Are you getting ready to spend your summer vacation in the beautiful cities that France has to offer? Whether you're looking for a destination far from the crowds, close to the sea, or to enjoy many outdoor activities, in this article we've put together our Top 5 destinations where to go on vacation in France in July and August to make the most of your summer vacation. We've also included all the practical advice (what to do, where to sleep, what's the weather like) so you can organize your dream vacation to the best of your ability.

Top 5 destinations to vacation in France this summer 2024

  1. Ardèche a sporting destination for your summer holidays
  2. Arcachon and its Dune du Pilat to enjoy the ocean
  3. Les Cévennes for a vacation in France this summer away from the crowds
  4. La Vendée for summer vacations between land and ocean
  5. Le Pays Basque for a summer on wild beaches

1. Ardeche for Fresh Air of Provence and mountains

Une femme en ardèche ou partir en vacances en France en été
In our opinion, the Ardèche is one of the most beautiful regions in France if you love wild nature and sporting activities. This region of France boasts almost untouched nature and a pleasant climate for enjoying the summer season. It's also a great destination to go to in France in summer, with a wide choice of attractions ranging from stunning natural sites to medieval and prehistoric heritage, as well as numerous sporting adventures. This region is the perfect combo if you want to enjoy the climate of Provence and the sporting atmosphere of the French mountains. Whether you go with friends, family or as a couple, the experience will remain unique and perfect if you want to enjoy a vacation in France this summer in nature.

What's the weather like in the Ardèche in summer?

The summer is hot in the Ardèche, with temperatures sometimes approaching 86° and averaging 82°. At night, temperatures average around 60° bringing a little coolness to your days. There are few rainy days at this time of year, and they are mainly scattered showers. To give you an idea of temperatures in the Ardèche for your vacation in France this summer, here's a summary table of seasonal averages:

Is it hot in the Ardèche in summer?

Where Temp. July Temp. Aug Rainy Days
Ardèche 82° 82° 2 days

What to do in the Ardèche on a summer vacation in France

Wondering why you should choose the Ardèche as a destination to go on vacation in France this summer? The main reason is to be able to enjoy activities in the great outdoors, be they sporting, recreational or cultural. The Ardèche region is full of treasures, and among the activities we recommend you do during your summer vacation in the Ardèche, we recommend you include the following:

  • A canoe trip: 4.5,8,14 and 18.6 miles from Pont de Salavas to Châmes, passing under the Pont d'Arc
  • Tour the Gorges du Doux velorail: for an unusual activity in the heart of Ardèche nature
  • Visit the caves of the Ardèche: from the famous Chauvet cave with its prehistoric drawings or the Madeleine or Saint Marcel caves to discover an incredible world underground

Where to sleep in the Ardèche on a French summer vacation?

We've convinced you and you've decided to go on vacation in France this summer to the wonderful Ardèche region? For your vacation, we recommend you book your vacation at the following establishment so you can make the most of this stay in the sun :

  • Hôtel Villa Walbaum (4 stars): this charming hotel is ideally located just a 10-minute drive from Vallon Pont D'Arc and the Chauvet cave. With its 11 rooms, you'll enjoy an intimate atmosphere and personalized service for a memorable summer vacation in Ardèche.

Good to know: The Ardèche is a nature-oriented region of France. So you'll find plenty of riverside campsites if you're looking for an easy-going holiday in France this summer.

How long does it take to drive to the Ardèche?

The Ardèche is ideally located between Lyon and the south of France. If you're planning a vacation in the Ardèche this summer, here are the average journey times to reach your vacation destination from some larger cities in France.

Good to know: the Autoroute du Soleil (A6) is one of the busiest freeways in France during the summer season. Depending on your departure dates, we strongly advise you to adapt your departure times to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.

2. Arcachon and its Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat where to go on vacation in France in summer
Second destination on our list of the best places to go on vacation in France this summer, Arcachon in Gironde. Between its Dune du Pilat, its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and its pine forests, Arcachon and the surrounding area is a perfect destination if you want to enjoy the sea air. The Arcachon Basin is a paradise for water sports and outdoor activities. Whether you want to paddle, kayak, cycle or hike, you'll be able to take part in both sporting and cultural expeditions. For those who wish, it's also possible to visit the oyster farms to discover how oysters, the region's specialty, are grown. As you can see, Arcachon is the ideal town for a summer vacation in France to enjoy the sun, the beach and outdoor sporting activities.

What's the weather like in Arcachon in summer?

The climate in Arcachon is hot and dry perfect for polishing your tan and filling up on vitamin D. With only 4 to 5 days of rain on average during these summer months and average temperatures around 78°C, you're unlikely to find yourself cooped up in your accommodation during your summer vacations. With the sun rising at 6am and not setting until 8pm, you'll be able to enjoy long days by the ocean on your vacation this summer in Arcachon.

