Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to France

My first visit to France was in 2017 and I knew that it was a place I’d return to.  As fate would have it, after visiting France several times throughout the years, it was 2024 when I finally made the decision to move to Paris.  I couldn’t get enough of French culture.  The food, the beauty, the language.  Every time I visit France, everything feels magical and it lights my soul on fire.  If you’re considering visiting France, I sincerely hope you do.  And if you’ve already made the decision and you’re in the planning process, this is everything you need to know about planning a trip to France.

 

If you’re traveling to France, don’t miss…

• The Best France Packing List

 

Brief History of France

France is a country where history, culture, and beauty come together in a truly unbelievable way.  Once a powerful monarchy, France has a complex past, from the Revolution of 1789 that reshaped its society to its pivotal role in both World Wars.  Its regions offer a mix of influences – from the sun-soaked Mediterranean towns of Provence to the vineyards of Bordeaux and the art-filled streets of Paris.  Known as the global capital of art, fashion, and gastronomy, France is home to masterpieces like the Eiffel Tower and the stunning châteaux of the Loire Valley.  Today, France draws in travelers from all over the world, eager to savor its wines, stroll through its charming villages, and experience the iconic “joie de vivre” (joy of living) that makes the country so captivating.

 

Safety Tips for Visiting France

Overall, I would say that France is a safe country (I’ve traveled extensively around France and now reside here).  However, I always recommend being prepared when traveling – even in a safe country like France.  There are a few common scams and pickpocketing is rampant, especially in Paris.  Here are some things to keep an eye out for…

• Pickpocketing (especially in Paris, on the metro, or at tourist attractions) – I recommend bringing an anti-theft waist bag
• Causing a distraction near a tourist attraction like the Eiffel Tower (then someone will pickpocket you)
• Taxi scams – The meter is required to be running and it’s law in France that each driver must have a machine to allow passengers to pay with a credit/debit card – you never have to pay with cash (read more about taking a taxi in Paris here)
• Theft on the train – There are multiple reports of people’s belongings being taken when they are on the train in France.  It seems that these people choose individuals who look like easy targets, follow them onto the train, sit near them, and then either take their bag to the bathroom and go through it or just go through it from their seat.  Always keep your most valuable stuff on you.

As of 2024, France ranks 87th out of 163 countries and territories on the Global Peace Index (for reference, the United States holds the 132nd spot).   And even though it is safe, here are some general safety tips to follow when you travel to France…

• Make two copies your passport; keep one copy in a separate place from where you keep your passport, and leave the second copy at home with a loved one
• Forward all hotel reservations to a family member/friend so they can track where you’re supposed to be at all times
• Don’t carry all of your cash and credit/debit cards on you – keep some in your hotel room in case your purse was to be taken
• Know the number and address of the US Embassy (or whatever country you’re from).  In this case, th US Embassy is located in Paris
• Know how to dial out – the code for France is +33
• Know how to contact emergency services – 15 for medical services, 17 for police, fire service 18

 

Travel Insurance

Another way to ensure safety during a trip is by purchasing travel insurance.  Travel insurance can cover illness, theft, airplane and hotel cancellation, and emergency evacuation services if something arises (each plan is different so make sure to see what your insurance covers before purchasing).  I use SafetyWing when traveling through France and would highly recommend it.

 

Read more about why I recommend travel insurance…

• Why You Need Travel Insurance… From a Nurse’s Perspective
• 9 Most Important Things to Know About Travel Medical Insurance

 

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE!

 

Visa Requirements for Visiting France

If you’re traveling to France as a United States citizen, you do not need a visa to visit unless you plan to stay in France (or other “Schengen states”) for over 90 days.  If you’re traveling from elsewhere, you can check out iVisa to see what your requirements are.

 

Best Time to Visit France

The best time to visit France depends on the region and your preferences.  Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are ideal for exploring the country, with mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists.  Paris is especially lovely in these seasons, and the countryside is perfect for scenic drives and wine tastings.  Summer (July to August) is peak tourist season, bringing warm weather and bustling crowds to popular spots like the French Riviera and major cities.  Winter (December to February) is cooler, great for visiting the Alps for skiing or enjoying holiday festivities in cities like Strasbourg and Paris.

