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Say bonjour to the good life – Alpine vistas, hidden rural gems and arguably the world’s best cheese
From the picturesque island of Corsica in the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc, each of our small-group trips to France promises unique adventures filled with culture, history and breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer walking and trekking or cycling, Exodus offers a wide selection of adventure tours in France.
Enjoy coastal walking in the French Riviera, cycling in the picturesque Loire Valley, or riding through northern France, from Brittany to Normandy. Alternatively, explore the rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters of Corsica, a paradise for beach and outdoor lovers, or take on the classic Tour du Mont Blanc, which attract hikers seeking magnificent views and challenging ascents.
Embarking on a trip to France means immersing yourself in a colourful tapestry of diverse landscapes, cultures and unforgettable experiences that will leave an indelible imprint on your soul.
If you want to learn more about our holidays in France, read on, visit our blog or get in touch if you have any questions.
1. The French Riviera: Stunning architecture and exotic gardens, hilltop communes and secret coves – the French Riviera is a vibrant and enchanting place. Also known as the Côte d’Azur, this stunning stretch of coastline runs along the southeastern corner of France, boasting a Mediterranean climate, glamorous cities such as Nice and Cannes, pretty villages and golden beaches. Beyond its natural beauty, the French Riviera is also rich in culture, with art galleries, museums and historic landmarks to explore. In the artists’ haven of Menton, be sure to visit the Jean Cocteau Museum to see a collection of his works, or head to the mountain town of Sospel and take lunch in the Place Saint Michel – a gorgeous square that transports you back in time.
2. The French Alps: The magnificent Alps are marked by huge glaciers, cliffs and waterfalls, and massive snow-clad summits. As you zigzag up the valley, forests take over, before thinning away to reveal the mountains. The pretty town of Chamonix tends to be the base for those wanting to explore the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. In the summer, trek through sweet-smelling pastures, while in winter explore the snowy wilderness on snowshoes. Dotted among the dramatic peaks you’ll find charming alpine villages where you can enjoy authentic French cuisine and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.
3. The Loire Valley: Punctuated by more than 300 UNESCO World Heritage-listed chateaux, including the iconic Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, the Loire Valley is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. As you explore ancient landscapes and world-renowned vineyards, feast on deliciously ripe tomatoes and crusty French bread, and sample some of the best wines that France has to offer, such as Sancerre and Muscadet. With its traditional villages, rolling hills and meandering river, the Loire Valley is a must-visit location in the cultural heart of France.
4. Corsica: A captivating island that rises from the glistening Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is blessed with natural beauty and rich history. This French territory plays host to rugged mountains, gin-clear waters and idyllic villages and is also famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, adding to its historic significance. Adventure seekers will be in their element on the island as they’ll find a wide range of outdoor activities , as well as cultural experiences such as exploring ancient ruins and sampling delicious local cuisine.
5. Northern France: The neighbouring regions of Brittany and Normandy are steeped in history, medieval villages and port towns. Cycling from one to the other allows you to take in this culture-rich region of Europe, with a chance to visit D-Day beaches, see the floating abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel and ride a terrain that mixes coast and countryside. There’s great food here too thanks to the location, particularly at Cancale, which is renowned for shellfish.
Meet the Expert
Danny Bell – Product Manager France
“We’ve secured exclusive access to three beautiful chalets for our Mont Blanc Highlights trip this year, which really sets this adventure apart. I know from experience that there’s nothing like ending an incredible day of Alpine hiking in a warm and welcoming home-from-home. In particular, Chalet Bediere has a central location in Chamonix, which makes it ideal for exploring the world-famous mountain resort. ”
Our tours to France typically span between six and 15 days, depending on the destination and itinerary.
The majority are around eight days in length, which gives you plenty of time to immerse yourself in your destination and sample the best that the area has to offer, while still giving you plenty of time to relax in between transfers.
The best way to explore France is entirely down to your preferences.
We find that cycling, trekking and walking adventure holidays are great ways to explore and experience the country. They let you see France from a close and personal perspective – smells, sounds, sights, tastes and conversations with locals all make for a one-of-a-kind visit.
All visitors from the UK can travel to France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. You do not need evidence of a negative PCR test or Covid vaccination, either; just a passport with three months validity.
Your list of things to pack when heading on a trip to France depends on what you’ll be doing.
Any trip involving hiking or walking calls for a pair of strong, comfortable walking boots, and clothes that suit the season. In warmer times of the year, lightweight, sweat-wicking layers and thin waterproofs are a good idea, as well as sun cream. For winter, warm underlayers, wind and waterproof layers, and a hat and gloves to keep the cold at bay.
Aside from that, when travelling to France, you’ll need to bring any personal effects, like a camera, travel watercolour set and so forth.
France’s currency is the Euro (€).
French towns and cities have plenty of bureau de change locations where you can exchange money. However, you may find that purchasing foreign exchange for your trip to France is cheaper using an overseas debit card, or at a local bureau de change in your home country.
France’s weather differs depending on the location and season. Overall, its climate is temperate and seasonal so, while it’s typically mild, hot and cold extremes can be common in the summer and winter months. Autumn is typically much wetter than the rest of the year, too.
That being said, France is a large country which straddles several climate zones:
The best time to visit France depends on the activities that you want to experience during your trip.
For the hottest, sunniest weather, July and August is the best, though beware that this is also the country’s busiest tourist season.
April to June and September to October are good choices for warmer weather and fewer crowds – great if you want more of the country to yourself, such as a higher likelihood of getting a spot at top restaurants. If you want to travel to destinations like Corsica, this can be the best time of the year to visit.
Low season, between November and March, is much quieter on account of the wintry weather, though you may find that some opening hours for shops, bars and restaurants are a little restricted. Mountainous areas of France like Chamonix in the French Alps are often busier in these months, on account of the ski season.
In France, tipping is not expected or required.
You can leave a supplementary tip for great service but you’re not obliged to do so. And if service is included in the bill, the venue must, by French law, state ‘15% service compris’ at the bottom of the bill – this statement by the French government sets out the practice.
Yes, you can arrange your own travel depending on your requirements. Just talk to any of our team when making your booking – they’ll be able to accommodate your own travel arrangements. If you want them to customise your travel plans for you, they can help you with that, too.
At the time of writing (January 2023), visitors from the UK do not need a visa to visit France if they are travelling there for 80 days or less within a 180-day period. View up-to-date entry requirements via the government’s advice site.
Yes, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the newer UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access medical treatment the same way as a person from France can do.
These cards are not a valid replacement for travel insurance. Every person travelling with Exodus must have a valid policy in place for the duration of their trip to France – find out more here.
Elizabeth Carter Mont Blanc Hiking HighlightsJust returned from walking the highlights of Mount Blanc! There was a variety of hikes and all had great views. Our guide and chalet hosts were very knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome!
Alexis Cockroft Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy
Yannis was a great tour leader. Very cheerful, friendly, efficient and responsive to situations.
Christopher Cox Cycle the Loire ValleyGreat tour guide, Ruben, made the trip really great.
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