France travel tips for first-timers: What to know

France might seem polished on the surface – croissants, couture, the Eiffel Tower – but it’s got grit if you know where to look. Paris is where most trips start – romantic, yes, but also chaotic, expensive, and not built for wide-eyed wandering. Don’t stop there. Head south for sun-drenched villages and Provençal markets, west for surf towns and seafood, or east for mountain hikes and tartiflette.

Getting around is easy – fast trains, decent buses, and roads made for long lunches and detours. Speak a little French – even badly – and you’ll get better service.

Skip the tourist traps – order the plat du jour, take your time, and never expect dinner before 8 pm. French food is about ritual, not rush. And yes, cheese counts as dinner.

These France travel tips won’t just save you money – they’ll help you travel smarter, eat better, and blend in just enough.

When is the best time to visit France?

The best time to visit France depends on what you want – sunshine and rosé, snowy peaks, or something in between. France doesn’t have a bad season – just very different ones. What you do here changes with the weather, from chasing wildflowers in spring to sipping vin chaud at a Christmas market.

• Summer (June to August) is the headline act. Expect full trains, packed beaches, and cities like Paris and Lyon running hot and slow. The south is buzzing – think festivals, seafood, and sardines by the sea – but you’ll pay for it in crowds and prices.
• Spring and autumn (April to June, September to October) are the best balance. Fewer tourists, mild weather, and more room to breathe. Explore châteaux in the Loire, hike in the Alps, or wander wine regions like a local.
• Winter (November to March) is for skiing, snow, and culture without the chaos. Paris is quieter, the Christmas markets shine, and you can finally see the Mona Lisa without a scrum of smartphones.

What to pack: France is all about layers – cold mornings, warm afternoons, unexpected rain. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a decent coat outside summer, and pack something sharp for dinner. The French won’t say it – but they notice.

Is France expensive?

France has a reputation for style – and the price tag to match. But while it’s not cheap, it doesn’t have to blow your budget. The key is knowing when to splurge and when to stick to the boulangerie.

Big cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon are pricey – hotel rooms, restaurant meals, even a coffee on a café terrace can add up fast. But step just a few blocks away or head to smaller towns, and things get more reasonable. A fresh baguette, a wedge of cheese, and a bottle of wine? Under €10 – and lunch is sorted.

On a tight budget (€60-90 per day), you can get by with hostels or budget hotels, street food, and public transport. Most cities have multi-day metro or museum passes – use them.

Mid-range (€120-180 per day) gets you boutique hotels, great bistro meals, and a few extras like wine tastings, museum tickets, or intercity trains.

Want luxury? France delivers. Think châteaux stays, Michelin-starred dinners, and first-class TGV rides through the countryside. It's pricey, but you're paying for quality – and bragging rights.

Is France safe for travelers?

France is generally safe for travelers – millions visit every year without a hitch. You’ll still need to stay sharp in big cities, but violent crime is rare and most visits go smoothly. Solo travel, including for women, is common, especially in cities with good transport and walkable centers. People might seem blunt at first – especially in Paris – but help is usually a “bonjour” away.

Petty theft is your main concern. Paris is the hotspot, with pickpockets working the Metro (especially lines 1 and 4), tourist hubs like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur, and the RER B train from Charles de Gaulle airport. Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Montmartre are known trouble spots. Scams are common too – think fake petitions, friendship bracelet hustles, and the old “gold ring” trick.

In smaller towns and rural France, crime is minimal and locals often go out of their way to help – especially if you try a little French.

To stay safe, use these France travel tips:

• Keep your bag zipped and in front on crowded transport.
• Be alert on the RER B and around major stations.
• Ignore “petition” scams and anyone too eager to hand you something.
• Stick to official taxis or apps like G7 and Bolt.
• During protests (which are frequent), avoid large gatherings – they can shift fast.

France is safe – but Paris isn’t Disneyland. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll be fine.

Do you need a visa for France?

For most travelers, no. France is in the Schengen Zone, so entry is straightforward if you’re coming from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or dozens of other visa-exempt countries. But don’t get complacent – there are rules to follow.

Visa-free entry for most travelers

If your country has a visa agreement with the Schengen Area, you can stay in France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business. You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. Most travelers just get a stamp and walk through.

Staying longer?

You can’t extend a tourist stay beyond 90 days unless you apply for a long-stay visa – and that has to be done before you arrive. France doesn’t allow casual overstays, and “popping into Belgium” doesn’t reset the clock. If you stay too long, you risk fines, deportation, or a ban.

Planning to work, study, or volunteer?

