hiking
Tackling the peaks of France’s lesser-trekked Auvergne regionJun 16, 2023 • 5 min read
France’s Auvergne region offers great landscapes and hiking - without the crowds.
France Travel Stories
hikingThe 8 best hikes in FranceMay 20, 2023 • 8 min read
From soaring alpine peaks to billowing lavender fields and azure rivers, France has hikes to match every ability. These are the best.
beachesThe 9 most beautiful beaches in FranceMay 13, 2023 • 7 min read
From tucked away private coves to some of the most glamorous places in Europe – here's our pick of the best beaches France has to over.
tips and adviceHere's what you need to know about visas when visiting FranceMay 9, 2023 • 4 min read
From visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone to working holidays, here's everything you need to know about the visa requirements for France.
sportsFrance's wine runs: Marathon du Médoc is fun but Beaujolais is the boozy race to beatMar 8, 2023 • 5 min read
A joyous and wine-soaked party that also happens to be a major running event, the Marathon du Beaujolais holds its own against the Marathon du Médoc.
food and drinkA reason to travel to Hauts-de-France in 2023: Europe’s new region of gastronomyNov 1, 2022 • 3 min read
Perfect for a gourmet getaway: this northernmost region of France was awarded the European Region of Gastronomy 2023.
food and drinkThe 10 best food experiences in FranceSep 6, 2022 • 9 min read
Gourmet appetites know no bounds in France. Here are our favorite food experiences in the country.
beachesThe essential guide to France’s best regionsSep 2, 2022 • 10 min read
Rich with culture, cuisine, ancient architecture and glorious countryside, France is one of the world’s most rewarding places to travel.
activitiesThe best outdoor activities in France (and the best places to try them)Aug 18, 2022 • 9 min read
The diversity of the landscape is one of France's biggest draws, but don't just look – here are the best ways to get active in the French outdoors.
architectureFrance’s most beautiful castles: from formidable forts to lavish riverside châteauxAug 16, 2022 • 9 min read
Discover France’s best châteaux – from cliff-hanging Pyreneen forts to Loire palaces galore.
national parksThe 8 best national parks in France: from untouched wildernesses to spaces under three hours from ParisAug 9, 2022 • 11 min read
Hike to a mountain refuge, snorkel in the Mediterranean, canoe down a wild river or trek on horseback through an ancient forest.
cruiseHow to travel France by canal (without going overboard)Aug 8, 2022 • 8 min read
Top canal boat trips in France and how to plan and book them.
cyclingHow to explore the lavender fields of France (and things to do when they're not in bloom)Aug 7, 2022 • 8 min read
If one flower defines France, it’s lavender, thanks to the carpets of purple flowers that cover Provence. Here's how to explore France's lavender country.
cyclingFrance's 8 best cycling routes, from Alpine climbs to leisurely wine trailsAug 5, 2022 • 8 min read
The bicycle is as much part of French life as the baguette and riding here is a joy. From wine routes to Alpine climbs, here are France's best cycle routes.
wildlife and natureFrance's best natural wonders: 10 incredible, unfiltered, pinch-me encounters that are pretty much as Mother Nature intendedAug 2, 2022 • 7 min read
From alpine peaks to startling stretches of coast, here are some of the most beautiful natural spots in France.
art and culture17 best food festivals of France: where and when to go for the gourmand tour of a lifetimeJun 13, 2022 • 4 min read
France's food festivals are a golden ticket to the best of the country's grass-roots food culture. These are the best.
foodFirst-time France: where to go and what to doJul 13, 2021 • 5 min read
This first-timer's guide to France can help you narrow down the best places to go, and other top tips to make the most of your visit.
foodAsk LP: What's a good destination in France that offers an escape from the crowds?Jan 15, 2021 • 4 min read
Beyond the châteaux of the Loire Valley are quiet towns and sleepy villages. John Walton reveals his favorite things to do in the region.
sportsPace yourself in the world’s booziest racesJan 13, 2021 • 6 min read
If you enjoy a drink and want a fitness challenge, these six boozy marathons and races could tempt you to pull on your running shoes.
historyFrom new museums to markets, here's why you should visit France in 2021Jan 11, 2021 • 6 min read
From new destination museums and grassroots dining to exciting outdoor adventures, here are the best reasons to visit France in 2021.
family travelDreaming of owning a home in the Mediterranean? Here's all you need to knowAug 25, 2020 • 8 min read
Fancy a villa by the sea, or an apartment in a vibrant Mediterranean city? Here's what you need to know about buying property around the Med.
family travelTraveling right now is a personal choice: here's why I didn't goJul 22, 2020 • 4 min read
Lonely Planet journalist John Walton was considering an overnight trip to see family, but decided not to. Here's why.