Mont Saint Michel

Complete France Travel Guide, What You Need to Know

France is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The country receives over 90 million tourists each year. France is known for its iconic landmarks, fashion, gourmet food, wine, and museums. You will find medieval architecture, gorgeous beaches, fairytale villages, vineyards, chateaus, and the French Alps. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this France travel guide and the following France travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in France are Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and the French Riveria.

Why Visit Paris

Paris France is the city of Light and Love. The city receives 30 million visitors each year and is the world’s most visited capital. Paris has been the inspiration of famous artists, writers, and filmmakers. It is not surprising with iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe. You will also find a city full of gorgeous architecture, colorful neighborhoods, amazing museums and parks, and yummy pastries.

Read 100Things to Do in Paris France, a Bucket List City

Why Visit Normandy

Normandy is best known for its D-Day landing sites, military cemeteries, and memorial museums. The region is also full of gorgeous countryside, coastline, woodlands, castles, churches, and ancient towns such as Rouen. Monet’s Gardens in Giverny and the famous Mont Saint-Michel are also located in Normandy.

READ Northwestern France Road Trip Itinerary: Normandy and Brittany

Why Visit the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is known for its world-class wine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, gardens, and sunflower fields.

Why Visit Bordeaux

Bordeaux produces 700 million bottles of wine annually. There are over 8,000 wine chateaux in the region; the vineyards of Saint Emilion are a 30-minute train ride from the city. The region is also known for its fresh seafood and oysters. The city of Bordeaux has over 350 historical buildings and monuments. Also visit nearby Carcassonne, the Dune du Pilat, and La Roche-sur-Yon. The famous chocolate shops of Bayonne are a quick train ride away.

Why Visit the French Riveria

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is known for its sunny weather, amazing beaches, and resort atmosphere. Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and St Tropez are the playground of the well-to-do. They are full of high-end boutiques, private beach clubs, and yachts.

What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to France

Where is France

France is the largest country in Western Europe with a population of 67 million. The country is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco, Spain, the Bay of Biscay, and the English Channel. Paris is the capital and largest city of France. France has distinct regions, you will miss out if you only visit Paris.

What is the language in France?

The national language of France is French, it is spoken by 88% of the population. 3% of the population speaks German dialects. 39% of the French population speaks English. You will not have difficulty speaking English in hotels, restaurants, or tourist locations. You may have difficulty getting directions from people on the street. Even though English is the standard language of tourism in Europe, it is important to at least try to speak the common language before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel. You will also find tutorials on YouTube.

Do I need a visa to visit France?

According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.

What is the currency in France?

The currency in France is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs in France?

ATMs are available throughout France. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in France and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in France, you will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Discover may be accepted but it is rare. Some stores only accept cash, especially for small purchases. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euro. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.

How much should I budget per day in France?

According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in France is $225. Expect to pay $3,152 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.

When is the best time to visit France?

The high season in France is June to August, expect high prices and crowds. The shoulder season is April-May and September to October. The low season is November through March, crowds this and the air is cold. Expect snow in the Alps during the winter months. Southern France has warmer temperatures and rain is more common in western France near the English Channel. September and October are harvests and a good time to visit the wine regions. Christmas Markets are held from November to December.

What type of transportation does France use?

France has international airports in Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Strasbourg, and Toulouse. The country is also well-connected by domestic flights, trains, and buses. Keep an eye on your belongings, theft is common on trains. Public transportation by tram is common. Paris, Rennes, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille, and Lille have metros. Keep the used ticket with you until after the ride, if checked you will be fined. Taxis are expensive. It is possible to hail taxis on the street, fares are set by the government and depend on location, time of day, and distance. The ride-sharing app Kapten is available in Paris, Lyon, and Cannes. You do need an international driver’s license to drive in France. Also, you are required to have a visibility vest and a warning triangle in the car. Radar detectors are illegal in France.

What kind of adaptor do I need in France?

The plugs in France are type C and E. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.

What should I pack for France?

The French style is simple chic. Maxi dresses, scarves, and light sweaters in neutral solids (black, navy, or grey) are common, wear minimal accessories. Paris is the fashion capital of the world. Dressing up is expected for dinner out. Avoid bright colors, bold patterns, white sneakers, flip flops, short skirts, sweatpants, and baseball caps. Do not wear clothing that indicates you are a tourist (I love Paris t-shirts). Wear shoes with cushioned soles for walking on cobbled streets. Also, do not forget a raincoat and umbrella.

