When to go?
 

I'm getting married either June or July 2006. We haven't set a date because it kind of depends on when we should go on our honeymoon to France. When, during that time has the best weather (least rain, sunny, but not too hot)? Should we avoid the Tour de France? I was thinking it might be neat to be in Paris for Bastille Day...What do you guys think? Any advice? Thanks!
Katie

Will I be the first to say, "Is there really a BAD time to visit Paris?" Even in cold, rainy November, it's still Paris!

Will you be visiting other places in France, Katie? Frankly, I'd recommend it. Paris is wonderful, but will be full of tourists in June or July. The French countryside is beautiful. You might want to consider a couple of days in Paris and a few in the Loire or Alsace, for example.

You ask about weather in France without much reference to where, except to Paris. There are spots in France that could be pleasant in June or July. Paris itself is usually nice, but you will always have some showers, some of them pretty heavy. And you recall that all of France last year had a real heat wave -- but that won't necessarily repeat. As for the Tour de France, I'd personally avoid it unless you like the crazy crowds. Same goes for Bastille Day, but again it depends on what you like. I'd imagine you might like more peace and quiet on a honeymoon, but that's just me.

At that time of year, I'd head for the French Alps or the Pyrenees. All the usual places would be pretty pleasant, and the Pyrenees might be less touristy. I have a favorite village in the Pyrenees called St Lary-Soulan. It's charming, scenic, and the weather at that time of year is usually quite nice. Good luck.

Sorry! We are planning a few (3 or 4?) days in Paris, then a few more days (4 or 5?) in Normany/Loire Valley. I've been to Paris/Northern France at the beginning of June and it rained almost the whole time we were there. I'm hoping that we won't have a repeat of that experience.

I would prefer June over July in most years but it seems there is a lot of variation. Last summer was extraordinarily hot in France; this summer is cooler and wetter than normal. But, on average, June is nice in France. I think your suggestion of Normandy and the Loire Valley is wonderful for that time of year (or for any time).

I would prefer June to July -- I think July is statistically rainier, also, but you can check historical stats on that. The Tour de France doesn't make much difference, it just closes down the Champs Elysees and some surrounding area for part of that day. As for Bastille Day, I wouldn't go to any country for their national holiday, those kind of days don't mean anything to me. Even my own country's national day isn't any holiday favorite of mine, but I don't have any reason to celebrate a foreign country's one. It's really a day I prefer to avoid as I don't like the crowds.

As a "wedding-planner-dad-of-the-bride" and a fairly experienced sunner Europe traveler - - I agree that June is slightly better than July as a choice for travel to France.

But as you likely already know - - for June weddings, you may have to get into high gear to get the place you want for the wedding, for the reception, the photographer you want, etc.

Whatever your decisions, congratulations on your new life in marriage... and...

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks, Rex.
We know June is a high wedding month...that's why we're planning two years in advance!

Oh, whoops - - didn't see two thousand SIX!

I actually can't imagine being engaged that long, but I'm an impulsive guy. Met my wife in April. Engaged in August. Married January 3.

29 years ago.

Ah! My parents did the same thing! Met in March, engaged in July, married in January! But, ironically, I was trying to plan the wedding for summer 05, but my dad wanted us to wait. Bart (my fiance) will graduate dec. 05, then I will graduate dec. 06, and I guess its kind of important that at least one of us has a steady income. Especially if we want our dream honeymoon to become a reality! Sorry this has become a wedding thread. Oh well! Know of any good French ideas we can incorporate into the reception?We're thinking of a French theme.

We are a "new" couple that just returned from a glorious honeymoon trip to Southern Italy and France. We spent three weeks 26/06 thru 18/07. We would suggest, if at all possible, the Amalfi coast or the Positano Bay for some of your celebration. Fly to Naples or Rome, then many suggestions have been made on this site,the entire area is breathtaking, but be certain to include 2 or 3 days in Ravello (directly above Amalfi)They have a nightly concerto or concert program from early June thru late August in the most unbelievable setting in the world..of particular note is the sunrise concert..........However...the most memorable event on our trip was Bastille Day in Paris (July 14)...I would never have believed how wonderful this was..We did a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiennes.the meal/wine/service was spectacular...The ship docks/departs directly beneath the Eiffel Tower..it seems absurdly expensive, but words can not describe the beauty of the evening....the fireworks last about 50 minutes,and they are directly overhead...and I mean DIRECTLY overhead....meanwhile, there is a wonderful band playing, and we danced our hearts out. This was perhaps the most memorable evening I have ever spent. If you want an event to remember....this is the thing...our entire trip was glorious, but this one night was never to be forgotten.