About France
Why France Is the World's Most Visited Country
No country on earth offers the same combination of world-class art, extraordinary regional cuisine, wine of every style and price point, ancient history in every stone, and sheer physical beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps to the Côte d'Azur's turquoise Mediterranean coves, France's geography is as dramatically varied as its culture.
For Australian travellers, France rewards the extra flying hours many times over. Paris remains the natural gateway — a city that genuinely lives up to its mythology — but the real discovery is usually beyond it: the lavender fields of the Luberon at dawn, a glass of chilled Sancerre on a Loire riverbank, or watching the Eiffel Tower's lights ignite over Monaco from a Grande Corniche lookout.
Planning Tip: The perfect two-week France itinerary for Australians typically combines 3 nights in Paris with 4 nights in Provence or the Loire Valley, ending with 4–5 nights on the French Riviera — finishing close to Nice airport for the return journey. All legs are connected by TGV in under 3 hours.
- Best months — April–June & September–October for ideal weather and manageable crowds
- Getting around — TGV high-speed train connects all major cities; hire a car for the countryside
- Language — Basic French phrases earn enormous goodwill; English is widely spoken in cities
- Cuisine — Each region has its own distinct dishes; always eat the local speciality
- Budget — France suits every budget from market lunch to Michelin dinner, often on the same day
City of Light
