Paris: best time to visit, money, visa, communication. When is the best time to go to France When is the best time to go to Paris in spring
Paris is beautiful at any time of the year. In spring, the French capital is decorated with blooming chestnut trees, in summer it is washed with fountains, in autumn it is covered with a golden blanket, and in winter it glows with bright lights. During each of these periods, the city is unique, and therefore the choice of time to travel depends on your goals and preferences. So, when is the best time to go to?
Even a person who is stingy with emotions, seeing the French capital in April or May, will be delighted by its beauty. Flower beds with delicate crocuses, green crowns of trees, blooming fuchsias on the balconies of Parisians... These are just some of the touches of the exquisite spring landscape that appears before the eyes of tourists and Parisians. It seems that the city has stepped out of the paintings of the great impressionists.
Of course, spring in Paris is saturated with romance. In spring you can fully enjoy walks through the wonderful Parisian gardens and parks. For example, in the Luxembourg Gardens, which is one of the favorite places of Parisians. And if you climb to the top, Paris will appear before you in full view. The country residences of Fontainebleau and Versailles are decorated with flowers in the spring and are not yet as crowded with tourists as in the summer, which will allow you to feel even better about the era of kings, intrigue and musketeers.
It is difficult to find a place on the map where summer is not considered the peak tourist season. Paris is no exception. Summer in Paris is full of warm nights and bright sunshine during the day. City life switches to 24/7 mode. Open-air parties, street theater festivals, and various free concerts are held. Only from June to September are the towers of Paris open until late in the evening.
In August, the capital's natives, as a rule, go on vacation, and Paris is left to tourists. August is characterized by stuffy and hot weather, and therefore during this period it is worth paying special attention to the wonderful Parisian parks and gardens. In addition, on the banks of the Seine in summer there are comfortable beaches with sun loungers and umbrellas.
If you're lucky, in the summer you can witness a unique event here - the "Dinner in White" flash mob. It is held once a year. Thousands of people in white clothes gather in one of the most beautiful places in Paris and, having taken out folding tables and chairs, begin to have dinner. An unforgettable sight!
And knowing the secluded corners of Paris and unusual attractions will help you take a break from the abundance of tourists - we talk about some of them in the article ““.
Paris in autumn
The magnificent decline of nature, about which Alexander Pushkin once magnificently wrote, is manifested in all its glory in the French capital. Warm weather is favorable for long walks and inspired study, and if it suddenly rains, you can always wait out the bad weather with a cup of aromatic coffee in the nearest coffee shop. And it’s so nice to spend autumn evenings in.
On autumn evenings, theaters and cabarets open their doors to tourists. If those aren't your thing, the famous and Madeleine Church regularly hosts organ concerts. In parks and gardens, leaves rustle underfoot, and a poetic and slightly melancholy atmosphere reigns in the air.
One of the most interesting events in autumn Paris is the grape harvest festival. This holiday has been held since 1934. Stars come from all over the country to ceremoniously pour the new wine. And then a musical performance begins on the stage, farmers sell their goods in stalls, and volleys of fireworks are heard in the sky. It won't be boring here.
Paris in winter
Since the end of November, Paris has been dressed in festive “clothes” and Christmas lights. In winter there is not much snow here; most often it rains. That’s why it’s good to devote this period to museums. There are countless of them in Paris, and visiting the Louvre alone can take several days (depending on how intensively you explore it). It is also worth checking out the Museum of the Palace of Versailles, the Salvador Dali Museum, the Victor Hugo Museum, the National Cultural Center. Georges Pompidou.
When going on vacation to the country of the musketeers, you, of course, think about when is the best time to go to France. Perhaps the main way to answer this question is to decide why you are planning a trip. Summer is the time when you should go to France to the Cote d'Azur and the Atlantic coast. Although the Mediterranean Sea has its own little secret in the form of a velvet season in September. In winter, there comes a time when you should fly to France in the direction of the Alpine ski resorts. But excursion routes are worth visiting in spring and early autumn, when there is no heat.
Holidays in France in spring
The weather in France in spring is very changeable. Spring makes its way across the country gradually, from southern Aquitaine to northern Normandy. And if on the Cote d'Azur in March it can already be +15°C, then in March it is much cooler. In April, there are more sunny days throughout the country, and the air warms up significantly. Well, in May, during the flowering period, the tourist season officially begins.
