There are six incredible vacation spots in France to discover and enjoy.

France has a plethora of cultural offerings, distinguished cuisine and wine, 5,500km of enchanting coastline, and seven prominent mountain ranges, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds.

If you enjoy skiing or relaxing on a sunny beach, many popular destinations in France can easily be reached from the UK. Additionally, our neighboring country can be accessed by ferry or train with a variety of transportation options, making it a more eco-friendly option for travelers.

France saw a significant increase in international tourism in 2023, welcoming 100 million visitors. This number was higher than Spain, the second most visited country in Europe, which had 84 million international arrivals. Among these visitors, over 14 million were British, with many choosing to visit popular cities like Paris and Marseille, as well as beach destinations such as Normandy and the French Riviera. These locations span from St. Tropez to Menton. Due to the short travel times to France, many travelers are able to explore the sights and indulge in good food over a long weekend. However, there is also a plethora of activities available for those who have the luxury of staying for a couple of weeks or more.

I have compiled a list of top vacation spots in the country, from snowy landscapes to beautiful sandy beaches, to assist you in planning your next trip to France.

Discover more about traveling to France.

Antibes, located between Cannes and Nice, is a convenient starting point for exploring the French Riviera. It features a peninsula that extends into the sea, providing ample warm sandy beach space for relaxation. The atmosphere is more relaxed compared to neighboring Cannes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, allowing you to unwind without worrying about who may be observing you or what you’re wearing. However, it’s recommended to bring cocktail attire for a visit to the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where you can enjoy a Bellini made with vintage champagne and freshly squeezed fruit juice. The hotel’s decor exudes opulence and elegance, transporting you to a time when renowned guests such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, the Duke of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, Orson Welles, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso walked its corridors and sipped drinks at the bar over the past 130 years.

Art enthusiasts must visit the Picasso museum in Antibes, which was established in 1946 when Picasso was given the unique chance to use the Château Grimaldi as his workshop. During his time there from September to November, he produced several pieces, such as “Les Clés d’Antibes” (“The Keys of Antibes”). When he left for Paris, he left behind 23 paintings and 44 drawings, all on display at the museum.

During the months of May to September, you can enjoy ideal Mediterranean weather and bask in the sun. The warmest temperatures, averaging 29C, occur in July. However, the weather is still pleasant and not too hot. Towards the end of September, temperatures settle around 25C and crowds thin out as many people return to their regular schedules, making it a great time to relax on quieter beaches.

The cheapest time to visit is April, before the summer rush begins. Flights from London to Nice can be picked up for as little as £33 return on easyJet. You can catch the train from Nice to Antibes from €6.

To steer clear of other visitors, consider planning your trip for late September to the end of October.

Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast, has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches and surf schools offering lessons for beginners. If you’ve never been on a board before you can spend days refining your technique until you eventually catch a wave. The water is calmer from May through to September, so more experienced surfers tend to visit from October to April when the waves are bigger amd more consistent.

The Basque coastline is a popular destination for those who love food, as it offers a variety of local specialties that cannot be found elsewhere in France. Indulge in Bayonne ham, ardi gasna (sheep cheese), add some spice to your meals with Espelette pepper, and try the traditional fisherman’s soup, ttoro, like a native. Your taste buds will be delighted.

A short 20-minute trip from Biarritz will take you to Bayonne, known as the chocolate hub of France and the origin of Bayonne ham. For those who have a love for sweets, the tourist office offers tours of the town’s chocolateries, some of which have been in operation since the 17th century. Those who prefer savory flavors can visit the numerous charcuteries that sell Bayonne ham, comparable to Serrano or Parma hams, aged for 12 to 18 months to achieve a bold, smoky taste.

May, June and September are the best months weather-wise, when temperatures remain high (averages between 22C and 25C) but there’s enough of a breeze for good surfing conditons. July and August see temperatures of 27C and more, which makes for a more laidback, beach holiday rather than an active one.

In September and October, there are great bargains to be found for lodging and transportation to Biarritz. During the summer months, it is possible to take a direct flight from Stansted to Biarritz via Ryanair. However, when traveling during the off-season, taking the train is the preferred method. You can take the Eurostar from just £39 each way and then a four-hour trip from Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne (starting at €25 if you plan ahead and book on the SNCF website).

If you wish to browse without interruption from novice users, the months of October, March, and April can be relied upon.

Tignes is a top ski destination in the Alps, offering exceptional skiing opportunities throughout the year. It is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy the rush of skiing down mountains. Although the après-ski scene may not be as vibrant as nearby Val-d’Isère, Val Claret has some enjoyable restaurants and bars for late-night fun. This resort boasts short wait times and consistent snow conditions thanks to its high elevation.

During the months of June and July, skiing in the summer is possible at the 3,656m Grande Motte glacier. This location boasts 20km of skiing trails and a snowpark for performing jumps. For those interested in improving their skiing or snowboarding skills, camps are available for both juniors and adults during the school summer holidays. This offers the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your progress to your friends on your next winter ski trip. The Grand Motte glacier also offers wide, long runs that are ideal for beginners to work towards at the end of their first week in Tignes. Intermediate skiers can also find a good selection of challenging but safe difficult blues and reds. Overall, Tignes boasts a total of 300km of skiing trails.

Some other things you can do in Tignes are visiting the lagoon swimming center in Le Lac, going ice skating, and taking husky rides. For more excitement, you might want to consider trying activities like snowkiting or ice climbing.

