Destination guide
France
Paris and far beyond it: itineraries, food stops and day trips across France, planned for real budgets.
Most trips to France start in Paris, and for good reason: the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower are all within a few metro stops of each other, and Versailles is an easy day trip on the RER C. Our guide to the best places to visit in Paris covers the essentials with current prices and which ones need booking ahead.
Beyond the capital, the TGV high-speed network puts much of the country within a few hours. Lyon is about two hours away, Bordeaux a little over two, Marseille around three and Nice closer to six. Book TGV and budget Ouigo tickets early on SNCF Connect, as fares rise sharply close to departure.
April to June and September are the sweet spot: long days, mild weather and fewer queues than July and August, when Paris empties of locals and the south fills with holidaymakers. A Paris Museum Pass can save money and time if you plan to see three or more big museums in two days.
Places we cover
- Paris
- Nice
- Lyon
- Provence
- Bordeaux
France guides