France is famous for its grandes vacances—the long summer holiday period that runs through July and August. It’s a time when the country comes alive with festivals, food, and sunshine, making it one of the best seasons for international students to arrive and settle in.
There are many advantages to coming to France in summer—keep reading to find out more.
What’s the summer weather like in France
Although temperatures vary by region, summer in France is generally warm throughout the country. From mid-July through mid-August, you can expect glorious blue-sky days, long hours of sunshine, and hot daytime temperatures. Evenings are typically warm to slightly chilly, depending on the region—perfect for outdoor dinners and evening strolls.
France can also experience heat waves, known in French as la canicule, which may last from a few days to several weeks.
Summer festivals and events
From major cities to small villages, France comes alive in July and August with events that celebrate culture, music, sport, and tradition.
Bastille Day (July 14)
France’s national holiday features military parades, fireworks, and concerts, with the most spectacular celebrations taking place in Paris near the Eiffel Tower.
Read more about Bastille Day: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-bastille-day-in-france/
Tour de France
The Tour de France is the world’s most famous cycling race. Watch it pass through breathtaking towns, mountains, and countryside.
Festival d’Avignon
Held every July, this internationally renowned festival transforms the city of Avignon into an open-air stage filled with performances from across the globe.
Les Férias
From Nîmes to Bayonne, these southern festivals bring together parades, traditional bull games, music, dancing, and local food. It’s an unforgettable immersion into regional culture.
Music festivals
Don’t miss these major music events happening in July and August:
- Eurockéennes (Belfort)
- Francofolies (La Rochelle)
- Les Vieilles Charrues (Brittany)
- Rock en Seine (Paris)
Paris Plages
In July and August, the banks of the Seine and Bassin de la Villette turn into pop-up urban beaches with deck chairs, sand, games, and music. If you can’t make it to the coast, Paris brings the beach to you! Pack a picnic and enjoy a sunny afternoon with friends.
Eat summer food
Summer in France is all about fresh, colorful, and seasonal cuisine. Markets overflow with fruits and vegetables, and dishes are light, flavorful, and ideal for warm weather.
We recommend trying these cherished summer dishes for an authentic and flavor-packed summer experience:
- Salade Niçoise: A Provençal classic with tuna, eggs, green beans, tomatoes, and olives.
- Melon de Cavaillon: Sweet, juicy melons from Provence, often served with cured ham.
- Moules Frites: Mussels in a creamy or white wine sauce, served with crispy French fries.
- Légumes Farcis: Tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers stuffed with herbed meat or vegetables.
- Clafoutis: A rustic baked dessert made with fresh cherries in a soft, flan-like batter.
Drink wine at a French terrace
France is known for its terraces. Grabbing a drink and spending hours chatting with friends while soaking up the sun is the ultimate way to experience summer in France like a true local—it’s practically a national sport.
Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy refreshing wines like a chilled rosé or a fruity white wine. For those who aren’t into alcoholic beverages, we recommend ordering a Perrier tranche—sparkling water with a slice of lemon. It’s extremely simple, but incredibly refreshing and popular in France.
Places to visit in summer
When the temperature rises, France offers countless ways to cool off and recharge. Here are some of the best summer destinations:
French Riviera (Nice)
One of the most iconic summer destinations, Nice and the surrounding Côte d’Azur are known for turquoise waters, pebble beaches, lively markets, and Mediterranean charm.
Atlantic Coast (Biarritz)
Located in the Basque Country, Biarritz is Europe’s surf capital. Expect wide sandy beaches, a laid-back vibe, and fantastic seafood.
Calanques (Marseille)
Between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a natural wonder of limestone cliffs and turquoise coves. You can swim, hike, kayak, or take a boat through this breathtaking coastal landscape.
Lavender fields (Aix-en-Provence)
In June and July, the countryside around Aix-en-Provence turns purple with lavender. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers, and can only be experienced during summer in France.
Start your new life in France
Whether you’re planning to study long-term or short-term, summer is probably the best season for international students to arrive and settle in.
At Go! Go! France, we help international students move to France by assisting with schools, housing, and visas. We partner with schools in the best summer destinations:
- Nice: https://gogo.study/3FVrtNI
- Biarritz: https://gogo.study/3QW7a97
- Aix-en-Provence: https://gogo.study/3tmid1Y
- Marseille: https://gogo.study/3RJ3xnJ
To read more about summer in France, seasonal activities, and more, follow our Go! Go! France blog.