Summer weather in Arcachon

Where Temp. July Temp. Aug Rainy Days
Arcachon 77° 79° 5 days

What to do in Arcachon on a summer vacation in France

If you've decided to choose the town of Arcachon as your destination to go to in France this summer, here's a list of must-do activities during your stay in Gironde :

Where to sleep in Arcachon on a summer vacation in France

For your summer vacation in Arcachon, we recommend booking one of the following establishments to enjoy excellent value accommodation and a memorable stay on the Atlantic coast:

  • Hôtel Le Dauphin (3 stars): in the heart of Arcachon town, this hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the town's main attractions. Part hotel, part maison d'hôtel, this establishment is perfect for being close to the seaside while enjoying the town center.
  • Hôtel Point France (4 stars): located on the edge of the central beach of the town of Arcachon, this hotel is the perfect establishment if you want to enjoy luxurious comfort, ocean views and excellent value for money on your vacation.

How long is the drive to Arcachon?

You can reach Arcachon by car, train or bus. If you opt for the car, a large part of your journey will be via freeways. To give you an idea of the journey time if you choose Arcachon as your destination where to go in France this summer, here are the approximate journey times from France's biggest cities:

3. The Cévennes for a Summer Away from the Crowds

people on a kayak in the Cevennes where to go on vacation in France
If you fancy getting away from the crowds, the Cevennes is the ideal region in which to go on vacation in France this summer. Less crowded than the Ardèche, it's a perfect region to go to in France this summer if you want to entourish yourself with wild nature, rivers to refresh you and atypical activities to change you from the redundant vacations along the French Riviera. Between the medieval castle of Aujac, the steam train that crosses the Gardons valley and the gorges du Tarn for canoeing or hiking, your vacation won't be boring. Numerous natural sites also offer breathtaking views of the region's rock formations, such as the Cirque de Navacelles, Mont Aigoual and Mont Lozère. If you're a hiking enthusiast, the Cévennes region is perfect for you.

What's the weather like in the Cévennes in summer?

The climate in July and August in the Cévennes is dry, with virtually no rainy days. The average temperature is 24°C during the day, with plenty of sunshine allowing you to enjoy a day out in nature. If you choose the Cévennes as your destination in France this summer, you'll be able to enjoy the same weather as the Côte d'Azur without having to endure the tides of tourists found in the south of France.

Is it hot in the Cévennes in summer?

Where Temp. July Temp. Aug Rainy Days
Cévennes 75° 75° 7 days

What to do in the Cévennes on a summer vacation in France

Worried about getting bored on your vacation in the Cévennes? If you're a lover of the great outdoors and outdoor activity have no fear, the region is packed with activities to do outdoors. Among our favorites, we recommend you add the following activities to your vacation planning this summer:

  • Visit the grotte de l'aven Armand: buried 330 ft underground this cave is brimming with treasure
  • A trek hiking Stevenson's path: for hiking fans who want to cut themselves off from the world for a few days

Where to sleep in the Cévennes on a French summer holiday

If you decide to sleep in the Cévennes, we recommend the following establishments for your summer vacation:

How long is the drive to the Cevennes?

If you want to go to the Cévennes this summer, the easiest thing to do is to take the car, since this region is poorly served by rail networks, and it will also be easier to get around once you're there. Here are the journey times to reach the Cévennes from France's major cities:

4. Vendée for its Islands and Medieval Theme Park

Noirmoutier où partir en vacacnes en france en été
The 4th destination on our list of towns where to go on vacation in France this summer 2024, the Vendée region is perfect for those wishing to enjoy a mild climate and avoid the crowds of southern France. This region boasts an impressive variety of landscapes, from gin sandy beaches to Poitevin marshes, verdant forests and characterful little towns. It's a perfect region for families to go to in France this summer, as there are so many fun things to do, from water sports (kite-surfing, paddling, canoeing), to a visit to the Olonnes marshes and the Salines, to a day spent in a medieval amusement park, it'll be hard to get bored. Often shunned for the Côte d'Azur, this region of France is just as pleasant at this time of year, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of the Mediterranean coast without having to suffer from the influx of tourists at this time of year.

What's the weather like in the Vendée in summer?

The advantage the Vendée has over the other regions in this guide to the best destinations to go to in France this summer is its mild and humid climate typical of this oceanic region. So you'll enjoy perfect temperatures for a summer in the sun (on average 75°F) without having to suffer the sweltering heat sometimes seen in the south of France. With only 3 days of rain on average at this time of year, conditions are perfect for enjoying your summer vacation.

Is it hot in Vendée in summer?

