How does a summer vacation in France sounds? Exciting, right? You see, summer or été is a perfect time to embark on an unforgettable vacation in this country because it has a range of stunning landscapes, rich history, and exquisite cuisine. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on stunning beaches, immersing yourself in vibrant culture, or exploring iconic landmarks, France has something to offer everyone. So in this article, we’ll be highlighting some of the best places to explore as well as useful French words you need to know. Let’s begin!
France, with its enchanting landscapes, rich history, and unparalleled cultural experiences, is a dream destination for a summer vacation. As one of the oldest countries in Europe, this country is steeped in history and boasts an impressive array of historical landmarks. From the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles to the medieval citadel of Carcassonne and the ancient Roman ruins in Provence, history buffs will find endless fascination in France.
Unsure what are the best places to visit? Here are our recommendations.
Best Spots For Summer Vacation In France
Paris
Paris is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to France, no matter the season. However, the City of Light is an especially magical French city to visit during your summer holidays. You can spend your days strolling through the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, picnicking by the Seine River, and exploring the city’s many museums and galleries. Be sure to enjoy a glass of wine at a charming sidewalk cafe or catch a show at the Moulin Rouge in the evenings.
Nice
Located on the French Riviera in the south of France, Nice is a popular place to visit for beachgoers and history buffs alike to explore. The city on the Côte d’Azur boasts stunning beaches, including the famous Promenade des Anglais, as well as a charming Old Town area with winding streets and colorful buildings. If you are a fan of fine art, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the works of the famous French artist, or the Musée Marc Chagall, which houses a collection of the painter’s biblical works.
Cannes
Known for its glamorous film festival, Cannes is a beautiful city resort town on the French Riviera that’s worth visiting any time of year. During the summer months, the city’s beaches come to life with sunbathers and swimmers. Take a stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette, which runs along the waterfront, and there are many restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore. For a taste of old-world charm, head to the historic district of Le Suquet, where you’ll find narrow streets, ancient buildings, and stunning views of the city and sea.
Provence
If you are a fan of the best-selling “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle, be sure you want to visit Provence during your summer in France. Provence is a region in southeastern France that’s known for its beautiful countryside, lavender fields, and charming hilltop villages. During the summer months, the region comes to life with festivals, markets, and outdoor concerts. Visit the city of Avignon, home to the famous Palais des Papes, or the picturesque village of Gordes, which is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Bordeaux
If you’re a wine lover, Bordeaux is one of the destinations you won’t want to miss. This city in southwestern France is home to some of the world’s most famous vineyards and wineries. Take a tour of the Château Lafite Rothschild or the Château Margaux, or simply stroll through the city’s many wine bars and restaurants. In addition to its wine culture, Bordeaux boasts beautiful architecture and a lively arts scene, and a fantastic nightlife because of the French student population.
Brittany
Located in northwest France, Brittany is a region of France known for its rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and delicious seafood. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking along the coastal trails, relaxing on the beaches, and exploring the region’s many historic landmarks, including the medieval town of Dinan and the walled city of Saint-Malo.
Mont Saint-Michel
Located on a rocky island off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to France in the summer. The abbey, which dates back to the 8th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. Visitors can climb to the top of the abbey for stunning views of the surrounding coastline or explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village that surrounds it.
Brush Up On Some French For Your Summer Vacation In France
If you’re planning to visit France in the summer, it’s helpful to brush up on your French vocabulary and phrases. While many people in the tourist industry in France speak English, making an effort to speak French is one of the best ways to show respect for the local culture and the locals. It’s also one of the best ways to make your summer in France more enjoyable.
Basic Vocabulary
First, let’s start with some basic vocabulary that you’ll need to know for your summer holiday in France.
| English | French |
| Hello (used in the morning and afternoon) | Bonjour |
| Good evening (used in the evening) | Bonsoir |
| Goodbye | Au revoir |
| Thank you | Merci |
| Please | S’il vous plaît |
| Excuse me | Excusez-moi |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais? |
| I don’t speak French | Je ne parle pas français |
| Yes | Oui |
| No | Non |
Food And Drink
One of the main things you will want to do if you want to enjoy your summer break in the sun will be to explore the places serving up wonderful French food and drink. French cuisine is world-renowned, so it’s important to know some basic food and drink vocabulary to help you navigate menus and order in restaurants.
| English | French |
| Menu | Menu |
| Dish of the day | Plat du jour |
| Wine | Vin |
| Water | Eau |
| Beer | Bière |
| Coffee | Café |
| Tea | Thé |
| Bread | Pain |
| Cheese | Fromage |
| Croissant | Croissant |
Accommodations
If you’re staying in a hotel or other accommodations during your holidays in France, here there are some useful vocabulary and phrases to help you communicate with staff.
| English | French |
| Room | Chambre |
| Key | Clé |
| Reception | Réception |
| Reservation | Réservation |
| I would like to book a room, please. | Je voudrais réserver une chambre, s’il vous plaît. |
| Can you help me with my luggage? | Pouvez-vous m’aider avec mes bagages? |
| What is the price of the room? | Quel est le prix de la chambre? |
| Do you have a room available? | Avez-vous une chambre disponible? |
| I would like a double bed / two single beds, please. | Je voudrais un lit double / deux lits simples, s’il vous plaît. |
| Where are the toilets? | Où sont les toilettes? |
Transportation
Getting around in France can be an adventure, but it helps to know some transportation vocabulary and phrases to make exploring some of the best places to visit in France in summer easier.
| English | French |
| Train | Train |
| Bus | Bus |
| Metro | Métro |
| Train station | Gare |
| Bus stop | Arrêt de bus |
| Metro station | Station de métro |
| Taxi | Taxi |
| When does the next train / bus leave? | Quand part le prochain train / bus? |
| How much does the ticket cost? | Combien coûte le billet? |
| I would like to go to (destination). | Je voudrais aller à (destination) |
Sightseeing
Finally, there are so many interesting places to visit in France, and as you will be planning to do plenty of sightseeing during your summer in France, here are some useful vocabulary and phrases to help you navigate places such as museums, landmarks, and other attractions and summer holiday destinations.
| English | French |
| Museum | Musée |
| Castle | Château |
| Cathedral | Cathédrale |
| Tower | Tour |
| Monument | Monument |
| Ticket | Billet |
| Opening hours | Heures d’ouverture |
| Closing time | Fermeture |
Learn More French With Ling
If you’re looking for a great way to learn French, why not take some time to improve your linguistic skills with the Ling app? The Ling app is a great way to learn 60+ languages before heading off to your next destination this summer. Ready to give it a go? Why not try the Ling app today by clicking on Google Play or App Store?
