Why France, Why Now
France gets 90 million tourists a year, and honestly? Most of them only see Paris. Which is a shame, because the rest of the country is where it really gets interesting. Provence has lavender fields that look photoshopped (they're not). The French Riviera has coastline that gives the Caribbean a run for its money. Bordeaux has more wine than you could drink in a lifetime, and the Alps have skiing that rivals Switzerland at half the attitude.
Paris is obviously worth it too. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the catacombs, the bakeries on every corner. But France is a country you could visit ten times and still find something new. This guide covers all of it: city guides, itineraries, costs, transport, and the stuff nobody tells you before your first trip.
Best Time To Visit
Short version: shoulder seasons win. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and less time queueing for the Mona Lisa. For a month by month look, read our full guide.
Spring (Apr to Jun)
Our pickCheaper flights, hotels dropping their rates, and comfortable walking weather. Paris in spring is a cliche for a reason, and the queues at the Louvre and Eiffel Tower are far shorter.
Summer (Jun to Aug)
Peak seasonThe best beach weather on the Riviera, but also peak crowds and prices as schools break up. Book accommodation and excursions well in advance if you're set on summer.
Autumn (Sep to Oct)
Shoulder seasonThe other sweet spot. Wine harvest season in Bordeaux and Burgundy, golden light in Provence, and the summer crowds gone. Prices drop noticeably too.
Winter (Nov to Feb)
Festive seasonChristmas lights along the Paris boulevards, mulled wine at the Alsace markets, and world-class skiing in the Alps. Days are short for city sightseeing, so plan around it.
See France in 60 Seconds
One minute of boulevards, vineyards, and coastline. Then read on for the full story.
France is far more than just Paris. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore fairytale villages, world-famous vineyards, dramatic Alpine peaks, Mediterranean beaches, and centuries of history that stretch across every region. From the Eiffel Tower and the castles of the Loire Valley to the lavender fields of Provence and the glamour of the French Riviera, France offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re visiting for the food, the culture, the scenery, or all three, it’s a country that never runs out of places to discover.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Language
French. Easy wins: "Bonjour" (hello), "Merci" (thank you), and "Parlez-vous anglais?" (do you speak English?). Leading with a bonjour before anything else genuinely changes how interactions go.
Currency
The Euro (€). Roughly £1 to €1.18 and $1 to €0.95. Rates wobble, so check XE before you go.
Cards & ATMs
Look for the blue CB (Carte Bleue) logo, which means Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Most places won't take American Express. ATMs are everywhere, and keeping some cash handy is smart, especially at markets and smaller spots.
Plugs
Types C and E, two round pins, 230V, 50Hz. A standard European adapter does the job, or grab a universal adapter and never think about it again.
Safety
Generally safe, and violent crime involving travellers is very rare. The real risk is pickpockets, especially in Paris around the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, and on the metro. Keep valuables close and ignore anyone approaching with clipboards or "gold rings".
Random Useful Tip
Tipping in France is a gesture, not an obligation. Service is included in restaurant bills by law. If the service was great, rounding up or leaving a euro or two is a lovely touch.
Never Ever
Don't assume everyone speaks English, and don't drink your coffee while walking down the street. In France, coffee is drunk at the cafe, standing at the bar or sitting at a table. Walking with it is considered genuinely rude.
Live Weather in Paris
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
34°C
- Temperature
France Travel Guides
From Paris city breaks to Provence road trips, everything you need to plan your France trip.
Paris Travel Guide: What to See, Where to Stay, and Tips for First-Timers
The full first-timer's guide to the City of Light. What to see, where to base yourself, and the mistakes to skip.
Read the guideProvence France Road Trip + Map: Lavender Routes & Hilltop Villages
Lavender fields, hilltop villages, and the best driving roads in the south. A fully mapped route through Provence.
Get the routeTop 10 Places to Visit in France: A Traveller's Dream
From the Riviera to the Loire Valley, the ten spots that should be on every France itinerary.
See the top 10The Best Time to Visit France: A Month-by-Month Guide
When to go for beaches, wine harvests, Christmas markets, or empty museums. Broken down month by month.
Pick your month15+ Essential France Travel Tips for a Flawless First Visit
Cafe etiquette, ticket validation, tipping rules, and everything else that catches first-time visitors out.
Get the tipsVisit the Eiffel Tower: An In-Depth Guide for First-Time Visitors
Tickets, timings, viewpoints, and how to skip the worst of the queues at the world's most visited monument.
Climb the towerDay Trips From Paris by Car and Train + Map
Versailles, Giverny, champagne country, and more. The best escapes from the capital, all mapped out.
