Alps, Atlantic, Mediterranean, and a capital that rewards a fourth visit as much as a first.
Alps, Atlantic, Mediterranean, and a capital that rewards a fourth visit as much as a first.
Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180-day period for Canadians, counted across the entire zone rather than per country. ETIAS pre-authorisation becomes mandatory during 2026 — an online form, a small fee, and three years of validity.
May, June, and September are the best months almost everywhere — warm, open, and without August crush. Paris in August empties of Parisians and fills with tourists, and many restaurants close. Winter suits the Alps and Christmas markets in Alsace.
Paris needs no argument. Add Provence and the Côte d'Azur for the south, the Loire for châteaux, Burgundy or Bordeaux for wine, Normandy and Brittany for coastline and history, and the Alps for mountains. The TGV makes multi-region trips genuinely practical.
TGV services are fast and much cheaper booked well in advance. Regional TER trains cover the rest. A car makes sense in Provence, the Dordogne, and Alsace but is a liability in cities. An International Driving Permit is required with your Canadian licence.
Euros, cards near-universal, contactless standard. Service is included by law — a few euros for genuinely good service is plenty and no more is expected. Prix fixe lunch menus are the best value in French dining, often half the evening price for the same kitchen.
Excellent healthcare and pharmacies that handle minor issues well. Travel insurance still recommended. Pickpocketing around Paris landmarks and on the Métro is the practical risk. Strikes affect transport periodically — build slack into tight connections.
Paris hotel rooms are small and expensive; chambres d'hôtes and gîtes in the countryside are far better value. Book Riviera and Alps peak weeks months ahead. A per-night taxe de séjour is added at checkout in most communes.
Always open with bonjour before anything else — skipping it reads as rude and explains a surprising amount of perceived French coldness. Lunch runs 12 to 2 and many kitchens close between services. Attempting French, however badly, is received far better than assuming English.
EU roaming applies; Orange, SFR, and Free sell cheap tourist SIMs. Coverage is strong except in deep alpine valleys. Power is 230V with Type C and E plugs — Canadian devices need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and seasonally Calgary and Halifax to Paris, with Air Transat and French bee typically cheapest. Montreal has the most competition and the lowest fares. Consider flying into Paris and out of Nice or Lyon to avoid retracing your route.
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