France

France covers Atlantic surf coast, alpine valleys, Mediterranean beaches and a dense network of historic cities within a few hours of each other by train. The TGV network makes a multi-city trip realistic without a car, while the countryside regions reward slow driving. Food and wine are regional rather than national, so the route you choose changes what you eat.

Cities

Lyon

Lyon sits where the Rhône and Saône meet, with a Renaissance old town on one bank, a Roman hill above it and a nineteenth-century grid between the rivers. Covered passages called traboules cut through blocks in Vieux Lyon. It is a two-day city built around eating, with bouchons serving the classic Lyonnais menu.

Paris

Paris is walkable in sections rather than end to end, with each arrondissement holding its own market streets, cafés and museums. The Seine splits the city into a monumental right bank and a denser, older left bank, and the Métro closes the gaps. Four days covers the major museums and two or three neighbourhoods without rushing.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Mild, green and dry enough for long days outdoors.
• Summer: Hot in the south, busiest on the coast and in Paris.
• Autumn: Harvest season in the vineyards, warm days, fewer queues.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.