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Guide on Planning your Trip to France

With great food, stunning beaches, plenty of history and a fascinating culture, it’s no wonder that France remains a top destination for travellers from the UK. There really is something for everyone when planning a trip to France.

So, whether you are hoping to explore vibrant cities, hide away and relax in a country retreat, or unwind on a beautiful beach, it’s important to plan a trip to France in advance to make the most of your holiday.

Check out our helpful guides to planning your trip to France below so you have all the information you need to book your ferry to France!

View of the city of Lille
Places to visit in France

The first thing to do when planning your trip to France is to have a look at everything France has to offer. No, don’t worry, you do not have to spend days researching attractions in France, just have a look at our France Destination guides and choose a city that suits your holiday vibe the best. Here are our top 5 cities and their attractions to consider when planning your trip to France.

Lille city centre at night in France

Paris

Paris is one of those cities that just oozes romance and energy. It’s the perfect place for lazy days spent hopping between cafés and admiring the gorgeous old buildings. Make sure you tick off the big sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay, and also leave time to wander through cool neighbourhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre.

Paris is pretty big and split into different districts, so staying near a central Metro stop will make your life much easier. If you want to visit the big museums, book your tickets well in advance, as the queues can be draining! For the best experience, aim for May or September. The weather is lovely, the café terraces are lively, and you’ll avoid the worst of the summer crowds.

Honfleur in Normandy, France

Rouen & Normandy

Normandy offers a wonderfully historic, poignant, and maritime vibe, with Rouen serving as a brilliant anchor point. It’s a gorgeous mixture of medieval timber-framed towns, sweeping coastlines, and deep history, all incredibly easy to reach if you’re driving down from Calais. Your itinerary should definitely include marvelling at the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (famously painted by Monet), wandering around the picturesque harbour in Honfleur, and taking in the dramatic white cliffs over at Étretat.

If you’re keen on WWII history, setting aside time for the D-Day sites, like the incredibly moving Omaha Beach Click to open side panel for more information , is an absolute must. When mapping out the trip, having a car is highly recommended, as it gives you the freedom to explore the coastline and small villages at your own pace. Also, be sure to pack a few extra layers, as the Channel coast weather can be a bit cheeky and unpredictable, even in the height of summer! June is a fantastic time to visit, especially if you'd like to respectfully mark the D-Day anniversaries, though July and August offer the warmest weather for relaxing by the sea and enjoying local cider in the sunshine.

Nice & the French Riviera

Nice is all about sunshine, glamour, and that laid-back Mediterranean feel. It’s a great mix of old-school appeal and contemporary resort vibes. Spend your days walking along the Promenade des Anglais, exploring the colourful streets and markets of Vieux Nice, and taking easy day trips to places like Monaco, Cannes, or Èze.

Just so you know, the beaches here are pebbly, not sandy, so bring swim shoes or rent a lounger at a beach club for extra comfort. Nice is also super handy for getting around, with quick train links up and down the coast. June and September are the sweet spots for a visit – you get warm sea swims and lively atmosphere, but without the sky-high prices or packed beaches of peak summer.

Church in Lyon, France

Lyon

Lyon is France’s foodie capital and has a relaxed, historic feel that’s a nice change from Paris. If you love good food and culture, you’ll be in heaven here. Spend your time wandering the Renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon, searching for the secret traboules, and riding the funicular up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for amazing city views.

Eating should be top of your list, so book a table at a traditional bouchon (those cosy Lyonnais restaurants) ahead of time. Bring comfy shoes, too; the old town is full of cobblestones and some steep hills. October is a brilliant time to visit, with fresh air, hearty food, and hardly any tourists.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is all about grand architecture, great wine, and a laid-back, sophisticated vibe. The city centre is stunning, with highlights like Place de la Bourse, the magical Miroir d'Eau, and the modern La Cité du Vin wine museum. The whole area is so beautiful that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you want to visit the famous vineyards like Saint-Émilion or the Médoc, remember they’re outside the city, so you’ll need to rent a car or join a tour. September is the best time to go as it’s grape harvest season, the city is bustling, and the weather is still lovely.

Researching attractions in advance helps you make the most of your trip to France and avoid missing out.

One of our best tips when planning a short trip to France is to book your attractions before you travel can give you peace of mind that you won’t miss out, Doing a bit of research on where you are going to be staying by reading some informative travel guides means that you will know exactly what to expect when you arrive and how long it will take to get to places, so you will be completely ready for your adventure.

Check out our accommodation partners for some great deals on your stays in France.

Places to stay in France

Choosing the right place to stay in France to suit your needs is vital to enjoying your trip to France. From hotels and apartments to cottages and villas, there are plenty of different accommodation types to choose from meaning that you will be able to find something that is perfect for you and those that you are travelling with.

Don’t forget to treat yourself to some added extras to make your holiday even more special, such as opting for a place with a hot tub, or one that comes with breakfast!

Plus there’s no need to worry if you want to bring your furry friend along, as there are plenty of pet-friendly options in France too, so you really can have the ultimate family holiday to France which everyone can enjoy.

Find out more about our pet-friendly ferries to France today so you can make plans for a trip to France today!

stay in france
Ferry trips to France

Start your French adventure as soon as you book your ferry from Dover to Calais. With up to 11 sailings a day and no luggage limits, you can plan your trip your way. Heading over for a quick weekend or loading up the car for a big road trip? Either way, you’ll have plenty of space for everything you need. Just make sure to save a little room in the car for the trip home, because the World Duty Free shop is perfect for picking up a few treats before you head back.

If you like a little extra peace of mind, check out the Standard or Fully Flexi tickets. These let you take your time on the way back, so you can enjoy the journey without worrying about missing your ferry. Want to kick things off in style? Book a spot in the Club Lounge and enjoy free Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks while you sail. After all, the journey should be just as fun as the destination.

European Endeavour

FAQs on Planning your Trip to France

1 How Much is a Trip to France?

A trip to France can differ in cost depending on where you want to go and how you want to travel. For a luxurious break away and stay in some of the fanciest hotels in Paris expect to pay a luxurious price. However there are also plenty of budget friendly options from hotels, hostels, Air BnBs and even dog friendly places to stay too. It all depends on what you plan to do on your trip to France.

2 How to Plan a Road Trip in France?

When planning a road trip in France, you need to decide how to get there and the places you want to travel to. Once you have then selected your route, then you need to book your accommodation, and create a flexible itinerary. Pack essentials for long drives and check local driving laws. That way you can make sure you are fully prepared and how everything you need. When you book our Dover to Calais ferry there are no luggage restrictions so you can bring as much or as little as you need, explore our ferry times today to help plan your road trip now!

3 How to Plan a Trip to France?

When planning a trip to France there are lots of things to think about including how you will get there, the places you will visit, where you will stay and the things you want to do. Luckily France offers a variety of destinations with plenty of places to visit to suit all ages so no one will ever be bored. Travelling with P&O Ferries couldn’t be any easier as with our onboard facilities and entertainment you will feel like the holiday has begun as soon as you get onto our ship. Book your ferry to France now and get planning your next adventure.

4 Where to visit in France?

When planning your trip, there are many places to visit in France. Top destinations include Paris, the French Riviera, Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Northern gems like Calais and Lille also offer history, culture, and great shopping. With lots of places to choose from and lots to do for all the family planning your trip to France couldn’t be easier.