Summer Travel Tips

Soaring summer temperatures and long hours of daylight means we’re right in the middle of peak travel season in France. More people travel to France in the months of July and August than the rest of the year. If you are one of these travelers, rest assured you are in for a treat, and here are a couple tips to make your vacation that much more enjoyable.

1.) Avoid weekend travel

Waiting in line is inevitable when visiting the sights in France, whether it be the Mont St Michel, the Chenonceaux in Loire, or Paris museums, however you can minimize the wait time. Midweek tends to be a better time for traveling then the weekends. Another good general tip is to visit the places on your list either earlier or later in the day. Being prepared and having a good attitude also helps the wait go fast.

2.) Escape to Cooler Weather

For some, the higher temperatures of summer go hand in hand with a good vacation. For others, the sweltering heat can be a burden. For a reprieve from the heat, head to the northern regions of France. Brittany and Normandy are excellent examples of regions with a more temperate climate. Cooled by the breeze of the coast and regular rainfall, Brittany and Normandy stay green, lush, and reach only mildly warm temperatures even in France’s hottest months. On the opposite side of northern France, the Alsace region experiences much of the same weather. Alsace is known for its consistent rainfall, but it’s wettest months this year have passed.  If you’re looking to escape the heat, check out our hiking and cycling tours in these regions.

3.) Don’t miss the celebration

Bastille Day, or more formally known as ‘La Fête Nationale’, marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on the 14^th of July, 1789. This event became a symbol of the uprising of the current French nation and the start of the French Revolution. Bastille Day is an exciting time to be in France, with enthusiastic celebration taking place nationwide. In Paris, the people line the Champs-Elysées for a massive military parade, before partying into the wee hours of the next day beneath fireworks displays at the Eiffel tower. If you’re not in Paris, that is no reason not to partake in the celebration! Each and every town across France takes part in this national holiday with their own events, parties, and celebrations. A celebration this big is something that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

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