France Vacation Planning Tailored To Your Unique Tastes
From Parisian pastries to Provençal sunsets, we curate every detail so you can travel in true French style.
Let’s Craft Your Dream France Vacation
Imagine yourself in a sun-dappled Parisian market, the scent of just-baked baguettes mingling with peonies, and the only thing on your to-do list is to savor it all. That’s the spirit of a truly unforgettable France vacation.
But let’s face it: between endless “best trips through France” lists, the maze of regional trains, and the pressure to please everyone, planning a vacation can feel overwhelming. That’s where Salt & Wind Travel steps in.
We believe the best journeys are experienced through flavors, stories, and insider moments you won’t find in any guidebook. Ready for a trip through France that’s as unique as you are?
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Does Any Of This Sound Familiar?
You crave authentic experiences on your trip to France but worry about falling into tourist traps.
You’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of “best places to travel to in France” and can’t decide what to include on your France trip itinerary.
Everyone in your group wants something different: wine country, seaside, city lights, mountain air… how do you fit it into one France itinerary?
You want to savor every meal, but choosing between a Parisian bistro, a Provençal market, or a seaside café is giving you decision fatigue.
You’re hoping for seamless logistics, but navigating French trains, car rentals, and local customs feels daunting.
You want to connect with locals, but your French is limited to “bonjour” and “merci.”
You want a personalized France itinerary, not some generic travel package, but don’t have hours to research every detail.
Why Choose Salt & Wind Travel For Your France Vacation?
Local Knowledge
Our team has explored every corner of France, tasting, testing, and connecting with locals, so you can travel with confidence and curiosity.
Custom France Itineraries
From Parisian food tours to biking in the Loire Valley, we design France travel itineraries that fit your group’s unique pace and travel style.
Seamless Service
We'll coordinate the details, including boutique Paris hotels and private drivers in Provence, so you can relax and fully enjoy France’s food, culture, and beauty.
Insider Access
Think private Champagne tastings, market tours with local chefs, and hands-on workshops you won’t find online.
Zero-Stress Planning
We eliminate the stress and second-guessing by handling the details, from reservations to transportation, so you arrive relaxed and ready to explore.
“When I plan a France travel itineraries, I draw on my own experiences living and traveling throughout the country — seeking out the tiny bistros, hidden markets, and local artisans that make each journey truly unique. My goal is to help you experience France in a way that feels personal, immersive, and full of discovery.”
How Our France Vacation Planning Works
Step 1 → Share Your Travel Dreams
Complete our inquiry form with your destination preferences, travel dates, and budget. Share any special interests or must-have experiences that will help our France travel planners craft your perfect journey. This foundation ensures we understand your vision from day one.
Step 2 → Speak With A Travel Expert
We'll schedule your complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call to dive deeper into your France itinerary. Our expert planners will review your intake responses and explore what makes your ideal getaway tick. No pressure, just possibilities.
Step 3 → Receive Your Custom Proposal
Within 3 business days, you'll receive a personalized service proposal tailored to your desired support level. Whether you need full-service planning, strategic bookings, or expert consultation, we'll outline the perfect approach for your France vacation.
France Travel Itineraries Tailored To You
Maybe you’re dreaming of a sunrise stroll through Paris’s Marais, a lazy afternoon wine tasting in Burgundy, or a family bike ride among the châteaux of the Loire. That’s the magic of a France vacation, each trip is as distinct and memorable as the regions themselves. We believe your France trip itinerary should reflect your passions, your pace, and your people.
Below are a few France travel itineraries we’ve crafted to spark ideas for your own unforgettable journey, each designed to help you savor the flavors, stories, and sights that make this country so irresistible.
Paris & Beyond: The Quintessential France Road Trip
City Lights, Wine Country, and Seaside Charm
Duration: 14 Days
Destinations: Paris, Champagne, Beaune (Burgundy), Lyon, Avignon, Nice
Start in Paris with a private food tour and a Champagne day trip, then head south by train to Burgundy for wine tastings and market strolls. Explore Lyon’s culinary scene, wander Avignon’s medieval streets, and finish with a sun-soaked stay on the Côte d’Azur. Along the way, enjoy hands-on cooking classes, scenic drives, and plenty of time to savor France’s regional flavors.
