Brittany
With a mix of cute French towns, beautiful countryside and stunning coastline, try Brittany for your next escape
Holidays To France 2024/2025
Latest holiday deals in France
Our Complete Guide To France Holidays In 2024/2025
Imagine sipping a café au lait in a Parisian bistro, strolling through lavender fields in Provence, or exploring the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera. France, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine, offers an unparalleled holiday experience. For Britons looking for a delightful escape, France is a treasure trove of cultural, culinary, and scenic wonders. From the romantic streets of Paris to the rustic charm of its countryside, France is a mosaic of diverse experiences. Whether you're seeking a city break, a rural retreat, or a coastal getaway, France holidays promise memories to last a lifetime in 2024 & 2025.
Popular Areas In France
Paris
Whether exploring the city or experiencing the magic of Disneyland®, Paris is a magnificent holiday destination
Dordogne
Typically known for quiet breaks amongst incredible countryside, The Dordogne is an ideal escape for couples and families
Provence
Enjoying the southern French weather, Provence is home to dramatic landscapes and chic, beachside towns and cities
France Destination Guide
Getting to, from and around France
Getting There
There are different ways to get to France depending on where you're travelling from. For example, from central London, the Eurostar direct to Lille or Paris makes the most sense. For a city break in Nice from Scotland, flying is the better option, with direct flights from across the UK to a number of French airports. While travelling from Kent to Brittany is easiest and cost effective when taking the ferry and driving.
Skiing in the French Alps? You'll want to fly to Grenoble or Geneva in Switzerland, or you can even take the ski train from London, connecting via Paris. Enjoying a self catering cottage in the Dordogne? Compare the ferry and driving through France vs flying into Bordeaux. Looking to enjoy the vineyards of Provence? Try a flight into Nice or Marseille. Look at companies like the Eurostar, Eurotunnel, Brittany Ferries and Ryanair for budget friendly options.
Tour Operators & Package Holidays
Booking a flight and hotel package through a tour operator can be a great idea, especially if they are ABTA and/or ATOL protected. For simple options, look at the likes of Expedia or lastminute.com for a city break package, Eurocamp to enjoy one of the many holiday parks, Sunweb for a package ski holiday in the Alps or Pyrenees, or Shearings and National Holidays for various coach holiday itineraries.
Getting Around France
Car is by far one of the most popular ways to get around France and the French countryside. Taking your own car on the ferry or Eurotunnel means you've got a few home comforts, including being familiar with your own car when driving on the other side of the road. This can be particularly useful if you're planning to explore some of the smaller villages in areas like Normandy, the Loire Valley, or Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Car hire can also be useful when flying in. Train travel can also be a wonderful way to travel, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the beautiful French scenery as you sip on a glass of wine.
Holiday Types
City Breaks
Discover beautifully designed cities like Paris, Lille, Nice and Cannes, or discover some of the hidden gems throughout France including Annecy, the 'Venice of the Alps', Bordeaux, or Strasbourg
Holiday Parks
Dotted about throughout the country are various camp sites and holiday parks. These can range from quiet little countryside retreats to sprawlling family friendly resorts with kids' clubs, water parks and loads of entertainment. Driving can often be the best way to get to these as they are usually further away from some of the towns for public transport, but you can still fly and get taxis or airport transfers too. They make for ideal family holidays in France during the summer.
Self Catering Cottages
Just like Devon or Cornwall in the UK, France has a wonderful range of self catering cottages and holiday home accommodation. These are an idyllic way to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation, take in the scenery and live like a local when you head to the local markets.
Ski Holidays
Ski holidays in France are very popular both for well established fanatics in top resorts like Chamonix, Tignes, and Les 3 Vallees, as well as more budget friendly options in the Pyrenees.
Disneyland Paris Holidays
Who doesn't love Disney?! So being able to meeting Minnie and Mickey Mouse (or your other favourite character), try the thrilling rides in Fantasyland and Frontierland, or simply wander down Main Street and enjoy the Magic Castle views, is just a truly magical experience.
When To Go
Spring (March-May): The countryside blooms with flowers – perfect for rural retreats and avoiding the summer crowds in tourist hotspots like Paris, the Cote d'Azure and Corsica. Summer (June-August): Ideal for beach holidays all around the French coast, and enjoying the vibrant summer festivals. Autumn (September-November): Witness the grape harvest in the wine regions. A great time to visit to skip the queues and enjoy weather while it's not too hot. Winter (December-February): Perfect for skiing in the Alps and experiencing the festive Christmas markets of Lille or Strasbourg. Expect much colder temperatures and many shops and attractions close in the winter months.
