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France : Travel Guide

Discover France, a country of a thousand flavors and colors.

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Plan your trip to France

Welcome to France, Europe's most emblematic country, where history, culture and gastronomy combine to offer visitors an unforgettable experience. From the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley to the sun-drenched beaches of the Côte d'Azur and the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy, France is a destination that will charm all travelers.

Paris
Eiffel Tower
Cassis
Cassis

French

Euro (EUR)

67 MILLION INHABITANTS

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Quand partir en France ?

The best time to visit France depends on your preferences. Spring (March to May) offers mild temperatures, beautiful flowers and fewer tourists.

Summer (June to August) is ideal for enjoying southern beaches and festivals, but some areas can be crowded.

Autumn (September to November) is ideal for harvesting and offers a pleasant climate.

Winter (December to February) is perfect for winter sports in the Alps and Pyrenees. Whatever the season, France always has something to offer.

Travel ideas in France

The best flights to France

What to do, what to see : France's Top 5

The Mont Saint Michel
A rocky island surmounted by a magnificent medieval abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
See
The Riviera
A spectacular coastline lined with sandy beaches, picturesque villages and glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
See
The Mont Blanc
The highest point of the Alps and the roof of Western Europe, Mont Blanc offers breathtaking landscapes.
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French gastronomy

French gastronomy is a true culinary art recognized the world over. Renowned for its richness and diversity, it offers a festival of flavors to tantalize the taste buds. From savory cheeses to delicious pastries and fine wines, each region of France has its own gastronomic specialties, reflecting the country's cultural diversity.

Beef Bourguignon

Coq au Vin (Wine Rooster)

cassoulet

Burgundy snails

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Transportation in France

Plane

France has several international airports serving major cities, including Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Domestic flights shorten the distances between certain regions, making it easier to travel throughout the country.

Bus

France's bus network is well-developed, linking towns and smaller villages. Regional and intercity buses offer affordable options for getting from one region to another, while allowing you to admire the country's varied landscapes.

trains

The French rail system is managed by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français) and offers fast, comfortable connections between the country's main cities and regions. High-speed trains, such as the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), link Paris to other major cities in record time, making it easy to get around the country.

Subway

Major French cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille and Toulouse have efficient metro and tramway systems. These public transport systems offer a practical solution for getting around the city quickly and exploring the different neighborhoods.

Taxi

In France, cabs are a convenient and accessible means of transport for travellers. They are available in most major cities and tourist areas, offering a safe, regulated transport service.

Cabs can be recognized by the illuminated sign on their roofs displaying the word "TAXI" when available. You can also find them at designated cab ranks in urban areas.

Car

If you prefer to drive, car rental is a popular option for exploring France at your own pace. The road network is well maintained, with freeways and trunk roads linking the main destinations. However, it's important to take into account busy periods and speed limits on some roads.

The cost of living in France

0
Average salary in France
Median cost of living 65%

To help you plan your stay in France, discover the essential information on the cost of living in the country.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in France varies according to the region and type of accommodation chosen. Big cities, especially Paris, can be more expensive than rural areas. Travelers can choose from luxury hotels, affordable youth hostels, vacation rentals and quaint bed & breakfasts.

Food

France is a gourmet's paradise, and gastronomy is an essential aspect of French culture. You can opt for fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants or discover the delights of local markets and boulangeries, which offer a variety of delicious dishes at affordable prices.

Transportation

Transport in France is relatively affordable, especially regional train tickets and public transport cards in major cities. Fares for domestic flights depend on the airline and the season.

Activities

Leisure activities in France can vary in cost. Popular museums and tourist attractions may have entrance fees, but there are also many free or low-cost activities, such as strolling through parks, visiting historic churches and taking part in local events.

Practical Information

France is a safe country for travelers, but it's always advisable to remain vigilant, especially in busy tourist areas. Make sure you keep your valuables safe and pay close attention to your personal belongings. In case of emergency, dial the national emergency number 112. For your stay, remember to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical or logistical contingencies.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR FRANCE

Travel insurance is particularly important if you're planning to travel to France.

Although the country is relatively safe for tourists, it is always possible to encounter unforeseen situations such as health problems, lost or stolen luggage, or transport delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Passeport and Visa

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay in France. If you're a national of a Schengen country, you can travel freely to France with your passport or identity document. If you come from a non-Schengen country, you will probably need a short-stay visa, also known as a Schengen visa.

To enter France as a foreign national, you'll need a valid passport. Make sure that its expiry date is sufficiently far in advance of your departure date, as the French authorities generally require that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your planned departure from the country.

Health and vaccinations

Before you leave, make sure you're up to date with your usual vaccinations, such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, and those recommended according to your age and state of health. Also check that your measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccinations are up to date, as these diseases can be prevented by vaccination.

Culture and customs

Immerse yourself in a rich and diverse world, where each region proudly bears its own unique heritage. French gastronomy is a true celebration of the senses, with its savory cheeses, delicious pastries and exquisite wines. French art and literature have left their mark on history, with world-renowned artists and writers. Popular traditions and festivals bear witness to the joie de vivre of the French, who love to share convivial, festive moments. Explore the richness of French culture and immerse yourself in its authentic customs for an unforgettable experience.

Money and finance in France

CASH MANAGEMENT

When you travel to France, it's important to take bank charges into account so that you can manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way to do this, and the one we recommend, is to open an account at Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Similar destinations

customized tour for france

Are you looking to hire a travel agency to visit France?
Compare the offers from our partners.

Our selection of books about France

Travel tips for your trip to France

Frequently asked questions

France is full of beautiful places, but the Côte d'Azur is particularly renowned for its beaches, breathtaking coastal scenery and picturesque towns such as Nice and Saint-Tropez. The region offers a blend of culture, history and relaxation.

Every region of France has its own unique charms, but Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is often praised for its sunshine, lavender fields, olive groves, picturesque villages and Mediterranean cuisine.

France is full of fascinating cities to explore. Among the must-sees are Paris with its museums, monuments and vibrant cultural life, Lyon for its renowned gastronomy and Bordeaux for its famous wines.

When it comes to paradise, French Polynesia is a dream destination. With its crystal-clear lagoons, white sandy beaches and tropical landscapes, it's a true corner of paradise.

Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France's most visited villages. With its medieval abbey perched on a rocky islet, it attracts millions of visitors every year.

Beauty being subjective, it's difficult to designate any one region as the most beautiful in France. However, Brittany is often acclaimed for its wild coastlines, impressive cliffs and verdant landscapes.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the Dordogne, is a charming medieval town renowned for its well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets and lively market.

The Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, is often considered one of France's most beautiful departments, with its majestic mountains, picturesque villages and elegant seaside resorts.

Île-de-France, with Paris at its heart, is France's most popular tourist region. The capital attracts visitors from all over the world for its emblematic monuments, prestigious museums and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is often France's favorite region for its varied tourist attractions, pleasant climate and cultural diversity.

The Mont Blanc Massif is one of France's most impressive landscapes. As the highest peak in the Alps, it offers breathtaking views and is a paradise for mountain lovers.

Lille is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in northern France, with its Flemish architecture, lively squares and reputation as the region's cultural capital.

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