15+ Essential France Travel Tips for a Flawless First Visit
If like me, your first imagined trip to France involved a romanticised montage: me, in a beret (obviously), biting into a perfect croissant with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background. The reality, my first visit, involved a bit more fumbling with the Metro, accidentally ordering the wrong thing, and feeling a little out of my depth. I wish I’d known then what I know now.
Flash forward to now, and I’ve learned how to turn a good French holiday into a truly magnificent one. You don’t have to make the same newbie mistakes I did. This guide is packed with all the advice I’ve gathered, so you can skip the stress and dive straight into the magic of la vie française. 🇫🇷
Essential France Travel Tips: Before You Even Book
Let’s be honest, a bit of prep work before you go saves a mountain of headaches later. Some of the most important France Travel Tips are the ones you use before you even click “confirm booking.” Nailing down whento go and what you need will set you up for success.
I always suggest aiming for the shoulder seasons: April to June or September to October. You’ll get that sweet-spot weather that’s perfect for exploring, but you’ll miss the massive summer crowds and jacked-up prices. Winter is also magical, especially with the Christmas markets, but you’ll definitely need to pack your warmest coat!
✋🏼 Good to Know: Many French people take their annual holiday for the entire month of August (les grandes vacances). While coastal resorts will be buzzing, you might find that lots of small, family-run shops and restaurants in cities like Paris are completely closed for several weeks. It’s a classic rookie mistake to not account for this, so just keep it in mind if you’re planning a late-summer trip! ☀️
🗺️ Guide to France: 3 Days In Paris: Eiffel Enchantment & Beyond
Flights from Trip.com (Best for France)
The Golden Rule: Say Bonjour and Bonsoir
I’m putting this first because, honestly, if you remember only one thing, make it this. In France, greetings are everything. You absolutely must say “Bonjour” (Good day) when you walk into any shop, café, or bakery. In the evening, switch it to “Bonsoir” (Good evening).
When you leave, always finish with an “Au revoir” (Goodbye). It might feel repetitive, but skipping this is seen as pretty impolite. I promise you, this small effort works wonders. You’ll find people become warmer and so much friendlier when you start with a simple, polite greeting.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Want to ask for directions or help? Never just launch into your question. Start with “Bonjour, excusez-moi…”. It changes the entire tone of the interaction.
🗺️ France Related: Did You Know? Quirky Facts About France
Paris Google Map Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Getting Around Without the Headaches
France has a fantastic public transport system that can get you almost anywhere. It looks complicated at first, but it’s actually a breeze once you know the basics. I’ve spent hours on these trains and metros, so here’s what worked best for me.
Trains (SNCF): The high-speed TGV train is my absolute favourite way to hop between big cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. It’s ridiculously fast! For the best deals, you have to book your tickets well in advance on the SNCF Connect app. For more scenic, local journeys, the regional TER trains are your go-to.
The Paris Métro: It’s an icon for a reason and my top choice for getting around the city! I suggest grabbing a carnet (a pack of 10 tickets) to save some money. And seriously, always hold onto your validated ticket until you’re fully out of the station. The ticket inspectors (contrôleurs) are masters of surprise appearances!
Driving: Renting a car to explore the countryside in places like Provence or the Dordogne is a total dream. A word of warning, though: driving in big cities like Paris gives me major anxiety and isn’t for the faint of heart. Also, be ready for pricey petrol and motorway tolls (péages).
🔹 Pro Tip: This is a big one I wish I knew sooner. If you have a paper ticket for a regional (TER) or long-distance (TGV) train, you must validate it before you get on the platform. Look for the small, usually yellow or orange, machines labeled “Compostez votre billet.” You just punch your ticket in, and it gets a time stamp. If you forget and an inspector checks, you could face a hefty fine on the spot, even with a valid ticket. Don’t let this rookie mistake catch you out
Where to Lay Your Head: A Guide to French Accommodation 🏡
Okay, let’s talk about where you’ll be kicking off your shoes after a long day of exploring. France offers so much more than just standard hotels, and honestly, your choice of accommodation can become a highlight of your trip. I’m a huge fan of mixing it up to get a real feel for the country.
Hotels: You’ll find everything from global chains to tiny, family-run boutique hotels. A quick heads-up: Parisian hotel rooms are famously compact. Don’t expect a massive space unless you’re splurging! But what they lack in size, they often make up for in charm and location.
