Deux Semaines en France: Planning Your Dream 2-Week French Vacation
Ah, France! The land of cheese, romance, delectable cuisine, breathtaking sights, rich cultural heritage, and I did mention cheese? A two-week vacation offers ample time to delve into the beauty and charm of this captivating country. Here's a comprehensive guide to planning your dream French getaway:
1. Deciding When to Go
France enjoys a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Popular tourist months are June to August, offering pleasant weather and long daylight hours. However, these months also coincide with peak crowds and higher prices.
Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather with blooming flowers, fewer crowds, and shoulder season rates.
Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, ideal for outdoor activities, but crowded and expensive. This is when I went in the summer of 2023. The weather was never too hot, but we encountered higher crowds (especially on Bastille Day). However, I will say that nothing was overwhelmingly crowded.
Autumn (September-November): Milder temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and harvest festivals.
Winter (December-February): Charming Christmas markets, fewer crowds, and lower prices, but some attractions may have limited hours.
2. Choosing Your Destinations
France boasts a diverse landscape, from the dramatic coastlines of Brittany and Normandy to the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux and the majestic peaks of the Alps. Here are some popular regions to consider:
Paris: The City of Lights is a must-visit, offering iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. We spent 5 days here during our 2-week trip, and that was plenty (maybe even one day too many?).
Provence: Immerse yourself in lavender fields, charming villages, and vibrant cities like Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.
French Riviera: Experience the glamour of the Côte d'Azur, with iconic cities like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. We didn’t have time to get here, and I am DYING to add this stop to our next European vacation.
Loire Valley: Explore fairytale chateaus, charming towns, and world-renowned vineyards. The best of the best castles! Read more here.
The Alps: Hike or ski in the majestic mountains, with stunning scenery and charming villages.
Consider your interests:
History and Culture: Paris, Normandy (D-Day beaches), Loire Valley chateaus.
Foodie Paradise: Provence, Bordeaux (wine region), Lyon (gastronomic capital).
Outdoors and Adventure: French Alps, Pyrenees mountains, Corsica (beaches).
Romance and Relaxation: French Riviera, Nice, Provence.
3. Booking Flights and Accommodation
Flights: Consider flying into major airports like Paris (CDG) or Lyon (LYS) for the most options. Look for deals and book your flights well in advance, especially during peak season. Charles de Gaulle Aiport was a terror to fly into, but flying out was stress-free.
Accommodation: France offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming boutique hotels in historic towns to luxury resorts on the Riviera. Consider your budget, location preferences, and desired amenities when choosing your stay. We loved finding French chateaus that served as bed and breakfasts.
4. Transportation Options
Trains: France has an efficient train network, TGV, connecting major cities quickly and conveniently. Consider purchasing a Eurail Pass for unlimited train travel within a specific timeframe.
Rental Cars: Renting a car allows for flexibility and exploration, especially in rural areas. However, be aware of toll roads and potential traffic congestion in cities. And be aware of traffic tickets! We got one, had to pay it once we arrived back home, AND had to pay a fine with Enterprise Rental Car.
Local Transportation: Major cities have efficient metro systems, buses, and trams. Consider purchasing a city pass for unlimited travel during your stay. The Paris metro lines were unbelievably clean (and had neat coffee vending machines).
5. Planning Your Itinerary
Research attractions and activities: Create a list of must-see sights and experiences for each destination. Consider museums, historical landmarks, natural wonders, cultural events, and day trips.
Plan your logistics: Allocate enough time for each destination, factor in travel time between locations, and book any necessary tickets or tours in advance, especially for popular attractions.
Leave room for spontaneity: Don't overschedule your days. Allow time to wander charming streets, discover hidden gems, and embrace the unexpected.
6. Essential Things to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes: Exploring cities and towns will involve a lot of walking.
Pack for the weather: Research the weather conditions for your chosen travel dates and pack versatile clothing layers.
Travel adapter: France uses a two-pronged plug, so pack a travel adapter for your electronic devices.
Phrasebook: Learning a few basic French phrases will go a long way in enhancing your experience. For me, I used Duolingo for 8 months leading up to our trip (and 4+ years in middle and high school French class!).
7. Embrace the Culture
Learn a few basic French phrases: A simple "bonjour" (hello), "merci" (thank you), and "s'il vous plait" (please) go a long way. A VERY long way — the French really will afford you more respect if you try to converse with them.
Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting. And wear comfortable shoes!
