Visiting France

There are gems just waiting to be discovered all over France. From medieval villages and archaeological sites to world-famous monuments and stunningly beautiful buildings… When it comes to scenery, the key word is ‘diversity’. France has it all: mountain ranges, majestic volcanoes and 18,000 kilometres of spectacular coastline. And its world-famous cuisine is a true treat for your taste buds. There’s no doubt about it – you’ll fall in love with everything, from the sights to the tastes. Here are our top tips and suggestions to help you plan your trip. Enjoy some French ‘je ne sais quoi’!

France is just a train ride away

From peaks and mountain ranges to the sea, ocean, lakes and rivers, France has a vast variety of spectacular scenery that is sure to take your breath away. Admire the most magnificent views in France from the window of a train.

The bonus is that our TGV Lyria services make France easily accessible – with the journey from Switzerland taking just 3 hours by train.

So, are you ready to explore France?

When to visit France

France is a fantastic year-round destination, although the best time to visit is between spring and autumn. Each season in France is delightful for its own reasons – from the sweetness of spring and the heat of summer to the mildness of autumn and the joy of snow sports in winter.

During springtime from March to June, it starts to get warmer again and nature comes back to life. Flowers and animals reappear, and the fields and forests turn lush and green again. There’s no better time to go hiking in the great outdoors.

From late June to late September, the heat and sunshine return with full force. This is the PERFECT time to go for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea or on the Atlantic coast and to explore Paris in the sunshine, when all the locals have left the capital to go on holiday.

The end of December to the end of March is wintertime in France. Everyone looks forward to the cold temperatures and sometimes even the snow returning. Perfect conditions for winter sports enthusiasts in the Alps and the Pyrenees! See you at the bottom!

Things to do in France

Ah, France – with its vibrant cities, its architecture steeped in history and its famous cuisine that’s the envy of the world. There’s always something to see.

Fancy going on a city break? Cities like Paris, Dijon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Lyon are just waiting for you.

Are you passionate about art and culture? Did you know that France is home to over 1,200 museums and some of the most famous sites in the world – from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe to the Palace of Versailles and the Palace of Fontainebleau?

Calling all foodies! There’s no doubt that your taste buds are in for a real treat if you sample the French culinary and wine scene. Did you know that there are over 85,000 vineyards in France? Foodies will be able to try a mix of a thousand flavours, since French cuisine has Spanish, Italian, German, Swiss and Belgian influences. These influences have shaped French cuisine over the centuries, creating the unique dishes France is known for today. Yum!