine valleys. You still get lakes, hikes, fresh air, and cooler weather, often in a calmer way.
Verdon Gorge	Blue water, cliffs, kayaking, and impressive nature	The most famous spots can be packed in summer	Tarn Gorges, Ardèche, Aveyron, or Cévennes. You can still swim, hike, kayak, and enjoy beautiful river landscapes.
Famous beach resorts in the South	Sun, beach, nightlife, restaurants, and holiday feeling	Hot, crowded, expensive, and stressful if you need to park	Smaller coastal towns or villages a little inland. Being 20 or 30 minutes away can change everything. You can still enjoy the area, but sleep somewhere calmer and maybe cheaper.

The idea is not to say these famous places are bad. Most of them are famous for a good reason. It’s just to give you alternatives if you don’t want to experience the most intense side of summer in France. Sometimes going a little further, choosing a smaller town, or sleeping outside the main tourist area can make your trip much easier and more enjoyable.

Visiting France in Summer: June, July, August or September?

First, it’s useful to separate June and September from July and August. In France, July and August are the real high season, especially because children usually finish school around July 5. This means most families don’t go on vacation before that, so June is often less crowded. September is usually calmer too, because school has started again.

We already wrote a full article about the best time to visit France, which you can check if you want more details.

But to keep it simple, September is probably the best summer month to visit France overall. The weather is still warm, the sea is still pleasant, and the crowds are usually much smaller than in July or August. June is also an excellent choice, especially because the days are longer than in September, even if more and more people now travel in June.

That doesn’t mean July and August are bad months. Not at all. They can be amazing too, especially if you want the full summer atmosphere, beach days, festivals, and long evenings outside. But if you ask me to choose the best balance between weather, crowds, and prices, I would choose September first, then June.

In the end, all four months can be really good. It mostly depends on what you want, what you expect, and the dates you’re available.

Best Places to Visit in France in Summer

Provence & French Riviera: Classic France in Summer

If you’re okay with heat waves and you know how to manage the crowds, then Provence and the French Riviera can be a great choice.

It’s the typical French summer cliché, but life there really is good. You can find beautiful beaches, beautiful villages, and enjoy a slow, typical French way of life quite easily. However, be aware that you won’t be the only one with that idea. Prices can be expensive, and heat waves are becoming more and more frequent.

But if you know these points before going, it’s definitely a place to visit and enjoy.

Best Places to Visit in Provence & the French Riviera in Summer

• Nice
• Calanques
• Train de la Côte Bleue
• Typical French villages: Gordes, Roussillon, Èze
• Beaches
• Lavender fields

Brittany & Normandy: Cooler Summer in France and Fewer Crowds

If you want a cooler place with fewer crowds, then Brittany and Normandy are probably what you’re looking for.

If hot and crowded places are too much for you, Brittany and Normandy can be really good alternatives.

Even if Brittany has more and more tourists, there are still many places that are not too well known by international tourists yet.

I know that Normandy often means Mont Saint-Michel and Étretat, but tourists usually go to these main spots and that’s all. Go 10 km to the right or to the left, and you’ll beat 90% of the crowd. If you plan to sleep in the region, choosing where to stay in Normandy can also change the whole feeling of the trip.

Best Places to Visit in Brittany in Summer

• Crozon
• Côte de Granit Rose
• Finistère
• Golfe du Morbihan

Best Places to Visit in Normandy in Summer

• Cotentin

• Alabaster Coast, around Étretat

• Suisse Normande, inland Normandy with hills, rivers, and a slower pace of life

• Pays d’Auge, near Le Havre

Jura & Vosges: Best Summer Places in France to Beat the Crowds

If you want to beat the crowd, look at the Jura and the Vosges.

Way less famous for international travelers than the Alps, the Jura and the Vosges are old mountain ranges and perfect alternatives. You still have mountains, rivers, waterfalls, forests, and beautiful nature, but with way fewer tourists.

