When it comes to luxury vacations to France, the Tully Travel Designers have the insider intel on where to go – but also when to go. And though any time of year brings a great experience in this incredible country, May and June, and September to November are the most opportune months to travel.
Visit France during the shoulder seasons
Off-peak seasons are the best months to visit France, because the activities are the same as they are in the summer – fantastic hiking, biking, paddling, enjoying the gardens – but the crowd numbers are much lower. The shoulder seasons are also good times to visit popular places that can be exceedingly busy in the summertime. You could possibly have the chateaux all to yourself.
During May and June, temperatures range from 55 to 70º F – very pleasant weather for spending time outdoors. The French enjoy a lot of holidays in May – long weekends that are anchored to music festivals or other cultural events. The children are all still in school, so the streets are a bit quieter, and the markets start to get busier as spring moves into summer. Provence is awash in the most incredible lavender fields, making this the best time of year to visit the south of France.
May and June also bring the Cannes film festival, of course, as well as the French Open tennis tournament.
September to November is harvest season in the major wine-growing regions of France – the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Champagne, etc., with culinary festivals following through at harvest time. As the schools restart and the locals return to their daily routines, the pace is more even during the fall, as the crowds thin. The countryside is a blaze of autumn color, and the temperatures are still very pleasant. Wrapping up in a light jacket and a big scarf is all part of a chic French ensemble.
If your calendar dictates that you visit France in July and August, you will have a great time, just expect many businesses to be closed: During the summer, the French themselves take their holidays. That said, places like the Côte d’Azur are very busy with everything open to meet the demands of the tourists. These types of vacations to the French Riviera are extremely sunny and perhaps a bit hectic, but so perfect for people-watching and working on your tan.
August is particularly quiet all over France as everyone is enjoying a break – but this means that Paris is practically empty! Everyone has left for the countryside, so you can find a chair at a sidewalk café no problem.
Visiting France in the winter
Obviously, December to April is the prime time to head to the ski slopes in France. The French Alps are just so sporting and steeped in history. Head for the higher, larger ski resorts to take advantage of the most reliable snow and less slushy weather.
December also brings the Christmas markets throughout the cities and towns. And as you can imagine, the streets of Paris are absolutely stunning at holiday time.
Whenever you can make the break, let Tully Luxury Travel take you on a trip to Paris, a trip to Nice or a visit to Normandy. They have itineraries across France that will take you around this incredible country in total style. The only difficult part will be saying goodbye.