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France

Vive la France!

Land of Croissants, Castles, and Champagne!

Vive la France! A patchwork of vineyards, villages, slick cities and a rich rural tapestry, days in France can be as diverse as laid-back beach visits, followed by upmarket Michelin meals. There’s really no right or wrong way to see this incredible country, just as long as you take regular stops for French bread, paté and a crisp glass of white (in other words do as the French do).

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux, wandering the streets of Paris, or relaxing on the French Riviera, chat to our France travel specialists and let’s find your perfect holiday today!

Flight time.

The flight from Auckland to France takes about 24 hours with a stopover. It’s a lengthy trip, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible landscapes, cuisine, and culture.

Best time to go.

The best time to visit France is from April to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the chance to enjoy France’s charm without the summer heat.

Time difference.

France is 10 hours behind New Zealand, so there will be a time difference to adjust to.

Our favourite things to do in France

Stroll through the Champs Elysees

The treasures of the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the elegant Champs Elysées – all are essential Paris. But be prepared to immerse yourself into the local culture.

People sitting overlooking view of Normandy

Visit the hidden gem of France

Head to Normandy and discover Mont Saint-Michel!

Visit Châteaux in France's Loire Valley

Pack a picnic today and discover the châteaux.

Live like a local

Press pause and catch your breath as you take the time to appreciate the simpler things in life.

Cook Like a Parisian

Learn the tips and tricks of how to make the French delights!

Be your own skipper

Want to explore France in a fun, stress-free way with the kids?

River cruising on the South of France

Set sail for the Mediterranean, indulging in French cuisine as you float past picture-perfect châteaux and lively towns.

See the Mona Lisa Without the Crowds

Plan your perfect visit to the Louvre!

Visit the Mona Lisa & stroll the Champ Elysees

France

France know before you go

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux, wandering the streets of Paris, or relaxing on the French Riviera, this guide is the lowdown on all things French.

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Meet our France specialists

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Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Leaving home at 19 with a one way ticket to London to start my OE, it's fair to say I've had the travel bug for years!

Living overseas for 8 years, and in London for four years, I travelled extensively around Europe. Barcelona is my favourite city!

Then living in Melbourne for four years after that, this is where I started my career in travel in 2004. It was my dream job all those years ago and I still smile every day when I come to work now, I LOVE this job!

Nothing brings me more joy then hearing of clients travel plans, putting together itineraries and making their travel experience run as smooth as possible from start to finish.

I like to think I am a friendly, bubbly personality, a good listener and I will take on board your needs while also guiding you with helpful advice and suggestions when needed. I live on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and three young children, I understand the #mum-life juggle and the need to get away and escape for a holiday sometimes! Having travelled to nearly 40 countries, I have lots of experience that I cant wait to share it with you. Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Sarah

Kelly-Ann Patterson

House of Travel Lower Hutt

I'm seen as a great relationship builder who is passionate about people and their travel adventures. I've travelled extensively both on my own and with my two teenage boys. Rarely go to any place twice as there's too much of the world to see.

I don't have a specific favourite destination as it's all about new frontiers for me and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

I've been in the industry for 20+ years including 5 years working for Air New Zealand where I gained a wealth of knowledge which I'm finding invaluable in the complex world of airfares post COVID.

Contact me - always up for a chat!

Kelly-Ann

Antony Boomer

House of Travel Dunedin

I have been in the travel industry since 1987 as a tour leader, travel advisor, traveler visiting the globe, and now Owner Operator of House of Travel Dunedin City.

My travels have encompassed over 100 countries (many on several occasions) initially using all forms of transport from a double decker bus around Europe to rickshaws in Asia to horses in the Middle East and dugout canoes in Central Africa with camels, elephants, donkeys and bicycles in-between.

I am more than willing to travel in a lot more comfort these days visiting the Pacific, Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Ireland, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and USA in recent years.

I believe the transition is similar for people of my generation who still yearn to visit anywhere and everywhere but enjoy a bit, or a lot, more luxury. As such I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the whole spectrum of travel options and regularly come up with solutions to the most complex of travel plans.

Tony