Due to its elevated location, Tignes experiences consistent snowfall from November until May. Additionally, visitors can even enjoy skiing on the Grande Motte glacier during the months of June and July.

Visiting Tignes during the early part of November or the colder months of January can offer affordable options for travelers. For those interested in summer skiing, waiting until the end of the season in July may provide better deals. Booking a train ticket to Moutiers can be done through the Eurostar website, with prices beginning at £39 for the Eurostar and €25 for the TGV portion of the trip.

To enjoy a serene and quiet skiing experience, choose the months of July or early November.

The capital of France, Paris, is renowned for its romantic atmosphere and is a great place to visit with your family. It boasts renowned art galleries, famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and well-maintained outdoor parks. Visitors of all ages can experience the excitement of exploring this city while also learning about its rich culture and history.

The well-known Champs-Élysées shopping street, spanning nearly 2km, is a great starting point for exploring. It links the must-see Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the grand Arc du Triomphe, and showcases the finest French fashion, beauty, and homeware boutiques along the way. Additionally, there are numerous bistros and brasseries where one can stop for a meal or a drink. One of the most renowned brasseries is Le Fouquet’s, which has been frequented by famous guests and politicians since the late 19th century. In fact, Emmanuel Macron celebrated his 2017 election victory with a party at this establishment.

Some other popular attractions to visit in Paris include the renowned Louvre museum, which houses the famous Mona Lisa, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. To avoid waiting in line, you can purchase tickets in advance on the Eiffel Tower’s official website to climb to the top. Families with young children can easily bring a stroller on the elevator, and all ages are welcome. Just keep in mind that there may be longer lines at the Louvre, especially for the most well-known artworks.

Paris is enjoyable during the spring season. From March to May, the city is filled with beautiful flowers. It is best to avoid visiting in July and August, as it can become very hot and crowded. However, September is a good time to visit as it is typically dry and pleasant for walking around without needing heavy clothing.

The most affordable time to travel is during the autumn season of October and November when temperatures start to decrease.

In October and November, the city becomes less crowded due to the colder weather, giving you more opportunity to explore. However, if you’re traveling with children, the school break during Easter and the May half-term usually have fewer tourists in Paris compared to the summer break. Additionally, the weather during these times is typically pleasant.

Just across the UK is the elegant Deauville beach in Normandy, accessible by a quick ferry ride. This charming destination is famous for its striking white cliffs and vibrant flowers, earning it the nickname “Parisian Riviera”. A two-hour drive from the bustling city of Paris, Deauville offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to destress and unwind.

Stroll along the Promenade des Planches and observe the labels of the beachfront cabins. Each structure along the 762m boardwalk is dedicated to a beloved Hollywood actor or actress, honoring Deauville’s yearly American Film Festival held in early September. During August, there is the opportunity to spectate polo games at the iconic Deauville La Touques Racecourse.

In addition to the shopping, it’s important to mention that Deauville was chosen by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel for her very first fashion boutique in 1913. She popularized high-end casual wear suitable for both leisure and sports, including items like Breton-striped tops, well-tailored trousers, and stylish pajamas perfect for the beach. Her legacy lives on, with charming beachside boutiques offering timeless relaxed French fashion. Furthermore, there are also high-end boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès located near the town’s casino.

In May, Deauville experiences warmer weather with an average temperature of 18C and minimal precipitation. In August, temperatures reach their peak at around 23C and the ocean temperature becomes a comfortable 17C.

The most affordable period to travel is prior to May or after September. Towards the end of April or the beginning of October, the weather is typically warm and there are often affordable options for lodging. Taking a ferry from Portsmouth to Caen costs £102 for one person and a car, and once you arrive in Caen, Deauville is only an hour’s drive away.

In the month of June, the weather is pleasant and there is plenty of room on the beach for your towel and sun lounger compared to July or August. Alternatively, you can plan your trip for September when the schools are back in session and stay for a week. During your stay in Deauville, consider taking a drive to Rouen to visit the Joan of Arc museum and the remains of the castle.

Lake Annecy is known as Europe’s cleanest lake thanks to strict environmental regulations. You can swim in it, sail, stand-up paddle board or scuba dive and the water reaches 24C in summer. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, the lake has grassy banks to lounge on while enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Annecy is a charming town with many opportunities for discovery, including charming stores and buildings rich in history. The city’s beautiful canals, bridges, and medieval structures have earned it the nickname “Venice of the Alps”. The cobblestone streets and intricate network of canals are perfect for capturing stunning photographs and videos. Make sure to visit the Thiou canal, which connects the town to the lake, for a perfect opportunity to capture the lively colors of the buildings and vibrant plants and flowers lining the shores.

To gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, take a trip to Annecy castle. The castle is home to the Alpine Folk Art Museum, which features both modern art and insights into the region’s past. You can also visit the museum housed in the 12th-century Palais de l’Isle, located in the center of the Thiou canal.

In the summer, the temperature is at its peak, the days are longer, and the water is warmer. The average temperature in July is around 20 degrees Celsius.

There are many campsites in Annecy that offer affordable overnight accommodations in tents, making it a cheaper option than staying in a hotel or guesthouse. This is especially beneficial for summer visits when costs tend to be higher. The month of September offers the lowest prices in Annecy as the temperatures begin to drop.

Travelers usually begin to come in July, therefore going to Annecy in June or September will allow you to avoid the large groups of people in the water, such as swimmers, divers and sailors. It will also be less congested on the streets of the city, which can be narrow at certain points.

Check out our reviews for the top hotels in France to help plan your next trip.

Source: independent.co.uk