Holidays in France in summer
The weather in France in summer varies from region to region. On the south coast it can be quite hot, while on the Atlantic coast there is no heat, and in Paris the weather is very moderate. In the summer, many beach lovers come to France to soak up the waves of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. And in the summer, Disneyland Paris will extend opening hours to 10 p.m.
When is the best time to go to Paris - how the French capital attracts tourists in summer, autumn, winter and spring.
Beautiful Paris. Elegant, romantic, modern capital. A haven for lovers and a gastronomic paradise. People come here, to one of the most attractive cities on earth, to experience the magic of elegant streets, admire the elegance of medieval cathedrals, and plunge into the romance of ancient quarters. No one remains indifferent to the charm of this city, in which the imprint of antiquity is harmoniously combined with the fresh splendor of modernity, the atmosphere of which is imbued with the spirit of romance novels. Creative people come here for inspiration, lovers come here for new, bright impressions. Therefore, when is the best time to go to Paris, everyone decides for themselves. The capital of France is beautiful at any time of the year. Every season here is unique. Each has its own charms and pitfalls.
Winter Paris attracts tourists with elegant store windows, fun festivals, colorful parades, interesting exhibitions and, of course, post-New Year sales. Illumination has been appearing on the city streets since the beginning of December. In winter, the festive atmosphere is best felt in the French capital; this is the most pleasant time for family trips. On the eve of the New Year, Paris turns into a fabulous city - exquisitely elegant and endlessly romantic. Christmas, New Year, Day of Light - all these holidays in Paris are truly magical. True, prices at this time are appropriate, and the influx of tourists is maximum.
In November, traditional Christmas markets open in the city, where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs, toys and delicacies. The first of them takes place in the La Défense area, and the largest is on the Champs Elysees. Throughout December, Notre Dame Cathedral offers a free, spectacular light show illustrating the story of Christmas. On Light Day, millions of lights are lit simultaneously on the streets of the evening city. And in February, walks along Parisian avenues are interesting with colorful carnivals and the Retromobile exhibition of retro cars.
Winter in Paris is not very cold; there is almost no snow or frost. Only in January, the coldest month of the year, does the weather sometimes bring surprises in the form of several days marked by snow. In February, Paris becomes a little warmer; after a long period of impotence, the sun's rays break through the curtain of dense clouds for the first time. On a dark, chilly winter evening, it’s so pleasant to sit in a cozy cafe, drink hot chocolate and watch how the light of street lamps shimmers with the festive lights of Christmas markets, elegant colorful garlands and unreal illumination of shop windows, and all this against the backdrop of trees and sidewalks dusted with a snow-white blanket.
Paris is beautiful at any time of the year, but in the spring the city of lovers is especially beautiful. Few people want to argue with this. Everything around is blossoming, fountains begin to work, summer terraces open, musicians perform on the embankments and squares - the majestic ancient city seems to be getting younger before our eyes. In March, although the sun is shining like spring, the weather is still not very warm - the thermometer rarely rises above +7º. Walking through the old quarters will bring incomparable pleasure at this time. Among the gray and white stone houses, a tree suddenly appears, completely covered with delicate greenery and white and pink flowers. Tulips, crocuses and daffodils bloom in gardens and parks. The air, saturated with the aromas of the first flowers, is literally intoxicating.
And if the March weather is quite unpredictable, prone to presenting surprises - both in the form of unexpected frosts and long-awaited thaws, then from mid-April the city is transformed beyond recognition: it is all so sunny, blooming, fragrant. And May, when parks and gardens are surrounded by lush greenery, is considered one of the best months of the year for a trip to Paris. And at this time chestnuts are blooming in the city. It is interesting that on May 1st there are no rallies or demonstrations in France; this day has long been a lily of the valley holiday for the French. Delicate flowers are sold everywhere, Parisians give and keep elegant bouquets, firmly believing that they bring happiness.
March is interesting with an art fair, the Paris Film Festival, St. Patrick's Day, April with a Culinary Festival, the Paris Marathon and a fair in the Bois de Vincennes, and May is notable for jazz festivals, the Paris Fair, the Spring in the Streets festival and the Victory Day celebrations on the Champs-Elysees solemn parade.
Summer in Paris is wonderful weather: warm but not hot, thanks to the refreshing westerly winds. These are outdoor festivals, many of which are free. These are a variety of exhibitions, concerts, festivals, attractions and other entertainment that can satisfy the taste of even the most sophisticated traveler. True, due to the abundance of tourists in the summer, Paris turns into a noisy, hectic city, but this does not prevent it from looking joyful and elegant.
