Travel Guide to France

France stands as one of the world's most beloved travel destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of art, history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. From Paris's iconic landmarks and world-class museums to the French Riviera's stunning coastlines, from Provence's lavender fields to the Loire Valley's châteaux, France offers an incredible diversity of experiences.

Most trips to France naturally revolve around several pillars: cultural and historical experiences, world-class cuisine and wine, art and museums, natural beauty and outdoor activities, and romantic city escapes. The fun is in how you combine these pieces into your own itinerary.

France's major cities are vibrant hubs of activity, each with its own distinct character. Paris feels like a carefully orchestrated blend of old and new, where medieval streets sit alongside modern architecture.

• Paris – a massive metropolis of over 2.1 million people in the city proper and more than 12 million in the greater metropolitan area. You'll find world-class museums, iconic landmarks, incredible food, and some of the world's best shopping.
• Lyon – France's gastronomic capital, known for excellent cuisine, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
• Marseille – France's oldest city and second-largest, a vibrant Mediterranean port with rich multicultural heritage.
• Nice – the capital of the French Riviera, known for beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and vibrant old town.
• Bordeaux – the wine capital of the world, known for elegant architecture and wine culture.

• First-timer tip:** A classic intro itinerary is 4–5 days in Paris, 2–3 days in Lyon or Nice, and 2–3 days exploring the countryside. This gives you a great mix of city life, culture, and natural beauty.

France's historical side is concentrated in cities like Paris, Lyon, and scattered throughout the countryside. Here, you'll walk past medieval cathedrals, Renaissance palaces, and ancient Roman ruins that have survived for centuries.

• Paris – home to Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Versailles, and countless historic sites.
• Lyon – features Vieux Lyon, one of Europe's largest Renaissance districts.
• Avignon – known for the Palais des Papes, where popes lived in the 14th century.
• Carcassonne – a perfectly preserved medieval walled city.
• Mont Saint-Michel – a stunning abbey on a tidal island.

Just a short distance from the big cities, France becomes surprisingly rural and diverse. The country offers beautiful coastlines, mountain ranges, and rolling countryside.

• French Riviera – stunning Mediterranean coastline with beautiful beaches and glamorous resorts.
• French Alps – world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain scenery.
• Provence – lavender fields, charming villages, and beautiful countryside.
• Loire Valley – châteaux, vineyards, and gentle landscapes.
• Normandy – dramatic coastlines, historic D-Day beaches, and charming towns.

Many travelers find that one or two nights in a countryside château or a beach resort end up being some of the most relaxing and memorable parts of their trip.

France's cultural experiences go far beyond sightseeing. Many traditions are still part of everyday life, meaning you're not just looking at history – you're stepping into living culture.

• Louvre Museum – the world's largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces.
• Musée d'Orsay – impressionist and post-impressionist art in a stunning former railway station.
• Versailles Palace – opulent royal residence with magnificent gardens.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral – Gothic masterpiece (currently under restoration).
• Palace of Fontainebleau – another magnificent royal residence.

These sites often include beautifully preserved architecture, world-class art collections, and cultural centers, making them ideal for slow exploration and photography.

France's culinary culture is legendary. French cuisine is considered one of the world's finest, and experiencing it firsthand is a unique aspect of visiting France.

• Regional specialties – each region has its own distinct cuisine, from bouillabaisse in Marseille to cassoulet in Toulouse.
• Wine regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and countless others offer wine tours and tastings.
• Markets – local markets throughout France offer fresh produce, cheese, bread, and regional specialties.
• Bistros and brasseries – experience authentic French dining in traditional restaurants.

• Fashion – Paris is the fashion capital of the world, with haute couture, designer boutiques, and fashion museums.
• Design and architecture show up everywhere – from Art Nouveau metro stations to contemporary museums and innovative public spaces.
• Café culture – sitting in a café, watching the world go by, is an essential French experience.

Despite its image as a highly urbanized country, France is remarkably rich in natural beauty. The country offers diverse landscapes from coastlines to mountains to rolling countryside.

