Heavy traffic warnings for half-term holiday weekend in France Motorways to ski resorts will be particularly busy during the national rail strike
How to have 16 consecutive days off work in France this May Taking just a few days of annual leave could see you have an extended holiday Five long weekends and more: see other 2024 changes in France Must I pay French tourist tax if I stay in a region away from my home? Unlimited paid leave is good for business, says US firm in France
Change to France’s school holiday zone system under review The long-used ‘three-zone’ system could change soon, but critics question the possible economic impact
Check: When do school holidays fall in my part of France next year? Use our chart to avoid the holiday rush if you do not have children in school here
Ouigo €19 deal in France and look to book February TGV tickets Tickets for the TGV InOui, Intercités and TGV Lyria trains are set to go on sale for early 2024
MAP: Which French departments are the least populated? From forested mountains to medieval villages, we take a look at the least-populated departments in France for a solitary séjour
‘A weekend camping 12 minutes away from our French home - why not?’ After a relaxing stay at the local lake, writer Samantha David realises tourist facilities on her doorstep are for locals too
When are French roads going to be at their busiest this weekend? Heavy congestion is expected as holidaymakers leave and return from their summer breaks
Six tips for a safe and enjoyable French road trip this summer From pre-journey checks to avoiding service stations, we look at key government advice for journeys in France
Highest-level warning for traffic on French roads this weekend Driving away on holiday this weekend? Here are the roads to avoid
Where will traffic be worst in France this weekend? Warnings have been issued with holidaymakers expected to hit the roads in large numbers again
France overtourism: five alternatives to the most popular destinations The French government says 80% of tourists in France focus on just 20% of the country The places in France where British Royals have lived and holidayed When is traffic on France’s roads going to be heaviest this weekend? ‘Very difficult’: Traffic warning for first weekend of French holidays
Firefighters, fêtes and forms: Key dates to know this July in France From culture to community events, here is our wrap of what is happening next month France traffic warning as drivers seek a headstart on holiday season Planning a holiday? See an adventure close to home in France Did you know French police can check on your home while you are away? Doctors under fire over number of sick days they grant French workers Replace religious holidays with secular ones, suggests French mayor
12 phrases every tourist must know before coming to France As summer arrives, here is what you need to know before your summer holiday in France
Cheaper holidays at French DIY campsites where everyone pitches in Campsites run by the campers themselves are growing in popularity, and it is not just about the savings
What changes in France in May and need-to-know dates The coming month will see additional pension reform protests, mosquitos, tax return deadlines and more
Césars, farming, Six Nations: The week ahead in France This week (February 20-26) also includes a flower themed Carnival, a celebrated agriculture show and the one year anniversary of the Ukraine war
Post Brexit do I need a visa when leaving France for an EU holiday? Are British EU residents, including those on Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards, going to be affected by this year’s new border systems
House swapping in France gave us a dream family holiday in Grenoble As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, Chrissie McClatchie talks through a low-cost holiday solution
MAP: French school holidays 2023-24 by region Holiday dates are split into three zones. We look at the dates to be aware of
Reminder: The dates of France's 2023 holidays and days off The official holiday dates for Christmas, school holidays, and jours fériés have been confirmed. Check your school zone and days off here
Holidays are ending but France’s winter fun is hopefully just starting Samantha David anticipates a busy ski season ahead – and you do not have to take to the slopes themselves to tap into the entertainment
Christmas strikes, Paris-Madrid trains: 10 France travel updates We also look at holiday traffic, a ferry company anniversary celebration and a decree allowing Father Christmas to fly over a French commune
Whistlestop weekend in Paris makes perfect ‘memorial tour’ finale On her final French trip in memory of late husband Patrick, writer Sally Ann Voak enjoys a boogie at a traditional guinguette , views repairs to Notre-Dame, and sleeps in Toulouse-Lautrec’s brothel
Windy, welcoming Saint-Malo: my trip to city that blows visitors away Sally Ann Voak continues her journey through France in tribute to her late husband, this time enjoying a hair-raising mini-break on the Brittany coast and sightseeing in Nantes
How to find cheaper petrol and get reduced rail fares in France From finding the cheapest petrol in your area to reduced fares on holiday train travel, here's how you can make your money go further this month.
What caused this weekend’s six-hour Calais ferry queues? Waiting times are back to normal after British passengers returning home from summer holidays on Saturday and Sunday were affected by long delays
French tourism sector largely back on track after pandemic years Train travel and campsites have been popular this year, while hotel bookings and flights are still slightly down on pre-pandemic levels
Explainer: how to get police to check on your home in France when away The checks add extra security while you are on holiday and you can now sign up online for the free service
Saint-Véran: the quaint alpine village feels ‘how France used to be’ The village often called the highest in France attracts hikers, astronomers and city-dwellers reconnecting with nature
France’s July and August holiday crossover: heavy traffic this weekend Saturday will be the most congested day of the weekend. We look at the roads which will see the heaviest traffic
Holiday-makers opt for the cool air of the French mountains Occupancy could exceed 50% in July and August with reservations rising with the very hot weather
France - a camping paradise with campsites for everyone this summer Samantha David shares her favourite places to holiday under canvas, in a mobile home or a caravan, including a huge site in Paris
French holiday costs: How have they been affected by inflation? From travel to accommodation, leisure and eating out, prices are rising – causing some to take shorter holidays or stay closer to home
Explainer: who are France’s ‘juilletistes’ and ‘aoûtiens’? As summer arrives, we look at two words used to describe different French holidaying habit
Why you may be hearing cicadas in France more this week The noisy insects are found all over France but are particularly present in the south of the country
Discover France by bike this summer on one of its cycle holiday routes We pick out websites and routes to help you plan your long-distance cycling holiday in some of the most beautiful parts of France
Easy-look chart: When are France’s 2022 / 2023 school holidays? Sometimes the dates depend on the zone in which the school is located
Recap: Heavy traffic all weekend in France plus some TGVs cancelled The number of drivers on certain motorways is expected to double this weekend
Luxury treehouse, giant maze: Six unusual places to explore in France You do not need to leave the country to experience exotic and quirky places - there are plenty to explore much closer to home
French producers struggle to slow lily of valley bloom ahead of May 1 The white flower, which is traditionally sold and given on the May public holiday, has been blooming too early this year, and a lack of seasonal workers has also affected the harvest
Heavy traffic expected today in France as Easter breaks come to an end Conditions will be ‘difficult’ across the country, and congestion is forecast to last until at least 20:00
Drivers warned of very heavy traffic ahead of Easter in France People departing for getaways tomorrow or Saturday may want to avoid certain roads and get out of big cities before noon
High fuel costs blamed for drop in Easter holiday bookings in France Have you delayed booking a holiday due to petrol prices? New figures suggest that reservation levels have dropped as fuel costs have risen
Explore France in a campervan or motorhome this summer Quality roads in beautiful France make motorhome holidays quick, easy and enjoyable. But what to drive, and where to stay?