Food Lover’s France: A Culinary Journey
Markets, Michelin Stars, and Hands-On Experiences
Duration: 10 Days
Key Destinations: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Provence
Dive deep into France’s food culture with private market tours in Paris, a cooking class in Lyon, and wine tastings in Bordeaux. Savor rustic Provençal meals, sample oysters at Bordeaux’s markets, and learn the secrets of French pastry from local chefs. This itinerary is a feast for all the senses, blending iconic sights with unforgettable flavors.
Family Adventure: History, Castles, and Coastal Fun
From D-Day Beaches to Riviera Sunsets
Duration: 12 Days
Key Destinations: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Nice
Designed for curious minds and energetic explorers, this trip blends France’s rich history with hands-on experiences. Tour the D-Day beaches, bike through Loire Valley castles, and finish with beach days and boat rides in Nice. With flexible pacing, family-friendly guides, and plenty of gelato stops, it’s a trip everyone will remember.
Let’s Craft Your Perfect France Trip Itinerary
Share your French vacation ideas with us! No commitment, just curiosity.
Our Discovery Call is your chance to explore all your France travel questions, from finding the perfect bistro in Paris to balancing a day of château hopping with a sunset picnic in Provence. You’ll experience our approach firsthand and discover how passionate we are about helping travelers experience France at its best.
“When starting the planning process for a first-time trip to France for 18 days with our family of 7 plus an infant, I took the plunge to also use Salt & Wind Travel in supporting the planning. This was the wisest choice among all of the choices made for the trip.
From the initial consult call throughout all of the email communications and Zoom meetings, Aida was responsive, attentive to focusing on the pieces our family wanted to experience in this trip, and wise in offering insights and guidance every step of the way. Aida recommended and secured guided tours for a variety of sites that we never could have found on our own. Each made the learning and the trip richer.
I'll plan our next trip with Salt & Wind!“
Ann R.
2025 Family Trip to France
Not Ready To Plan Yet? Start With Some French Inspiration
Download our exclusive France Travel Planner. It’s packed with off-the-beaten-path experiences, authentic local finds, and the secret spots our clients can't stop talking about. Perfect for dreamers who want to explore France vacations before committing to planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
General France Travel Information
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Ile-De France: Paris & Versailles
The beating heart of French culture, Ile-de-France dazzles with Paris’s world-class art, café culture, and iconic landmarks, while Versailles enchants with its opulent palace and manicured gardens. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to soak up history, style, and that unmistakable Parisian flair.
The Rhône: Dijon, Beaune, Lyon, Beaujolais, & Cotes Roties
From the mustard markets of Dijon to Beaune’s legendary wine cellars and Lyon’s culinary scene, the Rhône region is a feast for food and wine lovers. Rolling vineyards, charming villages, and a deep-rooted gastronomic tradition make every stop here a sensory delight.
Provence: Marseille, Aix, Arles, & Côte D’Azur
Provence is where sun-drenched lavender fields meet the sparkling Mediterranean, offering vibrant markets, Roman ruins, and a relaxed pace of life. The Côte d’Azur adds a dash of glamour, with seaside towns and turquoise waters perfect for unwinding in style.
Languedoc: Carcassonne, Toulouse, & Montpellier
Languedoc is a land of medieval castles, sun-soaked vineyards, and lively markets. From the fairy-tale ramparts of Carcassonne to the pink-hued city of Toulouse, this region blends rich history with a laid-back southern charm.
Basque Country: Biarritz, Bayonne, Espelette, & St-Jean-De-Luz
With its dramatic coastline, surf culture, and unique Basque identity, this region is a haven for foodies and adventurers alike. Savor spicy peppers in Espelette, stroll the elegant promenades of Biarritz, and soak up the festive spirit in every village.
Northern France: Normandy, Brittany, & Rouens
Northern France enchants with rugged coastlines, storybook villages, and culinary treasures like Camembert and crêpes. From the D-Day beaches of Normandy to Brittany’s windswept shores, this region is rich in history, natural beauty, and local flavor.
Loire: Nantes, Orleans, Loire, Nancy, & Bordeaux
The Loire Valley is a fairy-tale landscape of grand châteaux, lush vineyards, and meandering rivers. Whether you’re sipping crisp white wines in Nantes or exploring the regal history of Orleans and Bordeaux, this region is pure French romance.
