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FRANCE

DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real France in a way like no other. From the very first day, it will be easy to see why France attracts more visitors than any other country on Earth. An intoxicating blend of sweeping vineyards, romantic cities and quaint coastal villages, a French trip with Trafalgar can be as varied as a Bordeaux wine menu. We fill your tour of France with the many highlights of this country, taking in the soaring 8th century church of Mont St. Michel and saving time for the authentic scents at Fragonard Parfumerie. Back in Paris, we catch the iconic Moulin Rouge and devote an entire day to the breathtaking enormity of The Louvre museum. Live out the fairytale of an Audrey Hepburn film and experience an international reputation for sophisticated art, food and culture. With us, France will be every bit as wonderful as you dream it to be.Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.

"I like to take my guests behind the curtains of my country, sharing family stories from what my Grand Dad recalled of Dunkirk, my Parents of 1968 students uprising to what my children experience at school today. It's a bit like inviting my group to the sunday family lunch table, and of course, there will also be some food recipe talking, because it is in our blood!"

Chantal,

Travel Director

France at a

glance

Currency

Euro

Winter avg temp

5°C

Summer avg temp

20°C

Time Zone

GMT +2

Capital City

Paris

Language

French

Good Morning

Bonjour

Good evening

Bonsoir

Image by Annie Spratt
Image by Alex Holyoake
Image by Léonard Cotte

With sweeping vineyards, ancient architecture, romantic cities and quaint coastal villages, there's no wonder France attracts more visitors than any other country on earth. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director to live out the fairytale of a French holiday.

Image by Kelsey Knight
Image by George Kourounis

Our top 3 things to do in France

From a lavish French palace to the rolling grape vines of Bordeaux. Trafalgar ticks off all the best things to do in France, allowing time to immerse in the decadence of this incredible country.

Visit the wine capital of Bordeaux

While the city of Bordeaux offers a high-class collection of wines, it is also well-known for its decadent food. We visit local restaurants that highlight Bordeaux’s fresh local produce, from wild oysters and mushrooms to juicy raspberries and freshly plucked figs. Absorb the best of Bordeaux with a wine-tasting tour and a visit to the gothic Cathédrale St-André.

Enjoy Moulin Rouge Cabaret show in Paris

Founded in 1889, Moulin Rouge is known as the birthplace of modern can-can dancing. Easily recognizable by the red windmill that adorns its roof, you will uncover the layers of romance and bohemia in the city of Paris during a night out at Moulin Rouge.

Be amazed by Mont St. Michel on the Normandy coast

Early in the 8th century, a soaring church was built on the island of Mont St. Michel found along France’s Normandy Coast. With monasteries and fortifications added during medieval times, Mont St. Michel is a highlight of our tour to France.

Best museums in France

As the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous artists, it isn’t surprising that France has an impressive list of museums to uncover. From the Mona Lisa to the Musée d'Orsay, our trips soak up the authentic artistic culture of France.

The Louvre

Many visitors travel to the Louvre to glimpse the alluring Mona Lisa. But Leonardo Da Vinci’s artwork is just one page in the story of this opulent museum. Here you will uncover many precious artefacts, including the classical Greek statue Venus de Milo, Egyptian mummies and paintings from King Louis XIV’s personal collection.

Centre Pompidou

Constructed to resemble a building turned inside out, this museum's exterior is as experimental as the art it houses. Soak up performances by entertainers in the building’s front piazza before discovering a panoramic view of Parisian landmarks from the top floor. You’ll want to savour every moment of our visit to Centre Pompidou.

Musée d'Orsay

Built inside a railway station as glamourous as a palace, Musée d'Orsay inspires awe with its enchanting art collection. Admire impressionist art, modern sculptures, furniture and photography spread across four levels. Finish with a rest by the enormous clock windows, taking in the views of the Paris streets below.

Best food in France

Food is an integral part of French culture, with leisurely two-hour lunch breaks considered a normal part of everyday life. With Trafalgar, you'll sample the country’s culinary highlights for a deeper understanding of how life and food connect here.

Baked Camembert

First made in France, camembert is a creamy cheese with a rind exterior produced from cow’s milk. The unique baking process creates a cheese that is best appreciated with fresh, crusty bread. A perfect accompaniment to a good bottle of French red wine.

Crêpes

French cuisine celebrates both savoury and sweet ingredients, not just in the form of croissants. Find true street-food joy in the popular dessert of crêpes, with strawberries, Nutella, bananas and lemon curd just some of the toppings loved by locals and travelers alike. Or, try the national specialty crêpes Suzette with orange zest and caramelised butter.

Coq au Vin

One of France’s most famous recipes, Coq au Vin features wine-braised chicken served alongside ingredients like mushrooms and bacon. Across the country you will try many regional versions of this comforting dish, which translates fittingly to “rooster/cock with wine”.

Comfortable shoes

While France is one of the fashion capitals of the world, style comes secondary to comfort when choosing shoes for your visit. With days of exploring paired with cobblestone streets, practical walking shoes will trump elegant high-heeled styles.

Security items

Though safety is high in most parts of France, it always pays to be protected from pickpockets with items like anti-theft bags. That way you can relax and feel assured during chance encounters with strangers.

French/English phrasebook

The French take great pride in their language. Pack a French phrasebook and you will find yourself connecting better with local culture, even if you start with a few broken words before swapping to English.

Weather-appropriate clothing

Packing items like a waterproof jacket, umbrella and scarf will see you prepared for unexpected weather changes. With many micro-climates found across the country of France, geographic temperature changes are a certainty.

Mini binoculars

Take your sightseeing to a microscopic level with a compact pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass. These will enhance views from tall buildings and mountainous settings, and allow you to enjoy finely detailed artworks.

What to pack for France

Image by Alice Donovan Rouse

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Road Trip Adventures

Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!

Guide to France Visa Application

Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for France and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.

  This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.

Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience! 

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