France’s Covid travel test rules are blocking recovery, says ski firm UK tour company owner claims the possibility of testing positive and not being able to go on holiday is deterring bookings - or pushing customers to book other destinations
Bookings at French ski resorts exceed pre-pandemic levels The return of international clients has been described as ‘encouraging for the end of the season’, with resorts stating they are ‘ready’ to welcome UK visitors
France-UK travel: Day two tests for vaccinated to end February 11 Travel firms welcome changes in time for half-term. It will also soon be possible for 12 to 15-years-olds to show proof of vaccination through the NHS app
SNCF opens train ticket sales for spring holidays around France It is now possible to book for TGV and Intercités journeys up to May 12, and early summer reservations will open tomorrow
Calendar: When do France’s public holidays fall in 2022? Four holidays will be on weekends next year but three are prime for making a long weekend by taking a day of holiday
When will campsites open in France? Reader question: Will campsites also open on June 2 in France? We live in France and are keen to organise our usual camping holiday.
France voluntary quarantine rules on trips less than 14 days What happens with the voluntary quarantine in France if I am only coming for a few days from the UK?
Masks: What are rules for beaches and campsites in France? Do I need to wear a mask at the beach or at an outdoor pool at a campsite in France?
Covid-19: What will France’s ski season look like? Skiers will be able to ski without masks, but they will be required while on chairlifts, along with other restrictions.
Is France allowing UK tourists to visit now or only from June 9? French rules on foreign visitors are expected to change on June 9, but they are already flexible towards those from the UK
What are the risks for families in France taking term-time holidays? There can be consequences for taking children out of school if you want to set off early on holiday to avoid the rush and peak season
Gendarmes’ 9-point plan to keep your home safe when away on holiday Signing up for a free police ‘drive by and check’ scheme are among simple steps recommended to protect your empty property from burglars
Low-cost UK flights to France threatened by airport tax rises Rising rates could lead to an increase in ticket prices for flights to French regional airports. New non-EU traveller border checks are also set to increase UK passenger waiting times
Autumn demand high for gîtes, Airbnb’s and overseas trips from France Domestic and international travel is back on the agenda for many in France with rural locations and short-haul flights popular for half-term and November bank holiday breaks
Covid rule advice for UK October half-term holidaymakers to France From health passes to entry requirements, we explain the rules for adults and children for a visit to France
How UK families can get French health pass for October half-term break Children over 12 years and two months who are visiting France will need to show a Covid health pass even if unvaccinated
10 wildlife excursions to try in France From the Alps to the Riviera, here's our pick of where to watch for wolves, birds, bears and other beasts
French tourism industry celebrates unexpectedly successful summer Nine in every 10 French holidaymakers opted for domestic trips this year, with many looking to disconnect in rural or coastal areas
Gîtes in France: Insurance risk for guests who bring extra people Guests of gîtes who invite additional guests that exceed the number of bed spaces must ask the owner beforehand or their insurance cover could be affected
World’s largest cruise ship leaves French shipyard for sea trials Crowds turned out to watch the 362m boat named ‘Wonder of the Seas’ leaving Saint-Nazaire on its journey towards Belle-Ile-en-Mer, two years after construction began
Heavy traffic in France on Saturday as holidaymakers drive home The worst conditions are expected in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and along the Mediterranean coast
SNCF offers 50,000 discount train tickets for summer breaks in France New campaign aims to encourage last-minute holidays by offering travellers the freedom to explore destinations all over the country at reduced rates
‘Very difficult’ conditions for road travel in France on Saturday Drivers should set off instead on Friday, August 13 or Sunday, August 15 to avoid the worst of the summer holiday traffic
Tarn: France’s ‘little Tuscany’ in demand among domestic holidaymakers Three other Occitanie departments were also included in an Airbnb list of trending summer destinations, reflecting a growing preference for holidays in the countryside in favour of city breaks
Paris hotels struggle as tourists opt for mountain and seaside breaks Numbers of international travellers from the US and Asia also remain low leading many city hotels to close in August
‘Extremely difficult’ conditions for road travel in France on Saturday Motorists are advised to wait until Sunday, August 1, to make journeys as holiday-makers travel en masse this weekend
Campsites in France and the Covid health pass: What are the rules? Visitors need a health pass to enter campsites with pools or events halls, but will only have to present it once, upon entering. How does this work for foreign tourists?
Covid France: Masks mandatory in 45 tourist areas in Charente-Maritime The rule is back due to a worrying and rapid evolution of the epidemic in the area, say local authorities. Cases are particularly high among younger people