Active France Vacations

France shines year-round—your perfect moment depends on what you want to experience. Spring (May–June) is magical for wildflowers and mild days, summer (July–Sept) unlocks the Alps for big-mountain adventures, and fall (Sept–Oct) brings golden vineyards, crisp air, and harvest celebrations across wine country.

Provence & Dordogne:
At their finest in spring and fall, with warm days, cool nights, and lively markets. Top Tip: late Sept–Oct aligns with wine harvests and vibrant village festivals.

Alps:
Go July–Sept for clear trails and epic summit days. Top tip: book the Tour du Mont Blanc at least 8-12 months ahead.

Alsace:
Perfect in June–Sept, when half-timbered villages glow, vines are lush, and the weather is at its best. Top Tip: Don’t miss a tarte flambée and a glass of local Riesling on a sunny village terrace.

Loire Valley:
Choose Sept–Oct for tranquil trails, glowing vines, and storybook châteaux. Top tip: Sip a local Sancerre in its namesake village.

1. French Alps: Big-mountain drama on Tour du Mont Blanc, Walker’s Haute Route, and GR5 from Lake Geneva to Chamonix. Alpine meadows, balcony trails, glacier views.
2. Provence: Ochre cliffs, perched villages, vineyard rambles, and café culture. Great for hiking in Provence France.
3. Burgundy: Vineyard lanes, canal paths, and two grapes - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - done to perfection.
4. Dordogne: River valleys, chestnut woods, prehistoric art, and market towns - ideal for slower days.
5. Loire Valley: Rolling vineyards and châteaux galore - prime territory for easy cycling tours France and gentle walks.
6. Alsace: Fairy-tale villages, stunning vineyard landscapes, and German-inspired charm make for fantastic hiking experiences. 

• Unmatched Expertise: Over 20 years crafting self-guided walking and biking journeys in France.
• Handpicked Accommodations: Cozy B&Bs, guesthouses, and preferably family-owned hotels chosen for comfort and character.
• Hassle-Free Travel: We handle lodging, daily luggage transfers, and detailed route planning in our Award-winning app.
• Travel on Your Own Terms: enjoy the freedom to travel each day your way and at your own pace
• Local Insights: Insider tips from our team – must see detours, markets, bakeries, and vineyard stops.
• Supported but Independent: 24/7 on trip assistance; no buses, no big groups, no guides.
• Positive Impact: We partner with local businesses and support low-carbon travel.

Since you’re visiting smaller French towns & villages, you will likely use a bus or train to reach the trip’s starting point. See each tour’s Getting To & From info for best gateway cities for international flights & links to train & bus info. 

• Airports: Paris (CDG/ORY) connects well to Chamonix (via Geneva), Provence (via TGV), Loire (TGV), and Dordogne (regional rail).
• Rail: France’s TGV and regional TER trains make pre/post connections easy; we’ll advise on the smoothest route for your itinerary.
• Optional Taxi Transfers: Macs can book private arrival/departure transfers from several towns/train stations & airports for an additional fee. 
• Bags: We include luggage transfers between overnight stops so you can hike light.

French is the local language, and many folks speak at least a little English.

We recommend learning some key French phrases to help you get around; demonstrating you’ve made an effort to learn at least a little of the local language can go a long way.