France Monthly Calendar and Trip Planner

Here is a list of the French legal holidays for 2008. Be sure to check on specific dates for future years. While some holidays are always the same day (such as New Year’s, obviously), others (like Easter) change every year.

February is an ideal time to visit France if you are a snow sports enthusiast. Yes, it's cold, but this is also a bargain time to fly to France, with airfare, hotel and package deals galore. The annual Carnaval, or Mardi Gras, celebrations begin. Besides, what could be more romantic than spending Valentine's Day in Paris?

In France, all the major cities and towns, and many smaller places too, have special events in December leading up to Christmas. Some, like Lyon's Festival of Light, are world famous; others are local events that you only discover when you are actually in the town. If you are holidaying in France over the Christmas period, check with the local...

Menton Lemon Festival is unique, celebrating citrus fruits with huge floats and constructions made up of oranges and lemons, transforming the elegant town into a vast garden.

May is one of the most popular month to visit France, and for good reason. The weather is warm, but still mild and comfortable. While there are crowds, they aren't at their summertime height. There are many events, festivals and activities to keep visitors busy. One event, the Cannes Film Festival, attracts celebrities and commoners from...

A Guide to the Beaches of France. Where will you choose to go? The French Atlantic coast? Normandy? Brittany? Or perhaps the Mediterranean, the most popular beach destination in Europe? Check the suggestions here to choose where to swim, sail, surf or just chill out.

A Guide to the best beaches in Brittany, from the rocky headlands of the north where the cliffs plunge into the sea below, to the glorious surfing beaches of the west and the south. Brittany has it all.

June is a wonderful time to visit France. Tourist are beginning to arrive but not in large numbers. The weather is beautiful. Attractions have longer hours and as always, the French put on festivals and events for every taste. Find out more about visiting France in June.

July is a popular vacation month in France. Beach destinations are bustling, and outdoor markets are bursting with activity and produce. The Tour de France storms through the country. Bastille Day revelry is everywhere. Depending on your destination, the weather can be a bit too balmy. Find out about the typical weather, events and festivals,...

April is one of the finest months for visiting France. Spring is sprouting everything green and flowery to life. The country is lush and vibrant. This is a wonderful time to indulge in hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor adventures. Easter is celebrated, with its amazing candy displays appearing in candy shops and chocolateries. This is...

The days are warm but the air is fresher, the autumnal colors are beginning to show and there’s a wonderful feel of the last of the summer. France in September is one of the year’s best months to visit for its great festivals and events. Here is a guide to what to see, what to pack and what the weather might do. France in September ticks all the...

August is normally a great vacation month, but in France (and especially in the north) it can be problematic. Most people get the month of August off in France, meaning you may find some shops are closed. Still, attractions are usually open and it can be a bit quieter than the rest of the year. Find out about the typical weather, events and...

A guide to visiting France and Paris in October. What to pack, what to look out for, what the weather might do and some highlights from a very busy French calendar.

No matter when you will visit France, be prepared for the national holidays, typical weather, major events and more. The month-by-month calendar and trip planner discusses the pros and cons for each month, month-specific packing tips and more. This is also a great guide to choosing the timing of your next French vacation.

A Guide to France in November, what to pack, what weather to expect and some of the exciting festivals and events to look out for.

The Mimosa Festival on the French Riviera runs from February 18th to 27th, 2011, filling the streets of Mandelieu-La Napoule for one of the south of France's big February events.

Limoux Carnival in Languedoc-Roussillon is the world's longest running carnival. This year it's from January 30th to April 10th, 2011, bands playing traditional music and revellers in costumes fill the arcades.

January is a unique time to visit France. The Christmas shopping season is over, but the country's semi-annual goverment-regulated sales begin. In the Pyrenees and Alps, the ski seasons are beginning to gain steam as snowfall increases. Yes, it's cold, but this is also a bargain time to fly to France, with airfare, hotel and package deals galore.

Winter Sports with a Difference in France - Different Winter Sports in France

Illuminations in France - Cities with Illuminated Buildings in France

March can be the last chance until late fall to visit France on a budget, find hot package deals and avoid tourist swarms. Sure, it can still be a bit cold, but this is also a bargain time to fly to France, with airfare, hotel and package deals galore. The first of the incredible and amazing Easter candy displays begin to appear in candy shops...

December is the most magical and mesmerizing time to visit France. There are Christmas markets throughout the country, including the centuries-old Strasbourg market. Storefronts are decked in lights and delicate ribbons for the holidays. In the Pyrenees and Alps, the ski seasons are beginning to gain stea. Yes, it's cold, but this is also a...