A trip to France is one of those experiences that can change your life, especially if you don’t live in a big city. It’s not just a vacation, t’s a true immersion in the history, art, gastronomy, and scenic beauty of one of the most fascinating countries in the world!!
From the elegant Parisian boulevards to the cliffs of Brittany, from the vineyards of Burgundy to the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera: every corner of France tells a different story and offers much more than the stereotypical “romantic getaway.”
France has something for every type of traveler: art lovers, families with kids, couples, and solo travelers in search of inspiration. Read our complete guide to the 10 must-see places and how to stay connected abroad to plan the perfect trip!
The best time to visit France
Let’s be honest: France is beautiful all year round, and the “ideal time” depends on the areas you want to visit and the experiences you’re looking for:
- Spring (April–June): mild weather, spectacular blooms, and cities that are much less crowded. These are the perfect months to visit Paris, the Loire Valley, and Provence.
- Summer (July–August): obviously the best time to visit the French Riviera, as well as the Pyrenees. Be mindful of mass tourism and high prices.
- Autumn (September–October): harvest season, with its warm colors and cozy atmosphere, is also the least touristy time—perfect for visiting wine regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux.
- Winter (December–February): if you love winter sports, don’t miss a day of skiing in the Alps, but winter is also the perfect time to enjoy the Christmas spirit in Strasbourg or Lyon.
10 unmissable places and activities in France
Paris
This city is a true global icon, with its Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. But Paris is so much more than just its famous landmarks—you can stroll along the Seine, explore local markets, and enjoy authentic French cuisine in charming bistros. Paris is a city to savor slowly, allowing yourself time to get lost in its many neighborhoods.
👉 Recommended activity: don’t just go for a walk—treat yourself to an evening cruise on the Seine to admire the illuminated monuments.
Provence
Here you’ll find the perfect blend of nature and charm! In summer, the landscape turns purple thanks to the beautiful lavender fields, and villages like Gordes and Roussillon look like they came straight out of a fairy tale.
You’ll also find excellent wines and many traditional markets in Provence.
👉 Recommended activity: enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery.
Loire Valley
If you love history and architecture, the Loire Valley is a must-see! You’ll find dozens of Renaissance castles surrounded by gardens and vineyards…a landscape like no other.
Château de Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise are some of the most famous sites, but there’s so much more to see!
👉 Recommended activity: explore the valley by bike, thanks to the cycle paths along the river.
Bordeaux
An elegant and modern city, now synonymous with fine wines!! Its historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can visit the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum entirely dedicated to wine culture.
👉 Recommended activity: don’t miss a winery tour in the surrounding areas, such as Médoc and Saint-Émilion.
French Riviera
The French Riviera is the ultimate destination for luxury and relaxation! Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and small gems like Èze and Antibes offer travelers dreamy beaches, crystal-clear waters, high-end fashion boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants for unforgettable seaside dinners!
👉 Recommended activity: enjoy a sunset stroll along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
Strasbourg
A city with unique charm, thanks to its Franco-German architecture and a fairy-tale-like historic center. One of the most picturesque areas is the famous Petite France district, with its typical half-timbered houses.
👉 Recommended activity: visit the Christmas market, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Mont Saint-Michel
You’ll fall in love with it! This abbey is built on a rocky islet and is definitely one of the most iconic places in France. The tide rises and falls, surrounding the island and creating a natural spectacle unlike any other. A magical spot, perfect for amazing photography.
👉 Recommended activity: treat yourself to a guided tour of the abbey to discover its legends and hidden stories!
Lyon
As charming as Paris but less crowded, Lyon is especially famous for its cuisine, its typical restaurants called “bouchons,” and the Fête des Lumières.
👉 Recommended activity: take a cooking class with a local chef, you won’t regret it!
Chamonix
At the foot of Mont Blanc, this town is a paradise for sports lovers. You can go skiing in winter, trekking and mountaineering, and you’ll also find wellness centers and restaurants with breathtaking views!
👉 Recommended activity: for a spectacular view of the Alps, take a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
Brittany
A super charming region, shaped by the winds of the Atlantic! You’ll find fishing villages, lonely lighthouses, and delicious cuisine based on crêpes, oysters, and salted butter (you’ll literally find butter everywhere, even in tiny portions on restaurant tables).
👉 Recommended activity: walk along the GR34 trail and admire the spectacular Breton coastline.
How to stay connected in France
Having internet access abroad is essential, even during your trip to France, to check maps, use translation apps, or simply share your adventures in real time with friends and followers!
But what are your options?
- Public Wi-Fi: available in hotels, restaurants, and cafés, but often slow and not very secure
- Local SIMs: available in physical phone stores and some airports… but they take time and require a lot of paperwork to activate
- Roaming: using your regular phone plan to connect to French networks, but the rates can be very high
The ideal solution: France eSIM
The most convenient and high-tech way to get internet in France is definitely by using a France eSIM!
eSIMs are simply virtual SIM cards, with the technology already built into modern smartphones.
On www.esim.sm, you can choose and buy a France eSIM in just a few clicks and install it on your smartphone simply by scanning the QR code you receive by email after payment.
Main benefits of eSIM.sm
- Flexible plans from 1GB to 100GB
- Europe regional plan available (if your trip includes other European countries besides France)
- Rechargeable anytime from your personal area
- Install in just a few clicks by scanning the QR Code (or using the manual method)
- Wide compatibility (but we recommend checking HERE if your phone is compatible)
- Keep your phone number and continue using WhatsApp
- Speeds up to 5G
- Immediate activation as soon as you arrive in France!
- 24/7 multilingual support available
What to know before leaving for your trip to France
As with any trip, it’s important to learn about local customs, but luckily, we’ve done it for you! Here are some tips to keep in mind for your French adventure:
- Always say hello: in France, it’s polite to say “bonjour” and “au revoir,” even when entering and leaving shops
- Tips: usually included in the bill, but leaving a small extra is always appreciated
- Meal times: keep in mind that restaurants serve lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. and dinner from 7 to 9 p.m.
- Language: in bigger, more touristy cities you’ll find people who speak English, but in other areas—even in airports—it might be hard to find English speakers… so prepare a few useful phrases in French.
