Say bonjour to the good life – Alpine vistas, hidden rural gems and arguably the world’s best cheese
France Tours & Trips
Our Top Destinations in France
Activities in France
Our Best Trips to France
Meet the Expert
Danny Bell – Product Manager France
“We’ve secured exclusive access to three beautiful chalets for our Mont Blanc Highlights trip this year, which really sets this adventure apart. I know from experience that there’s nothing like ending an incredible day of Alpine hiking in a warm and welcoming home-from-home. In particular, Chalet Bediere has a central location in Chamonix, which makes it ideal for exploring the world-famous mountain resort. ”
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How many days is sufficient when touring France?
Our tours to France typically span between six and 15 days, depending on the destination and itinerary.
The majority are around eight days in length, which gives you plenty of time to immerse yourself in your destination and sample the best that the area has to offer, while still giving you plenty of time to relax in between transfers.
What is the best way to explore France?
The best way to explore France is entirely down to your preferences.
We find that cycling, trekking and walking adventure holidays are great ways to explore and experience the country. They let you see France from a close and personal perspective – smells, sounds, sights, tastes and conversations with locals all make for a one-of-a-kind visit.
FAQs on Trips to France
What do I need to travel to France?
All visitors from the UK can travel to France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. You do not need evidence of a negative PCR test or Covid vaccination, either; just a passport with three months validity.
Your list of things to pack when heading on a trip to France depends on what you’ll be doing.
Any trip involving hiking or walking calls for a pair of strong, comfortable walking boots, and clothes that suit the season. In warmer times of the year, lightweight, sweat-wicking layers and thin waterproofs are a good idea, as well as sun cream. For winter, warm underlayers, wind and waterproof layers, and a hat and gloves to keep the cold at bay.
Aside from that, when travelling to France, you’ll need to bring any personal effects, like a camera, travel watercolour set and so forth.
What is the currency for France?
France’s currency is the Euro (€).
French towns and cities have plenty of bureau de change locations where you can exchange money. However, you may find that purchasing foreign exchange for your trip to France is cheaper using an overseas debit card, or at a local bureau de change in your home country.
What is the weather like in France?
France’s weather differs depending on the location and season. Overall, its climate is temperate and seasonal so, while it’s typically mild, hot and cold extremes can be common in the summer and winter months. Autumn is typically much wetter than the rest of the year, too.
That being said, France is a large country which straddles several climate zones:
- Southern France has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, mild winters and less rainfall than elsewhere.
- Central and Eastern France has a continental climate, with hot summers, cold winters and plenty of rainfall.
- Western France’s climate is oceanic, with milder conditions year-round and lots of rainfall.
What time of the year is best to go to France?
The best time to visit France depends on the activities that you want to experience during your trip.
For the hottest, sunniest weather, July and August is the best, though beware that this is also the country’s busiest tourist season.
April to June and September to October are good choices for warmer weather and fewer crowds – great if you want more of the country to yourself, such as a higher likelihood of getting a spot at top restaurants. If you want to travel to destinations like Corsica, this can be the best time of the year to visit.
Low season, between November and March, is much quieter on account of the wintry weather, though you may find that some opening hours for shops, bars and restaurants are a little restricted. Mountainous areas of France like Chamonix in the French Alps are often busier in these months, on account of the ski season.
What is French tipping culture like?
In France, tipping is not expected or required.
You can leave a supplementary tip for great service but you’re not obliged to do so. And if service is included in the bill, the venue must, by French law, state ‘15% service compris’ at the bottom of the bill – this statement by the French government sets out the practice.
Can I arrange my own travel?
Yes, you can arrange your own travel depending on your requirements. Just talk to any of our team when making your booking – they’ll be able to accommodate your own travel arrangements. If you want them to customise your travel plans for you, they can help you with that, too.
Do I need a visa to visit France?
At the time of writing (January 2023), visitors from the UK do not need a visa to visit France if they are travelling there for 80 days or less within a 180-day period. View up-to-date entry requirements via the government’s advice site.
In an emergency, can I use my EHIC in France?
Yes, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the newer UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access medical treatment the same way as a person from France can do.
These cards are not a valid replacement for travel insurance. Every person travelling with Exodus must have a valid policy in place for the duration of their trip to France – find out more here.
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