Practical info for a trip to France

When to go

The months we recommend going: February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

• February

  Menton14°C

  From mid-February the Fête du Citron fills Menton with giant sculptures made of lemons and oranges.

• April

  Corsica18°C

  In April the maquis blooms across Corsica, filling the air with scent, and the trails are cool and quiet.

• May

  Cannes21°C

  In May the Film Festival brings red carpets and stars to the Croisette, with the Riviera sea already sparkling.

  Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer22°C

  On 24-25 May the Roma pilgrimage carries Saint Sarah to the sea, while white horses and flamingos fill the Camargue.

• June

  Paris24°C

  On 21 June the Fête de la Musique fills every street with free concerts, on the longest evenings of the year.

  Annecy24°C

  By June the lake is warm enough to swim in, the cycle path is in full use and the Alps still have snow on top.

• July

  Corsica28°C

  July is hiking-and-swimming season: warm coves on the coast and river pools in the mountain valleys.

  Provence27°C

  Lavender fields, sun-soaked villages, and wine tours.

• August

  Brittany22°C

  In early August the Interceltic Festival in Lorient fills the coast with bagpipes and Celtic music, in mild weather.

• September

  Burgundy22°C

  The vendanges begin in September: pickers fill the Côte d'Or vineyards and village cellars open for tastings.

• October

  Corsica22°C

  October still offers a warm sea and dry trails, while the coves empty out after the summer crowds.

• November

  Beaujolais11°C

  On the third Thursday of November the Beaujolais Nouveau is released and celebrated in every village of the region.

• December

  Strasbourg5°C

  The Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, fills the old town with lights and mulled wine.

  Lyon7°C

  Around 8 December the Fête des Lumières turns façades and squares into giant light shows for four nights.

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