Apartment Rentals: Using services like Airbnb or VRBO are fantastic, especially for stays of a few days or more. There’s nothing quite like having your own kitchen to prepare the fresh cheese and produce you bought at the morning market. It helps you feel less like a tourist and more like a local.
The Hidden Gems (Chambres d’hôtes & Gîtes): These are my secret weapon for an authentic experience. A chambre d’hôte is the French equivalent of a B&B, where you stay in a private room in a local’s home, often with a delicious homemade breakfast. A gîte is a self-catering holiday home, perfect for families or groups wanting a base in the countryside.
🔹 Tinker’s Top Tip: Look out for the taxe de séjour (tourist tax). This is a small fee, typically between €1-€4 per person, per night, that is levied by the local council. It’s almost never included in your initial booking price and is usually paid directly to your hotel or host at the end of your stay. It’s not a scam—it’s just a local tax, but it’s good to know about so you’re not surprised
Use Booking.com to find your perfect stay!
Let’s Talk Money: Cash, Cards, and Tipping 💶
France uses the Euro (€). You can use your card almost everywhere, but I always keep some cash on me. It’s super useful for small things like a morning croissant, a coffee from a tiny café, or for leaving a tip. But you can use contactless widely in France!
And what about tipping? This one confused me for ages. Here’s the deal: a service charge (service compris) is already included in your restaurant bill. Tipping isn’t expected the way it is in some countries. However, if you had great service, it’s a lovely gesture to leave a few extra coins or a small note on the table. Think of it as a little merci!
🔹 Quick Tip: In many casual cafés and brasseries, you don’t wait for someone to bring a card machine to your table. When you’re ready to leave, it’s completely normal to just walk up to the counter (le comptoir) to pay your bill. This small cultural quirk saves you from sitting around wondering if you’ve been forgotten
🗺️ Related Post: Travelling Paris on a Budget
Recommended Tours and Tickets
Look Beyond Paris—I Insist!
Paris is magnificent, but it’s not the whole story. I’ve tested this, and I can tell you that the real soul of France is often found in its diverse regions. Each one has its own food, traditions, and vibe.
You’re going to love this one. Try to add one of these to your trip:
Go to Provence for fields of lavender, ancient Roman sites, and endless rosé.
Chill out on the French Riviera in glamorous towns like Nice and swim in the blue Med.
Explore Normandy for its dramatic D-Day beaches, stunning cliffs, and gooey Camembert cheese.
Live out a fairytale in the Loire Valley by cycling between majestic châteaux.
Step into a storybook in Alsace. I’m obsessed with its German-influenced villages
🗺️ Related Must-read: France Off the Beaten Path: Adventure Awaits You!
Paris Google Maps Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Dining in France Is an Event, Not a Race
Food is sacred in France, and meal times are meant to be enjoyed slowly. In our fast-paced world, it feels strange at first, but trust me, it’s a wonderful change of pace.
Restaurants serve lunch from about noon to 2 PM and dinner starting around 7:30 PM. Don’t expect to get a full meal outside these windows. And your waiter won’t bring the bill until you ask for it (“L’addition, s’il vous plaît”). They’re not ignoring you; it’s just considered rude to rush you out.
Fun Fact: When you sit down for a meal, ask for “une carafe d’eau”. It’s free, clean tap water. If you just ask for “water,” you’ll get an expensive bottle of Evian. I learned that one the hard way.
A Cheat Sheet for Ordering Food
Okay, let’s decode the menu so you’re not just pointing and hoping for the best (we’ve all been there). The best value is almost always the set menu, called a formule or menu du jour.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll see:
Plat du Jour
This means “dish of the day.” It’s usually what the chef is most proud of and is always a fresh, solid choice. You can’t go wrong with this one.Formule / Menu
This is the set menu, usually offering 2 or 3 courses for a fantastic fixed price. I almost always go for the formule—it’s the best deal on the menu.Entrée
Pay attention to this one! This is your starter or appetizer. In American English, an entrée is the main dish, but in France, it’s the beginning of your meal. A classic rookie mistake is just ordering an entrée and expecting a big plate.Plat
This is it—the main course! This will be your main fish, steak, or pasta dish.Fromage
The glorious cheese course! It’s a slice of heaven, typically served after your main course but beforedessert. When in France… 🧀Dessert
The sweet finale you’ve been waiting for. Time for that crème brûlée or chocolate mousse you’ve been eyeing.
