FRANCE
TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO TRAVEL TO FRANCE
Discover France: a land of timeless beauty, from the romantic streets of Paris to the sunlit vineyards of Bordeaux and the stunning Riviera. Explore its rich history, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and soak up the picturesque landscapes. France awaits to enchant you with its cultural and scenic splendors.
Enchanting France Travel Guide: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Adventures
Welcome to the Enchanting France Travel Guide, your essential companion for exploring one of the most captivating countries in Europe. France mesmerizes with its iconic landmarks, rich history, world-renowned cuisine, and diverse landscapes, from the romantic streets of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence and the glamorous French Riviera. This guide covers eight top destinations, cultural experiences, and practical tips to ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you’re savoring fine wines in Bordeaux, exploring medieval castles in the Loire Valley, or relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches of the Côte d’Azur, let this guide inspire your adventure in France.
How to Travel to France
How To Travel To Paris
Need to Know
Essential facts to help you plan your trip to France – from visa and currency to safety and connectivity.
Why Travel to France
Tip: France offers world-class art, cuisine, wine, and diverse landscapes from Paris to Provence.
Why: Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre masterpieces, charming villages, and Mediterranean beaches make it a dream destination.
How: Visit museums and monuments (€10–25), enjoy meals (€15–40), and book tours via GetYourGuide (€20–100) for guided experiences.
Do I Need a Visa
Tip: Schengen visa rules apply – 90 days visa-free for many nationalities (EU, US, Canada, Australia, etc.).
Why: Ensures legal stay within the Schengen Area (up to 90 days in 180).
How: Check eligibility on france-visas.gouv.fr. Apply in advance if needed (€80). Carry passport valid for 3 months beyond stay. Use ETIAS (from 2025, €7) for visa-exempt travelers.
What is the Currency of France
Tip: The currency is the Euro (€). Average daily budget €80–150 depending on style.
Why: Euro is used across France and most of Europe for seamless transactions.
How: Use contactless cards/Apple Pay widely accepted. Withdraw from ATMs (€2–5 fee). Avoid airport exchanges. Use Revolut/Wise for low-fee transfers.
Is France Expensive to Visit
Tip: Costs vary – Paris is pricier, but regions like Normandy or Alsace are more affordable.
Why: Offers options from budget hostels to luxury; meals €10–50, transport €5–20.
How: Stay in budget hotels/Airbnb (€60–120). Eat at boulangeries (€5–15). Book trains via SNCF Connect for deals (€20–80).
Can I Drink the Tap Water
Tip: Yes – tap water is safe and high quality throughout France.
Why: Strictly regulated and often excellent; saves money and plastic.
How: Drink freely from taps (“eau potable”). Refill reusable bottle at public fountains (common in cities). Order “une carafe d’eau” free in restaurants.
Can I Buy a SIM Card
Tip: Easy to buy prepaid SIM or eSIM for data and calls (€10–40).
Why: Excellent 4G/5G coverage for navigation, booking, and staying connected.
How: Purchase at airports, shops, or online (Orange, SFR, Free Mobile, Bouygues). eSIM via Airalo (€5–20). Top up online or in store.
How to Get to & Around France
Everything you need to know about arriving in France and moving around its cities and regions.
Travel & Transport
International Arrival
Tip: Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Paris Orly (ORY) – the main international hubs. Flights $300–800 from North America, $50–300 from Europe. Other gateways: Nice (NCE), Lyon (LYS), Marseille (MRS).
Why: Paris airports handle the majority of international flights with excellent connections worldwide.
How: Compare flights on Skyscanner or Google Flights ($0). High-speed trains (Eurostar, TGV) from UK/Belgium/Germany (€50–200). Buses (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) from neighboring countries (€20–80).
Domestic Transport Options
Tip: High-speed trains (TGV) €30–150, domestic flights €50–200, buses €10–50, metro/trams in cities €1.50–10, car rental €30–80/day. Rideshares like BlaBlaCar €10–40.
Why: France’s excellent rail network is fast and scenic; cars ideal for countryside (Loire, Provence); public transport efficient in cities.
How: Book trains via SNCF Connect app/site ($0 fees). Use Uber, Bolt, or taxis in cities. Rent cars via Rentalcars.com. FlixBus/BlaBlaCar Bus for budget intercity travel.
Practical Tips for Traveling in France
Everything you need to know before you go – from visas and money to safety and transport.
Practical Tips for Traveling in France
Visa and Documentation
Tip: Schengen rules: 90 days visa-free for many nationalities. Passport valid 3 months beyond stay. ETIAS required from 2026 (€7).
Why: Allows hassle-free entry for tourism or business within the Schengen Area.
How: Check france-visas.gouv.fr ($0). Apply for ETIAS online when implemented. Carry proof of accommodation and return ticket.
Currency and Payments
Tip: Euro (€) is the currency. Cards (Visa/Mastercard) widely accepted; contactless common.
