The best time to visit France

One of the most important aspects of planning a dream vacation in France is deciding when to go. The best time to visit France, however, is determined by the destination as well as the purpose of the vacation. Summertime, for example, is ideal for beach vacations in the south of France, while late spring is ideal for exploring Paris's sidewalk cafés and lush gardens.

The peak season, as in most Western European countries, is in the summer, especially during the school holidays in July and August. Millions of people, both foreign and French, are on vacation during this time of year, so all of the famous landmarks are crowded. It is recommended that you visit France in May/June or late September to avoid the peak of the high season. The most well-known monuments will still be crowded, but much less so than during peak season, and lesser-known destinations will be uncrowded. On the other hand, with high temperatures and little rain, the weather remains pleasant.