Best in May
France
Bordeaux
Moderate
From $120 /day
France
France is an evocative blend of timeless history, world-renowned art, and a culinary heritage that has shaped global gastronomy. From the limestone cliffs of Normandy to the sun-baked lavender fields of Provence, you will find a landscape that feels both iconic and intimately diverse. Whether you are navigating the high-speed rail to reach the glamour of the French Riviera or wandering the medieval corridors of a Loire Valley château, the country invites a slow, appreciative pace of life. You can expect a destination where culture is not just found in museums like the Louvre, but in the daily ritual of a morning boulangerie visit. It is a place that rewards curiosity with layers of architectural grandeur and rustic charm, maintaining its status as a premier global destination through a unique philosophy of living well.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
6 cities
23 guides
$111 – $121 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Paris
Languages
French
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Plug Type
Type C/E (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+33
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
Metropolitan France: CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer); Overseas France spans additional time zones
Emergency
112 (also 15 medical, 17 police, 18 fire; 114 SMS for deaf/hard-of-hearing)
Why Visit France
A Culinary Masterclass
France is the undisputed heart of global gastronomy, offering everything from rustic village bistros to elite Michelin-starred dining. You can indulge in regional specialties like buttery pastries, artisanal cheeses, and world-class wines that are deeply tied to the local terroir.
Unrivaled Artistic Legacy
Home to the world's most famous museums and the birthplace of Impressionism, France is a living gallery for art lovers. You can trace the footsteps of masters like Monet and Van Gogh through the streets of Paris or the vibrant landscapes of the South.
Architectural Splendor
The country's skyline is defined by Gothic cathedrals, sprawling royal palaces, and perfectly preserved medieval timber-framed houses. From the grandeur of Versailles to the tidal wonder of Mont Saint-Michel, the history of Europe is written in its stone.
Diverse Natural Beauty
Travelers can transition from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean in a single day. The varied geography offers rugged Atlantic coastlines, lush river valleys, and dormant volcanic parks for every outdoor enthusiast.
World-Leading Wine Culture
As the home of Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy, France offers an unparalleled experience for wine connoisseurs. Vineyard tours and cellar tastings provide an intimate look at the ancient traditions and modern techniques behind the world's most prestigious bottles.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in France
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Île-de-France
Centered around the magnetic pull of Paris, this region is the cultural and political heart of the nation. It offers world-class monuments like the Eiffel Tower alongside royal retreats like the Palace of Versailles and the forest of Fontainebleau.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Famous for the glitzy French Riviera and the aromatic lavender fields of the Luberon, this region is bathed in Mediterranean light. You can explore the vibrant port of Marseille, the artistic streets of Nice, and the rugged beauty of the Gorges du Verdon.
Normandy
Known for its dramatic coastline and rich history, Normandy is where you will find the medieval island of Mont Saint-Michel and the poignant D-Day landing beaches. The region is also a haven for foodies, celebrated for its apple ciders, calvados, and creamy Camembert cheese.
Grand Est
Bordering Germany and Switzerland, this region includes the charming Alsace area with its half-timbered houses and the prestigious Champagne vineyards. The capital, Strasbourg, offers a unique blend of French and Germanic culture, especially vibrant during its historic Christmas markets.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
This massive southwestern region is the gateway to the world-famous vineyards of Bordeaux and the surfing beaches of Biarritz. It is a land of contrasts, featuring the massive Dune du Pilat and the prehistoric cave paintings of the Dordogne valley.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is during the shoulder seasons when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Summer offers the most events but comes with high temperatures and peak prices.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
Summer brings hot weather, with temperatures often reaching 25–30°C (77–86°F). Expect long queues at major attractions, high accommodation costs, and vibrant festivals like the Tour de France.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures ranging from 15–20°C (59–68°F). These months are perfect for walking tours and enjoying the blooming gardens or autumn vineyard harvests.
Off-Peak
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Winter is the quietest time for cities, featuring festive Christmas markets and lower hotel rates. However, this is peak season for the French Alps and Pyrenees due to world-class skiing conditions.
Getting Around
France boasts one of Europe's most efficient transport networks, centered around high-speed rail and comprehensive urban transit systems.
Train
The high-speed TGV connects major cities; Paris–Lyon as fast as 1h44 (avg ~2h24). TER mobile tickets bought via SNCF Connect don't require station validation; legacy paper-ticket validation rules vary as stamping machines are being phased out.
Metro
Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Strasbourg have extensive underground or tram networks. Île-de-France (Paris): Metro-Train-RER single ticket $3 / €2.55 (from 1 Jan 2026). Bus-Tram single ticket $2.41 / €2.05. Paris Region ↔ Airports single ticket $16 / €14.
Car
Renting a car is the best way to explore rural areas like Provence or the Loire Valley. Be aware of toll roads (autoroutes). In designated mountainous zones, winter equipment is mandatory 1 Nov–31 Mar (e.g., 1 Nov 2025–31 Mar 2026): winter tyres or carry chains/socks, per road signs.
Bus
Long-distance bus operators like Flixbus provide a budget-friendly alternative to trains. City buses are reliable and often use the same ticketing systems as the local metro or tram.
Food & Drink
French dining is a sacred ritual characterized by fresh, high-quality ingredients and a deep respect for culinary technique. Meals are typically enjoyed over multiple courses, often accompanied by local wine and a ritualistic basket of fresh baguette.
Must Try
Boeuf Bourguignon
A rich, slow-cooked beef stew from Burgundy braised in red wine, flavored with garlic, onions, and a bouquet garni.
Bouillabaisse
Marseille's signature fish soup made with at least four types of fresh Mediterranean fish, saffron, and fennel, served with a garlicky rouille sauce.
Coq au Vin
A classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and occasionally garlic, representing the soul of rural French cooking.
Ratatouille
A vibrant Provençal vegetable stew made of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes, slow-simmered to bring out deep, earthy flavors.
Escargots de Bourgogne
Land snails prepared with a decadent amount of garlic, parsley, and butter, typically served in their shells as a classic appetizer.
Crème Brûlée
A rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel, created by torching sugar until it shatters at the touch of a spoon.
Macarons
Delicate, colorful meringue-based confectioneries filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam, perfected by iconic Parisian patisseries.
Champagne
The world's most famous sparkling wine, which must be produced in the eponymous region to carry the name, characterized by its fine bubbles and complex notes.
Money & Costs
France offers a moderate to high cost of living for tourists, with an average daily budget of ~$117 / €99 per day. Large cities like Paris are significantly more expensive than rural villages.
Tipping
Prices are displayed taxes and (where applicable) service included ('prix service compris'); tipping is optional (rounding up / small change is common).
Cards
Card acceptance is extremely high; contactless payments are the norm even for small transactions at bakeries and markets.
ATMs
ATMs (distributeurs) are widely available. BNP Paribas, Crédit Mutuel, CIC and Société Générale are pooling many ATMs under the 'Cash Services' network, targeting ~7,000 sites by 2026; fee-free access depends on your bank's terms.
Culture & Etiquette
French culture is built on a foundation of politeness, formality, and a distinct appreciation for the 'art de vivre.' Social interactions often begin with standard formal greetings, and a quiet, respectful demeanor is highly valued in public spaces.
✓
Always say 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after 18:00) when entering a shop or starting a conversation; failing to do so is considered quite rude.
✓
Keep your hands visible on the table during meals, but keep your elbows off the table to follow traditional French dining etiquette.
✕
Do not speak loudly in public transport, museums, or elevators, as the French value a quiet and discreet atmosphere in shared spaces.
✕
Do not expect shops or pharmacies to be open on Sundays, especially outside of major tourist zones in Paris, as this is traditionally a day for rest.
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Ask for the bill by saying 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît' when you are ready to leave, as French waiters will rarely bring it to your table unprompted.
✕
Don't feel obligated to leave a large tip; service is included by law, though rounding up the bill or leaving $1.18–$2.36 / €1–€2 at a café is a nice gesture.
✓
Make a genuine effort to learn a few basic French phrases; locals are much more helpful when they see you trying to respect their language.
✕
Do not rush through your meal; dining is meant to be a slow, social experience that can easily last 2–3 hours.
Safety & Health
France is generally safe but currently maintains a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory due to potential civil unrest and terrorism. Security presence is high in transport hubs and tourist areas.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
CDC: be up to date on routine vaccines; consider Hepatitis A for many travelers; TBE vaccine is for travelers with extensive tick exposure in endemic areas; Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended/required.
Common Scams
- ⚠ The Gold Ring Scam: A stranger pretends to find a gold ring on the ground and offers it to you before demanding money.
- ⚠ Friendship Bracelets: Scammers at Sacré-Cœur may try to tie a string around your wrist and then demand payment for the 'gift'.
- ⚠ Fake Petitions: Groups may ask you to sign a charity petition to distract you while an accomplice picks your pockets.
- ⚠ ATM Distraction: Thieves in Marseille may offer 'help' at an ATM to view your PIN or use a device to trap your card.
- ⚠ Bar Bill Overcharging: Some unofficial 'hostess' bars in tourist areas may present astronomical bills for a single drink.
Healthcare is of excellent quality. Visitors should carry private travel insurance or a GHIC/EHIC card if applicable; emergency medical help can be reached by dialing 15 or 112.
Language
French is the sole official language and a point of national pride. While English is widely spoken in tourist sectors and by younger generations, starting every interaction with a French greeting is considered essential etiquette.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Good day | Bonjour | bon-zhoohr |
| Thank you | Merci | merr-see |
| Please | S'il vous plaît | seel voo play |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pardon / Excusez-moi | par-dohn / ek-skew-zay mwah |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais ? | par-lay voo on-glay |
| Where are the toilets? | Où sont les toilettes ? | oo sohn lay twah-let |
| The bill, please | L'addition, s'il vous plaît | la-dee-syohn seel voo play |
| Goodbye | Au revoir | oh ruh-vwahr |
Visa & Entry
As a member of the Schengen Area, France allows visa-free entry for many nationalities for short stays. EES has been operational since 12 Oct 2025 with a phased rollout. ETIAS is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
Issued within last 10 years; valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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