Why: Convenient and secure; cash needed for small shops or markets.
How: Use ATMs for withdrawals (€2–5 fee). Apps like Revolut/Wise for low fees. Carry some cash (€50–100) for rural areas.
Language and Communication
Tip: Learn basics: “Bonjour” (hello), “Merci” (thank you), “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?).
Why: Politeness opens doors; English common in tourist areas but less in rural spots.
How: Use apps like Google Translate offline ($0). Buy a prepaid SIM (€10–40) for data. Greet with “Bonjour” always.
Safety and Dangers in France
Tip: Beware pickpocketing in Paris crowds and metro. Avoid demonstrations.
Why: Petty crime common in tourist spots; terrorism risk low but vigilance advised.
How: Use anti-theft bags ($0). Stay alert in crowded areas. Register with embassy apps. Follow travel advisories.
More Safety Tips for FranceAccommodation Options
Tip: Budget hotels/hostels in cities (€60–120/night), chambres d’hôtes in countryside (€80–150/night).
Why: Variety from affordable chains to charming B&Bs suits all budgets.
How: Book via Booking.com or Airbnb ($0 fees for browsing). Opt for off-season deals. Consider gîtes for self-catering.
Transportation
Tip: High-speed TGV trains (€30–150), metro in cities (€1.90/ticket), buses (€10–50).
Why: Efficient rail and public transport connect everywhere affordably.
How: Book trains on SNCF Connect app ($0). Use Navigo pass in Paris. Rent cars for rural areas via Rentalcars.com.
When to Go to France
Plan your perfect trip with our guide to weather, festivals, crowd levels, and regional highlights.
When to Go to France
Best Time to Visit
Tip: Travel in spring (April–June) or fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Why: Pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), blooming landscapes or autumn colors, and manageable crowds at iconic sites.
How: Book accommodations 2–3 months ahead. Pack layers for variable weather. Avoid major holidays for lower prices.
Weather by Season
Spring (Mar–May): 10–20°C. Blooming flowers, occasional rain – ideal for Paris parks and Provence gardens.
Summer (Jun–Aug): 20–30°C+. Sunny and warm; perfect for beaches but hot in cities.
Fall (Sep–Nov): 10–20°C. Mild with colorful foliage; great for wine harvests in Bordeaux/Burgundy.
Winter (Dec–Feb): 0–10°C. Cooler and wetter north; snowy Alps for skiing.
Major Festivals & Events
Cannes Film Festival (May): Glamorous red carpet events on the Riviera.
Fête de la Musique (Jun 21): Free street music nationwide.
Bastille Day (Jul 14): Parades, fireworks, and celebrations across France.
Tour de France (Jul): Iconic cycling race ending in Paris.
Christmas Markets (Dec): Festive lights and mulled wine in Strasbourg, Paris, and Alsace.
Crowd Levels & Costs
Peak Season (Jun–Aug): Hotels +50–100%. Paris, Riviera, and Provence busiest. Book early.
Low Season (Nov–Mar): 30–50% cheaper. Quieter sites; many coastal areas subdued.
Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Best balance – good weather, fewer crowds, better deals.
Regional Travel Tips
Paris: Year-round. Spring/fall for romance; winter for lights and fewer lines.
Provence & Riviera: May–Sep. Lavender blooms Jun–Jul; beaches best summer.
French Alps: Dec–Mar for skiing; summer for hiking.
Loire Valley & Bordeaux: Spring/fall for châteaux and vineyards; avoid summer heat.
Packing Essentials
Spring/Fall: Layers, light jacket, scarf, comfortable walking shoes, umbrella.
Summer: Breathable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, sandals.
Winter: Warm coat, gloves, hat, boots; thermal layers for Alps.
Year-round: Adapter plug, reusable water bottle, cross-body bag, stylish neutrals.
Top Destinations in France
Discover 8 must-visit places from romantic cities to charming villages and stunning landscapes.
Top Destinations in France
Paris
Tip: Buy a Paris Museum Pass (2–6 days, €60–100) for skip-the-line access. Climb Eiffel Tower at sunset (€10–30) or enjoy free views from Sacré-Cœur.
Why: The City of Light offers iconic landmarks, world-class art, romantic ambiance, and endless cafés.
Must-See:
- Louvre Museum & Mona Lisa
- Eiffel Tower & Champs-Élysées
- Notre-Dame (reopened 2024) & Seine cruise
- Montmartre & Versailles day trip (€20 train)
How: Fly into CDG/ORY (€300–800). Stay in Le Marais or Latin Quarter (€120–300/night). Use metro/Navigo pass (€2–30) or Vélib' bikes (€5/day).
Provence
Tip: Visit lavender fields (June–July) around Sault or Valensole. Explore weekly markets in Aix-en-Provence or Gordes (€0).
Why: Iconic rolling hills, vibrant colors, perched medieval villages, olive groves, and exquisite Provençal cuisine.