Where Temp. July Temp. Aug Rainy Days
La Vendée 75° 75° 3 days

What to do in Vendée on a summer vacation in France

If you choose the Vendée as a destination to go on vacation in France this summer, here's a list of our favorite things to do in this region of France :

Where to sleep in Vendée on a French summer vacation?

If you choose the Vendée as your destination for a vacation in France this summer, here's a list of our favorite establishments for a more-than-pleasant vacation on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Hotel & Spa (4 stars): this hotel is perfect for a charming stay by the ocean. With its restaurant, spa and comfortable rooms, you'll be able to make the most of your vacation in the Vendée

Côte Ouest Thalasso&Spa Les Sables d'Olonne MGallery (4 stars): ideally located in the heart of the town of Les Sables d'Olonnes, this hotel is close to the town's main attractions and has all the facilities you need for a memorable stay.

How long is the drive to Vendée?

Located on the Atlantic coast, the Vendée is easily accessible by car. The town of La Roche-sur-Yon has good rail connections with the surrounding metropolises, enabling you to get to the Vendée by train if you wish. To give you an idea of how long it takes to get to the Vendée from France's biggest cities, we've listed the information below:

5. The Basque Country for a Summer on Wild Beaches

A surfer in the Basque country where to go on vacation in France this summer
Last region on our list of the best destinations where to go on vacation in France this summer, the Pays Basque. This region of south-west France is the paradise of surfers and lovers of wide open spaces. Imagine endless beaches, pine forests and an ocean inviting surfers and water sports enthusiasts to fill up on adrenaline. Whether you choose to go to Biarritz, Hossegor, Bayonne or Saint Jean-de-Luz, your vacation will be synonymous with adventure and the great outdoors. You can also take advantage of your vacation in the Basque Country to visit typical Basque towns such as Itxassou and Espelette, which offer a unique experience of Basque culture right in the heart of the mountains. Close to Spain, you can easily reach the city of San Sebastian (just 48minutes from Biarritz) for a day trip.

What's the weather like in the Basque Country in summer?

The weather in the Basque Country is more than pleasant in summer, with average temperatures of 75° and over 13h of sunshine a day. Mornings are slightly windy and veiled, perfect for surfers who get up at the crack of dawn to enjoy the waves. The climate is also humid, so you won't suffer from the summer heat on your vacation.

Summer weather in the Basque Country:

Where Temp. July Temp. Aug Rainy Days
Pays Basque 75° 75° 6 days

What to do in the Basque Country on a summer vacation in France

The Basque Country is an ideal region in which to go on vacation in France this summer if you've got the soul of a sportsman and cravings for escapism. The beaches of this region of France are still wild, offering you deserted landscapes as far as the eye can see on your morning walks. You can also take advantage of the region's setting to enjoy a variety of activities throughout your summer vacation:

  • A surfing lesson on the beaches of Hendaye or Hossegor: for beginners or advanced surfers
  • A day's escursion across the border to San Sebastian: to enjoy the Spanish atmosphere and sample a delicious Paella del Mar
  • A sea trip on a catamaran along the Basque Coast: discover the Basque coastline from the ocean during an unusual activity for your summer vacations

Where to sleep in the Basque Country on a summer vacation in France

If you choose the Basque Country as the region to go to in France this summer, we strongly advise you to book one of the following establishments for your summer vacations:

  • Hôtel des Basses Pyrénées (4 stars): in the heart of Bayonne this charming hotel offers all the comfort you need once your day of adventure is over. Its patio is ideal for outdoor dining and enjoying the Basque atmosphere.
  • Bata Hotel (3 stars): at the foot of Capbreton's central beach, this hotel is perfect if you want to enjoy a luxurious stay with ocean views without being too far from the town center to take advantage of restaurants and other points of attraction.

How long does it take to drive to the Basque Country?

To reach the Basque Country, two means of locomotion are possible: by car and by train. If you decide to take the train, Bayonne station is the place to go. If you choose to take your car to be more flexible once you're there, here's an estimate of journey times from France's biggest cities:

Where Will You Decide to go in France This Summer?

France is one of those countries with more varied landscapes than the others, and it's sometimes difficult to choose the perfect destination. We hope that with this guide to the best places to go on vacation in France this summer, you'll find the perfect destination for you and your loved ones. All that's left to do is book the perfect accommodation for your vacation, as well as the activities to keep you busy. If you're lucky enough to have received a Hotelgift hotel gift card, don't hesitate to consult our booking module to find the perfect hotel from over 750,000 hotels worldwide. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a small boutique hotel or more unusual accommodation, you're bound to find what you're looking for.

If you haven't found the destination of your dreams in this list, we invite you to consult the following articles: