French is the official language of the country.
English is widely understood in big cities and tourist areas.
Direct flight: Approximately 7h
Connecting flight: 10h to 15h (depending on connection times)
France time zone: UTC+1
6h ahead of Quebec (EST)
6h ahead of Quebec (EDT)
Euro (EUR)
Credit cards are widely accepted. We recommend keeping a bit of cash on hand for small purchases, tips, parking, markets, bakeries, and visits to small villages.
In France, tipping is not required but always appreciated. At restaurants, if service is not included, leaving 15% is customary. For taxi fares, we recommend 5% to 10%. For guides or hotel staff, €1 to €5 is appropriate.
Travellers should stay alert while visiting France. Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in busy tourist areas. It is best to keep money and valuables in an antitheft bag.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s France Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
A must-see for history enthusiasts and art lovers, the Lascaux Cave is a 17,000-year-old treasure. Located in Dordogne, this UNESCO-listed site captivates visitors with its fascinating cave paintings—a true journey back to prehistoric time.
The Dune du Pilat, located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is the highest sand dune in Europe. From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Landes Forest, the Arcachon Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Arguin Sandbank—a highlight for nature and landscape lovers.
Located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Auvergne volcanoes form a spectacular chain of extinct volcanoes. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is famous for its majestic craters, emerald lakes, thermal springs, and lush forests.
In Occitanie, in southern France, stands the world’s tallest Roman aqueduct: the Pont du Gard. This UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes over a million visitors each year. Surrounded by garrigue, olive trees, and clear waters, the site is magnificent.
A must-see for history enthusiasts and art lovers, the Lascaux Cave is a 17,000-year-old treasure. Located in Dordogne, this UNESCO-listed site captivates visitors with its fascinating cave paintings—a true journey back to prehistoric time.
The Dune du Pilat, located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is the highest sand dune in Europe. From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Landes Forest, the Arcachon Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Arguin Sandbank—a highlight for nature and landscape lovers.
Located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Auvergne volcanoes form a spectacular chain of extinct volcanoes. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is famous for its majestic craters, emerald lakes, thermal springs, and lush forests.
In Occitanie, in southern France, stands the world’s tallest Roman aqueduct: the Pont du Gard. This UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes over a million visitors each year. Surrounded by garrigue, olive trees, and clear waters, the site is magnificent.
Vast cultural heritage with museums and art collections among the finest in the world.
Diverse natural landscapes and a varied climate, from the sunny Mediterranean coast to the snow-covered Alpine resorts.
Gastronomy recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Cradle of the French language and heart of francophone culture.
The French consider greetings a fundamental mark of respect. Always greet staff with “Bonjour” (hello) or “Bonsoir” (good evening) when entering a restaurant or a store.
Meal times in France differ from those in North America. Dinner is typically served later, usually between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Theft of rental cars or their contents is common near southern beaches and at highway rest stops. We recommend keeping all valuables out of sight.
“The French Riviera completely won me over with its hilltop villages, colourful markets, and pebble beaches lining the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. From Monaco’s luxury to the elegance of cities such as Nice, every stop offers a unique and unforgettable experience.”
Golden, buttery, and irresistibly flaky, French viennoiseries are pure indulgence. Croissants, pains au chocolat, and apple turnovers are timeless favourites—perfect for breakfast or a sweet break in an artisan bakery.
An absolute classic of Parisian patisserie, macarons perfectly embody French elegance and refinement. With their crisp shells and velvety filling, they offer a texture like no other. They come in a rainbow of colours and flavours—vanilla, strawberry, lemon, chocolate, pistachio, and many more.
With its thin, long shape; golden crispy crust; and soft, airy crumb, the French baguette is simply irresistible. You can enjoy this traditional bread at any time of day with butter, jam, cheese, or charcuterie. A symbol of French conviviality and culinary tradition.
Cassoulet, a traditional dish from southwestern France, is a slow-cooked stew of white beans, duck confit, sausage, and sometimes pork. Simmered in an earthenware pot, it reveals the French countryside’s rich, comforting, and generous flavours.
Foie gras is a southwestern France delicacy made with duck or goose liver delicately seasoned and slowly cooked. Its velvety texture and rich flavours pair beautifully with champagne’s crisp effervescence.
A signature dish of Nice and Provençal cuisine, Niçoise salad combines fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and anchovies. Topped with a drizzle of olive oil, it captures the freshness and generosity of Mediterranean flavours.
Pastis is a Provençal aperitif made with anise and licorice. Served in a glass with four to six parts of cold water, it reveals a smooth, refreshing taste. Pair it with savoury olives, tapenade, or peanuts to balance its gentle aniseed flavours.
The best time to visit France is during spring, from April to June. The weather is pleasant, tourist attractions are less crowded, and many gardens are in full bloom.
Autumn, particularly September and October, is also a great time to explore France. The fall colours are stunning, there are fewer tourists, and it is the season of grape harvests in wine regions.
During summer, tourist sites are often packed, prices are higher, and many locals go on vacation—meaning some shops and restaurants may be closed.
In France, the high-speed train (TGV) is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities. For getting around within cities, public transportation—such as buses and the metro—is efficient and affordable. If you are planning to explore the countryside, small villages, or the mountains, renting a car is highly recommended for greater flexibility and access.
10 to 14 days.
It offers the perfect balance between exploring major cities and discovering regional highlights.
Cannes Film Festival, in May, for approximately 12 days. As the most prestigious film festival in the world, it is a unique chance to spot celebrities on the red carpet, soak in the glamorous atmosphere, and even watch free outdoor film screenings. Even without tickets, the experience is well worth the trip.
Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, held each October in Paris’s Montmartre district. This week-long festival celebrates the grape harvest from the Montmartre vineyard. Enjoy wine tastings, regional food, parades, concerts, and a joyful mix of culture, gastronomy, and tradition.
Nice Carnival, during two weeks in February. One of Europe’s largest and most colourful carnivals, it features vibrant parades, elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, live music, and the famous Flower Battle along the Promenade des Anglais. It is a perfect way to soak up Nice’s culture and the Mediterranean lifestyle’s charm.
Alsace Christmas Markets, mainly in Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse, from late November to late December. Those Christmas markets are among the most magical in Europe. Twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a cozy atmosphere transform the towns into a winter wonderland. Expect Alsatian delicacies, handmade crafts, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
The Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea
Departures: Aug 16, 2026, May 04, 2027
On demand price
South of France
Departure: Sep 14, 2026
On demand price
Corsica
Departures: Aug 29, 2026, Sep 02, 2026 + 11 other dates
Price from $2,119 $2,013
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