Must-See:
- Avignon Palace of the Popes (€12)
- Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct (€9.50)
- Gorges du Verdon for kayaking (€30)
- Luberon villages: Roussillon ochre trails
How: TGV to Avignon/Marseille (€40–120). Rent a car essential (€40/day). Stay in Luberon gîtes or Aix (€90–220/night).
French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
Tip: Walk Nice’s Promenade des Anglais (€0). Day trip to Monaco (€5 train) or Èze village (€0).
Why: Glamorous beaches, turquoise Mediterranean waters, yacht-filled harbors, and chic towns like Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Must-See:
- Old Town Nice & Matisse Museum (€10)
- Cannes Film Festival vibe & La Croisette
- Antibes Picasso Museum (€8)
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence art galleries
How: Fly into Nice (NCE). Regional trains (€5–30). Stay in Nice, Antibes, or Menton (€120–350/night).
Loire Valley
Tip: Cycle between châteaux (€15–20 bike/day). Visit Chenonceau (“ladies’ castle”) and Chambord (€15–18 each).
Why: Fairy-tale Renaissance castles, manicured gardens, vineyards, and the serene Loire River.
Must-See:
- Château de Chenonceau spanning the river
- Chambord’s double-helix staircase
- Amboise & Leonardo da Vinci’s home (€13)
- Wine tasting in Vouvray caves (€10–20)
How: Train from Paris to Tours/Blois (€30–70). Bike or car rental. Stay in château hotels or troglodyte caves (€120–280/night).
Dordogne
Tip: Canoe the Dordogne River under cliffs (€20–35). Visit Lascaux IV cave replica (€17) and Sarlat’s Saturday market (€0).
Why: Prehistoric painted caves, medieval bastide towns, truffle/foie gras gastronomy, and dramatic river valleys.
Must-See:
- Lascaux prehistoric paintings
- Sarlat-la-Canéda medieval center
- Castelnaud & Beynac castles (€10–12)
- Gardens of Marqueyssac (€11) & Rocamadour pilgrimage site
How: Train to Périgueux/Sarlat or Brive, then car rental essential. Stay in stone villages or walnut farm B&Bs (€90–220/night).
Normandy
Tip: Guided D-Day beach tour (€80–120) or self-drive (€0). Visit Mont Saint-Michel at high tide (€11).
Why: Moving WWII history, dramatic chalk cliffs, apple orchards, Camembert cheese, and the iconic tidal island abbey.
Must-See:
- Omaha Beach & American Cemetery (€0)
- Mont Saint-Michel abbey & bay walk
- Honfleur harbor & Étretat cliffs
- Rouen Cathedral & Bayeux Tapestry (€10)
How: Train from Paris to Caen/Bayeux (€30–80). Car for beaches. Stay in Honfleur or Deauville (€100–250/night).
Bordeaux
Tip: Wine tasting day trip to Saint-Émilion (€15–60). Walk the Miroir d’Eau reflection pool (€0).
Why: UNESCO-listed elegant city, world-famous wine estates, Atlantic coast nearby, and outstanding gastronomy.
Must-See:
- Cité du Vin museum (€21)
- Saint-Émilion underground church
- Médoc châteaux tours (Margaux, Pauillac)
- Arcachon Bay & Dune du Pilat (Europe’s tallest sand dune)
How: TGV from Paris (€50–130). City tram (€1.70). Stay downtown or vineyard châteaux (€110–300/night).
Alsace
Tip: Cycle the Route des Vins (€0–bike rental €15). Visit Strasbourg & Colmar Christmas markets (Nov–Dec).
Why: Fairy-tale half-timbered houses, excellent Riesling/Gewürztraminer wines, and unique Franco-German culture.
Must-See:
- Strasbourg Cathedral & Petite France
- Colmar’s Little Venice canals
- Riquewihr & Kaysersberg villages
- Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle (€12)
How: Train to Strasbourg (€40–110). Car or bike for wine route. Stay in Colmar or winery villages (€90–200/night).
What To See In France
The Best Places To Visit In France
The Best Cities To Visit In France
A Travellers Guide To French Wine Regions
Travel Guides
Regions of France Travel Guide
Auvergne-Rhone-Alps
Auvergne-Rhone-Alps Travel Guide.
Centre Val De Loire
Centre-Val-de-Loire Travel Guide.
Haute – de – France
Haute-de-France Travel Guide.
Nouvelle – Aquitaine
Nouvelle – Aquitaine Travel Guide.
Provence-Alps_Cote D'Azur
Provence Travel Guide.
Brittany
Brittany (Bretagne) Travel Guide.
Corsica
Corsica Travel Guide.
Ile – de – France
Ile – de – France Travel Guide.
Occitane
Occitane Travel Guide.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Travel Guide.
Grand Est
Grand-Est Travel Guide.
Normandy
Normandy Travel Guide.
Pays-de-la-Loire
Pays-de-la-Loire Travel Guide.
Travel Stories
