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France has so much for you to experience. Whether you are looking for budget travel or a luxury getaway, this European country is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and houses the worlds most famous monument – The Eiffel Tower.  
Whether you visit France for romance, culture, natural and architectural beauty, exquisite wines or some of the finest cuisine in the world, there is something for everybody.


  • France uses the Euro as its currency 1 Euro = 1.10 USD/ 0.84 GBP (Oct 2024).
  • France, like most of Europe, uses plug type E for its electrical outlets.
  • Public transport in France is exceptional, with commuter cards available for different time periods which will give you access to all forms of transport.
  • France is in the Central European Time (CET) zone.
  • Tipping is seen as a polite way to say thank you for exceptional service in France. Usually, there will be a 15% service charge included in the bill.
  • When you visit France, you may need a visa if you are travelling from outside of the European Union.
  • Ensure routine vaccinations like measles and hepatitis are up to date.
  • France is mainly peaceful, but like any destination, stay aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in tourist areas and large cities.

Sunrise from Sacre Coeur in Montmatre, Paris, France.

Sunrise from Sacre Coeur, Paris


  • France is renowned as the fashion capital of the world, with Paris leading the way.
  • The country boasts a staggering 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich history.
  • The Louvre Museum in Paris houses over 380,000 objects, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa.
  • The Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most visited monument in the World.
  • When you visit France, you will find the country has a museum for everything and boasts over 1,200 museums.
  • France produces over 1,000 varieties of cheese.
  • France is also the worldโ€™s largest producer of wine with over 7 billion bottles produced annually.

  • France is very much proud of its culture, heritage, fashion and presence on the world stage, and citizens hold the country in high regard.
  • When you visit France, make sure you try the national dish, Coq au Vin (Chicken in Wine). Also, if your palette is intrigued by more unusual tastes, you should taste escargot (Snails) and Frog Legs. France is also known for its incredible pastries, cheese and wine.
  • The French way of life values leisure, art, and beauty.
  • You may be surprised by greetings in France. For example, the customary cheek-kiss greetings (a kiss on each cheek with people you are familiar with). Make sure you always say “bonjour” (hello/ good day) when entering a shop or restaurant and “au revoir” (goodbye). Another word to know is “merci”, which means thank you.
  • France is predominantly Catholic, so you’ll encounter countless stunning cathedrals and churches throughout the country.

See the beauty of Annecy, France.

Taken from Pont des Amours in Annecy




The view of Annecy from Annecy le Vieux, France.

View from Annecy le Vieux


When you Visit France, you will need to choose your travel dates wisely depending on the experience you desire. France will be busy for the majority of the year due to what there is to offer. Autumn is usually the quieter period to visit.

  • Spring in France is a magical time as flowers bloom and temperatures rise. Paris comes alive with cherry blossoms in parks like Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, while cities like Nice and Bordeaux enjoy mild weather, perfect for strolling through vineyards or along the French Riviera. Spring is also ideal for exploring Franceโ€™s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. With fewer crowds and pleasant weather, itโ€™s a great time to visit historical sites like Mont Saint-Michel or the Palace of Versailles.
  • Summer is peak season in France, with warm weather and vibrant energy. The French Riviera is bustling with visitors enjoying the beaches of Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Nice. Paris sees an influx of tourists, but the city remains alive with outdoor cafรฉs, festivals, and events. Head to the Provence region to witness the iconic lavender fields in full bloom, or explore the Loire Valley with its picturesque chรขteaux. In the Alps, summer brings hiking and outdoor activities, with stunning mountain views.
  • Autumn in France is a quieter, more romantic season. The countryside turns shades of red, orange, and gold, particularly in wine regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux, where the grape harvest takes place. Cities like Paris and Lyon become less crowded, making it a peaceful time to explore. The Alsace region is also a highlight in autumn, with its charming villages and vineyards, offering a fairy-tale experience. Fall festivals, like the Fรชte des Vendanges in Montmartre, celebrate the season’s bounty.
  • Winter in France brings a mix of festive charm and outdoor adventure. Paris sparkles with holiday lights and Christmas markets, especially around the Champs-ร‰lysรฉes and Place Vendรดme. For ski enthusiasts, the French Alps, including Chamonix, Courchevel, and Val d’Isรจre, offer world-class skiing and aprรจs-ski activities. Meanwhile, the south of France enjoys a milder winter, making it a pleasant time to visit cities like Nice or Marseille without the summer crowds. Winter is also perfect for cozying up in French cafรฉs with hot chocolate and indulging in hearty French cuisine.

France has so many places you can visit for a great vacation. So, here are some of the most popular places.

