Overview
France enchants visitors with its sophisticated cities, world-class art, legendary cuisine, and diverse landscapes. From the romantic streets of Paris to lavender fields around Provence, Alpine peaks to Mediterranean beaches, France epitomises elegance and joie de vivre.
Beyond Paris lies a country of remarkable diversity: Champagne vineyards, Loire châteaux, Normandy beaches, Côte d'Azur glamour, and centuries of cultural treasures waiting to be discovered.
Getting There
By Air
France is excellently connected to Europe and worldwide. Paris Charles de Gaulle is the main hub, with Orly serving as a secondary airport in Paris. Regional airports in Nice, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux offer international connections.
Visa Requirements
The type of visa you need for France depends on both the purpose of your stay (tourism, business, studies, family reasons, etc.) and the length of your stay. For short visits, typically up to 90 days, a short-stay visa is required unless you are from a visa-exempt country.
Best Time to Visit France
France is beautiful year-round, but the most popular times are:
- Spring (April-June): Mild weather, gardens in bloom, fewer crowds than summer.
- Summer (July-August): Peak season, festivals, beach weather, long daylight hours.
- Autumn (September-October): Harvest season, wine regions at their best, pleasant temperatures.
- Winter (November-March) : Christmas markets, Alpine skiing, fewer tourists in cities.
Top Attractions
Paris
- Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars.
- Louvre Museum and Mona Lisa.
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur.
- Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.
Beyond Paris
- D-Day beaches of Normandy.
- Loire Valley châteaux.
- Mont Saint-Michel island abbey.
- Versailles Palace and gardens.
Beyond the Cities
- Bordeaux wine country.
- French Alps ski resorts.
- French Riviera glamour.
- Provence lavender and markets.
French Cuisine
French cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich traditions, refined techniques, and emphasis on high-quality ingredients. Must-try dishes include:
- Bouillabaisse: Traditional Provençal fish stew.
- Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in red wine.
- Crème Brûlée: Classic caramelized custard dessert.
- Croissants and Pastries: Buttery breakfast perfection.
- French Cheese: France has over 400 varieties of cheese to discover.
- Ratatouille: Vegetable medley from Southern France.
Getting Around France
France offers a variety of convenient transportation options to explore both cities and the countryside, when the French aren't striking.
- Domestic Flights: Quick connections between distant cities.
- Paris Metro: Extensive underground network in the capital.
- Regional Trains (TER): Connecting smaller towns and countryside.
- Rental Cars Ideal for exploring wine regions and rural areas.
- TGV (High-Speed Train: Fast connections between major cities.
Practical Tips
- Book restaurants in advance, especially in popular areas.
- Greet with 'Bonjour' when entering shops and restaurants.
- Learn basic French phrases - effort is highly valued.
- Lunch is typically 12-2 pm, dinner starts around 7:30 pm.
- Many shops close Sunday and Monday.
- Museum pass can save money if visiting multiple sites.
- Tap water is safe and free at restaurants ('une carafe d'eau').
- Tipping: service included, but 5-10% extra appreciated.
Regional Travel Guides
France travel guides written by people in the know - a community of expats, French locals, and regular visitors to France.
Travel writers and photographers are invited to join our team of travel content creators.