No matter when you visit France, prepare for national holidays, typical weather, major events, and more. The month-by-month calendar and trip planner discuss the pros and cons of each month, specific packing tips for each month, and more.
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the time of your next vacation in France.
January
In January, the Alps and other French mountain ranges offer some of the best (and most elegant) skiing in Europe as the snow increases, while the south of the country enjoys sunny days. for business hunger, they start sales regulated twice a year by the government.
Christmas may be over, but there is still the famous galette des rois cake celebrating efiphay on January 6.
Airfares offer special deals, even if you shop around for ski resorts. Hotels will also offer deals, but not in the Alps and mountain resorts unless you book last minute.
The semi-annual sales regulated by the government of the country begin.
February
This is the beginning of the peak ski season. This is a bargain time to fly to France. Government regulated semi-annual sales are ongoing. The annual Carnival or Mardi Gras celebrations begin, beginning with the famous Nice Carnival, one of the oldest in the world. Also, what could be more romantic than spending Valentine’s Day in Paris, although you might want to avoid the small town of Valentine’s Day?
March
March may be the last chance until late fall to visit France on a budget, find the best package deals, and avoid tourist swarms. The ski season is enjoying its last busy month. Paris in spring is at your fingertips. If Easter falls in March, many attractions will open.
Easter in France is a huge celebration, with incredible displays appearing in chocolate shops and bakeries. Different regions enjoy different traditions.
Also don’t miss events like the main antique fairs that take place during Easter, particularly the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Fair in Provence.
April The
Spring is really beginning, with flowers and trees beginning to show their spring colors. The weather is getting very hot in the south of the country, so you can take an early hike, go horseback riding, or do outdoor activities. All the main attractions and many smaller ones will be open.
Some of the big events in France take place in April and the big jazz festivals begin.
May
May is one of the most popular months to visit France, with good reason. The climate is warm, but still mild and comfortable. While there are crowds, they are not up to the height of summer. It is a good time to visit some of the wonderful gardens of France and the castles of the Loire Valley. In the south of France, the Villa Ephrussi on the Côte d’Azur celebrates its famous Rose Festival.
There are many events, festivals, and activities to keep visitors busy. The Cannes Film Festival attracts celebrities and commoners from around the world. Surprise your mother with a great getaway for France’s Fête des Mères , or Mother’s Day.
June
The tourist season is definitely here, but it hasn’t peaked yet. The weather is beautiful. The attractions have long hours, and there are festivals and events galore. Of course, crowds can be annoying, but you can always avoid them by choosing a lesser-known region and arriving at attractions early or late in the day.
In Normandy, events in June center around the D-Day landing beaches and commemorate 1944. If you’re going, book your hotel well in advance.
Try a hotel near the landing beaches.
July
Beach destinations are full of life, so choose your spa carefully. Everywhere, open-air markets are bustling with activity and produce. There are almost endless important events and festivals such as the famous music and arts festival in Avignon. It is very busy from July 14th, Bastille Day when the French traditionally take their annual leave. The Tour de France cycling race crosses the country.
If you visit one of the cities with a cathedral, you will find some wonderful illuminations at night; It is worth reserving a table at a nearby terrace café and watching the son-et-lumière show flashing on the facades. Particularly good cities for these sound and light shows include Chartres and Amiens. And the official summer sales start in France.
August
August is a month of mixed fortunes. It’s normally a great month of vacation, but in France (and especially in the north) it can be problematic. Most of the French are on vacation, certainly for the first 2 weeks until mid-August. But many take the entire month of August, which means some stores may be closed. Paris is particularly quiet, so it may be a good time to visit, although some restaurants may be closed.
Still, the attractions are usually open and it can be a bit quieter than the rest of the year. The south of France tends to be crowded, as many Northerners head to the beaches.
September
September is a wonderful month to visit France. The tourist season is ending, but you still get most of the positives of summer, such as warm weather and extended hours at attractions. Prices at hotels and airfares are starting to drop a bit. The nights, especially in the north, are starting to get that crisp, fresh touch. There are numerous events, among which the fairs , or bullfighting festivals, of the south of France stand out. Anyone who loves Paris in spring would have to adore it when fall begins to tint the tips of French leaves.
There are still many jazz festivals in operation and events such as the famous Braderie de Lille, the first weekend of September, when Europe’s largest antiques and antiques fair takes over the northern French city.
October
October is another ideal month to visit France. The leaves are turning as picturesque French towns surrender to fall. Halloween still retains its old-fashioned innocence in France, although it is not as celebrated here as in other countries. As the peak tourist season has passed, there are fewer lines and crowds, and more bargains on hotels and airfare.
The grapes are being harvested and it is a good time to book a wine tour. In Amiens, a large braderie antique fair takes over the city.
November
November is an amazing and delightful time to visit France. There are countless festivals and events to announce the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The leaves change color in a glorious autumn celebration, especially at the beginning of the month and in northern France. Towards the end of the month, the Christmas markets get underway. Even American and Canadian expats can find ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in France. The best part of the crowds has dissipated and hotel rates are dropping, yet temperatures are still not incredibly cold in most parts of the country.
Armistice Day is celebrated on November 11th and all towns, cities and towns have some kind of parade or event, although you will find most of the attractions in France are closed on this holiday.
December
December is the most magical and fascinating time to visit France. There are Christmas markets all over the country, including the century-old Strasbourg market. Shopping is really good. Shop windows are festooned with brightly colored lights and decorations for the holidays, and supermarket shelves are filled with French delicacies, chocolates and champagne. In the Pyrenees and the Alps, the ski resorts begin. The end of the month is New Years Eve, which is more of a public celebration than Christmas and should be celebrated and thoroughly enjoyed in Paris and the other lively cities in France.
More about Christmas in France
- How the French celebrate Christmas with ancient traditions
- Christmas food in France
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