You’ll need the right visa, and you’ll need to apply before you arrive. France doesn’t do flexibility at the border – show up unprepared and you’ll be turned away.

How to stay healthy while traveling in France?

Staying healthy in France isn’t hard – tap water’s safe, food hygiene is solid, and healthcare is some of the best in Europe. Still, you’ll want to be prepared. Between rich meals, long walks, and Parisian staircases with no elevator in sight, your body might need a bit of backup.

Medical care and pharmacies

France’s healthcare system is excellent – clean, modern, and efficient. In cities, you’ll find plenty of pharmacies (look for the green cross), many of which are open late or operate on a night rotation. Pharmacists are knowledgeable, and most speak enough English to help with minor issues.

In an emergency, head to a hospital (hôpital). Public ones are excellent, but busy. Private clinics are faster – and pricier. Travel insurance is essential, especially if you want private care without a hefty bill.

What to pack:

• Prescription meds and a copy of the prescription.
• Painkillers, antihistamines, and motion sickness meds.
• Sunscreen – especially in the south or during summer.
• Blister plasters – those cobblestones will get you.

Vaccinations and health prep

No special vaccines are required. Just make sure your routine jabs – tetanus, MMR, hepatitis A – are up to date. Tetanus is useful if you’ll be hiking, biking, or clambering around old ruins.

Food, water, and stomach safety

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. France takes food seriously – and safely. You’re more likely to gain a few kilos than get food poisoning. Just pace yourself, especially with cream-heavy sauces, rich cheeses, and raw shellfish. And don’t try to out-eat the locals. You won’t win.

Cultural etiquette to know before visiting France

France isn’t as buttoned-up as the stereotypes suggest, but there is a rhythm to how things are done – and getting it right makes a big difference. A bit of cultural awareness goes a long way, especially in cities like Paris, where manners matter more than you think. These France travel tips will help you blend in – or at least not stand out for the wrong reasons.

Dress: understated and polished

The French don’t do sloppy. You don’t need designer labels, but neat, neutral, and put-together is the baseline. Flip-flops, gym clothes, or loud tourist gear? Not a good look outside the beach. Even in casual settings, people make an effort – especially in cities.

When visiting churches or traditional towns, modesty still counts. Cover shoulders, skip super-short shorts, and leave beachwear for the coast.

Greetings and social norms: formal at first

A polite “Bonjour” goes a long way. Always greet shopkeepers, servers, and reception staff – ignoring them is seen as rude. Use “Madame” or “Monsieur” until invited to do otherwise.

Handshakes are standard among strangers; friends greet with a kiss on both cheeks – usually starting on the left. If you mess it up, smile and move on.

Public behavior: calm and considerate

France values quiet confidence. Loud voices, public outbursts, or being overly familiar in public won’t earn you points – especially in smaller towns. Queues are taken seriously. So is personal space.

Public affection is fine, but nothing too steamy. Keep party vibes private.

Eating customs: ritual, not routine

Meals are an event – sit down, slow down, and don’t rush. Don’t expect to eat dinner before 8 pm. Say “Bon appétit,” wait until everyone is served, and use utensils properly (yes, even for pizza sometimes).

Don’t split the bill unless the server offers – it’s not a given. And don’t ask for substitutions or over-customize your order – French menus are not choose-your-own-adventure.

If invited to someone’s home, bring wine, dessert, or flowers – but never chrysanthemums (they’re for funerals).

Religion and customs

France is secular, but historic churches and cathedrals still matter. Dress respectfully, speak softly, and check if photography is allowed. Big holidays like Bastille Day (14 July) or All Saints’ Day (1 November) may affect opening hours or transport.

Local festivals can be deeply rooted in tradition – join in if invited, but follow the lead.

Tipping and small gestures

Service is included in restaurant bills, but leaving a euro or two is appreciated. For excellent service, 5-10% is polite.

In cafés, round up. For taxis, round up or add a euro or two. Hotel staff and guides always appreciate small tips.

Always say “Merci” (thank you), “S’il vous plaît” (please), and “Excusez-moi” (excuse me). Good manners go a long way – especially in a country that still takes pride in them.

Is France a good destination for families?

Definitely. France with kids is more about castles and carousels than theme parks and mascots – though you’ll find those too. The real draw? Variety. One day you’re climbing the Eiffel Tower, the next you’re picnicking by a château or paddling in a quiet cove in the south. It’s safe, well-organized, and full of small moments kids actually remember.