Things to do in France
Relaxing In The Countryside
Whether it's the lavender fields of Provence, the rugged coastline of Brittany, or the serene vineyards of Bordeaux, France's landscapes are as varied as they are beautiful. These settings provide the perfect backdrop for activities like hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a leisurely picnic.
Architecture & History
France is steeped in history and architectural marvels. Take in the iconic Eiffel Tower, the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, or the splendid Château de Versailles. Each region boasts its own historical gems, from the medieval castles of the Loire Valley to the ancient Roman ruins in Provence.
Food & Drink
No trip to France is complete without savouring its world-renowned cuisine. From the delicate pastries in Parisian patisseries to the hearty coq au vin in a rural bistro, French food is a delight. Don't miss the chance to sample local cheeses and wines, which are a key part of the country's culinary heritage.
Shopping
France is a shopper's paradise, offering everything from high fashion in Paris to charming flea markets in small towns. Whether you're looking for designer clothing, antiques, or artisanal crafts, you'll find plenty of treasures to take home.
Family Time
Of course, one of the best reasons to get away is family time. Whether you're playing board games in a cozy cottage in Brittany, splashing around on the waterslides and lazy river at a holiday park in Languedoc, or meeting your favourite characters at Disneyland Paris, quality time together is most important.
Where to holiday in France
France, a country replete with diverse landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture, offers a myriad of holiday destinations that cater to every taste. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of the great outdoors, a gastronomy enthusiast, or simply in search of relaxation, France has the perfect spot for your holiday.
Paris
No trip to France is complete without visiting its capital, Paris. Known for its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, and world-class museums including the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, Paris is a dream for culture and art enthusiasts. Stroll along the Seine, explore charming neighbourhoods like Montmartre, and enjoy the unrivalled culinary scene.
The French Riviera (Cote d'Azur)
Synonymous with glamour and luxury, the French Riviera in the South of France, stretching from Saint-Tropez to the Italian border, offers stunning Mediterranean beaches, picturesque towns, and a perfect sunny climate. Nice, with its famous Promenade des Anglais, vibrant markets, and beautiful old town, is a great base. Don't miss the glitz of Monaco and the charming streets of Cannes.
Provence
Known for its lavender fields, rolling vineyards, and historic towns, Provence is a feast for the senses. The region offers a slower pace of life ideal for relaxation. Explore the rustic charm of towns like Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, and enjoy the region's renowned cuisine and wine.
Loire Valley
Often referred to as the 'Garden of France', the Loire Valley is famed for its stunning châteaux, such as Chambord and Chenonceau, and its vineyards. It's a perfect destination for history lovers and those interested in French architecture and gardening.
Normandy
Rich in history, Normandy offers a mix of beautiful coastline, including the dramatic cliffs of Étretat, and significant historical sites like the D-Day beaches and the medieval city of Rouen. It’s a region that combines natural beauty with a deep historical significance.
French Alps
Ideal for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers, towns like Chamonix and Annecy offer breathtaking mountain scenery, numerous hiking trails, and some of the world's best skiing.
Corsica
Often described as a miniature continent, Corsica is a gem in the Mediterranean, offering a blend of rugged natural beauty, quaint hilltop villages, and stunning coastal scenery. This island, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, is characterized by its diverse landscapes – from the pristine, white sandy beaches of the coastline to the dense forests and craggy peaks of its interior. The island's culture and cuisine are a unique mix of French and Italian influences, providing a distinct experience compared to mainland France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there all inclusive holidays to France?
France isn't typically known as an all inclusive destination, however there are all inclusive holidays to France available in places like the Club Med resorts in Provence, Charente Maritime and Vosges.
When is the cheapest time to go to France?
The cheapest time to go to France is in winter. There is much less demand so both travel and accommodation can be much cheaper than the summer months, however, expect much colder weather and some shops, bars, restaurants and attractions to be closed.
Holidays By Ferry
For those who prefer to travel by sea, ferries from the UK to France offer a scenic and relaxing alternative. Departing from various ports in the UK, these ferries sail to several French destinations including Calais, Dunkirk, and Normandy. Ferry travel allows you to bring your own car, giving you the freedom to explore France at your leisure. The journey itself can be a delightful part of your holiday, with onboard amenities like restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Plus, the coastal approach to France provides stunning views – a perfect start to your French holiday adventure.
