France Luxury Tours & Vacations & Holidays 2025 & 2026

France LGBTQ+ Rights

France has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, joining a select group of nations leading the charge on marriage equality. This wasn’t just a political decision – polls consistently show that most French people support these rights, reflecting genuine social acceptance rather than mere tolerance. France banned conversion therapy in 2022.

The legal framework backs up this social progress. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, housing, and public services, while transgender people can update their legal documents without being forced into unwanted medical procedures.
Paris leads the way with one of Europe’s biggest Pride celebrations, but LGBTQ+ culture thrives beyond the capital too. Cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Nice all have active queer scenes, from long-established bars in the Marais to beachside clubs on the Riviera. The country’s approach feels refreshingly matter-of-fact – being LGBTQ+ in France is simply part of the social fabric rather than something that requires constant explanation or justification. As in all countries, attitudes can be more conservative in rural regions.

This combination of strong legal protections and genuine cultural acceptance makes France particularly appealing for LGBTQ+ luxury travelers. Whether you’re honeymooning in a château, exploring gay Paris’s historic neighborhoods, or simply enjoying world-class hospitality without worrying about judgment. Find out more here on our France Gay Travel page.

What Everyone Does in France

No visit to Paris is complete without experiencing Gustave Eiffel’s Eiffel Tower, but luxury travelers can elevate this iconic encounter far beyond the typical tourist experience. Skip the crowds with VIP access that includes private elevator rides and exclusive viewing areas, or book a sunset dinner at the tower’s Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant. The tower’s three observation levels offer different perspectives of the City of Light, from the glass-floored first level to the summit’s 360-degree views.

The best times to visit the Eiffel Tower are early morning or late evening, when crowds thin and the lighting creates magical photographic opportunities. Luxury travelers should book timed entry tickets well in advance, particularly for summit access, as availability can be limited months ahead.

What Some People Do In Paris

Bordeaux stands as the undisputed crown jewel of wine regions, where châteaux like Margaux, Latour, and Pétrus produce some of the world’s most coveted vintages. Luxury wine experiences here go far beyond standard tastings – think private cellars tours with estate owners, vertical tastings of rare vintages spanning decades, and exclusive access to châteaux that don’t typically welcome visitors. Many estates offer bespoke experiences including helicopter transfers between properties, harvest participation during vendange season, and dinners paired with wines that retail for thousands of dollars per bottle. The region’s classification system, established in 1855, provides a roadmap to the finest producers.

The optimal time for wine tourism in Bordeaux runs from late spring through early fall, with harvest season (September-October) allowing for particularly immersive experiences. Luxury travelers should base themselves in Bordeaux city for easy access to both Left Bank estates (Médoc and Graves) and Right Bank properties (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol).

What No One Else Does In Paris

The Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, located in the Drôme region of southeastern France, is one of the most whimsical and astonishing monuments in Europe. Built entirely by a rural postman named Ferdinand Cheval over 33 years (1879–1912), the palace is a fantastical fusion of influences – from Hindu temples to medieval castles and Egyptian motifs. Every inch of the structure is covered in intricate sculptures, towers, and inscriptions, all made from stones Cheval collected during his mail rounds. Its raw eccentricity and emotional intensity have earned it admiration from surrealists, architects, and dreamers alike.
Visiting the palace is a surreal, almost spiritual experience. Located in the small village of Hauterives, it feels like stumbling into a dream shaped by obsession, solitude, and imagination.

The site is not only visually arresting but emotionally powerful – it’s a monument to one man’s unwavering commitment to his vision, built entirely by hand. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply curious, the Palais Idéal invites you to walk through a world where creativity has no blueprint and passion knows no limits.

Weather in France

• January

  -7°C - 8°C

  In January, temperatures nationwide are cold. In Paris, the daily average is around 5°C but in the mountains, the daily average is around -5°C (dependent on how high up you are, higher altitudes will be colder than this).

• February

  -8°C - 7°C

  February is the coldest month of the year with a daily average of -6°C in the mountains and 4°C in Paris. February is the best month to go skiing as there will be plenty of snowfall and due to the cold temperatures, conditions will be ideal.

• March

  -5°C - 9°C

  Temperatures in March start to increase slightly. If you are wanting to go skiing, then there will still be plenty of snow, however, resorts which are higher up will have better snow conditions. In Paris, the daily average is 9°C

• April

  -1°C - 11°C

  April is the last month of the ski season, snow conditions will be at their worst due to temperatures increasing causing the snow to melt. In Paris, there is also an increase in temperature with a daily average of around 11°C.

• May

  8°C - 20°C

  May time is ideal for visiting Paris since it is still outside of peak season but weather wise, it's not too hot but not cold either. The Alps are not just good winter destinations. If you like hiking and mountain biking, many of the resorts have summer seasons which are perfect if you want an active outdoorsy holiday.

• June

  14°C - 27°C

  June is coming into peak season with temperatures getting a lot warmer. In the south, daily averages reach around 25°C with very little rainfall.

• July

  16°C - 30°C

  July is one of the hottest months with daily averages in Paris reaching 23°C and in the south reaching 27°C. Enjoy the long hot lazy days.

• August

  16°C - 31°C

  Like July, August brings beautiful long, hot sunny days nationwide. With the weather being so good, August is also one of the most expensive months.

• September

  13°C - 21°C

  September is a lovely time to visit, with there being very little rainfall and lovely warm temperatures. It's not as hot as August which makes it a good month to visit Paris if you don't like sightseeing in the scorching heat!

• October

  8°C - 16°C

  October is where there is a noticeable drop in temperature. Averages in Paris are around 14°C but it has known to get quite cold in previous years. It can also get quite rainy in October.

• November

  -2°C - 11°C

  In November temperatures continue to fall with daily averages reaching 7°C. In the high ski resorts snow will start to fall, but not enough for ski lifts to open.

• December

  -6°C - -8°C

  December is a beautiful month. With light dustings of snow in the lower down parts of France and snow covered mountains in the Alps. With the snow brings cold temperatures so make sure you wrap up warm.

Getting to France

If you’re planning a trip to France, it’s crucial to take into account the season you’ll be traveling and the airport you’ll be arriving at. Paris is the most sought-after destination in France, and it has two major airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. However, there are several other airports scattered throughout the country that may be more suitable for your travel plans. Additionally, it’s important to check for any visa or travel restrictions that may apply to your country of origin. Our team of travel specialists has extensive experience in arranging all the necessary travel documents, so you can relax and enjoy your trip to France.

France has an extensive and efficient train system that makes traveling throughout the country a breeze. The national railway company, SNCF, operates high-speed trains called TGV that connect major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. These trains are comfortable and offer amenities like onboard cafes and Wi-Fi. If you plan on traveling extensively, consider purchasing a rail pass. In addition to the TGV, there are also regional trains that connect smaller towns and villages, offering a more scenic route through the countryside. For a more luxurious experience, you can even rent a private train car if you’re traveling with a group. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be strikes and delays, so be sure to check the SNCF website for updates before your trip. Overall, taking the train in France is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the country.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore France, consider cruising along its picturesque waterways. With stops in popular French ports like Marseille, Nice, and Cannes, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the country’s rich culture and history from a different perspective. Many cruise lines also offer excursions to must-see destinations like the French Riviera and the Palace of Versailles. Keep in mind that peak season for cruising in France is during the summer months, so it’s best to book your trip early to ensure availability.