Where to go with kids in France

• Paris – Big sights like the Eiffel Tower, carousels in the Tuileries, and the hands-on Cité des Sciences museum.
• Loire Valley – Castles, gardens, and easy bike rides.
• Provence – Roman ruins, local markets, and sunshine to burn off kid energy.
• Normandy and Brittany – History, beaches, and crêpes.
• The Alps – Ski in winter, hike or take cable cars in summer.

Getting around France

Getting around France is easy with a bit of planning. Trains are fast, reliable, and scenic – kids under 4 travel free, and older children get discounts. For countryside adventures or château-hopping, renting a car gives you freedom (and space for snacks, strollers, and roadside naps). In cities, metros work well, but strollers can be tricky with stairs and cobbles. A baby carrier is a good backup.

France accommodations for families

France accommodations are diverse. Family-friendly gîtes (holiday rentals), apartment hotels, and countryside B&Bs are everywhere. Many offer cribs, kitchenettes, or family rooms, but always check ahead – especially in high season. Booking early pays off in popular regions like Provence or the Loire.

Eating and essentials

Food in France works well for families – baguettes, cheese, roast chicken, and of course, chocolate crêpes. Kids’ menus (menu enfant) are common, and most places will adapt portions. Supermarkets are well stocked with diapers, formula, and snacks. Just watch out for rural shop hours – especially on Sundays.

What are the best places to visit in France?

France isn’t just Eiffel Towers and wine – it’s alpine lakes, sun-baked villages, storm-battered coastlines, and cities bursting with art, politics, and pastry. These are some of the best places to visit in France – and why they matter.

• Paris – It lives up to the hype, if you do it right. Climb the towers of Notre-Dame (yes, again), picnic by Canal Saint-Martin, and skip the Louvre for smaller gems like Musée Rodin or Carnavalet. The city is moody, messy, and unforgettable.
• Provence – Think lavender fields, Roman ruins, and sun that lingers long after dinner. Base yourself in Arles or Aix-en-Provence for markets, art, and day trips into the Luberon hills.
• Loire Valley – Châteaux galore, river trails, and towns like Amboise that feel lifted from a painting. It’s all charm and wine, minus the crowds you’ll find further south.
• The French Alps – Not just for skiing. Come in summer for hiking, mountain lakes, and cable cars with killer views. Annecy’s old town is a fairytale with gelato and paddle boats.
• Normandy – Dramatic cliffs, WWII beaches, and creamy camembert by the sea. Mont-Saint-Michel is a must – just dodge the crowds by arriving early or staying overnight.
• Brittany – France’s rugged northwest, where Celtic roots meet wild coastlines. Try the crêpes, cider, and windswept walks along the GR34 coastal trail.
• Alsace – Storybook villages, half-timbered houses, and wine routes through the Vosges. Strasbourg and Colmar mix French and German influences in the best possible way.
• The Dordogne – Caves with prehistoric art, medieval towns, and food that sticks with you (hello, duck confit and walnut cake). Perfect for slow travel and river paddles.
• Côte d’Azur – Glam beaches and hilltop villages above them. Nice is a solid base, but escape to smaller towns like Menton or Èze for sea views without the showiness.
• Corsica – A wild island with hiking trails, hidden beaches, and food that blends French technique with Italian soul. Come for the GR20, stay for the fig jam and mountain wine.

How long to spend in France?

France might be close-packed, but it’s not a country you want to rush. You’ve got cities full of art and attitude, wine valleys, mountains, beaches, and more villages than you could visit in a year. How long you stay in France depends on what you want to see – and how much you’re willing to miss.

Ask yourself:

• Are you sticking to cities or chasing countryside and coast?
• Do you want museums, wine, hikes – or all three?
• Are you traveling by train, car, or hoping to slow things down?

Rough timing breakdown

• 1 week in France – Stick to one area. Paris plus a day trip (like Versailles or Giverny), or head to the Loire Valley for châteaux and wine. Provence is doable too – fly into Marseille and base yourself in Arles or Aix-en-Provence.
• 10 days in France – The sweet spot. Mix city and countryside. Try Paris, Loire, and a few days in Normandy. Or do a southern loop: Provence, the Luberon, and the coast.
• 2 to 3 weeks – Now you can breathe. Add Alsace or the Alps, relax in the Dordogne, or spend time in Brittany’s fishing villages. If you want variety – beach, mountains, food, history – this is your window.
• 1 month+ – France is ideal for slow travel. Rent a car, explore backroads, linger in markets, and stay in family-run gîtes. This is when the country reveals itself – one bottle, one boulangerie, one perfect detour at a time.

What’s the best way to plan a France itinerary?

Planning a trip to France isn’t about checking boxes – it’s about finding your rhythm. Long lunches in the countryside, spontaneous detours to hilltop villages, and museum mornings followed by wine-soaked evenings. The best France itinerary isn’t packed – it breathes. Less rush, more room for cheese.