June evenings, when it is not yet very hot outside, the greenery around is still fresh like spring, and the flowers delight with their diversity, are simply made for walking around the city. June in Paris is the La Villette jazz festival, the Saint-Denis music festival and the Festival of Music. And in the first month of summer, a fair is held on Saint-Germain-des-Prés Street - very unusual, in the tradition of medieval markets. Only in summer are all the towers of Paris open until late: by climbing them, you can look at the evening city from a bird's eye view, see a magical panorama of the capital against the backdrop of the setting sun. And as night falls, the doors of noisy Parisian cabarets open.
It's hot in Paris in July. The green lawns of the Champ de Mars, shady alleys of squares and parks, quiet ponds and fountains splashing with cool water will help you escape the summer heat. City beaches are also open in summer. A boat trip along the Seine will be unforgettable: you can not only sail under its 15 bridges, admiring the delicate frame of the embankments, but also combine it with a romantic dinner in a cafe - the whimsical play of street lamps, the freshness emanating from the water surface, the sophistication of French cuisine - all this will help create an uplifting mood.
The main event of July is the large-scale celebration of Bastille Day, one of the most revered holidays by the French. All of Paris dances in the streets and squares on this day. And the sky of the evening city lights up with multi-colored lights of festive fireworks. The second half of July is attractive for shopping lovers: the summer sales season begins. By the end of the month, discounts on goods in stores reach up to 70%.
In autumn, the capital of France can greet you with cloudy, cloudy skies, cool weather and drizzling rain. But in the hearts of true romantics, autumn Paris leaves only the most vivid and unforgettable impressions. Crimson-golden clothes in which green parks and gardens are dressed up like summer, bright asters in autumn flower beds, a frame of yellowing foliage, amazingly combined with the grandeur of ancient fortresses and the gray silence of squares - the beauty of fading nature makes Paris especially beautiful at the beginning of autumn, gives the city a special charm and charm.
Autumn in Paris is the time when the city wakes up a little later than usual, when the Eiffel Tower seems to “float” out of a foggy haze every morning, when there are more and more loving couples in parks and squares in the evenings, and on a date, instead of a Panama hat and sunglasses, you need take a warm sweater with you. In autumn, Paris turns into a paradise for art lovers. This is the time for theater and film premieres, fashion shows, and outdoor festivals. The cultural life of the capital in autumn is especially rich.
In September, one of the most beautiful cities in the world pleases its residents and guests with warm weather: the summer heat subsides, but the sun still shines gently and warmly. At this time, when the autumn rain has not yet had time to wash away the bright colors of summer, when the crowds of tourists dissipate a little, you can walk along the quiet, cozy streets of the “old city” for hours, discovering more and more of their corners. The aromas of slight sadness, some melancholy and nostalgia for the past summer are in the air. True, sadness quickly dissipates in the rays of the gentle sun.
October is marked by a noticeable cooling: during the day, although the thermometer freezes at +15°, in the mornings there is sometimes a slight frost. November is a rather damp and dank month, with an average air temperature of +6°. True, although it does not pamper you with warmth, it does provide an opportunity to explore the ancient cathedrals of the capital leisurely, without numerous groups of tourists.
In October, mass celebrations take place: Montmartre hosts a grand harvest festival - a colorful festival dedicated to the grape harvest. Each time, in honor of this event, patrons and townspeople come up with something new and interesting. All French bohemians come to taste delicious treats and new wine. Music, dancing, fancy dress, all kinds of performances - for just one day the city is immersed in noisy, serene fun.
From all of the above, we can conclude that the ideal time to travel to Paris is from September to October and from April to May. It is better to plan your trip for September - early October, the second half of May and the first weeks of June. Those looking to save money should consider traveling to Paris in the winter, after the February sales end, in early spring and late autumn. For example, in February and March, prices for air tickets and hotel accommodations are the lowest, and the cost of visiting museums and other attractions is pleasantly surprising. On the eve of the New Year holidays, during the period of big sales, on Easter and the May holidays, from the second half of June to September there are a lot of tourists in the city, so prices for almost all services skyrocket.
Whatever Paris may be - sad and thoughtful, joyful and bright, bathed in golden foliage, buried in lush greenery, illuminated by festive lights, this magical city is beautiful at any time of the year. A true traveler will not be disturbed by winter winds, autumn rains, or summer heat. After all, everyone seeks and discovers their own Paris. Everyone has their own favorite time of year in this beautiful city. Let your meeting with the French capital be unforgettable!
