France —
our home away from home
We've been visiting France since 2006 and try to go every year — and with Nicola being a French teacher, we have a very good excuse! From the Celtic roots of Brittany and the moving D-Day beaches of Normandy to the châteaux of the Loire Valley, the lavender fields of Provence and the glamour of the Côte d'Azur — France never stops giving. It is one of the great travel destinations in the world and one we keep coming back to.
What France has given us:
Nineteen years of falling in love with France — and still going.
We first visited France in 2006 and have been going back almost every year since. Nicola's background as a French teacher gives us a brilliant advantage — the language opens doors that stay closed for most visitors, and the ability to have a proper conversation with locals in their own tongue changes the experience completely.
Our France is not just Paris — it never has been. We've spent time in the Celtic heartland of Brittany, where the language, the music and the culture feel strikingly close to home for Irish visitors. Nicola spent a month there in 2010, driving the coastal roads and discovering the kind of small towns that don't make it into any guidebook but stay with you forever. Plancoët in particular is a gem.
We've stood on the beaches of Normandy and felt the weight of history in a way that no book or film can prepare you for. We've driven to Lourdes, wandered the elegant streets of Vichy, gasped at the reflection pools of Mont Saint-Michel rising from the bay at low tide, and lost count of how many châteaux we've visited along the Loire.
In 2024 we headed south — Cannes, Nice and a train to Monaco that cost almost nothing and delivered one of the most glamorous afternoons of our lives. The Côte d'Azur is everything it promises to be. And the lavender fields of Provence — driving through them with the windows down — is one of those travel moments that stays with you forever.
France is not always the easiest destination for gluten-free travellers — French bread culture is very real and menus don't always accommodate GF needs as readily as some other countries. But with a bit of planning and Nicola's French to help, we've always found something wonderful to eat.
The highlights — France region by region
Celtic, proud and utterly beautiful. Brittany feels familiar to Irish visitors in a way that's hard to explain — the language echoes Gaeilge, the music is similar, the coastline is dramatic and the people are warm. Plancoët is a brilliant base.
One of the most moving experiences you can have in Europe. Standing on Omaha Beach, visiting the American Cemetery — the scale of what happened here only becomes real when you're actually there. A must-do.
One of the most jaw-dropping sights in all of France — a medieval abbey perched on a tidal island, rising from the bay like something from a fairy tale. Extraordinary at any time of day but magical at dusk.
A genuinely lovely city with brilliant food, friendly people and more to see than you can fit into any one visit. The museums alone could keep you busy for a week. Don't believe the rude Parisian stereotype — it's not true.
Château after château set along a beautiful river valley — Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry. Entry tickets can be pricey but the châteaux are stunning and absolutely worth every cent. A guided tour is the best way to see several in one trip.
Lavender fields stretching to the horizon, hilltop villages, brilliant markets and food that tastes of sunshine. Driving through Provence in bloom with the windows down is one of the great travel experiences.
The Côte d'Azur delivers everything it promises — beautiful coastline, incredible food, glamorous atmosphere and a pace of life that immediately makes you feel like you're on holiday. Loved both cities in 2024.
One of the best value day trips in Europe — a 20 minute train from Nice for just a few euros each way. What you get at the other end: superyachts, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Prince's Palace and pure glamour. Absolutely worth it.
We went in 2016 and it was fantastic — magical atmosphere, great rides and so much more accessible from Ireland than the American Disney parks. Book tickets in advance on Klook and save money on the gate price.
France in pictures
From Brittany and Normandy to the south of France — a glimpse of the country we keep coming back to.
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Book a Loire Valley tour through TourRadar
The Loire Valley has so many châteaux that having a guided tour take care of the route and logistics makes a massive difference — you see far more and spend your time actually enjoying it rather than figuring out where to go next.
Entry tickets to the Loire châteaux can be expensive individually, but a properly guided tour covers the highlights efficiently and puts the history and architecture in context in a way that's hard to replicate on your own. This is one of those destinations that genuinely rewards having expert guidance.
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Disneyland Paris tickets on Klook 🎫
Book your Disneyland Paris tickets on Klook and save money on the gate price. Booking in advance means you skip the ticket queues and often get a better deal — one less thing to stress about on the day.
We went in 2016 and it was brilliant — the magic is very real and it's so much more accessible from Ireland than the American Disney parks. A day well spent.
Disclosure: If you book through this link we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Find your hotel in France on Klook
Great deals on hotels across France — from Paris city centre to Brittany coastal stays, Loire Valley château country and the Côte d'Azur.
Disclosure: If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Book France experiences with GetYourGuide
D-Day beach tours, Paris city tours, Loire château visits, Provence lavender tours, Côte d'Azur excursions and much more.
Disclosure: If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
France FAQ
What to pack for France
France packing essentials — what we'd bring
France varies enormously by region and season — summer on the Côte d'Azur needs sun protection and light clothing, while Brittany and Normandy can be cool and breezy even in summer. These are the things we'd pack without hesitation.
Stay connected across France without roaming charges — essential for maps, bookings and navigation especially when driving through Brittany or the Loire Valley.
View on Amazon →Essential for the Côte d'Azur and Provence — the Mediterranean sun is strong and you'll be outdoors a lot. High SPF is a must for beach and sightseeing days.
View on Amazon →Perfect for château visits, beach days, D-Day beach tours and city exploring — keeps you hands-free and organised throughout the day.
View on Amazon →Long days sightseeing drain your phone fast — a power bank keeps you going for maps, photos and tickets all day.
View on Amazon →France uses Type E plugs — different to Ireland. Don't get caught out on day one with nothing charged after your flight.
View on Amazon →Brilliant for long days in the Provence sun, beach days on the Côte d'Azur and open-air château gardens in the Loire Valley.
View on Amazon →Breathable and cool for warm southern French days — and smart enough for dinner out in Nice or Cannes. Perfect for the heat without looking too casual.
View on Amazon →Essential for Brittany and Normandy even in summer — the Atlantic coast can be breezy. Also useful for cooler evenings anywhere in France.
View on Amazon →Disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Planning your own France trip?
France rewards every type of traveller — whether you want history, beaches, food, châteaux or pure relaxation. Start with the Loire Valley and work your way south. You will not run out of reasons to go back.
Affiliate disclosure: if you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend trips and experiences we'd be happy to stand over.