Start with how long you’ve got

France is big – and beautiful – but trying to cover it all is a rookie move. Travel takes time, and there’s a lot to soak up. Your route depends on how long you’ve got:

• Under a week – Stick to Paris or pick one region. Paris and Versailles work well together. Or try Provence: base in Aix or Arles and take day trips to Roman ruins, vineyards, and lavender fields.
• 7-10 days – Go deeper. Combine Paris with the Loire Valley or Normandy. Or do a south-of-France route: Marseille, the Luberon, and the Côte d’Azur.
• 2 weeks – The sweet spot. Paris, Provence, and the Loire Valley fit well, or go east: Alsace, the Alps, and a detour into Lyon for serious food.
• 3-4 weeks – Now you can explore at your own pace. Road trip through Brittany, linger in the Dordogne, or combine Corsica and mainland regions. It’s the slow-travel version of France – and it’s magic.

Match your route to your travel style

France isn’t just Eiffel Towers and rosé. Pick the version that suits you.

Love cities and culture?

• Paris – World-class museums, gritty charm, café life.
• Lyon – Roman ruins, bouchons, and street murals.
• Strasbourg – Franco-German fusion, half-timbered charm.

Into landscapes and outdoor time?

• Provence – Lavender fields, hilltop towns, olive groves.
• The Alps – Lakes, hikes, and cable car views.
• Brittany – Craggy coastlines and dramatic tides.

After food and wine?

• Burgundy – Pinot noir, mustard, and medieval villages.
• Alsace – White wines, winstubs, and serious comfort food.
• The Dordogne – Duck confit, walnuts, and open-air markets.

Want to chill?

• Côte d’Azur – Some of the best beaches in France and rosé at sunset.
• Corsica – Secluded coves, slow towns, and wild trails.
• The Lot Valley – Peaceful rivers, stone villages, and no rush.

Getting around France: plan this early

• Trains are fast and comfortable – great for Paris to Lyon, Bordeaux, or Avignon. Book early for the best deals on high-speed TGV lines.
• Driving opens up France’s hidden gems – think vineyard roads, small villages, and countryside B&Bs. Watch for narrow lanes and toll roads.
• Buses are useful for smaller towns but slower overall.
• Regional flights make sense for Corsica, but trains cover most of the mainland.

France is built for exploring – just don’t try to do it all. Pick your pace, follow your taste buds, and leave space for detours. They’re often the best part.

How to slow travel in France?

France was built for slow travel – village markets, café terraces, countryside roads, and mornings where nothing matters except what’s for lunch. Forget rushing from sight to sight. Pick a region, unpack your bag – and stay a while.

In Paris, skip the all-day museum marathons. Base yourself in one of the best areas to stay in Paris – the Marais for history and hidden courtyards, Canal Saint-Martin for indie shops and laid-back cafés, or the Latin Quarter if you want cobbled streets and bookshops. Spend afternoons wandering aimlessly. Sit with an espresso at a corner café. Visit smaller museums like the Musée de la Vie Romantique or the Maison de Balzac. Let the city come to you.

In Provence, base yourself in a town like Uzès or Saint-Rémy. Wake up with market bells, drive winding backroads lined with cypress trees, and stretch lunch into the afternoon. Stop for wine tastings, not selfies.

The Dordogne is rural rhythm at its best. Rent a gîte, paddle the river, and eat duck by candlelight. It’s not about checking off castles – it’s about living slowly among them.

Alsace rewards loitering. Walk from village to village, sip Riesling, and let the half-timbered towns charm you at their own speed.

The Atlantic coast – from Île de Ré to Biarritz – is all salt air and lazy afternoons. Ride bikes, eat oysters, and nap when the locals do.

Tips for slowing down

• Stay in one place longer – let it unfold.
• Choose trains over flights – the view’s better anyway.
• Shop in markets, cook if you can, picnic often.
• Skip the big checklist – follow conversations, not guidebooks.
• Embrace quiet corners – France is full of them.

How to handle money and payments in France?

France mostly plays it straight when it comes to money – euros, cards, and contactless are the norm. But there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid awkward payment moments or getting stung by bad exchange rates.

The currency is the euro (€), and most places accept cards – Visa and Mastercard are your best bet. Smaller shops, street markets, or rural bakeries may be cash-only, so always carry a bit. Don’t count on Amex or Diners outside big hotels or luxury shops.

