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France is a gorgeous country in Europe situated just a short train ride or flight away from the UK - perfect for a convenient weekend break. There are plenty of awe-inspiring natural landscapes to admire in France, from verdant valleys to the French Alps and sandy beaches. The country also boasts iconic architecture, stylish cities, some of the world’s finest museums, chic boutiques, and romantic villages, to name a few.
Our top destination recommendation for a France holiday is Nice, a stunning seaside town located on the French Riviera, boasting impressive museums, gourmet restaurants, golden sandy beaches, and the iconic Promenade des Anglais. There are countless other holiday highlights to enjoy in France. You could take the city break of a lifetime in Paris and marvel at the Eiffel Tower, or alternatively experience a tour of the French wine country and taste some of the best wines being produced in the world today.
20 Boulevard Risso, 06300 Nice, France
223 Prom. des Anglais, 06200 Nice, France
Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, a highly fashionable leisure district on the country's south coast. The city's origins as a trading post date back to 300 BC. Little changed until 1820 when wealthy English tourists realised the potential of the site. The warm winter climate and impressive natural scenery added to the charms of ‘Nice the Beautiful’. The city soon attracted many visitors, including royalty and artists such as Henri Matisse. Nice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural centre. As the gateway to the Alpes Maritime, it also offers an abundance of outdoor activities.
Paris is in the north of France. The city developed on the banks of the River Seine during the first century BC and eventually grew in importance to become the capital of France. Often known as the ‘City of Light’ due to its innovative nineteenth-century street lighting, Paris has earned a reputation for romance. Flower markets, hand-made chocolates, thriving pavement cafes, and artists capturing beautiful scenes all add to the city's attractions. Paris is full of impressive landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees, an enigmatic boulevard where exclusive boutiques display world-famous designer brands.
Currency: You’ll be spending Euros.
Language: French!
Local Time: Paris and Nice are both two hours ahead of GMT.
Flight time from the UK: Approximately one hour fifteen minutes to Paris, two hours five minutes to Nice.
Tourist Information: Visit the official French tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/Travel Restrictions:To travel to France, British citizens need a valid passport. A visa is not required. For up to date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for France.
A: Paris is more expensive than Nice.
A: Isola, Valberg and Roubion les Buisses near Nice.
A: It’s not compulsory, but recommended.
Nice features the Promenade des Anglais that runs alongside the 4.5 miles (7 kilometres) of pebble beach. It overlooks the Baie des Anges where there are opportunities for paddleboarding, jet skiing and parasailing. Nice is perfect for exploring the Alpes Maritime where adventurous activities include canyoning, bungee jumping and pony trekking.
The Old Town of Nice is typically quaint with eighteenth-century architecture and picturesque plazas. Nice has many museums including a gallery devoted to the modernist art of Marc Chagall. Exciting day trips include visits to the forests and beach of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and the roulette tables of Monte Carlo.
Paris can be viewed from the top of the 1,083 feet (330 metres) Eiffel Tower which was constructed in 1887. The Palace de Versailles was extended in 1715 by Louis XIV and features an incredibly opulent interior. The Louvre is the most famous museum, displaying priceless works of art such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Punting along the River Seine is ideal for discovering unfamiliar locations in Paris. There are also many walking and cycling tours. Disneyland is a theme park inspired by Disney's famous cartoons. It includes a golf course, maze, fairground rides and firework displays.
Paris, like much of France, usually has moderate winters and warm summers. The warmest month is often July when the temperature reaches 25°C (77°F). January is usually the coldest month with an average temperature of 5°C (41°F). Nice has a hot Mediterranean climate. The hottest average temperature of 27°C (81°F) often occurs in August. Winter temperatures in Nice are around 12°C (54°F). The wettest months in Paris and Nice are usually December and November respectively.
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