Learn a Few French Phrases
Don’t panic; you don’t need to be fluent. But learning just a handful of phrases shows you’re trying, and the French really appreciate it. It makes you feel less like a tourist and more like a welcome guest.
Bonjour / Bonsoir: Hello / Good evening
Au revoir: Goodbye
S’il vous plaît: Please
Merci (beaucoup): Thank you (very much)
Excusez-moi: Excuse me
Parlez-vous anglais?: Do you speak English?
Je voudrais…: I would like…
L’addition: The bill
A Few More Practical Things I’ve Learned
Here are some quick-fire, practical things that are genuine lifesavers.
Strikes happen! They’re called grèves, and they can shut down trains and museums. It’s a part of French life. Always check the news for any planned action during your trip.
Shops take a long lunch. Outside of big cities, many shops close for two hours in the middle of the day (usually 12-2 PM) and all day on Sundays. So, get your croissant run done in the morning!
The pharmacy is your friend. Look for the green flashing cross. Pharmacists here are super knowledgeable and can give you great advice for minor illnesses.
Don’t forget your adapter. France uses the two-pin Type E socket. Your UK or US plugs won’t fit without an adapter.
On Dressing the Part
French style is all about being effortlessly chic. You don’t need a fancy wardrobe, but you might feel a bit out of place in cargo shorts and a bright tourist T-shirt at a nice dinner. A good rule of thumb is smart-casual. And shoes? Make them comfortable! Those charming cobblestone streets are no joke.
Just a Little Bit of Street Smarts
France is a very safe country, but it has the usual big-city problems with pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist spots and on packed trains in Paris.
This is just common-sense stuff. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, don’t leave your phone on the café table, and just be aware of who is around you. A little vigilance means you can relax and enjoy your trip without any worries.
Check out my favourite post! Don’t Get Done! 20 Crafty Travel Scams and How to Dodge Them
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Just a Quick Word on Safety
The Czech Republic is a very safe country, so you can relax. The main thing, like in any big European city, is to watch out for pickpockets in super-crowded areas (looking at you, Charles Bridge). Just keep your bag zipped and be aware of what’s going on around you. Also, avoid those shady money-changing booths with the “0% commission” signs. It’s a trap! Their rates are awful. Use a proper bank ATM instead.
Slow Down and Soak It In
If I could give you just one tip, it would be this: don’t over-schedule your days. The best memories I have are from the moments I wasn’t rushing. Sitting at a quiet café, stumbling upon a hidden garden, or just watching the trams go by from a park bench. That’s where you’ll find the real heart of Czechia.
These are all the France Travel Tips I wish I had tucked in my pocket on that first bewildering, wonderful trip. France is a country that really does reward you for slowing down and paying attention, to the crunch of a perfect baguette, the clinking of wine glasses, the colour of the sky over a vineyard.
You’re not just a tourist anymore. You’re ready. Bon voyage! 🌍 ✨
What Are Your Thoughts?
Now, I’d love to hear from you. Are you planning your first trip and have more questions? Or are you a seasoned pro with a great tip to add? 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Your Questions, Answered (FAQs)
What is the best month to visit France?
I get this question a lot! Personally, I adore France in May, June, or September. You get that gorgeous, sunny weather that’s perfect for sightseeing, but you skip the peak summer crowds and intense heat of July and August.
Is France expensive for tourists?
It doesn’t have to be! I wasted money on my first trip, but I learned. Paris can hit your wallet hard, but regional France is much more affordable. You can save a ton by having picnics with amazing food from local markets, ordering the set lunch menus (formule), and booking your trains early.
Do I need to speak French to get by?
You don’t, but it helps so much! In big cities, most people in tourism speak some English. But honestly, even just trying a “Bonjour” and “Merci” makes a huge difference. We don’t gatekeep around here—it’s the effort that counts, and people will be much warmer in return.
How many days are enough for a first trip to France?
If you can swing it, I’d say 7 to 10 days is a great starting point. That gives you 3 or 4 days to really soak up Paris and then enough time to hop on a train and explore a different region, like Provence or Normandy, without feeling like you’re in a constant rush.
Is tap water safe to drink in France?
Yes, 100%! The tap water (l’eau du robinet) is safe and clean everywhere. Asking for a free “carafe d’eau” at restaurants is completely normal. Save your money and the planet by not buying endless plastic bottles.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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