Is France a safe country for solo travelers?

According to Travel Safe Abroad,  the overall travel risk in France is medium. The risk of scams, pickpockets, and terrorist attacks is high. There is a medium risk of muggings. Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep personal items in front of you and do not leave any belongings in the car. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.

What food do I need to try in France?

Boeuf bourguignon (beef burgundy), coq au vin (chicken cooked in wine), canard à l’orange (duck in orange sauce), cassoulet (stew like mix of beans, pork, duck and sausage), ratatouille (vegetable stew topped with cheese), Soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup), bouillabaisse (fish soup), escargot (snails), quiche Lorraine, crêpes, croque monsieur (grilled cheese and ham sandwich), baguette, salade niçoise (tuna, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, anchovies tossed in vinaigrette dressing), cheese souffle, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), fondant au chocolat (chocolate lava cake), tarts, crème brûlée, elclairs, macarons, and madeleines.

Tips for Traveling in France

• It is the law to carry your passport with you.
• Smoking in public is common.
• The first floor is 0 (not 1).
• Expect to pay to use public restrooms.
• Keep your voice low. Always say Bonjour or Bonsoir (hello/good evening) before saying anything else.
• Find something to compliment: the food, wine, and clothing.
• Do not talk about politics or religion. Do not complain about long lines or slow service.
• Greet friends with a double kiss on both cheeks and shake hands with strangers.
• If invited to someone’s home, arrive on time and dress up. Bring a token bottle of wine, chocolate, or flowers, and do not ask to be shown around the house.
• The customer greets the shop assistant when entering a store, and the customer is not always right.
• Do not expect ice in drinks, and do not complain about it. Do not expect special food requests to be honored.
• Order food and pastries at the counter and eat on a park bench. Costs increase if you sit at a table.
• Stores are often closed on Sunday and between 12-2 for a long lunch.
• Dinner is after 7:30 and reservations are the norm. People linger after a meal, you must ask for the bill.
• Tipping is not required at restaurants, a surcharge is included in the bill. Tip 10% at cafes and bars.
• Cheese is served after the main course and before dessert.
• House wine is very good and inexpensive.

Top Things to See and Do in France

• Explore the iconic landmarks and museums in Paris.
• Tour the Palace of Versailles, Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, and the Loire Valley châteauxs.
• Wander the streets of Mont St-Michel.
• See the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims and visit a champagne house.
• Visit the lavender fields in Luberon.
• Enjoy wine tasting in Bordeaux, Burgundy, or on the Alsace Wine Route.
• Relax on the French Riviera (Cannes, St-Tropez, and Monte Carlo).
• Ski or hike Mt Blanc in the French Alps.
• See the Cliffs of Étretat’s arches, sea stacks, and tunnels.
• Climb Dune of Pilat, Europe’s largest sand dune.
• Explore the islands and inlets of the Gulf of Morbihan.
• See the Pont du Gard, a three-tiered Roman aqueduct and UNESCO site.
• Wander the medieval walled city of Carcassonne.
• Kayak the Gorges du Verdon.

Be sure to check the France Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Interesting Facts About France

• French was once the official language of England and kilts originated in France.
• Paris was originally named “Lutetia”.
• King Louis XIX had the shortest reign, 20 minutes.
• France has the most time zones in the world (12).
• There Are Over 500 Islands in France.
• The French Army was the first to use camouflage in 1915 (World War I).
• The Louvre in Paris is the most visited art museum in the world.
• Europe’s highest mountain is Mont Blanc in the French Alps.
• The Tour de France cycle race has been running for over 100 years.
• The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the US.
• The French invented the decimal system, the camera phone, tin cans, denim, hairdryer, stethoscope, parachute, and hot air balloon.
• Over half of the world’s roundabouts are in France.
• The croissant was invented in Vienna Austria.
• France has won the most Nobel prizes for literature.
• France produces around 1.7 million tons of cheese a year in around 1,600 varieties.
• The French consume 11.2 billion glasses of wine and eat around 30,000 tons of snails per year.
• It is illegal for grocery stores to throw out edible food in France, it must be donated.
• French law forbids couples from kissing on train platforms.
• The tradition of wearing a white dress on your wedding day originated in France in 1499.
• The oldest person who ever lived was a French woman, Jeanne Louise Calment (122 years).
• Parents who raised their children with dignity receive the Medal of the French Family.
• Women were not legally allowed to wear pants until 2013.

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France Travel Guide

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