When to Go

When to Go

With its extensive forests, Ile-de-France is especially beautiful in fall, particularly October. May and June are good months, too, while July through August can be sultry and crowded.

On a Saturday night in summer, however, you can see a son-et-lumière show in Moret-sur-Loing and make a candlelight visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Be aware when making your travel plans that some places are closed one or two days a week.

The château of Versailles is closed Monday; and the châteaux of Chantilly and Fontainebleau are closed Tuesday.

In fact, as a rule, well-touristed towns make their fermeture hebdomadaire (weekly closing) on Monday or Tuesday, when museums, shops, and markets may be closed—call ahead if in doubt.

Disneyland Paris gets really crowded on summer weekends.

So does Giverny (Monet's garden), which is at its best May through June and, like Vaux-le-Vicomte, is closed November to March.

During the winter months, it's always best to check and phone ahead to make sure your sightseeing stops are still open.