 

Don’t miss…

• 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Paris in the Winter

 

How Many Days is Enough for France?

You could spend months in France and not even scratch the surface.  If you’re a first time visitor, I would recommend staying for at least two weeks.  This gives you time to explore Paris and then venture to another region of France.  If you’ve been to France in the past, you could get by on less time if you’re eager to visit other countries while in Europe.  But overall, 14 days is a good starting to point for France.

 

Cost of Visiting France

Depending on where you travel in France, the country varies as far as affordability.  Of course, Paris and the French Riviera (especially during the summer months) are the most expensive places in France, but there are loads of affordable villages especially if you’re traveling during off season.  Here’s what I would recommend as a budget when traveling through France…

 

Currency in France

France operates on the Euro (EUR; €).  The Euro is constantly changing so before visiting, make sure how it compares to your home country currency.

 

Cash vs Credit/Debit

Just about everywhere in France accepts credit/debit cards (with few exceptions).  When you pay, make sure to pay in Euro versus your home currency so that you get a better exchange rate (many machines will ask this question when paying.)  Lastly, taxi’s in France are required to accept cards.  If the driver says “cash only”, this is not true and he/she is lying.

 

Tipping Practices

Tipping is not common practice in France and you will rarely be asked to add a tip.  If you are asked, know that tipping culture is much less common than in the US and an appropriate amount would be around 5% of your bill.

 

How to Get to France

If you’re traveling to France from outside of Europe, you’ll be flying to one of its main international airports – most likely in Paris; and transferring from there (if you’re not staying in Paris.)  Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the largest airport in France and is about an hour drive from Paris.

If you’re traveling to France from inside of Europe, especially a bordering country like Spain, England, Belgium, etc; you can easily take a train, bus, or rent a car to get to France.  Or if you’re traveling from a non-bordering country, you will most likely be able to connect directly to the destination of your choice, without needing to stop for a layover through Paris first.

Aside from Paris, the other international airports in France are in…

• Bergerac
• Biarritz
• Bordeaux
• Brest
• Corsica
• Lille
• Lyon
• Montpellier
• Nantes
• Nice
• Rennes
• Strasbourg
• Toulon
• Toulouse

 

IF YOU’RE TRAVELING TO FRANCE AND WANT AN ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER TO PICK YOU UP AT THE AIRPORT, BOOK AHEAD HERE!  (SELECT CITIES ONLY)

 

Tips for Getting from the USA to France

If you’re planning a trip to France from the USA your journey can be relatively long!  To make your journey more comfortable, and maybe even more affordable, here are some simple tips…

• If you live in a small city, buy a flight out of a bigger city to save money
  • For example, I live in Omaha, NE so I use points to fly to Chicago in the morning, then get a night flight out of Chicago to my destination
• If you’re flexible on travel dates, play around with dates when it comes to arriving/departing for the cheapest flight
• Open a travel credit card to earn points to potentially use for your flight
• Sign up for Going (there is a free version) for cheap flight notifications
• Compare flight prices on a big search engine
• Purchase travel insurance (before traveling) in case anything goes wrong with your flight
• Bring a good eye mask on the airplane for a chance at some shut eye

 

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO FRANCE HERE!

 

How to Get Around France

One of my favorite things about visiting France is the ease of being able to travel around the country!  Train travel is incredibly easy and affordable.  Renting a car and driving around is easy.  And flying between cities is easy too (and affordable with budget airlines!)  Here are some great resources for traveling around France…

• France uses both Uber and Bolt (not in every city) – download both apps ahead of time
• For train/bus travel – Omio, Bookaway, & 12Go
• For an English speaking driver waiting to pick you up at the airport – Welcome Pickups (select cities only)
• To rent a car – Discover Cars

 

If you plan to rent a car in France, don’t miss…

• A Guide to Renting a Car in France (as an American)

 

French Food & Drink

France is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, with each region offering unique dishes that reflect local ingredients.  In Paris, you’ll find classics like coq au vin (chicken braised in wine), boeuf bourguignon (a hearty beef stew) and escargot (snails) in the Burgundy region; while ratatouille (a vegetable medley) and bouillabaisse (a seafood stew) are iconic in Provence.  French pastries and breads are famous worldwide, with croissants, baguettes, and pain au chocolat being essentials at any café.  Cheese is also a big part of French cuisine, with varieties like brie, camembert, and roquefort enjoyed across the country.

