France…Paris and Beyond

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One of the most popular cities to visit in France is Paris. Many refer to it as the most romantic city in the world.  There are tons of things to see and do here. Perhaps you’d like to take a tour that stops at some of the most famous monuments and locations, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, or the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The picture featured here, is taken from the Notre Dame Cathedral, (hence the gargoyle,) with a view of the city of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.  If you’re into history, perhaps a trip to some of the world’s best art galleries and museums will be in order. Of course, if you’re looking to indulge, you might be interested in exploring the food and wine choices around the city by visiting some of the hottest restaurants.

While in Paris, we recommend you experience the following.

  • Shop the famous Champs Elysees.
  • Sit at a sidewalk cafe.
  • Take the elevators (or climb,) to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a spectacular view of the city.
  • Immerse yourself in art at the Louvre Museum.
  • Cruise along the Seine river.

You could easily spend a week in Paris, but try to give yourself at least 3 to 4 full days if time permits.

The Normandy, region offers impressively lush farmland, beaches and bustling market towns.  Let us not forget of course, the history of the region where you can visit the World War II fortifications and invasion beaches.  Visit the fairy-tale looking tidal island of Mont Saint-Michael, with its abbey’s spindly towers that jut into the clouds from the island’s heart.

Other popular destinations in France include Nice, a city on the French Riviera, Provence, where you can see the brilliant lavender fields full of color and other historic sights.  Cities you shouldn’t miss include the magnificent and fast-paced Lyon, the once oh-so-glamorous Biarritz or the lively capital of the Loire Valley, Tours, with its picturesque presence and laid-back lifestyle – especially if you’re partial to fine wine.

Wine lovers should also pay visits to the attractive world heritage site, Strasbourg or the ancient, elegant city of Bergerac as well as the regions of Burgundy, Bordeaux and of course, Champagne!

If you’re on a cruise ship, the most commonly called upon port is Nice. Nice is the most famous of towns in the French Riviera. From here you can take day trips to Monaco and Eze, Saint Paul de Vence.

As we mentioned above, France is a beautiful place all year round, but if you have a flexible schedule you may be able to get there during one of the best times. The scenery can be absolutely gorgeous in the spring, and the weather is nice. In the fall you have the crisp air and the changing of the leaves.  In the spring or fall the cities will not be as crowded as in the summer months. However, an advantage of going in the summer is that many cities have more activities and festivals catered to tourists. Also if you are visiting the south of France.  Lavender is in bloom in July and August.

Buying your France Tour or France vacation package in advance gives you peace of mind because you prepay for your trip and save up to 40% off the cost of traveling the same itinerary on your own. Book France tours now with Atlas Travel Web and get yourself ready for the trip of your lifetime.

France beyond Paris is full of extraordinary experiences. For the capital itself, our advisors’ Paris in the Spring guide covers everything you need to know.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.