Discover France
Discover France with Sunspot Tours through our France river cruises and France escorted rail journeys.
France brings together distinctive landscapes, local traditions and places that reward a closer look. The contrast between Paris and Loire Valley châteaux gives visitors a sense of the destination’s range, while everyday encounters with its people, markets and food add depth to a holiday.
Why visit France?
Start with Paris, an important part of the destination’s appeal, then make time for Loire Valley châteaux. These contrasting places help explain why visitors can enjoy such varied experiences within one journey.
Other highlights include Provence and Normandy. These places offer contrasting perspectives, from well-known sights to opportunities to appreciate regional landscapes and everyday life.
Culture and character
Culture in France is closely connected to art, historic towns and distinctive regional identities. These influences appear in local celebrations, historic buildings, crafts and the rhythms of ordinary life. Visiting markets, neighbourhood streets and smaller communities can reveal details that are easy to miss when moving quickly between major sights.
Respectful curiosity goes a long way. Taking time to learn about local customs, dress appropriately at religious or historic places where required, and support small businesses can make a visit more rewarding for travellers and hosts alike.
Food and drink
Food offers another way to discover the destination. Look out for croissants, regional cheeses and crêpes, while exploring how ingredients and recipes change between regions and communities. Local restaurants and markets can be especially useful places to try everyday dishes rather than relying only on familiar international menus.
If you have dietary requirements, check ingredients and preparation methods before ordering. Sampling seasonal produce and local drinks, where suitable, can add another memorable dimension to the trip.
When to visit France
The most suitable travel dates depend on your interests and the places you plan to visit. As a general guide, spring and early autumn for sightseeing; summer for coast. Weather can differ between coastal, inland, mountain and urban areas, so check conditions for the specific stops on your itinerary rather than relying on one countrywide forecast.
Practical information
Sightseeing days may involve uneven paving, steps or longer road journeys. Comfortable walking shoes, layers suited to local weather and a small day bag are sensible additions to your luggage.
Before leaving the UK, check current entry and passport requirements, travel insurance and official travel advice for France. Confirm payment arrangements, any recommended vaccinations and how you will get around between the places you wish to visit.
Why visit France with Sunspot Tours?
Planning a journey through France is easier when the main arrangements are organised in advance. Explore the options available with Sunspot Tours and compare the routes, inclusions and departure dates that best match the experiences you want. Where offered, escorted tours can help visitors travel between key sights with local insight and a structured itinerary.
Take a closer look at the available France holidays and start planning a journey that reflects what you most want to see.
Your holiday in France is just a phone call away
Telephone our experts today on 0800 408 0506
Your France Questions Answered
Find out more about visiting France with the answers to these frequently asked questions.
We're here to help
French cuisine is world-renowned for its rich flavours and variety. Highlights include croissants, baguettes, escargots, coq au vin, and delicious cheeses like brie and camembert. Don’t forget to try a crème brûlée for dessert and enjoy a glass of local wine.
The food in France is very safe to eat. Restaurants and markets adhere to high food safety standards. It’s a good idea to enjoy the local cuisine at reputable establishments for the best experience.
Yes, travel insurance is recommended for a trip to France. It can cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more.
Must-see attractions in France include the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum in Paris, the stunning beaches of the French Riviera, the vineyards of Bordeaux, and the historic Mont Saint-Michel. The picturesque villages in Provence and the French Alps are also popular for outdoor activities.
Yes, when in France, it’s polite to greet people with a friendly "Bonjour" (Good day) or "Bonsoir" (Good evening). It's also customary to say "Merci" (Thank you) when receiving service, and tipping around 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants.
Pack comfortable shoes for exploring, lightweight clothing for the warmer months, and a jacket for cooler evenings. A scarf or shawl is useful, especially when visiting religious sites, and a small umbrella or raincoat is handy for unpredictable weather.
The best time to visit France is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These seasons offer the best conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Yes, France is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s always wise to take basic precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings in busy areas, particularly in large cities and tourist hotspots.
French is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops, particularly in major cities like Paris, making it easy for visitors to communicate.
The currency used in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in markets, rural areas, and smaller shops.