Cities & Nature: Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

France is a year round destination with something to offer in every season. The seasons are as follows: Spring (March - May); Summer (June - August); Autumn (September - November); Winter (December - February). Christmas and New Year can be busy, but the magical appeal of Paris, Lyon or Strasbourg at Christmastime is worth it. The Alps is another region which sparkles in winter, and snowsports facilities are among the best in Europe, with resorts to suit all tastes. Spring is an excellent time to tour most regions of France, with lower footfall and shoulder season prices adding to the appeal of warmer weather and spring flowers. The south of France is particularly lovely in spring and can be warm enough for beach trips, though the sea is still chilly at this time of year. Touring northern attractions such as Paris, Brittany and Normandy in spring is perfectly feasible, though the climate here is often changeable and you are likely to encounter some rainy days. As the summer arrives in June the tourism industry kicks into gear, and by mid-July the major destinations for visitors are busy, remaining at their liveliest until late August. The weather stays balmy in the south well into September, and this can be a super time to explore as seas are warm, shoulder season rates return and fresh produce is abundant. Spring and Autumn are overall great times to plan for city-based holidays, especially as some cities are largely empty of locals for much of July and August as residents head to the mountains or the coast. To see the country at its festive best, major events such as Bastille Day (14 July), Christmas and Easter are perfect, though advance planning is advisable. Many other regional and local festivals take place through the year -  your local experts can advise you further depending on your itinerary and dates.