France: a gorgeous country abundant with incredible wine farms, art and profound history to relish in
France is a playground for flamboyant decadence, raffish style and sensational experiences. It is a country that bristles with culture, romance and the irresistible allure of joie de vivre. With over 64 million residents, France is the third largest country in Europe. Attractions include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, French Riviera in Cannes and Vieux Lyon in Lyon.
Get ready for baguettes and berets with cheap flights to France. Paris is home to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which is 30-minute train ride, or 45-minute drive from the city centre. The airport serves a multitude of airlines, including Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa. Popular non-stop flights to Paris depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Paris is approximately 10 hours, 50 minutes.
Popular flights to France
Flight Route
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Trip Type
Travel Dates
Searched
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* Please note that the prices are subject to availability and block out dates do apply over peak season.
Why visit France
French Villages
Be seduced by the romantic flower-clad streets of Yvoire in Rhône-Alpes, eat almonds in Gordes, be bewitched by the architectural beauty of Colmar, and explore the celebrated wine village of Eguisheim.
Food and Wine
Drink riesling in Alsace, search for the perfect baguette in a boulangerie in Paris, sip on pastis in a dockside bar in Marseille, discover street food in Nice, and enjoy haute cuisine in a traditional bistro in Lyon.
Arts and Culture
Attend a risqué cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge in Paris, explore Celtic mythology in Brittany, attend Les Eurockéennes in Belfort, and marvel at the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse.
General information
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Currency
Euro
Exchange Rate
1 EUR = 20,41 ZAR
Language
French
Hub Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Airline
Air France
Time Zone
GMT+1
Travel Adaptor
Type E
Best time to visit France
The climate of France is divided into four climactic areas.
The western regions experience an oceanic climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 22 degrees Celsius in summer to 5 degrees Celsius in winter.
The central and eastern regions experience a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 25 degrees Celsius in summer to -1 degree Celsius in winter.
The south of France experiences a balmy Mediterranean climate with hot summers, a rainy season from October to April and ample sunshine throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 27 degrees Celsius in summer to 3 degrees Celsius in winter.
The best time to visit France is usually during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November).
For cheap flights to France, the best time to visit is from October to March (excluding the festive season).
Weather & Climate in France (Paris)
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Low °C
3°C
3°C
5°C
7°C
11°C
14°C
16°C
16°C
13°C
10°C
6°C
3°C
High °C
7°C
8°C
12°C
16°C
20°C
23°C
25°C
25°C
21°C
16°C
11°C
8°C
Rainfall (mm)
18
22
24
25
26
24
22
21
16
25
22
26
France is a place where love is found, desires are fulfilled and dreams come true. Carouse through the sultry streets of Paris, bike through the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy, schuss down the slopes of Chamonix, or ease into the Mediterranean rhythm of St-Tropez.
Absorb the artistic soul of Paris at galleries such as the Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Musée National Picasso. Marvel at the architectural artistry of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris and Arc de Triomphe. Or give into the risqué and erotic at the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse.
Explore the medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie or wander along the cobbled streets of Riquewihr in search of world-famous riesling. Collonges-La-Rouge is a fairytale village with red Romanesque buildings and winding streets, while Veules-les-Roses, one of the oldest villages in Normandy, is a charming quilt of thatched cottages and watermills.
Arouse your senses with a journey along the champagne wine route. Tour cellars, indulge in exquisite French cuisine and taste some of the best champagne in the world. The towns of Reims, Épernay and Ay are celebrated for their champagne.
Compare several airlines and book your cheap flights to France online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders require a visa to visit France. You can apply for a Schengen visa through CAPAGO. Biometrics need to be done in person and you will need to ensure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months and three pages for stamps.
See this guide on how to apply for your Schengen visa.
The French Embassy is located in Pretoria.
Address: 250 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, 0181
Phone: (+27) 012 425 1600
Although France is considered a safe country, the security situation is currently volatile, so it is recommended that you take certain precautions and remain vigilant at all times. The government has tightened and reinforced security measures following recent terrorist attacks. A free app. is available that alerts users to security incidents. Search for ‘SAIP’ on your app. store.
Be wary of pick-pockets in Paris (particularly on the metro and RER) and avoid the gardens of Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes at night. Gang related crimes can be a problem in the south of France, particularly in Nice and Marseille. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from an infected area. Immunisation against hepatitis A & B and rabies is recommended. Other routine vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio and influenza.
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