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Last Updated on 29th May 2025
France has long been a magnet for travellers seeking beauty, culture and a taste of the good life. But 2025 brings fresh reasons to pack a bag and cross the Channel. Whether you’re drawn to heritage, gastronomy, sport or sustainability, this year offers something special for every kind of visitor.
Sport, Spectacle and the Outdoors
After the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics, France’s sporting spirit is still in full swing. 2025 sees a surge in active travel options, from cycling the scenic Loire Valley to hiking the dramatic trails of Corsica’s GR20.
Mountain resorts are promoting year-round experiences, with summer festivals and alpine spas drawing more than just winter sports fans.
While the hosts may have lost out to the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, it is a sport with deep roots in France. This is especially true in the South, where it eclipses all other sports in cities such as Bordeaux and Toulouse. Rugby matchdays have an atmosphere unparalleled anywhere else in the world. The swell of La Marseillaise echoing across a stadium is an absolute delight.
A Year of Cultural Milestones
France in 2025 continues to impress with its cultural depth and evolving artistic scene. Paris is hosting Louvre Couture, the museum’s first-ever fashion exhibition, showcasing 45 iconic designers whose work bridges art and haute couture.
In 2025, France celebrates 130 years of cinema with nationwide screenings, retrospectives, and exhibitions, including Paris’s Nuit Blanche on 7 June, which transforms the city into an open-air tribute to film pioneers like Agnès Varda and Alice Guy.
In the south, the Musée Regards de Provence in Marseille is dedicating a major retrospective to Laurent Mattio, whose sun-soaked Provencal landscapes capture the spirit of the Mediterranean.
Meanwhile, Normandy is commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe with moving tributes and public art installations, including the return of the ‘Standing with Giants’ silhouettes at the British Normandy Memorial, offering a powerful and reflective experience for visitors.
Green Travel and Gastronomy
France in 2025 is also a leader in eco-conscious tourism. Cities like Bordeaux and Lyon have rolled out low-emissions zones and green public transport schemes, while rural areas offer increasingly popular agritourism stays, think organic vineyards, lavender farms and forest ecolodges.
Of course, the food remains a reason in itself. In 2025, it’s more than the delightful scent of warm croissants. Regional cuisines are experiencing a revival, with local chefs celebrating heritage recipes and slow food. Michelin-starred restaurants are now proudly plating up traditional fare alongside more innovative plant-based menus, a reflection of changing tastes and environmental awareness.
Practical Travel Considerations: Visas, Transport & Language
Visas & Entry (Post-Brexit)
UK citizens can continue to visit France without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in 2025. However, travellers will soon need to register for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), expected to be active by late 2025. It’s a simple online pre-clearance, similar to the US ESTA.
Language Tips
While English is spoken in major cities and tourist areas, learning a few French phrases goes a long way in creating goodwill, especially in smaller towns or rural villages. Apps like Duolingo or Memrise can help you brush up before you travel.
Transport Options
France boasts one of Europe’s most efficient rail systems. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) links cities at lightning speed, and Interrail/Eurail passes remain a flexible option for multi-stop journeys. Consider the Ouigo budget TGV routes for affordable high-speed trips.
Urban travel is equally smooth. Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseille all offer reliable metro, tram, and bus networks. Many cities also offer public bike rentals like Vélib’ or Le Vélo.
Getting There from the UK
Eurostar Updates for 2025
The Eurostar remains one of the fastest and most sustainable ways to travel to France. London to Paris still clocks in under 2.5 hours. In 2025, new biometric boarding trials are being rolled out at St Pancras to speed up customs processing. Book early, peak travel around school holidays sells out quickly.
Ferry Alternatives
Prefer a scenic sea route? Ferries from Portsmouth, Plymouth or Poole to ports like Caen, St Malo, or Roscoff offer flexibility for road trippers. Operators like Brittany Ferries and DFDS now offer hybrid-electric vessels with enhanced comfort and reduced emissions.
Major Entry Points
France’s key international hubs include:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – for long-haul and intercontinental connections.
- Orly Airport (ORY) – often used for domestic and European flights.
- Gare du Nord – Paris’s rail gateway from the UK and Benelux via Eurostar.
For regional adventures, consider flying directly into Nice, Marseille or Toulouse, then connecting via TGV or car hire.
When to Visit France in 2025
| Season | Highlights | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Cherry blossoms in Paris, fewer crowds, VE Day commemorations in Normandy. | Great for cultural trips & mild weather. |
| Summer (June–August) | Outdoor festivals, lavender fields, Riviera sun. | Expect higher prices and larger crowds. |
| Autumn (Sept–Nov) | Wine harvests in Bordeaux, fall foliage in the Alps. | Quieter, ideal for food and wine lovers. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Christmas markets in Alsace, Alpine ski resorts. | Pack layers; great for mountain escapes. |
Avoid peak weekends during major strikes or public holidays. Check RATP or SNCF websites for transport updates.
Localised Travel Tips for UK Visitors
Health Cover: EHIC/GHIC Reminder
Before travelling, ensure your EHIC or GHIC card is valid. It grants access to emergency state healthcare in France on the same terms as French citizens. It’s not a replacement for travel insurance, but essential to carry.
Normandy Tribute Tip
If you’re visiting Normandy, consider a stop at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. Managed by the British Normandy Memorial Trust, it offers a moving tribute to UK forces who fought during D-Day and beyond. The site will play a prominent role during the 80th anniversary commemorations in 2025.
Driving in France
If you’re driving from the UK, ensure you carry the necessary documentation: UK driving licence, GB sticker (if applicable), and reflective vests. Note that low-emission zones (ZFE) require Crit’Air stickers in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble.
In Summary
Visiting France in 2025 offers more than just iconic landmarks and fine wine. It’s a country in motion, embracing its past, present and future with its trademark flair. Whether you’re returning or arriving for the first time, France invites you to discover it anew.
