France is the largest and most diverse country in Europe. You will find magical landscapes, ancient cities and picturesque villages that seem to have come out of fairy tales. Add to this a magnificent culinary tradition, a fascinating history, a rich culture and a vast territory - and you will discover an inexhaustible source of pleasure.
It's no surprise that you chose France as your next vacation destination (otherwise you wouldn't be reading this article right now, would you?).
Welcome to my guide to traveling in France. This guide was created out of my immense love for this wonderful country and its culture. Its main goal is to help you plan your trip by gathering all the relevant information in one place.
France is a huge country and it is impossible to write a guide that will cover it all. However, as you will see, this fact does not deter me, and like a person following the rainbow, I will probably never stop in my journey to discover the secrets of France.
And what does this mean? You may well find that I have a lot of information about some of the regions of France (for example Brittany region), while I have less information about some of them. But don't worry, I don't stop traveling and I don't stop writing, so if you come back to this article in the future, there's a good chance you'll find the information you were looking for.
After this brief introduction, let's get started, and I'll help you plan a trip to France, the most charming country in the world.
Secrets of Le Marais: A Journey into the Historic and Chic Heart of Paris
Join us on a virtual journey to the most fascinating district in Paris. Together we will discover hidden courtyards, French nobility, and the true stories behind the magnificent facades.
Regions in France: Where would you like to travel?
The first step in any trip to France is choosing which region to visit. On the map above, you can click on each region to access its full guide.
Normandy
Paris
Lauren
Alsace
Ile de France
Brittany
Loire valley
Burgundy
Lyon
French Alps
Périgord
Bordeaux
Provence
Don't know what to choose? Here is a summary of the recommended districts:
- Paris and Ile de France: When looking at the French tourism map for 2026, the Île-de-France region, centered on Paris, continues to establish itself as the perfect destination for city breaks, both for first-time visitors and returning travelers. In addition to its exceptional concentration of historical monuments and famous palaces, the region is a magnet for many families from all over the world, who choose it thanks to the presence of Disneyland Paris Park as one of the popular attractions And the most central in the country. Whether you are planning a star trip or a focused vacation, it is recommended to spend time planning in advance the prominent destinations in this province.
- Normandy and Brittany: A winning combination of wild beaches (including the historic landing beaches), fine seafood and cider cuisine, and breathtaking heritage sites like Mont Saint Michel.
- Loire Valley: A classic family vacation. An area packed with fairytale Renaissance castles, wineries, and vineyards, which are great fun to experience on a mounted “star tour.”
- Provence and the Alps: The sunny south offers cliff-hanging villages, colorful markets and lavender fields in summer, while the French Alps are an ideal destination for a ski holiday in winter.
What's new for travelers in France in 2026?
To make your trip as up-to-date as possible, here are the main events and innovations in France for the coming year:
- The Centennial of Impressionism: France is marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Claude Monet. Paris and Normandy will be at the center of the celebrations with special art exhibitions and tours in the footsteps of the great painters.
- ETIAS Entry Permit: Please note that the European Electronic Travel Authorization System will be implemented starting in 2026. This means that Israelis will also be required to fill out an electronic form before flying. The system is expected to go into full operation, probably during Last quarter of 2026For more information, read the full guide on France Visa and ETIAS Approval.
- Metro Expansion – Line 18: Part of the new “Grand Paris Express” line 18 has opened, significantly improving accessibility from the south of Paris and facilitating day trips outside the city.
- The Year of the Normans: Extensive historical celebrations are taking place in the Normandy region to mark a thousand years of Norman heritage.
Practical information: Tips for planning a vacation in France
Weather and recommended seasons in France
France is suitable for travel in all seasons, but the ideal seasons for sightseeing and city trips are the transitional seasons (spring: April-June, autumn: September-November). Summer is warm and perfect for coastal areas, while winter is particularly suitable for ski holidays or visiting the Alsace Christmas markets.
Transportation and mobility for travelers
For travel between large cities – the high-speed train network (TGV) is the most convenient and efficient way. For in-depth trips to the rural regions (Dordogne, Provence, Loire Valley), renting a car is a must to reach the hidden gems.
Currency, budget and costs
The currency is the euro. France is very advanced in digital payments, but it is recommended to carry some cash for local markets or small towns where there is sometimes a minimum for credit card payments.
A trip to France – what should you book in advance?
✈️ Flights to France
🏨 Hotels and apartments
🎟️ Order tickets
🚗 Car rental
🚆 Public transportation
✉️ Newsletter subscription
All articles about France
FAQ
Why rely on the information of anonymous Francophiles?
Because this is the only website in Hebrew written by a person who has been in love with France for decades and has researched its culture in depth. Here you will find only quality content based on personal experience.
For more information, visit the page Who am I.
How long does the flight from Israel to France take?
It depends on the destination, but it is usually a direct flight of about 4.5 hours.
What are the recommended months for traveling to France?
For skiing – December-March. For the sea – the summer months in regions such as BrittanyFor a general trip – spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) are the most ideal.
What is there to do in France besides Paris?
A whole world! From the castles of the Loire Valley to the beaches of Normandy and the lavender fields of Provence, my guide to each region will give you all the answers.
Is it true that the people of France are antipathetic and really not nice?
Absolutely not. Basic courtesy, a smile, and a word in French will open any door for you. Read more in the article How not to annoy the French.
Traveling around France: by car or public transportation?
For a city trip – public transportation. For a trip to the rural regions (like the Loire Valley or Périgord) – a car is necessary for a full experience.
what time is it in france
The time in France is always one hour less than the time in Israel.
Is it possible to easily combine France with a trip to Europe?
Absolutely. Thanks to its central location, you can easily combine a visit to Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain.