Holidays in France offer an irresistible blend of history and quality of life. France’s long swathe of coastline from Brittany through the Cote d'Azur has a wide choice of campsites, holiday complexes, villas and gites. Gourmet-minded travellers should not miss France's wine-growing regions, including Champagne and the stunning chateaux of the Loire Valley. Paris, the French capital, is one of the world's truly great cities with world-class museums, restaurants, clubs and cafes. For holidays to France from the UK and Ireland, Paris makes a perfect weekend getaway. The French island of Corsica in the Mediterranean is a popular holiday destination. The Alps is a major skiing destination in winter but Chamonix, near the border with Switzerland, is increasingly a year-round destination with a strong following among adrenalin sports enthusiasts in summer.
Food
Beaches
Shopping
Culture
Family holidays
Activity holidays
Strikes
France is a full member of the European Union
France is a large country and weather conditions can vary greatly. Temperatures in the Mediterranean can reach 40’C/104’F in summer while winters in the south are usually mild. In the Alps and Pyrenees snow can be expected from December through to April.
Most major cities in France have airports. Flights from London to Pairs take approx 45 minutes. Eurostar runs a train service between London, Ashford and various cities in France, including Lille and Paris. London to Paris by train now takes less than three hours. UK Drivers taking their car to France have the choice of cross-channel ferries and Eurotunnel. The French train network is well developed and - strikes apart - reliable.
In France cars drive on the right and it is illegal to drive with faulty lights - you can buy a spare set at a hypermarket.