France FAQs

Q. What is the best time to visit France?
The best time to visit France is from April to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the chance to enjoy France’s charm without the summer heat.

Q. Where should I go on holiday in France?
France has a destination for every traveller whether you’re dreaming of exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux, wandering the streets of Paris, or relaxing on the French Riviera, chat to our France travel specialists and let’s find your perfect holiday today!
A few of our favs:
· Paris – Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame.
· Provence – Stunning lavender fields, historic villages, and local markets.
· French Riviera – Glamorous beaches in Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.
· Loire Valley – Fairytale châteaux, vineyards, and scenic countryside.
· Normandy & Brittany – Coastal charm, history, and delicious seafood.
· Burgundy – Picturesque villages and world-class wine regions.

Q. How long should I visit France for?
For a well-rounded trip, we recommend 10–14 days. This allows you to explore Paris and add regions like the Loire Valley, Provence, or the French Riviera. For shorter trips, a week in Paris with day trips to places like Versailles or Champagne is a great option.

Q. How can I find the best holiday package to France?
Check out our France holiday deals section or subscribe to receive exclusive offers. Our travel specialists can craft a custom itinerary tailored to your preferences for a seamless and unforgettable experience

Q. Where should I stay in France?
France offers a variety of accommodation options:

· Luxury hotels & boutique stays in Paris and major cities.
· Charming countryside châteaux & farm stays in regions like Loire Valley and Provence.
· Coastal resorts along the French Riviera.
· Ski lodges & chalets in the Alps.
· Cozy B&Bs & apartments for a more local experience. Our France travel specialists us help you find the perfect place to stay!

Q. What is there to do in France?
France is brimming with experiences. Explore world-famous landmarks in Paris like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. Wine-tasting in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne regions. Relax on the beaches of the French Riviera. Visit Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most stunning medieval sites. Discover charming villages and lavender fields in Provence. Indulge in gourmet food experiences—from croissants in a Parisian café to Michelin-starred dining. Check out our favourite things to see and do in France.

Q. What should I pack for my trip to France?
For your trip to France, pack clothing that suits the season—light outfits for summer and warm layers for fall and winter. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobblestone streets, and a stylish outfit will come in handy if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants. A scarf is both a practical and fashionable choice, while a rain jacket or small umbrella can help with unpredictable weather.
Don’t forget a power adapter - France uses Type E plugs. Bring your credit or debit cards, some cash for small purchases.

Q. Do I need travel insurance for France?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or unexpected delays

Q. How do I get around in France?
The SNCF train system is globally regarded as providing a world-class service. If you’re looking for a fast, efficient, regular and extremely reliable means to get around France, you can’t go wrong with the train. Albeit not cheap, book in advance for the best deals. In the height of summer, you’re unlikely to be able to purchase tickets on the day you want to travel, especially on popular inter-city routes, as they will probably be fully booked. Always pre-purchase tickets at least three days in advance.

Note: France has banned short-haul domestic flights for any journeys that are possible in less than 2.5hrs by train (from May 2023) – in a bid to make transport greener and fairer for the population – trains are the way to go!
Quick facts:
· Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes.
· Average journey time between Paris-Châtelet and CDG airport is 35-40 minutes
· Arrival Stations: Gare du Nord, Châtelet les Halles, St Michel/Nôtre Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, Cité Universitaire.
· We guarantee after a 24+ hour flight from NZ, you won't want to deal with a transfer via public transport. Ask your HOT consultant about booking a transfer before you even leave NZ.

Q. What are some must-do activities in France?
Check out our France travel section for top recommendations, including cultural experiences, must-see landmarks, and local favourites.

Q. What are some family-friendly activities in France?
You can make almost any French activity as fun for children as it is for the adults. You can hire a locaboat – self skippered boat - for a week or so to take in the countryside. Take a ghost tour/walk in Paris or navigate the rural vineyards with a bike ride. If you’re critters are brave critters, cycle on a country road and wait for the trucks carrying hay bales to pass – nothing more fun than a hay storm!
In summer, many of the French farmers craft their fields into crazy mazes. A maize maze if you will. The French are also particularly good at designing a really great park, with all sorts of swings, slides and monkey bars.
If you’re not close to the coast, many municipals have manmade lakes with small slivers of sand and swimming pontoons. And you might not get the kids eating duck liver pate by lunchtime, but we bet they won’t mind a picnic with a pastry from the patisserie. Look out for the savoury options covered in shredded emmental cheese – the cheese makes the slice look excessively hairy and kids love it.