  • The capital of France is perfect for travelers seeking culture, romance, and history. Stay in the Marais for a trendy vibe with boutiques and cafes, or the Latin Quarter for classic Parisian charm near Notre-Dame. The Champs-ร‰lysรฉes and Eiffel Tower areas offer luxury hotels with iconic views.
  • Known for its lavender fields and picturesque villages, Provence is ideal for a peaceful retreat. Stay in towns like Aix-en-Provence or Avignon to explore charming markets, ancient architecture, and vineyards, or in a countryside villa for a quiet getaway amid rolling hills and vineyards.
  • On the French Riviera, Nice offers sun, sea, and sophistication. Stay along the Promenade des Anglais for beachfront hotels and views of the Mediterranean, or in the Old Town (Vieux Nice) to experience narrow streets, colourful buildings, and vibrant markets.
  • Known for its wine and elegant architecture, Bordeaux is perfect for wine enthusiasts and history buffs. Stay near the Place de la Bourse for proximity to the cityโ€™s landmarks, or in nearby wine regions like Saint-ร‰milion for a countryside chateau experience.
  • The Loire Valley is famous for its stunning chรขteaux and beautiful landscapes. Stay in the towns of Amboise or Tours to explore castles like Chรขteau de Chambord and Chรขteau de Chenonceau, or in a countryside manor for a tranquil experience among vineyards and gardens.
  • A picturesque region with half-timbered houses and vineyards, Alsace is great for a scenic getaway. Stay in Strasbourg for its mix of German and French culture, with its charming canals and cathedral, or in Colmar for a fairytale-like setting with colorful medieval buildings.
  • Known for its WWII history and rugged coastline, Normandy offers a mix of culture and natural beauty. Stay in Bayeux to visit the famous tapestry and explore the D-Day beaches, or in Honfleur for a quaint harbor town experience with its wooden houses and art galleries.
  • Franceโ€™s culinary capital, Lyon is a must-visit for food lovers. Stay in the Presquโ€™รฎle area between the Rhรดne and Saรดne rivers for central access to the cityโ€™s bouchons (traditional restaurants), or the Old Town for Renaissance architecture and cobblestone streets.

The Palace at Parc De Luxembourg, France.

The Luxembourg Palace at Jardin du Luxembourg


France offers an incredible variety of experiences, from world-class cities to charming countryside and breathtaking landscapes.

  • Start your journey in Paris, the City of Light, where you can explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Stroll along the Champs-ร‰lysรฉes, visit the Sacrรฉ-Cล“ur in Montmartre, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the French capital.
  • In the Loire Valley, explore majestic chรขteaux such as Chรขteau de Chambord and Chรขteau de Chenonceau, set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards. For wine lovers, a trip to Bordeaux or Burgundy offers the chance to visit prestigious wineries and sample some of the worldโ€™s finest wines. Donโ€™t miss Provence in the summer, where lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see, and charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon offer a peaceful retreat.
  • The French Riviera is perfect for sunseekers, with glamorous destinations like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez offering beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and vibrant nightlife. For winter sports enthusiasts, the French Alps provide top-tier skiing and snowboarding, with resorts like Chamonix and Val Thorens catering to all levels.
  • History buffs should visit Normandy, where the D-Day landing beaches and Mont Saint-Michel offer deep historical significance and stunning scenery. Meanwhile, the Alsace region, with its half-timbered houses and vineyards, feels like stepping into a storybook.
  • No trip to France is complete without indulging in its world-famous cuisine. Savor buttery croissants, fresh baguettes, and gourmet dishes in every region, and experience French culture through its rich culinary traditions. From bustling cities to tranquil villages, France offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.

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The Best Booking Resources for Your Trip

Make sure you’ve got what you need for your trip! These companies are by far the best to use when you are organising your travels. Tried and tested, they are the most consistently reliable resources that will take care of all of your travel needs. I regularly use these websites for my own travels and have used most of them for some time with many positive experiences.

Accommodation

I use a couple of websites when searching for accommodation, depending on the type of stay I am looking for.

  • Trip Advisor: One of the top travel platforms, offering comprehensive listings, price comparisons, and booking options with millions of verified reviews and ratings for hotels. Another benefit to using TripAdvisor is that it also offers the same service for finding restaurants and attractions.
  • Hostelworld: Hostelworld is another leading platform but specializing in budget accommodations. It features millions of reviews and ratings for hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels worldwide. Ideal for backpackers, budget travellers, and solo travellers, Hostelworld ensures a cost-effective and enjoyable stay.
  • AirBNB: My go to place for finding apartments. I find the platform so user friendly and the variety to be incredible.. This platform is more suited to people who do not want to stay in hotels, people who may want additional facilities such as a kitchen or laundry.

Flights and transportation:

  • Omio: This website simplifies planning and booking for trains, buses, and flights. It provides detailed schedules, prices, and user reviews, allowing travellers to compare and book the best travel options.
  • Google Flights: This is my go to place when I’m looking for flights. It offers so much flexibility and the interface is incredibly easy to use. 
  • Skyscanner: The only real alternative to google flights. They are slightly different but offer the same overall service.

If you want to know how I guarantee the cheapest flights possible and see my entire process, you can get 50% off my expert guide to cheap flights eBook here.

Activities:

  • Get Your Guide: I use Get Your Guide to book any excursions or activities. It has the worldโ€™s largest collection of things to do with over 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
  • WeGoTrip: This is the best place to find and book audio excursions and tours. All of the tours are created by local experts and professional tour guides.

Insurance

  • Visitors Coverage: You should always have travel insurance for any trip you decide to embark on. Visitors coverage is the best place to get yourself covered.