The Jura is more wild and quiet, with blue lakes, waterfalls, small villages, cheese, wine, and hiking. The Vosges are perfect if you want mountain roads, forests, viewpoints, and cooler weather without being too crowded.

Best Places to Visit in Jura in Summer

• Cascades du Hérisson
• Small beautiful villages like Baume-les-Messieurs, Château-Chalon, Lods
• Wine tours near Arbois
• Pic de l’Aigle and Belvédère des 4 Lacs
• The Jura countryside in general

Best Places to Visit in Vosges in Summer

• Lots of lakes, such as Lac Noir, Lac Blanc, Lac des Corbeaux

• Le Grand Ballon

• Hohneck

• Gérardmer

Pyrenees & Alps: Fresh Air, Hiking and a Cooler France Summer Itinerary

If you prefer fresh air and hiking, the Pyrenees and the Alps are great in summer.

In summer, these places are usually way less crowded than in winter. Even if more and more people are into nature and hiking, you can still have some moments for yourself, if you don’t choose the most popular hike of course. The weather is also cooler, and it can be cold at night, so be careful.

I really like hiking and bivouacking in summer. The landscapes are incredible, and the atmosphere is hard to describe.

Best Places to Visit in the Pyrénées in Summer

• Gavarnie and Cirque de Gavarnie
• Néouvielle Nature Reserve
• Lac de Gaube
• Pont d’Espagne
• Pic du Midi
• Ossau Valley
• Ariège Pyrenees

Best Places to Visit in the Alps in Summer

• Chamonix and Mont Blanc area

• Vanoise National Park

• Écrins National Park

• Queyras

• Lake Annecy mountains

• Beaufortain

• Mercantour National Park

Dordogne, Ardèche & Gorges du Tarn: Best Places in France in Summer for Rivers and Canoeing

If you prefer river spots, look at Dordogne, Ardèche, and the Gorges du Tarn.

If your perfect summer trip is more about rivers, canoes, cliffs, and small villages than crowded beaches, then Dordogne, Ardèche, and the Gorges du Tarn are probably the best places to consider.

The Dordogne is the soft and beautiful one, with castles, medieval villages, calm river sections, and amazing sunset canoe trips. Ardèche is more fun and adventurous, with the famous Pont d’Arc, natural beaches, and long canoe descents through the gorge. The Gorges du Tarn are wilder and more dramatic, with huge cliffs, clear water, tiny villages, and some of the best river landscapes in France.

Of course, the most famous spots can get busy in summer, but the good thing with rivers is that you don’t need to stay exactly where everyone goes. Start earlier, go a bit further down the river, choose a smaller village, and you’ll escape a big part of the crowd.

Best Places to Visit in Dordogne in Summer

• La Roque-Gageac
• Beynac-et-Cazenac
• Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
• Domme
• Limeuil
• Canoe route between Carsac, La Roque-Gageac, and Beynac

Best Places to Visit in Ardèche in Summer

• Pont d’Arc
• Canoeing in the Gorges de l’Ardèche
• Beautiful villages such as Balazuc, Vogüé, Aiguèze

Best Places to Visit in the Gorges du Tarn in Summer

• Gorges du Tarn by canoe

• Small beautiful villages such as Sainte-Énimie

• La Malène

• Saint-Chély-du-Tarn

Atlantic Coast and Basque Country: Beaches, Surf and France Summer Travel

The Atlantic Coast can really be a perfect summer place. The coastline is super long, full of sandy beaches, surf spots, pine forests, and small villages that become very lively in summer.

But be careful: the Atlantic Ocean can be dangerous. Waves, currents, and baïnes can pull you far from the shore, even if you are a good swimmer. Always choose supervised beaches, respect the flags, and never overestimate yourself. Some areas are closed for swimming for a reason.

One of the best things about this coast is that a lot of it still feels natural. Around the Landes, you have huge pine forests just behind the dunes, and many parts of the coast have very few buildings. It gives a real wild summer feeling.

The Basque Country is a bit more developed and more touristy, especially around Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Bayonne, but it is also one of the most beautiful parts of France. You get beaches, cute towns, strong local culture, great food, and the mountains very close by.