Alps: Évian-les-Bains, Chamonix, Chambery, & Annecy
The French Alps offer breathtaking mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and charming alpine towns. Whether you’re skiing in Chamonix, relaxing by Lake Annecy, or soaking in the spa waters of Évian, this region is a playground for outdoor lovers year-round.
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We have been providing guests our 5-star travel planning services in France for over a decade.
We don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Every France itinerary we create is custom built for you, blending the best-of with off-the-beaten-path gems. We’ve crafted France vacations throughout the country, such as visiting lavender fields in Provence, horseback riding in Languedoc, wine tastings in Bordeaux, market tours in Lyon, cooking classes in Paris, farm visits in the Rhone, and surf lessons in Basque Country.
Salt & Wind Travel founder, Aida, used to live in France and her extensive network of travel professionals, creatives, and tour guides help our clients experience France like an insider, not just a visitor.
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The easiest way would be to share your travel dreams with our team of experts and have us tailor a personalized itinerary for you. If you want to research before that or plan it yourself, you’ll want to check out our France travel guide.
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Here are a few must-have apps when visiting France:
Citymapper: Great for navigating public transportation in Paris and other major cities.
Google Maps: Download offline maps for seamless navigation.
Google Translate: Download French for offline use.
SNCF: For booking high-speed trains across France.
RATP: Essential for navigating the Paris Metro.
XE Currency Converter: Helps track the exchange rate between euros and your home currency.
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France has distinct seasons, each offering something unique:
Paris: Best visited in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and packed with tourists.
Provence: Lavender fields bloom in late June to early July, but fall (September-October) is ideal for wine lovers.
Bordeaux & Loire Valley: Best from May to October, especially during harvest season.
The Alps: Ski season runs from December to March, while summer is excellent for hiking.
Côte d'Azur: Peak summer (June-August) is vibrant but crowded; visit in May or September for warm weather with fewer tourists.
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Yes, travelers need a valid passport, and a visa may be required depending on your nationality. U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
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While not required, we highly recommend it for medical coverage, trip cancellations, and unexpected emergencies. Some credit cards, like AmEx and Chase Sapphire, include travel insurance as a perk.
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France follows Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and observes daylight saving time from late March to late October.
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France uses Type E plugs with a voltage of 230V. Travelers from North America will need a power adapter and a voltage converter for specific devices.
France Travel Etiquette
So long as you conduct yourself as you do at home, you should be good to go. Here are some specific dos and don’ts.
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Learn some basic French phrases; even a simple "Bonjour" goes a long way.
Greet shopkeepers when entering stores.
Dress stylishly, especially in Paris, as locals tend to dress well.
Carry small change for tips and restrooms.
Make restaurant reservations in advance.
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Speak loudly in public spaces.
Expect free tap water at all restaurants; some charge for still or sparkling water.
Over-tip: service charge is included in restaurant bills.
Money Matters
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A mid-range trip for a solo traveler can cost €4,500 for a week, broken down as follows:
€700/week for flights (varies by departure location)
€300/day for lodging
€700/week for meals
€1,000/week for additional activities, transportation, fine dining, and shopping
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France uses the Euro (€). Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
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While cards are widely accepted, small businesses, markets, and rural areas may prefer cash. We recommend carrying around €50 in cash for small expenses.
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Yes, but Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express. Chip-and-PIN cards are the standard.
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Restaurants: Service is included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated.
Cafés and bars: Rounding up your bill is customary.
Hotels: Tip porters €1-2 per bag and housekeeping €2 per day.
Taxis and ride-shares: Round up or tip 5-10%.
Health & Safety
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Air quality is generally good, though Paris can experience pollution spikes. If you have respiratory issues, check air quality forecasts before your trip.
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France is relatively safe but can experience occasional floods and heatwaves. Wildfires are a concern in the south during dry summers.
General Travel Safety
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Yes, but as in any major tourist destination, be mindful of pickpockets in cities like Paris, particularly at landmarks, train stations, and metro stations.
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Absolutely! France is safe for solo travelers, especially women. Stay alert at night and be cautious when using rideshares or public transport alone.
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Yes, but you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in French. French highways are excellent, but parking in cities can be challenging.
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Dial 112 for emergencies.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to provide the personalized guidance you deserve.
We know everyone’s questions are unique, especially when it comes to planning a trip to France. Whether you’re curious about the best time to visit, want advice on family-friendly activities, or need help narrowing down your must-see regions, our team is here to help.