The climate of France was largely shaped by the influence of the Atlantic. Four climatic zones (Atlantic, continental, alpine and Mediterranean), each of which is characterized by a variety of natural landscapes, flora and fauna.
Weather in France now:
No wonder France is a favorite tourist destination for excursion, sea and ski holidays. There are over forty natural parks of national and regional significance in the country.
Noisy Paris is not all of France. In order to understand how beautiful the French land is at any time of the year, you need to visit its provinces, replete with pastoral landscapes and corners of untouched nature.
Climate of France by month:
Spring
The most romantic time of the year in France is spring, with its delicate greenery, the first flowers and the timid awakening of nature. Rivers overflow their banks, chestnut trees bloom, cities and villages are drowned in fragrance. The concrete jungles of the cities are illuminated here and there with touching trees, completely covered with white and pink lace of flowers. Wedding processions move through the streets, because spring is the traditional wedding season for the French.
Broom and gorse are blooming in Brittany, thousands of different species of birds are buzzing in the marshes and dry salt lakes of Provence, and chateau owners in the south of France are starting to prune their vineyards. While the first flowers appear from under the snow in the Alps, the “King of the Five Continents” carnival with its famous flower battles is already starting in Nice.
Summer
Summer in France is the peak tourist season, when pleasant, cool weather sets in. It is especially good at this time of year on the sea coast, where the air warms up above +25`C, and rains are relatively infrequent. During the period June-August, it is very warm throughout the country. Cool weather persists only in some mountainous areas; The top of Mont Blanc is covered with snow all year round.
It is in summer that the wild fauna of the forests of France is most active, which, despite urbanization, has been preserved much better than in neighboring countries. In the warm season, in nature reserves and national parks you can observe chamois, brown bears, badgers, foxes, deer, otters, roe deer, and wild boars. There are trout in the rivers and lakes of France; In the Bay of Biscay, fishing is carried out for sardines, herring, flounder, shrimp and lobsters.
Summer in France is a time of carnivals, festivals, and theatrical performances in ancient castles. On June 21, Music Day is celebrated throughout the country. It sounds everywhere: in concert halls, on the streets, in French homes.
Autumn
Autumn in France smells of young wine from Aquitaine and Burgundy, rotten leaves in the vicinity of the Loire castles, bathed in the cool October sun. This is the time when the French return from vacation, and numerous tourists, on the contrary, flock to the Cote d'Azur, wanting not to miss the velvet season.
The main harvest period in France also occurs in autumn. At the end of October, the French celebrate Chestnut Day. This delicacy is fried, and its aroma envelops the streets of cities and villages. The holiday continues with the Week of Taste, which includes Cider Day, Spice Day, and Fish Festival.
Winter
The French winter is characterized by northerly winds, bringing cold weather to its territory, right up to the Mediterranean coast. However, this does not frighten tourists who prefer this country for holidays at any time of the year. A remarkable fact: at the height of January, the temperature in Paris can be the same as in Sevastopol, and the sky will be bright blue, like in Istanbul in the summer.
Winter in France means, first of all, rain, not snow. Therefore, a Frenchman needs an umbrella to a much greater extent than a sled or a warm down jacket. Temperatures rarely drop below zero. The coldest weather in winter is observed in Alsace, and the warmest on the island of Corsica, where the average monthly temperature in January is +13`C.
Paris is considered a city that embraces all seasons. Whatever period you choose for your trip, it will be interesting and unforgettable for you. Spring is considered the most attractive time. The city is literally blossoming - numerous street cafes are opening, which tourists love to visit. Easter celebrations also take place during this period. In the summer it is quite hot in Paris, so it makes sense to think about a country holiday. And those tourists who prefer to stay in the city will be able to take part in celebrations dedicated to Bastille Day, theater and music festivals, and visit the city beaches.
Paris is also famous for its status as a fashion capital. The famous Paris Fashion Week is held here every six months. Each such show becomes a large-scale event, this is a real show where the demonstration of branded items is an art.
In autumn, Paris can greet visitors with cloudy skies and cold rain. But even this will not spoil the impression of visiting such attractions as, for example, the Eiffel Tower. Also at the end of November there is a colorful festival of young wine. In winter, Paris has a Christmas atmosphere with traditional fairs and sales. Millions of festive lights beautifully illuminate the city, making it especially attractive and romantic for lovers.