Best Places to Visit on the Atlantic Coast and in the Landes in Summer

• Cap Ferret
• Dune du Pilat
• Biscarrosse
• Mimizan
• Hossegor
• Seignosse
• Vieux-Boucau
• Landes forest

Best Places to Visit in the Basque Country in Summer

• Biarritz

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz

• Guéthary

• Bidart

• Bayonne

• Hendaye

• La Rhune

• Espelette

• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Paris and Major Cities in Summer: Culture, Terraces and Slower Streets

As I said before, big French cities can feel surprisingly empty during summer. A lot of workers, students, and families leave the city to go on holiday, visit family, or spend time near the sea or in the countryside.

That means Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, or Marseille can feel calmer in some neighbourhoods, especially in August. You can enjoy quieter streets, less traffic, and a more relaxed atmosphere than usual.

But there is a small downside: some local shops, bakeries, restaurants, or cafés can be closed for summer holidays. And of course, the most famous tourist areas are still busy, especially in Paris around the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the Louvre, or the Seine.

So the best way to enjoy major cities in summer is to avoid only doing the classic tourist spots. Walk in residential neighbourhoods, go to parks, sit on terraces, explore smaller museums, and enjoy the slower rhythm of the city.

Best French Cities to Visit in Summer

• Paris
• Lyon old town and riverbanks
• Bordeaux quays and Chartrons
• Toulouse city centre and Canal du Midi
• Nantes and Île de Nantes
• Lille old town
• Strasbourg canals
• Marseille neighbourhoods and outside the Old Port

France Summer Travel Tips for a Better Trip

Here is a non-exhaustive list of practical tips to visit France in summer:

Book Early for the Best France Summer Travel Options

First, you’ll probably get better prices. Second, you won’t feel rushed when you see that everything is starting to be full and only the worst accommodation is left. Try to reserve everything early, even restaurants or some activities, and plan your visits in advance.

Avoid Traveling on Saturdays and Sundays in Summer

Try to avoid traveling between cities or across the country on a Saturday, and even on a Sunday if you can. These are the busiest days, as I explained before. If you need to compare train routes, stations, and ticket types, this complete guide to train travel in France will help you plan it more calmly.

Check if Your Accommodation Has Air Conditioning

If air conditioning is important to you, always check if your accommodation has it before booking. In France, even in the south, it’s not that common.

Visit Crowded Places Early or Late

If you plan to go somewhere that is usually crowded, try to go before most people arrive or after they leave. In my experience, most people arrive at the beach around 10 am and start leaving around 5 pm. So if you come before or after, you’ll enjoy it way more. Also, during a heat wave, it will be much more comfortable. It’s the same for visits, for example Mont Saint-Michel.

Check the Weather Vigilance Before Going Outside

Before doing anything outside, always check the weather vigilance website: https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr/en. If it’s orange, be really careful and check the reason and when it starts. If it’s red, don’t go outside and cancel what you had planned. Most activity places will cancel the reservation anyway.

France in Summer: Final Thoughts

Summer is definitely a good time to visit France, as long as you manage a few things well: the heat, the crowds, the traffic, and booking early enough. If you do that, it can honestly be one of the best seasons to discover the country.

The best places to visit in France in summer really depend on what you like. Provence and the French Riviera are perfect if you want the classic summer cliché, with sun, villages, beaches, and the Mediterranean feeling. Brittany and Normandy are better if you prefer cooler weather. Jura and Vosges are great if you want to beat the crowds a bit. The Pyrenees and the Alps are perfect for fresh air and hiking. Dordogne, Ardèche, and the Gorges du Tarn are amazing if you like rivers. The Atlantic Coast and the Basque Country are great for beaches, surf, and a more wild coast. And Paris or other major cities can also be a good idea, because the atmosphere is often slower than during the rest of the year.

So yes, with a few good travel tips, some good places to visit depending on what you like, and the kind of weather you enjoy, summer can be the best season to visit France without a doubt.