France
France is a destination of timeless beauty, where elegant cities, sunlit coastlines, vineyard landscapes, Alpine peaks and village life come together with unmistakable style.
France
France has a rare ability to feel both iconic and deeply personal. It is a country many travellers think they know before they arrive, yet the real pleasure is found in the details: the first glimpse of Paris from the Seine, the scent of a bakery early in the morning, the quiet dignity of a Loire château, the golden light of Provence, the glamour of the Côte d’Azur and the simple joy of a long lunch in a village square.
France is a must-visit destination because it offers so many holidays in one country. It can be romantic, cultural, coastal, rural, luxurious, family-friendly or wonderfully slow, depending on where you go and how you choose to travel. From world-famous landmarks to tucked-away markets, mountain resorts, beach towns, wine regions and historic ports, France rewards curiosity at every turn.
Visa
UK passport holders can visit France for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism and similar travel purposes, although passports must meet Schengen entry rules and should always be checked before travel.
Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter France and can travel with a valid passport or passport card, with identification carried while in the country. Entry rules can change, so travellers should always check the latest official advice before booking and again before departure.
Climate
France has a varied climate, which is part of its appeal as a year-round destination. Northern France and Paris have distinct seasons, with spring and autumn especially pleasant for sightseeing, café terraces and city breaks.
The south of France enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine, making Provence, the Côte d’Azur and Corsica particularly attractive for summer holidays and shoulder-season escapes. The Alps and Pyrenees bring a very different rhythm, with winter snow for skiing and fresh mountain air in summer, while the Atlantic coast is ideal for travellers who enjoy beaches, surf towns, seafood and a breezier coastal atmosphere.
Transport Options Around France
France is one of Europe’s easiest countries to explore, with strong air links, excellent high-speed trains, regional rail services, city transport networks, long-distance coaches, ferries, taxis, transfers and car hire all making it possible to combine cities, coast, countryside and mountains in one well-planned holiday.
Air Travel
France is served by major airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Nice Côte d’Azur, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nantes, Lille, Biarritz and Strasbourg, giving travellers convenient access to city breaks, beach holidays, ski regions, wine routes and touring itineraries.
Train
Train travel is one of the great pleasures of exploring France, with high-speed TGV services linking major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg, Rennes and Nice, while regional trains make it easier to reach smaller towns, coastal areas and countryside bases.
Bus
Buses and coaches are useful for reaching places not directly served by train, especially smaller towns, rural areas, coastal communities and ski resorts, and they can be a practical option for travellers looking for affordable connections between regions.
Car Rental
Car hire is ideal for travellers who want to see the France beyond the stations and city centres, from vineyard roads and hilltop villages to Atlantic beaches, Provençal markets, château country and scenic mountain passes that are best enjoyed at your own pace.
Latest Offers
Our latest France offers include city breaks, beach holidays, countryside escapes, ski trips, family holidays, romantic getaways and tailor-made itineraries, helping you match the right region, hotel, travel dates and holiday style to the kind of French experience you want to enjoy.
Our Top Destinations in France
France is full of unforgettable places, but for holidaymakers looking for atmosphere, accessibility, scenery and plenty to see and do, these four destinations deserve a place near the top of the list.
Paris
Paris remains one of the world’s great city-break destinations, but it is best enjoyed when you give yourself time to wander rather than simply tick off landmarks. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, Notre-Dame, the Seine and the grand boulevards are all part of the experience, yet the real magic often comes from quieter moments: a neighbourhood café, a market street, a riverside walk or a view found by accident.
Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur brings together sunshine, sea views, old-town charm and a sense of glamour that still feels effortless when you choose the right base. Nice is a superb starting point, with its promenade, markets and easy rail links, while Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Menton and Monaco each add their own flavour of Mediterranean style.
Provence
Provence is France at its most atmospheric, with lavender fields, olive groves, stone villages, Roman towns, vineyard landscapes and markets that seem to turn food shopping into theatre. It is a wonderful choice for travellers who want slow days, scenic drives, good wine, characterful accommodation and that unmistakable southern light.
French Alps
The French Alps are not only for winter sports, although the skiing is world class. Resorts such as Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Méribel, Courchevel and Morzine are spectacular in winter, while summer brings walking, cycling, lake swimming, mountain views and fresh-air holidays that feel both active and restorative.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Do not overload the itinerary:
France is best enjoyed with time to sit, wander, eat properly and let each place reveal itself slowly.
- Learn a few simple French phrases:
A polite bonjour, merci and au revoir can make a noticeable difference, especially in smaller towns and local restaurants.
- Check opening times carefully: Many museums, shops, restaurants and attractions may close on certain days or between lunch and dinner, particularly outside larger cities.
- Book major sights in advance: Popular attractions in Paris, Versailles, the Loire Valley and the south of France can be busy, especially during weekends, school holidays and summer.
- Dress for the setting: France is not overly formal, but smart casual clothing works well in cities, restaurants and hotel settings, while comfortable shoes are essential for old streets and sightseeing.
Travel Tips for Experience Explorers
- Explore one region properly: A week in Provence, Brittany, Alsace, the Dordogne or the Loire Valley can be more rewarding than racing between headline sights.
- Use the train for city combinations: Paris and Lyon, Paris and Bordeaux, Nice and Marseille, or Strasbourg and Colmar can work beautifully without needing a car.
- Visit the markets early: Morning markets are when local life feels most alive, with the best produce, the best atmosphere and fewer visitors than later in the day.
- Look beyond July and August: May, June, September and October often bring excellent weather, fewer crowds and a more relaxed feel in many regions.
- Understand driving rules before hiring a car: Toll roads, city low-emission zones and parking restrictions are worth checking in advance, especially when driving into larger cities.
France, Always Worth Returning To
Culture, coastlines and countryside with enduring charm
France is one of those rare destinations that can be visited many times and still feel unfinished. It offers the elegance of Paris, the warmth of the south, the drama of the mountains, the calm of the countryside and the pleasure of food, wine and daily rituals done with care. It is polished in places, rustic in others, and often at its best when you step just slightly away from the obvious route.
For Tullys Travel customers, France is a destination that can be shaped around almost any holiday style. Whether the plan is a romantic city break, a family summer holiday, a ski escape, a food and wine journey, a scenic touring route or a slower countryside retreat, France delivers with confidence, character and a sense of occasion that few places can match.