• French Riviera** is France's most famous coastline, offering:
• Beautiful beaches and glamorous resorts
• Stunning coastal drives and scenic views
• Charming coastal towns like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco
• Water sports and yachting

• Normandy and Brittany** offer dramatic coastlines with:
• Cliffs and rocky shores
• Historic D-Day beaches
• Charming fishing villages
• Fresh seafood

• French Alps** offer world-class skiing and mountain scenery:
• Ski resorts like Chamonix, Courchevel, and Val d'Isère
• Hiking and mountaineering in summer
• Stunning alpine lakes and valleys

• Pyrenees** offer:
• Hiking and outdoor activities
• Beautiful mountain scenery
• Border with Spain

• Provence** offers:
• Lavender fields (peak bloom in July)
• Charming hilltop villages
• Beautiful countryside
• Excellent food and wine

• Loire Valley** offers:
• Magnificent châteaux
• Vineyards and wine tasting
• Gentle landscapes
• Historic towns

France's four distinct seasons are a huge part of its appeal. When you visit dramatically shapes what you see – and what you pay.

Spring (March–May) brings mild weather and beautiful blooms: - Cherry blossoms and flowers in parks and gardens - Pleasant temperatures perfect for walking - Lower crowds before summer peak - Wine regions start to come alive

Summer brings beach weather, festivals, and peak tourism: - French Riviera beaches are packed - Music festivals throughout the country - Long days perfect for sightseeing - Highest prices and largest crowds

Autumn (September–November) brings cooler temperatures and wine harvest season: - Grape harvest in wine regions - Beautiful fall foliage - Pleasant weather for exploring - Cultural events and festivals

Winter (December–February) is prime time for skiing and Christmas markets: - World-class skiing in the Alps - Christmas markets in cities and towns - Lower prices (except ski resorts) - Cozy indoor activities

France is excellent for active travelers, with options in every season.

• Skiing & snowboarding – world-class resorts in the French Alps
• Hiking – excellent trails in the Alps, Pyrenees, and throughout the country
• Cycling – Tour de France routes and dedicated bike paths
• Water sports – sailing, diving, and water activities on the coast
• Rock climbing – excellent climbing in the Alps and other mountain areas

Paris is France's capital and largest city, with around 2.1 million residents in the city proper and over 12 million in the greater metropolitan area. It's the country's political, economic, and cultural center.

• Key districts include:
• Louvre & Tuileries** – world-class museums and gardens
• Eiffel Tower & Champs de Mars** – iconic landmark and park
• Montmartre** – historic hilltop district with Sacré-Cœur
• Le Marais** – trendy historic district with great shopping and dining
• Latin Quarter** – historic student district with charming streets
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés** – intellectual and artistic quarter
• Champs-Élysées** – famous avenue and shopping district

Paris also has one of the world's best food scenes, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to incredible street food and traditional bistros.

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, known for its beautiful Mediterranean coastline, vibrant old town, and year-round pleasant weather.

• Promenade des Anglais – famous seaside walkway
• Old Town (Vieux Nice) – charming historic quarter with narrow streets
• Cours Saleya – flower and food market
• Castle Hill – panoramic views of the city and coast
• Matisse Museum – dedicated to the famous artist
• Beaches – pebble beaches along the coast

Nice's food scene is excellent, especially for Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood.

Lyon is France's third-largest city and the gastronomic capital, known for its historic architecture, excellent cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene.

• Vieux Lyon – Renaissance old town with traboules (hidden passageways)
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière – hilltop basilica with city views
• Les Halles de Lyon – famous food market
• Lyon Cathedral – Gothic cathedral
• Museum of Fine Arts – second-largest art museum in France

Lyon's food scene is legendary, with traditional bouchons (local restaurants) and world-class dining.

Marseille is France's second-largest city and oldest city, a vibrant Mediterranean port with a rich multicultural heritage.

• Vieux-Port – historic old port
• Notre-Dame de la Garde – hilltop basilica with city views
• Le Panier – historic old quarter
• Calanques National Park – stunning coastal cliffs and coves
• Château d'If – island fortress (setting for The Count of Monte Cristo)
• MuCEM – Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations

Marseille offers excellent Mediterranean cuisine, especially bouillabaisse and fresh seafood.

Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world, known for its elegant architecture, wine culture, and beautiful riverfront.

• Place de la Bourse – iconic 18th-century square
• Wine tours – visit world-famous vineyards in the region
• Cité du Vin – wine museum
• Saint-Émilion – medieval wine village (day trip)
• Grand Théâtre – neoclassical opera house
• Miroir d'Eau – world's largest reflecting pool

Bordeaux offers excellent food and wine, with many restaurants featuring local specialties and regional wines.

Accommodation prices vary by season, city, and type of property, but the ranges below offer a solid starting point for budgeting.

