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France

France Travel Guide

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Lac de Serre Ponçon, France, July 2025.

Violette Franchi for Lonely Planet

Overview

France seduces travelers with iconic landmarks and cafe terraces, epic history and bustling village life. Experiences - and cuisine - to be savored.

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Cultural Pillars of Paris and the French Countryside

13 days / 12 nights

highlights

  1. 1Cruising through Paris on a scenic, sightseeing boat tour that winds up and down the Seine River
  2. 2Shopping at Parisian neighborhood markets and cooking French fare with a local chef
  3. 3Basking in the cultural charm of Mantes-la-Jolie and Pont-Audemer in the French countryside
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  • The French Riviera and Provence: A Journey Through Authentic France
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    11 days / 10 nights

    The French Riviera and Provence: A Journey Through Authentic France

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From bistros in Paris to Loire Valley castles and the finest wines, find out what France has to offer.

Read full article

Best Places to Visit

You can admire them from afar, but for full immersion in France's châteaux, nothing beats staying the night and dining like royalty.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Fantastic France has something to offer travelers every month of the year. Here’s a full season-by-season guide.

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Things to Know

It's easy to assume familiarity in France, where it's ubiquitous in art and cinema. Here's the inside track on travel advice only French locals can give.

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Transportation

From cycling to catching trains, buses and river barges, here's everything you need to know about getting around in France.

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Visa Requirements

From visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone to working holidays, here's everything you need to know about the visa requirements for France.

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Money and Costs

A trip to France doesn't have to be a luxury bucket list item. These handy tips make traveling there (and enjoying it ) so approachable, no matter the budget.

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Best Road Trips

Explore France by car with our favorite road-tripping routes.

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Spending Diaries

Lonely Planet contributor Laura Motta shows us how she threw together a quick, inexpensive weekend in Bordeaux, France.

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