WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PARIS & THE REST OF FRANCE?

Curious about the best time to visit Paris? It's a question I get a lot so in this video, I'm answering, "When is the best time to visit Paris" and the rest of France. I'll go over some questions to ask yourself that'll help you decide, some pros and cons, and then my person thoughts on the best time to go to Paris, especially if you want to avoid crowds. Let me know when you've visited France and when is the best time to visit France in your opinion.

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Salut! I'm Diane, an American who has lived in France since 2012 and the creator of the blog/YouTube channel Oui In France. My channel's focus is "Everyday French life and beyond." I make videos on French culture topics, France vs. US culture comparisons, food, travel, language, and give you my thoughts about what it's like living in France as an American in the Loire Valley. Thanks for being here and if you enjoy this sort of thing, please share with friends and subscribe!

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[ThatsNotLadyLike]

We visited France in October of 2021. We spent five nights and six days in Paris and five nights in the Dordogne Region for a Yoga and Wellness retreat at Chateau de Bardouly. The weather was great but we did need a light jacket or sweater in the evening. We did not experience long lines but the Louvre was filled with a crush of tourists as well as the Paris Opera House. We also visited Josephine Baker's Chateau des Milandes. We spent one night in Bordeaux and visited Bergerac as well as Saint-Vincent-de -Cosse. It was a great trip and we can't wait to visit again. Your channel help me to buckle down and improve my French and your book was extremely helpful.
Thank you.

[vertigo]

Your video is a perfect summary! This is exactly what I would have recommended! Avoid school holidays if possible. End of May to end of June or beginning of September for sunny holidays. Early May or late September can also be suitable if you visit the south-east of France. Definitely, January or March are the best for skiing. In February it's way too expensive and it's crowded.

[lawrencebaker]

I agree, May and September for me! Even Sept. is quite warm in SW France I might wait until October next time! LOL!

[b.w.]

May and September are the months I have homed in on for travel to Europe in general.

[debheuer]

We live in Phoenix, AZ and the hottest months here are July and August. We travel during those months to escape the heat. We are visiting the Normandy and Brittany areas for 6 weeks in July and August. I know this is a bad time to visit for crowds, but it's when we choose to travel. I'm hoping the weather in these areas will be nice and coolish. We travelled in Provence, in mid-June 2018, and we got to experience the mistral, hot temps and the cicadas. We had a great time, but would definitely do it again in September or October. Thank you for all your helpful information about France. I've been following you since our first trip to France.

[heatherinparis]

Hi Diane....our French vacation happened nearly a decade ago now! We came from Canada to Arles and boarded a river cruise on the Saone from Arles to Lyons with lots of stops along the way. It was the last few days of August and the first few days of September. The weather was WONDERFUL, neither too hot nor too cold and only one intermittently rainy day the whole time. There was so much to see and do, but one thing I did miss and wish I could have seen was the blooming of the lavendar fields around Arles. We were too late in the year for that. :( I loved every minute of our cruise/tour experience and would return to France in a heartbeat if I could

[krcal]

I’ve been to France many times - all over the country and at different times of the year. However - never in July or August. We like September the best. One thing to remember is that the weather can vary a lot from region to region. We went to Paris and Provence in April for our honeymoon. Paris was gray and freezing, Provence was warm and sunny (perfect spring weather). We were surprised how cold Paris was in April. One advantage of the September is that you can still enjoy the tail end of the great summer produce.

[lindadorman]

I love Lyon! I've spent June and December there for several years, especially love the Fetes des Lumieres in December. Yes, it's crowded and expensive but the city is lit with colorful exhibits and everyone walks around all evening. It's my absolutely favorite place in the world and I'm looking into moving there permanently in 2023!

[californiaglo]

My birthday is Dec 24th and I love Winter, as well. All seasons are beautiful in France.

[Tsass]

We did Paris in February and again in March - was was lovely. Stayed at St Christopher's Inn | Hostel in Paris Canal, hand to the subway system and very walk able to places

[donp.f.]

Unless you're specifically looking for summer/winter activities, hands down the best months to travel to France are April or October. Businesses are still open, but weather is not extremely hot or cold (and, having lived 5+ years in France, I can say from personal experience that a summer "canicule" heat wave is brutal and to be avoided at all costs). The holiday season is definitely beautiful (especially in the east with their Christmas markets) but it's also very crowded.

[amyspeers]

My parents traveled to Europe almost every year and they always went in September and early October. They did go to Germany one year for the Christmas markets. In fact, my mom has already booked her trip to come and see me in SW France in September!

[thevaughntestkitchen]

We always visit France in late September / early October. As mentioned, weather tends to be nice, there are less crowds, and lodging is cheaper.

[flaxjimdiaz]

Great video, I love your approach to the subject. I'm retired thus I have flexibility when I can go, I wish to visit Paris, but dislike massive crowds.

[Justme]

Diane, you're like me! I was born around Christmas time and I LOVE winter, cold weather, and snow! I thought I was weird too but no!

[blisswilson]

Mid September twice: Paris & chantilly were perfect, Avignon was warm and relaxing. You’re right on the children in school. We were able to book fun accommodations at reasonable prices,

[cbll]

I agree with your recommendations - although it kind of pains me to let that information out 😉 I'm heading over on the 31st for most of June (1-29) to work on the house. I don't usually like to go that close to summer as I spend the last couple of days in Paris (COVID test). Also, I'm in Central France (Dept 86/ Vienne) so it does get warm and I don't have air. But, yes, the spring and fall are my usual and favorite times to visit. I've only been in July once and that was for my birthday, 14 July ( so nice of the country to give me a party😀).
Thank you for your videos - I absolutely love them and the topics you discuss💗

[yaowsers]

i prefer winter too! i'll hit the christmas markets eventually when i do a river cruise! i plan on coming to paris in late february/early march.

[susan]

Great post Diane. My visit was in 2014, September 7-18. Hot! In Paris it was toasty and I was thankful for AC in our hotel. With hot flashes 😅I survived 😂. We could also open our windows. Time went too fast, hopefully will visit in ‘23!

[susanbartone]

I love air conditioning and I could live in my freezer! So this video is superb. I have a dear friend in Tarascon, near Avignon, so I will not be going in the summer! Thanks for this helpful set of questions!