The French food culture is deeply rooted in a love for quality, seasonal ingredients and the joy of dining as an experience.  Meals are often leisurely affairs, meant to be savored with family and friends, and paired with regional wines that complement the flavors of each dish.  France’s culinary history has been influenced by centuries of regional farming, royal kitchens, and culinary innovation, giving rise to a national pride in gastronomy.  From bustling open-air markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, French cuisine embraces a balance of tradition and creativity, celebrating a range of flavors.

 

If you’re coming to France with a “foodie” mindset, don’t miss these posts…

• The Best Boulangeries & Patisseries in Paris
• The Best Restaurants in Paris
• The Best Food Market in Paris – Marche des Enfants Rouges
• The Best Cocktail Bars in Paris
• 9 Best Food Tours in Paris

 

Accommodation in France

By far, the easiest way to book accommodation in Spain is using a search engine.  Not only will you find a plethora of hotels but you’re also able to filter through options when booking hotels.  Before browsing accommodations, I always make sure that I have “free wifi”, “very good 8+ reviews”  and “A/C” toggled ON.  From there, I browse through accommodations and choose the best one for me.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN FRANCE HERE!

 

For some of my favorite hotels in France, don’t miss…

• 12 of the Best Hotels in Montmartre, Paris
• 15 of the Best Hotels in Le Marais, Paris
• 13 Best Hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Pres

 

Best Things to Do in France

There are so many great things to see and do in France, but in my opinion, there are some quintessential French activities that you have to do when you visit!  Depending on where you’re going in France, here are my top recommendations…

• In Paris…
  • Paris Pastry & Chocolate Tour (I’ve gone on this tour 3 times and I love it every time)
  • Macaron Baking Class in Central Paris
  • From Paris:  Skip the Line Palace of Versailles Bike Tour
  • Seine River Private Cruise
  • Electric Bike Tour of Paris’ Hidden Gems
• In Cannes…
  • Private Half-Day Tour of the French Riviera in a Vintage Car
• In Bordeaux…
  • Sightseeing by Side Car
  • Wine Masterclass with Cheese and Charcuterie Board
  • St. Emilion Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Lunch
• In Champagne…
  • Champagne Tasting Class with Lunch
• In Nice…
  • Villefranche Guided Electric Bike Tour

 

Best Places to Visit in France

Although I’ve traveled extensively through France, there are still tons of places on my ever-growing “France bucket list”!  If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are my top recommendations for places to travel in France (and no, I have not personally visited every single one of these cities/towns before).

• Bordeaux
• Cannes
• Colmar (and Alsace region)
• Loire Valley
• Lyon
• Menton
• Nice
• Normandy
• Paris
• Provence
• Reims

 

French Language & Simple Phrases to Know

The official language in France is French, with English being the second language.  When traveling, I always think it’s polite to learn a few phrases in the language of the country that you’re visiting.  Here are a few French words that will help you get by…

• Thank you = Merci (mehrr-see)
• Hello = Bonjour (bown-jur); hello once the sun has set = bonsoir (bon-swa)
• Goodbye = Au revoir (awe-v-wah)
• Toilet = Toilettes
• Do you speak English? = Parlez-vous Anglais?

Please know, French people are very proud of their language and knowing a simple phrase will help you immensely!

 

France Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting France

 

If you’re planning a trip to France, I hope that you found this post helpful!  If you have any questions, let me know in a comment below.

 

For more on visiting France, don’t miss…

• From Paris:  How to Spend One Day in Dijon
• From Paris:  A Weekend Trip to Mont Saint-Michel
• From Paris:  A Day Trip to Versailles
• The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide
• Complete Guide to Visiting Rouen, France
• A Relaxing Weekend in the Loire Valley:  Where to Stay & Unwind in France’s Charming Countryside
• 8 Things to See & Do in Aisne, France
• How to Spend 2 Days in Aisne, France:  Castles, Champagne, & History
• The Ultimate Carnac Travel Guide

 

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For more information on things to see and do in France, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinfrance” or under my highlights; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “France” highlight

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