France is one of the most visited countries in the world, and Canadian travellers have exceptional access to it. The country offers an extraordinary range of experiences within a reasonable travel window: a world-class capital city in Paris, wine regions that can be explored from a single base, the coastline and lavender fields of Provence, the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and the glamour of the French Riviera. Our France packages are designed for independent travellers: you get flights + hotels + transfers in one package, but you set the pace. Many options include intercity transportation for travellers who want to combine Paris with a regional destination.

Departure airports: most package options are built around Toronto and Montreal, both of which have strong nonstop service to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) year-round. Ottawa has seasonal nonstop options to Paris. Halifax, Vancouver and other Canadian gateways connect through Montreal, Toronto or a European hub. If your city is not listed, please call us as we can price options beyond what is shown on the website.

Popular itineraries

Most France packages are built around Paris as the anchor, either as a standalone city trip of 7 to 10 nights or as the starting point for a broader French itinerary. Popular extensions from Paris include Normandy (D-Day beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel, accessible by train or day tour), the Loire Valley (chateaux and wine, an easy day trip or short extension), and Provence and the French Riviera (Nice and the Cote d'Azur, reached by high-speed TGV train from Paris in about 5.5 hours).

Where to stay in Paris (examples)

Hotels in Paris are typically described by arrondissement (district). The most popular areas for visitors:

• Le Marais (3rd/4th): one of the most characterful areas, with medieval streets, the Place des Vosges, excellent restaurants and good access to the Pompidou Centre and the Notre-Dame area.
• Saint-Germain-des-Pres / Latin Quarter (5th/6th): the classic Left Bank, associated with cafes, bookshops and the Luxembourg Gardens. Well-located for the Musee d'Orsay.
• Near the Louvre / Les Halles (1st/2nd): very central, walking distance from the Louvre, the Tuileries and the Palais Royal.
• Champs-Elysees / 8th arrondissement: upscale area near the Arc de Triomphe. Good range of hotels from mid-range to luxury.
• Montmartre (18th): hilltop neighbourhood with the Sacre-Coeur, independent restaurants and a more relaxed pace than central Paris. Best for travellers who have already seen the major sites.

Weather and when to go

Paris is a year-round destination, though each season has trade-offs. Spring (April to early June) is widely considered the best time to visit: temperatures are mild (15 to 22C), the city is green and the main sites are accessible without summer crowds. Summer (July and August) is the busiest and most expensive period, with peak temperatures of 25 to 30C. Many Parisians leave the city in August, which means some neighbourhood restaurants close. Fall (September and October) brings pleasant temperatures and a more local feel. Winter (November to March) is quiet and mild by Canadian standards (4 to 9C), and a good time for museum-focused trips and lower hotel prices.

Not sure which part of France suits your trip? Call us at 1-800-665-4981 and speak with one of our agents who has been there and can help you choose the right base, the right hotels and any regional extensions.