Complete France Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Planning a trip to France? Start with Paris for iconic landmarks, museums, neighborhoods, cafés, and pastries; explore Normandy for D-Day history and dramatic coastline; visit the Loire Valley for magnificent châteaux; head to Bordeaux or Burgundy for wine; or travel south for Provence, the French Riviera, and Mediterranean beaches.
This France travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about French entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local travel tips.
Visiting France for the first time? Paris is the natural starting point, but France is far too diverse to experience through its capital alone. Add one or two regions that match your interests, whether that means castles and vineyards, medieval villages, World War II history, mountains, beaches, or the countryside.
France has an extensive rail network, making it relatively easy to combine Paris with destinations such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg, Marseille, and other cities without renting a car. A rental car becomes more useful when exploring rural areas, villages, vineyards, and the countryside.
France Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to France? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Paris
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Language: French
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: The French drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and E, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October for generally pleasant sightseeing weather; summer for beaches and mountain activities; winter for skiing and Christmas markets
Popular First-Time Destinations: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, Provence, French Riviera, Bordeaux, and Alsace
Getting Around France: High-speed and regional trains, buses, metros, trams, rental cars, and domestic flights connect destinations throughout the country
Visa Requirements: U.S. passport holders can currently visit France and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism
Best Known For: Paris, wine, food, art, museums, fashion, châteaux, medieval villages, beaches, vineyards, and the French Alps
Don’t Miss: Paris, a château, a French market, regional food and wine, a historic town or village, and at least one destination outside the capital
First-time France travel tip: Don’t try to see the entire country in one trip. France is large and its regions are very different, so choose two or three areas that match your interests and give yourself time to experience them properly.
Best Places to Visit in France
Paris: Best for First-Time Visitors, Museums and Iconic Landmarks
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
Normandy: Best for D-Day History, Coastal Scenery and Mont-Saint-Michel
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
Loire Valley: Best for Châteaux, Gardens and Wine
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.
Bordeaux: Best for Wine and Elegant Architecture
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.
French Riviera: Best for Mediterranean Beaches and Glamorous Coastal Towns
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 Language Is Spoken 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 U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit France?
U.S. citizens can generally visit France and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does France Use?
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 You 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 euros. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How Much Does a Trip to France Cost?
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.
How Do You Get Around France?
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.
What Power Adapter Do You 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 You Pack for France?
Spring and fall: Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, long pants, lightweight sweaters, and a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella. Temperatures can vary considerably between morning and evening.
Summer: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces.
Winter: Pack a warm coat, sweaters, scarf, gloves, and comfortable weather-resistant shoes. Bring heavier winter clothing if you plan to visit the French Alps or other mountain regions.
Paris and cities: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Paris and other French cities. Pack smart-casual clothing if you plan to visit nicer restaurants, attend a performance, or enjoy an evening out.
French Riviera and beaches: Bring swimsuits, sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lightweight clothing. A cover-up or casual outfit is useful for transitioning from the beach to cafés and restaurants.
Countryside and wine regions: Pack comfortable shoes for walking through villages, vineyards, markets, and historic sites. Layers and rain protection are useful, particularly during spring and fall.
French Alps: Pack according to your activities and season. Hiking shoes and layers are useful in warmer months, while winter trips require insulated clothing, waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and appropriate snow footwear.
France travel tip: Pack for your itinerary rather than trying to dress like the French. Comfortable shoes, versatile layers, and weather-appropriate clothing will be much more useful than following outdated fashion rules about what tourists should or shouldn’t wear.
Is France Safe 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 Should You Try in France?
Classic French Dishes: boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, cassoulet, ratatouille
Soups and Seafood: soupe à l’oignon, bouillabaisse
Café and Casual Foods: croque monsieur, quiche Lorraine, crêpes
Bread and Pastries: baguette, pain au chocolat, croissants
Desserts: crème brûlée, fondant au chocolat, macarons, madeleines, éclairs
Regional Foods: salade niçoise, escargots, cheeses
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.
- 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.
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.
Bookmark and Pin Complete France Travel Guide
My Favorite Booking Resources
- Discover Cars Search, compare and save on car rentals.
- Trainline Explore effortlessly by train and bus.
- Booking.com Search Booking.com to find the perfect property.
- Hostelworld Hostelworld has great inexpensive options.
- Get Your Guide Don’t chance it, the best attractions sell out.
- Tiqets Get your tickets now, relax when you arrive.
- Big Bus Tours Hop-on Hop-off at all the iconic landmarks.
- Go City Card Save up to 50% on attractions, tours and activities.
- Welcome Pickups Airport and port transfers.
- Visitors Coverage Pick the right travel insurance for you.
- Use code SAVE10 to pick up a travel guide from Lonely Planet to browse on the plane.
- Shop my Amazon travel essentials and have them delivered to your home.