• Hostel dorm beds: €20–€40 per night (roughly US$22–44)
• Private rooms in hostels: €40–€80 per night (US$44–88)
• Budget hotels: €50–€100 per night (US$55–110)
• Guesthouses: €60–€120 per night (US$66–132)

• Standard hotels: Single rooms around €100–€200 per night (US$110–220); double rooms around €120–€250 (US$132–275)
• Boutique hotels: Well-appointed rooms with character, often include breakfast
• Mid-range apartments: €120–€250 per night (US$132–275) for self-catering options

These options are common in major cities and tourist areas; rooms are often compact but well-equipped with modern amenities.

• High-end city hotels: Deluxe rooms at roughly €250–€600 per night (US$275–660); suites can run €600–€2,000+ (US$660–2,200+)
• Luxury resorts (especially on Riviera): €400–€1,500+ per night (US$440–1,650+)
• Palace hotels in Paris: €800–€3,000+ per night (US$880–3,300+)

• Peak seasons: Summer (July–August), spring (April–May), Christmas/New Year can push prices to 150–300% of low-season baselines
• Paris is expensive year-round but peaks in summer
• French Riviera prices spike significantly during summer
• Off-season: January–March, November usually offer more availability and better prices

Citizens of many countries can enter France visa-free for short stays (typically up to 90 days) for tourism or business as part of the Schengen Area. This includes visitors from:

• The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
• Most European Union countries
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others

Visa-free entry generally does not allow paid work.

France is part of the Schengen Area. For visa-required nationalities:

• Schengen visa allows travel throughout the Schengen Area
• Minimum medical coverage: €30,000 required for visa applications
• Proof of insurance may be requested at border control
• Processing typically takes 5–15 business days

For stays longer than 90 days: - Long-stay visa required - May require proof of financial means - Health insurance typically required for the full duration - Different requirements for work, study, or retirement visas

France has an excellent public healthcare system, but visitors typically need private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for medical care.

• Doctor visit: €25–€70 (US$28–77)
• Emergency room visit: €100–€300 (US$110–330)
• Hospital stay: €500–€1,500 per day (US$550–1,650)
• Emergency surgery: €5,000–€20,000+ (US$5,500–22,000+)
• Prescription medications: €10–€50 (US$11–55)

• Routine cleaning: €30–€80 (US$33–88)
• Filling: €50–€150 (US$55–165)
• Root canal: €300–€800 (US$330–880)
• Crown: €500–€1,500 (US$550–1,650)

In serious cases, the most expensive part may not be treatment in France but medical evacuation to your home country.

• Air ambulance to the US: roughly US$150,000–300,000
• Commercial flight with medical escort: about US$15,000–50,000 if the patient is stable

Major cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Nice have hospitals and clinics that serve international patients. Many list English-speaking departments or provide interpretation services.

In an emergency, you can call 112 for all emergency services. Operators often have access to English support, especially in major cities.

Given the cost of medical care and the potential expense of evacuation, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for trips to France – even for short, healthy vacations.

• Medical Coverage
• Recommended minimum: about US$100,000 in medical coverage
• For older travelers or those with health conditions, consider US$250,000 or more
• Confirm whether pre-existing conditions are covered

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Look for at least US$250,000 in evacuation coverage
• Ensure the policy covers evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility and repatriation to your home country

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Protects non-refundable costs like flights, hotels, and tours
• Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) upgrades for maximum flexibility

• Adventure & Winter Sports Coverage
• Standard policies may exclude skiing, snowboarding, and other higher-risk activities
• If your trip centers around ski resorts or adventure activities, check that these are included

• Medical: food-related issues, minor accidents, winter sports injuries, slips and falls
• Trip interruption: flight disruptions, family emergencies back home
• Baggage: lost or delayed luggage on flights; occasional theft of cameras, phones, or laptops

When comparing policies, focus on: - Medical and evacuation limits - How pre-existing conditions are handled - Which activities are included versus excluded - Deductibles and co-pays - Reputation for handling claims

For most visitors focused on cities and light sightseeing, a mid-to-high tier comprehensive policy with strong medical and evacuation coverage is ideal. For winter sports or adventure trips, prioritize policies specifically built for those activities.

France offers an extraordinary combination of art, history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. With thoughtful planning around seasons, accommodation, visa rules, healthcare costs, and travel insurance, you can maximize enjoyment and minimize surprises.

Whether you're exploring Paris's museums, skiing in the Alps, relaxing on the French Riviera, or tasting wine in Bordeaux, France is the kind of destination that stays with you long after you fly home.