Best Places to Visit in France in Summer 2025 (France Summer Destinations)

Summer in France

Summer is a fantastic time to visit France. The warm weather, bright sun, good food, and relaxed lifestyle are guaranteed in any summer vacation in France.

However, deciding where to go in France in summer isn’t easy. There’s just too much choice. I should know, I live in France, and I can never decide where to go for the next long weekend!

So to help you out, I’ve curated the nine best places to visit in France in summer, a list of my favorite favorites that will absolutely take your breath away. You can visit all of these summer destinations in France independently, and they are good for either a summer break or more extended French summer holidays.

Get your bathing suit and walking shoes packed, and prepare for fun days and even more exciting evenings!

Summer Months in France

When is summer in France? The summer season in France corresponds to June, July, and August, even if summer in France officially starts on 21 June.

In general, the weather in France in the summer is warm and sunny, with long days and blue skies. Average temperatures during the summer months in France range from 17 °C (63° F) to 33 °C (91.5° F). Evenings are warm to slightly chilly, depending on the location and topography.

France has three main climates: Oceanic, Continental, and Mediterranean, so the weather will be different depending on where you go.

An Oceanic climate is typical of Western France, South-west France, and influences Northern France. Summers in this part of France are mild, but rainfall is distributed throughout the year (although it rains less in spring and summer).

A Continental climate is typical of Burgundy, Central France, North of the Rhône Valley, the Jura, Savoie, and Alsace. Summers in this part of France are hot, with temperatures that can easily reach 30 °C (86 °F). Furthermore, it is relatively dry, rainier in summer, and thunderstorms are frequent.

A Mediterranean climate is typical of the Languedoc-Roussillon, South of the Rhône Valley, all the Mediterranean coast, and Corsica. Summers in this part of France are hot and dry, and sunshine is very important.

Canicule in France

The summer season in France may see episodes of “canicule” (heatwave). In France, meteorologists will declare a “canicule” if temperatures exceed 31 °C (88 °F) during the day and 21 °C (70 °F ) at night for three consecutive days or more. But this label may be higher for certain places in Southern France.

I usually announce these episodes of canicule (and other travel warnings) on the France Bucket List Facebook Group, which you can join here.

Where to Go in France in Summer

This list of 9 France summer destinations includes:

• Where to Go in France in June /Best Places to Visit in France in June
• Where to Go in France in July /Best Places to Visit in France in July
• Where to Go in France in August /Best Places to Visit in France in August

Need help planning your trip to France? Check out this France Trip Planner. I am also available for France Travel Consultations, the perfect opportunity to receive tailored advice about your upcoming trip.

1. Provence’s Lavender Fields

Provence in summer is HOT and busy, but it is the right time to visit if you want to see the lavender fields. Nicknamed “the blue gold,” the lavender fields are among the best places to visit in Provence.

This is one of the best places to visit in France in June and July — when the lavender fields are in full bloom. There are four main areas to see lavender in Provence; check out my quick guide to Provence’s lavender fields, with everything you need to know for a total Provencal experience.

Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are two good base camps for the lavender fields. The best way to explore the lavender fields is by car — I recommend booking with Discover Cars — but there are also lavender tours with transportation from these cities.

2. The Alabaster Coast, Normandy

From Dieppe to Étretat, the Alabaster Coast in Normandy is a land of majestic cliffs, pretty beaches, and picturesque fishing villages.

The Alabaster Coast is also the land of Impressionists, where artists like Monet, Turner, and Pissarro painted “en plein air” to capture the beauty of its chalky cliffs.

This is one of the best places to visit in France in the summer, with the ideal weather to enjoy this amazing landscape, unique in the world, explore some of the prettiest coastal towns in France, and taste the regional cuisine.

The best way to explore the Alabaster Coast is on a Normandy road trip, but it is also possible to travel to any of these destinations from Le Havre by bus.

3. Summer in the French Alps

If you’re looking for a pastoral paradise in France in summer, head up to the French Alps. This unique mountain range is home to magnificent landscapes, pristine lakes, and beautiful hikes.

Nature lovers will be delighted in the French Alps: the national parks of Vanoise, Ecrins, and Mercantour are amazing!

Sports enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice during their French Alps summer holidays: mountaineering in the Massif de Mont-Blanc, paragliding above Lake Annecy, rafting & kayaking in the upper Ubaye Valley, and an endless list of beautiful hikes.

Are you looking for a more relaxing summer in France? No problem. Places like Annecy, Briançon, Yvoire, and Chamonix are great for sightseeing and culinary treats.