Plan a day tripUnforgettable French Cuisine: Foodies, This is For You!
What to eat, where to eat it, and why a €5 market lunch often beats a tourist-trap restaurant.
Eat your way roundAir France 2026 Baggage Allowance: Ultimate Guide to Hand & Hold Luggage Limits
Flying Air France? Here's exactly what you can bring before you get stung with fees at the gate.
Check the limitsLatest France Articles
Every France guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does France Cost?
France isn't the cheapest country in Europe, but it's not the budget-killer people expect. Here's a realistic breakdown.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from €20 (£17 / $22) a night
- Baguettes, markets and supermarket meals
- Metro passes and walking
- Free museums on first Sundays
Mid-Range
- Budget hotels or Airbnb apartments
- Bistros, cafes and local restaurants
- TGV trains between cities
- Guided tours, wine tastings, museum entries
Upscale
- Boutique hotels in central Paris or the Riviera
- Fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants
- Private tours and first-class trains
- Seine river cruises, champagne tastings
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in euros, pounds, and dollars. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
Ways to Save Money in France
Ten ways to keep a French trip affordable.
Prices double closer to the date and the cheapest fares sell out fast. SNCF releases tickets in waves.
The Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and others are completely free on the first Sunday of the month.
A €5 bottle from Carrefour often beats a €30 glass at a tourist spot. Genuinely.
Hotels in the 11th, 12th, and 20th arrondissements are much cheaper, and the metro gets you anywhere in 20 minutes.
Pays for itself after two entries and you skip most queues.
A baguette, cheese, and charcuterie from any market costs about €5 (£4.30 / $5.50) and tastes better than most sit-down meals.
Way cheaper than single tickets and works on metro, bus, tram, and RER.
Tap water is safe everywhere, and Paris has free water fountains. Look for the green Wallace fountains.
€5 (£5 / $5.50) for a day pass, and cycling along the Seine or through the Marais is the best way to see the city.
April-May or September-October. Flights and hotels drop significantly, crowds thin out, and the weather is actually better for walking.
Getting Around France
France has one of the best transport networks in Europe. Trains are fast, buses are cheap, and half the country is walkable.
Domestic Flights
Best for getting to Corsica or if you're short on time. Otherwise, the TGV is usually faster door-to-door.
- Necessary for Corsica
- Budget airlines from €40 (£35 / $44)
- Airport hassle often negates the time saved
Car Rental
Best for Provence, the Loire Valley, Normandy, and the Alps. Total freedom to explore villages at your own pace.
- Essential for rural France
- Rentals from €50 (£43 / $55) per day
- Tolls add up: Paris to Nice is about €75 (£65 / $82)
City Public Transport
Best for Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Metros, trams, and buses are cheap and frequent.
- Paris Metro covers almost everywhere
- Day passes save money
- Rush hour is genuinely packed
TGV High-Speed Rail
Best for city-to-city travel. Paris to Lyon in 2 hours, Paris to Marseille in 3. Often cheaper than flying.
- Fastest way between major cities
- Book early for fares from €30 (£26 / $33)
- Prices spike close to departure
FlixBus & Coaches
Best for budget travel between cities. Takes longer than the TGV but costs a fraction of the price.
- Paris to Marseille from €20 (£17 / $22)
- Free WiFi, comfortable seats
- Journeys take 2 to 3 times longer than trains
Cycling
Best for the Loire Valley, Provence, and city exploration. France is a cyclist's country and it shows.
- Velib' in Paris from €5 (£5 / $5.50) a day
- Loire Valley has stunning dedicated routes
- Not practical for long distances between cities
Which Is Right For You?
Metro pass plus walking. You won't need anything else.
TGV between them. Book 2 to 3 months early.
Rent a car. Provence and the Loire Valley need wheels.
FlixBus between cities, metro within them.
Quick Tips
Prices can triple in the last 2 weeks. SNCF releases tickets 3 to 4 months ahead.
Works on all Paris transport. Way cheaper than single tickets.
RER B from Charles de Gaulle costs €10.30 (£9 / $11). A taxi is €55+ (£50 / $60+).
Regional trains still need paper tickets validated (composte) before boarding. Miss this and you risk a fine.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyFrance Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit France?
Is France safe for tourists?
How much money do I need per day in France?
When is the best time to visit France?
What's the best way to get around France?
Do people in France speak English?
Do I need travel insurance for France?
Is tipping expected in France?
Can I drink the tap water in France?
How far in advance should I book?
Travel Hubs Worth A Look
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