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Things to do in France

11 destinations in France, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in France

Best time to visit France

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Annecy
Fly in November through March (excluding Christmas/New Year) for the lowest fares, roughly 30-40% cheaper than July and August peak summer. Shoulder season in May or October offers good weather, thinner crowds, and mid-range prices.
Bordeaux
The cheapest months to fly to Bordeaux are November through early March (excluding Christmas/New Year), when fares from US hubs can be 30-45% lower than the July-August peak. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional 10-15% versus weekend flights.
Cannes
The cheapest months to fly into Nice for Cannes are November through early March, with savings of roughly 30-45% versus the July-August peak; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend fares by 15-20%, and avoiding the Film Festival fortnight in mid-May prevents both flight and hotel price spikes.
Chamonix
Fly in November through early December or late April to May for the cheapest fares, typically 35-50% lower than the peak winter ski season (Christmas, February half-term) and the peak summer hiking season (July-August). Midweek departures on Tuesday or Wednesday consistently beat weekend prices by an additional 10-15%.
Colmar
Fly in January through March or October for the lowest airfares, typically 30-45% cheaper than the peak summer (July-August) and the magical but pricey Christmas market season (late November-December). Midweek departures on Tuesday or Wednesday shave another 10-15% versus weekend flights.
Lyon
January through March and mid-November are the cheapest months to fly to Lyon, with transatlantic fares often 25-40% lower than July-August peaks. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) typically saves an additional 10-15% over weekend travel.
Marseille
Fly to Marseille in November through early March for the lowest fares, often 30-45% cheaper than July-August peak; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by another 10-15%. Spring (April-May) offers the best balance of mild weather, fewer crowds, and still-reasonable fares before summer demand spikes.
Nice
The cheapest months to fly to Nice are November through February (excluding Christmas/New Year), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can drop 35-45% below the July-August peak. Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently offer the lowest fares; booking 6-10 weeks out typically beats last-minute prices by 20-30%.
Paris
The cheapest months to fly to Paris are January through early March (excluding school holidays) and November, where round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-40% below summer peak prices. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional 10-15% over weekend flights.
Strasbourg
Flying in January through March or mid-October through mid-November yields the cheapest fares, often 30-40% below the peak summer (June-August) and Christmas market (late November-December) seasons. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by another 10-15%.
Toulouse
January through March and November are the cheapest months to fly to Toulouse, with round-trip fares from US hubs sometimes 30-40% lower than summer peaks. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by $50-100 per person.

Is France expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Annecy
About $56 a day on a shoestring, about $263 comfortably.
Bordeaux
About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $233 comfortably.
Cannes
About $56 a day on a shoestring, about $248 comfortably.
Chamonix
About $63 a day on a shoestring, about $293 comfortably.
Colmar
About $55 a day on a shoestring, about $245 comfortably.
Lyon
About $49 a day on a shoestring, about $228 comfortably.
Marseille
About $46 a day on a shoestring, about $223 comfortably.
Nice
About $53 a day on a shoestring, about $245 comfortably.
Paris
About $54 a day on a shoestring, about $247 comfortably.
Strasbourg
About $49 a day on a shoestring, about $243 comfortably.
Toulouse
About $44 a day on a shoestring, about $221 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in France

  • Annecy: Swim at Plage d'Albigny or Plage des Marquisats Public beaches on the crystal-clear lake with mountain views, completely free and stunning
  • Bordeaux: Stroll the Quais de Bordeaux 5 km of beautifully restored riverside promenade perfect for walking, cycling, or watching the sunset
  • Cannes: Stroll La Croisette at sunset The most glamorous free walk in France, with the Alps visible on clear evenings
  • Chamonix: Promenade des Planards Walk A flat, scenic riverside walk along the Arve River through the heart of Chamonix with stunning mountain views at zero cost.
  • Colmar: Wander the Tanner's Quarter (Quartier des Tanneurs) A photogenic maze of restored 17th-century tannery houses, no ticket, no crowds at dawn.
  • Lyon: Parc de la Tête d'Or Huge urban park with a free zoo, botanical garden, and rose garden perfect for a full afternoon

Cheap eats in France

  • Café de la Tour in Annecy, Tartiflette or croque-monsieur with a glass of local Savoie wine Plates $10-15
  • Le Cheap in Bordeaux, Croque-monsieur or daily tartine special Plates $6-10
  • La Tarterie in Cannes, Savoury quiche or tarte du jour with salad Plates $9-13
  • MBC (Micro Brasserie de Chamonix) in Chamonix, Burger with a local craft beer Plates $14-18
  • Winstub Brenner in Colmar, Choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with three meats) Plates $14-20
  • Café Comptoir Abel in Lyon, Quenelle de brochet (pike dumpling in cream sauce) Plates $14-18

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