When to go to France?

Visiting for long weekend gives you just the right amount of time to explore Paris or one of France's other large cities, and this is true no matter what the time of year. Avoid the month of August, however, when everywhere is either overcrowded or virtually deserted, depending on whether you go to one of the coastal resorts or not. December brings Christmas markets to visit and explore and opportunities to enjoy warm wine and/or gingerbread!

France is host to an impressive number of festivals. It is possible to attend music festivals all year round, with a variety of completely different genres on offer: classical music at the La Folle Journée festival in Nantes, Baroque music, contemporary music, etc. In summer, in particular, you can find rock festivals taking place in almost every region of France: the Eurockéens in Belfort, the Vieilles Charrues in Brittany, Musilac in the South West, etc. And in addition to all that, there is also the famous Avignon theatre festival, the Angoulême International Comics Festival, cinema festivals, dance festivals, etc. In short, there's something to suit all tastes and all pockets!

If you are planning to go skiing in the Alps or the Pyrenees, opt for the winter months, which range from the beginning of December to the end of March. In the Jura, the Vosges and the Massif Central, on the other hand, the season ends earlier than this, but prices are lower. To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a holiday in the snow, there are other activities in addition to skiing on offer at most French ski resorts.

If you are planning to hike any of the many walking routes in France's mountainous regions, the period from the end of April to mid-October is the best time of year to go, with spring and autumn particularly good as these are the periods when the trees, plants and flowers begin to change colour. If you are thinking of doing a hike such as the GR20 in Corsica, or any walks in the mid to high mountains, it is best to visit in June or at the beginning of September, when weather conditions are good and you will find less people around. If planning to participate in any outdoor activities (whitewater sports, rock climbing, etc.), visit between the end of March and the beginning of October to ensure you get good weather.

If you intend to take advantage of the beaches and the various water-based activities available along the Atlantic coast, visit between May and September. Though the water can be a little chilly at this time of year, it is still warm enough for sailing, surfing, waterskiing, etc. In the South of France, on the country's Mediterranean coast, it is possible to go bathing or diving in the sea from mid-April onwards, with temperatures already very pleasant at that time of year. In July, and especially in August, some of the beaches can get extremely busy.

You can visit France at any time of the year if you are planning to explore the country's cultural heritage, art museums, historic monuments, sample the local cuisine, enjoy a wine tasting at a vineyard in Bordeaux, or explore the highways and byways of Paris. France's towns and cities, their ancient buildings, the country's châteaux, etc., are always interesting and exceptionally charming places to visit, no matter what the time of year.