France in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

June is a great time to visit France, as summer sets off a wide range of outdoor exploration, activities, and festivals. As the season gets under way, visitors start to descend on major cities such as Paris and Lyon, yet the numbers are still fewer than you would experience later in summer. June’s pleasant weather encourages hiking, biking, or a walk through France’s picturesque landscapes, from coastal areas to countryside vineyards. Gardens and parks are vibrant with flowers, particularly in places like the Loire Valley. With fewer tourists compared to July and August, you will have the chance to visit iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre in Paris with smaller crowds.

June offers generally favorable weather throughout France, with warm temperatures, long sunny days, and relatively low rainfall. The weather is warm, but not too hot, with average highs ranging from 68°F to 79°F across the country. If you visit around the summer solstice on June 21, you could experience up to 16 hours of daylight, especially in key cities such as Paris. Occasional showers or thunderstorms may occur, particularly earlier in the month around central France, in contrast to the drier south.

Provence • Best Place for Sightseeing

Provence in June will welcome you with warm, sunny weather and a plethora of natural beauty and cultural richness. With music festivals and summer solstice bonfires in towns like Aix-en-Provence, there is much to see. Open your eyes to a canvas of color in vast lavender fields, particularly in areas like Valensole and the Luberon Valley. Displays of poppies and sunflowers add splashes of color to the countryside, creating a picturesque landscape which is ideal for photography and leisurely walks. Visit Avignon’s Papal Palace, admiring the bold architecture of one of Europe’s largest Gothic buildings. Discover its rich history, including the crucial role it played in the history of Western Christianity.

Montpellier • Best Place for Great Weather

When you visit Montpellier in June, you can enjoy days filled with around 10 hours of sunshine and temperatures that climb up to about 79°F. Explore the city’s parks and historic sites in low humidity and minimal rainfall. The weather is perfect for a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, France’s oldest botanical garden, or the narrow medieval streets of the historic center. The warm and pleasant weather invites you to take a bicycle ride along the banks of the Lez River and enjoy a picnic in the Place Royale du Peyrou.

Loire Valley • Best Place for Families with Children

Famous for its stunning castles, the Loire Valley is educational and entertaining for families. You and your children can explore the grounds of castles such as the Château de Chenonceau or the Château de Chambord in warm June weather. Visit the Clos Luce, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci, to interact with life-size models of the artist’s incredible inventions. Each year in June, the Troglodyte Village of Goupillières holds “Les Journées des Troglos,” an open day during which owners of ancient cave dwellings open up their homes to give you and your family the opportunity to see the interiors and experience their structure firsthand.

Morzine • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Morzine is an alpine village deep in the Chablais Mountains. Its rugged and rocky landscape provides a picture-perfect backdrop. In June, it offers you the opportunity to explore mountain trails and enjoy going up the mountain in the lift without the long lines that are seen later in the season. Take a mountain bike ride along well-maintained trails and stop to take in your beautiful surroundings, with fewer visitors allowing you to explore at your pace. You can also discover adventure and thrills with activities like canyoning, white-water rafting, and paragliding.

Cote d’Azur • Best Place for Couples and Honeymooners

The Côte d’Azur and the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer present breathtaking coastal views and charming ambiances. You can gaze upon crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches, and take a walk along the yacht-lined harbor front. The narrow cobblestone streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer feature colorful houses and lush gardens, setting the scene for your romantic escape. The warm June weather allows you to enjoy a sidewalk meal in comfortable conditions. Pay a visit to nearby attractions like the Villa Ephrussi, a romantic destination boasting beautifully manicured gardens and incredible views of the Mediterranean.

Admire Tall Ships Sailing Along the Seine River

Held during the last two weeks of June, the Rouen Armada is a fantastic maritime event that showcases tall ships from around the world along the Seine River, attracting millions of visitors. With over 50 sailing vessels moored along a four-mile stretch of quayside, you can explore the ships during the festival. Activities extend beyond the boats and water, with concerts and firework displays each evening, culminating in a breathtaking grand parade when the ships sail back to Le Havre.

Celebrate the Birthplace of Hot-Air Ballooning

Join the celebrations of the birthplace of hot-air ballooning when attending the Ballooning Festival in Annonay. The historic flight of the Montgolfier brothers on June 4, 1783, is commemorated, with the skies transformed into a brilliant display of colorful balloons. From early-morning launches to live music and food stalls, when you attend this event, you not only get to celebrate and honor the invention of ballooning, but also appreciate the dramatic landscapes of the Ardeche region.

Participate in Traditional Sheep-Herding Festivities

France in early June in the Saint-Remy region hosts the Fete de la Transhumance. This traditional festival celebrates the migration of sheep to summer pastures in the picturesque Provence region. Witness colorful parades during which flocks of sheep, accompanied by shepherds dressed in traditional attire, traverse the streets, creating a spectacle that showcases rural life and heritage. Learn herding techniques and enjoy music, food stalls, and various activities that highlight the region’s pastoral traditions.

When you visit France in June, you can experience picturesque countryside, charming villages, and popular cities in warm summer weather. The great climate, mixed with the buzz of summer activities and fewer crowds, makes this an excellent time of year to experience France.

For more ideas for your trip, find inspiration with our France tours or explore the possibilities of when to visit, where to go, and more with our France travel guide.