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Summer in France

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Why should I visit France in the summer?

The south is always a well-loved region to spend France in summer. Not only is it renowned for its great weather, but the French Riviera and surrounding areas are brimming with glamour and attractive surroundings. Summer in Paris is another fantastic option, as you stroll the grand boulevards and take in its sights. Evaneos has a network of local expert English-speaking guides who will make your summer in France truly unforgettable.

The best things to do in France in the summer

France is a large country, so you'll have lots of destinations to choose from. Hit the beaches or lose yourself in the cities, knowing that wherever you go the food, wine and atmosphere will be top-notch.

  • Swim in the Mediterranean in Nice

Nice is a prime destination in the French Riviera. Go for a walk along the Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the water or work on your tan on the beach. Day trips to elegant Monaco are a popular option from Nice.

  • Embark on a Paris walking tour

Surprisingly walkable for a major global city, you can see many of Paris' great sights on foot. Stroll along the Seine in the sunshine and climb the Eiffel Tower, before heading to the Louvre for a cultured afternoon.

  • Soar above the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park 

Stay in Limoges, a traditional town in south-central France. Head to the nearby Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park and take a hot air balloon ride for an exhilarating look of the local scenery. The forest is also superb for cycling, hiking, and even horseback riding.

  • Marvel at the magnificent architecture of Toulouse

Toulouse is among southern France's most picturesque cities. Its architecture is wonderfully photogenic, particularly the 11th-century Saint-Sernin Basilica and the Capitole, which is both a town hall and theater resembling a majestic palace. A path cuts through the extensive and beautiful Fontaines Garden, perfect for a summer stroll. Rent a car and cruise through the small countryside towns surrounding the city and the stunning sunflower fields, which bloom between mid and end of July. 

  • Visit the hilltop towns of Provence

Nothing beats Provence in summer when the air is fragrant with lavender blooms, and locals sip rosé harvested from the region's vineyards. The best way to experience Provence is hopping between its Medieval towns like Menerbes and ancient Roman ruins, such as those in Arles and Nimes

What's the weather like in France in the summer?

France is a large country with varying climates, but expect it to be pleasantly warm in summer, making it one of the best times to visit. Even northern cities like Paris enjoy 80°F temperatures in August. Highs can be around 100°F in the south, perfect for swimming or making the most of your private villa's pool. Bringing swimwear is a must, and wear good walking shoes if you'll be touring France's rural areas and forests.

When to go in France?

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France's temperate climate makes it a fairly pleasant country to visit all year round, though you do need to bear in mind that it can get very cold in winter, especially in the north and the east, and very hot in summer, particularly in the south. Many French people (and other Europeans) choose to holiday on the Mediterranean coast in August. This can make the price of accommodation particularly high at this time of year, and the most popular and well-known coastal resorts can get very busy. Shops more or less everywhere will be closed for the annual holidays too. So avoid August if you plan to go on a shopping spree!
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