Active France Vacations

The best time to visit France depends on what you want to do, and where you want to go - as it's a vast country. Regions such as the French Alps, Loire Valley and French Riviera have their own climates. Nov-April is the winter season, the perfect time for skiing and mountain sports. Late May and June are France’s spring, a great time for walking when the spring flowers are in full bloom.  Autumn is a picture-perfect time to visit the Loire Valley. The Pyrenees is only available for hiking during the months of July – September when the snow has cleared. If you’re heading to the coast, May to July is recommended. 

Mountains: Alps & Pyrenees

July, August and September are the months to travel when the snow is gone, and the risk of avalanche is minimal. The French Alps are a haven for avid mountaineers and hikers that want to tick off those classic bucket-list adventures.  

Top Tip: We recommend booking the Tour du Mont Blanc at least 6 months in advance, especially for the Classic hut-to-hut itineraries. 

Loire Valley

Autumn in the Loire Valley is a must! Although known for its fairy-tale châteauxs, and gardens this is also the land of wine. Red, White, Rose, Sparkling - it has it all. September and October is a time of tranquillity -find yourself surrounded by vineyards, wildflowers and rolling farmlands. The only noise to be heard is the snipping of grapes in the distance. 

Top Tip: Do try Sancerre wine if possible while in the village of Sancerre. It won't disappoint.

Provence 

Provence is a wine-lovers dream during harvest season. September is generally the month of the grape harvest which makes late-September and early October a great time to visit. The days are warm, and the nights are cool, and most towns in the region will have a harvest festival. It’s not difficult to find a quaint wine bar nestled within the hilltop towns, where you can soak up the buzzing atmosphere.  

1. French Alps: Big-mountain drama on Tour du Mont Blanc, Walker’s Haute Route, and GR5 from Lake Geneva to Chamonix. Alpine meadows, balcony trails, glacier views.
2. Provence: Ochre cliffs, perched villages, vineyard rambles, and café culture. Great for hiking in Provence France.
3. Burgundy: Vineyard lanes, canal paths, and two grapes - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - done to perfection.
4. Dordogne: River valleys, chestnut woods, prehistoric art, and market towns - ideal for slower days.
5. Loire Valley: Rolling vineyards and châteaux galore - prime territory for easy cycling tours France and gentle walks.
6. Alsace: Fairy-tale villages, stunning vineyard landscapes, and German-inspired charm make for fantastic hiking experiences. 

• Unmatched Expertise: Over 20 years crafting self-guided walking and biking journeys in France.
• Handpicked Accommodations: Cozy B&Bs, guesthouses, and preferably family-owned hotels chosen for comfort and character.
• Hassle-Free Travel: We handle lodging, daily luggage transfers, and detailed route planning in our Award-winning app.
• Travel on Your Own Terms: enjoy the freedom to travel each day your way and at your own pace
• Local Insights: Insider tips from our team – must see detours, markets, bakeries, and vineyard stops.
• Supported but Independent: 24/7 on trip assistance; no buses, no big groups, no guides.
• Positive Impact: We partner with local businesses and support low-carbon travel.