When is the Best Time to Visit France: Paris, Nice, Provence, Bordeaux, Lyon

This article will give you an insight on the best time to visit France, the best time to visit popular attractions: Paris, Nice, Provence, Bordeaux, Lyon. Read on to know more.

With sumptuous vineyards, ancient castles and stunning coastline it is easy to see why France attracts over 85.7 million tourists every year.

Sharing boarders with Spain, Germany and Belgium France is easily accessible throughout the year by plane, train, car or ferry.

Boasting balmy summers, glowing autumns and winters perfect for skiing each region of France has a perfect time to visit. Check out when the best times to visit France.

Best Time to Visit Paris, France

Being the bustling capital city Paris attracts visitors throughout the year with seemingly no let up. Cities are best explored when the sun is shining but not beating down with great heat.

See more: Where to Stay in Paris, How many days in Paris

There is nothing less pleasant than being sticky and sweaty walking round museums and mausoleums trying to take it all in. Late September, into October is the best time to visit Paris, France, with the leaves turning green to red and a light breeze hanging in the air Paris is at its most magical in the autumn.

Best Time to Visit Paris, France: The Louvre pyramid
The Louvre pyramid

For those of you who enjoy the heat then June, July and August are perfectly acceptable times to visit Paris too. Being the European school holidays the city is alive with families exploring and learning about the capital’s deep and fruitful history. If you’re a fashion fanatic then the answer is easy, you simply must be in Paris during Paris Fashion Week; hosted in late September every year.

Best Time to Visit Nice, France

Nice is a pleasure to visit regardless of the time of year or season. Room rates drops in the spring months of March and April and during autumnal September and October meaning there are some great cheap accommodation options available that would otherwise out of the price range for many budget travellers; making the low season the best time to visit Nice.

With year round balmy Mediterranean weather Nice reaches peak heats of 26*C in the summer months.

Best Time to Visit Nice, France
Nice France

Sporting enthusiasts gather in Nice in September for the Nice Regatta, a wholly impressive affair that draws crowds from the world over.

For visitors who appreciate the classical music in impressive open spaces then January is the time to visit in order to attend the Prom Classic events. Be sure to pack a shawl as the winter months stoop to a cool 15*C at night.

Read also: Where to Stay in Nice

Best Time to Visit Provence, France

In terms of value for money December to February is the best time to visit Provence as accommodation rates are at their yearly low. However, with rainy mornings and overcast afternoons the winter is not the best for weather.

Do as the Parisians do and head south to Provence between June and August to soak up some sun and breath in the fresh, rural air.

Best Time to Visit Provence, France
Provence France

With temperatures ranging from 18-29*C through the summer months Provence attracts hundreds of thousands of sun seeking visitors to its lavender laced ands. Provence is the epitome of quaint, rural and classic french existence.

In mid-July Provence hosts the Festival Avignon one of the most popular events in the South of France. With art exhibitions, independent film screening and live music Provence comes to live during July’s Festival Avignon each year.

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux, France

Nestled away in the South West, Bordeaux is France’s foremost wine producing region and for that reason alone attracts a constant flow of visitors throughout the year.

For the avid enthusiast or even training sommelier then April is the best time to visit Bordeaux as the chateaus open their doors to the public for their all important wine tasting sessions.

If you want to watch the grape harvest then time your visit for September when the evenings get colder and the the leaves start to change.

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux France

Avid music lovers flock to Bordeaux during September and October for the Opera season. Featuring the finest artists and performers from across the globe the Bordeaux Opera season is a once in a lifetime classical music extravaganza. With daily temperatures hitting a pleasant 19*C the best time to visit Bordeaux for weather and events is surely September.

See Also: Where to Stay in Bordeaux, France: Best Area & Hotel Travel Guide

Best Time To Visit Lyon, France

Lyon may not be your first choice holiday destination in France, set in the heart of the country Lyon is far from beaches and National Parks.

As with the rest of France the best time to visit Lyon if seeking best value for money is in the low season from September through to March. With Christmas Markets and New Year Celebration there are still plenty of reasons to visit Lyon in the cooler, drier winter months.

Best Time To Visit Lyon, France
Lyon France

Lyon boasts over 2000 hours of sunshine every year and in the summer months temperatures rise to over 26*C. A stroll through Vieux Lyon of a cool summers evening is a wonderful addition to any trip to Lyon. The lake in Parc de la Tête d’Or glistens in the July sunshine and is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and embrace the French way of life.

What is the best month to go to France?

There is no one best month to visit France, as the country has a lot to offer throughout the year and different regions have their own unique charms and attractions.

The weather in France can vary significantly depending on the region, so it’s worth considering your destination and what type of weather you prefer when deciding on the best time to visit.

That being said, some popular times to visit France include the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is generally warm and there are a variety of outdoor festivals and events.

The spring and fall can also be pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

If you’re looking to experience France’s world-famous ski resorts, then the winter months of December through February would be the best time to visit.

What is the cheapest month to visit France?

The cheapest time to visit France generally depends on several factors, including demand for travel to the country, the exchange rate, and the cost of flights and accommodations.

In general, you may be able to find lower prices on travel to France during the shoulder season, which is typically from late September to early November and from March to May.

Prices may also be lower during the winter months, from December to February, although you may have to contend with colder weather.

To get the best deals, it’s a good idea to book your travel well in advance and to be flexible with your dates. You may also be able to save money by traveling during the week rather than on weekends, and by avoiding popular holidays and events.

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Savvy, budget travellers will certainly opt to visit France during the cooler, less crowded down season and will have a pleasant and memorable stay. For those constrained by school summer holidays or restricted time off work then the summer months make up for their room rate increases with sun shine filled cloudless blue skied days.

Enjoy your European Vacation and commend bellow if you want to know anything.​

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

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