4. Gulf of Morbihan, Brittany

With its many islands and islets, a microclimate that warms the sea, and its sweet life, the Gulf of Morbihan is one of Brittany’s most beautiful landscapes to discover during your France summer vacation.

Morbihan means “little sea” in the local language, a place where it is possible to sail or kayak protected from the vagaries of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can visit vibrant cities, mysterious castles, prehistoric sites, and some of the prettiest coastal towns.

Finally, the Gulf of Morbihan is an excellent place to fully immerse oneself in Brittany’s culinary heritage: seafood, crêpes, and other traditional dishes.

The best way to explore the Gulf of Morbihan is on a self-drive holiday, but you can also put your bags in Vannes and visit other places on day trips.

5. The Volcanoes of Auvergne

In summer, France is a good destination for enjoying the mountains. Summers in the land of the dormant volcanoes are lovely, with mild temperatures and chilly nights due to the altitude and topography.

This was the first place in France (mainland) to be listed as UNESCO Natural Heritage, and it features striking scenery, including as many as 80 dormant volcanoes, crater lakes, forests, rivers, and thermal springs.

The range’s highest point is the iconic lava dome of Puy de Dôme, which stands at 1,465 meters high. From there, there’s an amazing bird’s eye view over the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne, the Dorez Mountains, and the Mountains of Cantal, waiting to be explored on day hikes or longer walks.

The striking volcano formations also provide stunning sites or backgrounds for picturesque medieval churches and villages like Saint-Flour, Le Puy-en-Velay, or Saint-Nectaire.

6. Summer in the French Basque Country

Nestled between the Bay of Biscay and the foothills of the Pyrenées, there is never a bad time to visit the French Basque Country. However, June to September are the warmest and driest months in this region, also known for its own (rainy) climate that keeps it gorgeously green.

If you visit this distinctive corner of France in summer, you will find temperatures barely breaking the mid-20s, so it is not too hot to hike. You can also enjoy the region’s beaches in Biarritz and its interesting culture in Bayonne.

The French Basque Country is great for sightseeing, but the only way to get into the heart of this region is to walk. Enjoy its variety of landscapes, from dramatic coastline to verdant, rugged mountains, on short or longer hikes.

With consistent waves year-round, the French Basque Country is also a surfer’s paradise, with a wide choice of surfing schools, surfing shops, and championships.

Finally, the French Basque Country is known for its distinctive architecture, delicious regional food, and for having the best chocolate in France! To get the most out of this beautiful region of France in summer, consider this French Basque Country road trip itinerary.

7. Avignon and its Festival

Avignon is always a good idea, but it is one of the best places to visit in France in July, thanks to its famous theatre festival. The Festival d’Avignon, or Avignon Festival, is an annual arts festival held every summer in July in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes as well as in other locations of the city. This is the oldest existing festival in France and one of the world’s greatest.

This 1-day in Avignon itinerary will show you the city’s main sights. Then, expect a vibrant city full of creativity, good theatre shows, and street performances. Avignon in July is also the ideal base to explore the lavender fields of Provence and the hilltop villages of Luberon.

8. Réunion Island

Ile de la Réunion is one of the French islands of the Indian Ocean, located between the islands of Madagascar and Mauritius. Nicknamed the “Intense Island,” Réunion is a land of contrasts and a concentration of adventure, exotism, and different flavors.

With 40% of the territory listed as UNESCO World Heritage, this wonderful island is a paradise for nature lovers, well-known for its volcanic, rainforested interior, coral reefs, and beaches.

It is never a bad time to visit Réunion, but hikers will definitely prefer to explore the island during the summer months in France (European summer), which corresponds to the island’s dry season. The dry season in Réunion corresponds to the months between May and November, with average temperatures ranging between 25 °C and 18 °C.

If you want to combine natural wonders with sightseeing, Réunion has an important number of colonial buildings from the 18th century and various museums worth visiting. Also, the colorful Marché de Saint-Paul, in Saint-Paul, is worth exploring.

9. Vallée d’Ossau (French Pyrénées)

The Vallée d’Ossau (Ossau Valley) is one of the three valleys in the French Pyrénées Mountains. It is nestled between the plain of Pau and the border with Spain in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Lesser known than the French Alps, the Ossau Valley is a true hidden gem, with endless outdoor activities for adrenaline junkies.

The Vallée d’Ossau is one of the best places to visit in France in summer. In July, you can follow the transhumance (every year, usually between the 1st and the 10th) and watch the Tour de France pass by (every second year or so).

If you visit this part of France in August, it’s festival time in the villages, with music and all kinds of events for the whole family.

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