France

Circumnavigate the spectacular Mont Blanc and hike its gentler lower stages, passing the snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows and charming villages of the French Alps

Trek the high passes of the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt—a challenging trail steeped in mountaineering legend

Head to the Pyrenees to walk the legendary Way of Saint James pilgrim’s trail

Visit WWII landing sites and sample local cheese, cider and calvados in Normandy

Tour the Loire Valley’s majestic chateaux, gardens and vineyards on foot or by bike

Indulge in Burgundy’s gourmet food and wine or explore the medieval castles and historic villages of Dordogne

Discover the endless vineyards, fairytale villages and unique German-infused culture of Alsace

Trace Dali's footsteps along the Mediterranean coast, or pass castles, chateaux and postcard-perfect villages as you cycle along the Avenue Verte from Paris to London

Explore the rugged island wilderness of Corsica on the iconic GR20—Europe's most challenging long distance walking trail

In the north of France, including regions like Normandy, Brittany, and Hauts-de-France, the climate is temperate maritime. This means mild summers and cool, often damp winters. Spring typically ranges from 9 to 17°C (48 to 63°F), while summer temperatures sit comfortably between 18 and 24°C (64 to 75°F). Autumn brings fresh breezes and cooler days around 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F). The region is great for coastal walks and countryside escapes, especially in the shoulder seasons when the light lingers into the evening.

Central France, covering the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and Dordogne, experiences a mild continental climate. Spring is fresh and green with daytime temperatures between 10 and 18°C (50 to 64°F), while summer is warm and ideal for cycling, typically ranging from 20 to 28°C (68 to 82°F). Autumn is a beautiful time to visit, with harvest colours and temperatures between 12 and 20°C (54 to 68°F).

Southern France, including Provence, Occitanie, and the Côte d’Azur, offers a classic Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild winters. Spring is a colourful and comfortable time to visit, with temperatures between 12 and 22°C (54 to 72°F), while summer brings sun-filled days ranging from 25 to 33°C (77 to 91°F). Autumn remains warm well into October with averages of 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F).

In the east, including Alsace, the Jura and the French Alps, the climate is more continental and mountain-influenced. Spring temperatures range from 8 to 18°C (46 to 64°F), while summers are warm during the day but cooler at night, averaging between 18 and 28°C (64 to 82°F). Autumn brings crisp air and colourful trails, with temperatures around 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F).

Southwest France, including the Basque Country, the Pyrenees and Bordeaux, blends a mild oceanic climate on the coast with cooler, wetter conditions in the mountains. Spring sees temperatures between 11 and 20°C (52 to 68°F), while summer is warm and sometimes humid, ranging from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). Autumn is one of the best times to visit, with temperatures between 14 and 24°C (57 to 75°F) and fewer visitors.

France is GMT +1 hour, GMT +2 hours during daylight saving (the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

French (official)

In most areas some English will be spoken

Euro

USD and GBP are easily changed

ATM's are widely available except in mountain regions.

Credit Cards are widely accepted

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Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.