• ATMs (distributeurs) are everywhere – but choose ones attached to a major French bank like BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, or Société Générale. Avoid Euronet and standalone machines in tourist zones – they often come with high fees and poor exchange rates.
• Contactless is common and reliable. You can tap-to-pay for metros, coffee, or even market stalls in cities. Apple Pay and Google Pay work widely, especially in urban areas.
• Tipping in France is modest and not mandatory – service is included in the bill. Round up at cafés or leave 5-10% for great service at restaurants. No tip needed for taxis beyond a euro or two. Hotel staff and guides appreciate small gestures but don’t expect it.

And always pay in euros when using a foreign card. If you're asked to choose your home currency, decline – dynamic currency conversion means worse rates every time.

What are the most common scams?

France is safe, but big crowds and busy cities make it a hotspot for low-level tourist scams. Most are non-violent and easy to avoid once you know the signs. Stay aware, keep your bag zipped, and don’t assume every friendly local has good intentions.

• Pickpocket distractions. Paris is the capital of the “creative distraction” – someone spills something on you, a child waves a paper in your face, or a group suddenly crowds around. It’s almost always a setup. Stay alert in metros, on the RER B from the airport, and near big sights like the Eiffel Tower or Sacré-Cœur.
• The petition scam. Someone (often a teen) asks you to sign a petition “for the deaf” or a charity. While you're signing, someone else lifts your wallet. It’s common around tourist hubs. Just walk on.
• Gold ring scam. You “find” a gold ring on the ground, and someone insists it’s yours – then asks for money. A classic Paris con. Don’t engage.
• Fake ticket sellers. Outside museums or metro stations, you might be offered “discounted” tickets. They’re fake or used. Only buy tickets from official counters or machines.
• Taxi overcharging. Licensed taxis must use a meter. If they claim it’s broken or try to set a flat rate from the airport, say no. Or better yet, use G7, Uber, or Bolt for clarity and pricing.
• Restaurant extras. In touristy areas, some places tack on hidden fees or push overpriced specials. Always check the menu – and your bill.
• Street sellers and fake goods. Eiffel Tower keychains, “designer” bags, knock-off sunglasses – they’re everywhere. Fun to browse, but don’t pay more than a couple of euros. And know it’s illegal to buy counterfeit goods in France – fines can apply.

How to travel responsibly and ethically in France?

France welcomes visitors – but it’s not a theme park. Responsible travel here means tuning into the local pace, supporting communities, and not acting like you're the star of every cobbled street you walk down. These France travel tips will help you get it right.

• Dress like you belong. French cities lean casual but polished. No need to dress up, but do make an effort – especially in restaurants, shops, or rural villages. Beachwear stays on the beach, and loud hiking gear doesn’t belong at dinner.
• Speak a little French. Even a simple “Bonjour” or “Merci” earns respect. Don’t lead with English, and never assume people understand it – especially outside major cities. And please, don’t speak Spanish as a shortcut.
• Spend where it counts. Skip the international chains. France is built on local butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, and marchés. Stay in family-run gîtes, shop at village stalls, and buy regional specialties – from lavender in Provence to cider in Normandy.
• Respect quiet spaces. France has deep layers of history – from small chapels to war memorials. Enter quietly, dress appropriately, and save the photos for outside if it’s a sacred place.
• Be mindful in nature. Whether you’re hiking the GR10 in the Pyrenees or strolling vineyards in Burgundy, stay on paths, avoid littering, and don’t trample private land.
• Tip modestly. Service is included, but small tips (5-10%) are welcome in restaurants. No need to go overboard – it skews local norms.
• Ask before you snap. Not every village scene or market vendor wants to be on Instagram. Ask first – it’s polite, and it keeps the moment genuine.

Don’t expect nonstop service at restaurants

In France, meals are meant to be savored – not rushed. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (usually 2-7 pm), and kitchens won’t bend the rules for hungry tourists. Even when they’re open, service is hands-off: you won’t be chased with refills or handed the bill until you ask. Want to leave? Catch your server’s eye and ask “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”

Pharmacies before supermarkets

Need sunscreen, painkillers, or blister plasters? Don’t go hunting down a supermarket. In France, pharmacies (look for the green cross) are where you’ll find everything from allergy meds to cold remedies. Staff are knowledgeable, and many speak basic English. Supermarkets won’t stock most over-the-counter meds – so head to the pharmacy first.

Don’t touch the produce

At local markets, fruit and veg stalls are everywhere – but resist the urge to grab an apple or squeeze a tomato. In most French markets, the vendor selects and bags your produce for you. Touching it yourself is frowned upon, unless signs say otherwise or baskets are marked for self-service. Smile, point, and trust the expert behind the stall to pick the good stuff.