France Travel Guide
Explore the beauty of France and discover exciting places to visit, must-try dishes, where to stay, transportation options, safety tips, and more.
- Introduction to France
- List of Places to Visit in France
- Hiking/Biking Routes of France
- Best Things to Do in France: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for France
- Food and Drink Scene of France
- Where to Stay in France: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in France: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of France
- Best Time to Visit France
- Do’s and Don’ts of France
- Safety and Health
- Getting to France: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in France
- Where to Go Next from France: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to France
Located in Western Europe, France is a country that is well known for its rich culture, art, architecture, history, fashion, wine, food, and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Château de Versailles. France is the largest country in the European Union, and it has a diverse landscape including mountains, beaches, forests, and countryside.
List of Places to Visit in France
Here are some of the popular places to visit in France:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
France has a rich history of art, literature, and architecture, and there is a vast collection of museums and historical places that you can visit to get a glimpse of the country’s past.
- The Louvre Museum
- Palace of Versailles
- Musée d’Orsay
- The Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Arc de Triomphe
- Mont Saint-Michel
- Eiffel Tower
- Père Lachaise Cemetery
Natural Attractions of France: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
France is a country that has something for everyone, including outdoor enthusiasts who love nature, hiking, and biking. France is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in Europe, which include:
- Gorges du Verdon
- The Alps
- Mont Blanc
- Camargue
- Calanques
- Lavender Fields of Provence
- Brittany Coastline
- Beaches of French Riviera
Hiking/Biking Routes of France
France is a country that is ideal for hiking and biking due to its diverse landscape, and numerous hiking and biking routes across the country. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes of France include:
- GR20, Corsica
- Mont Blanc Circuit
- The Pyrenees
- Loire Valley Cycling Route
- Alsace Wine Route
- The French Way of Camino de Santiago
Best Things to Do in France: Activities and Tours
France is a country that overflows with things to do and see regardless of whether you prefer cultural, historical, or outdoor activities. Here are some of the best things to do in France:
- Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
- Cooking Classes in Paris
- Canal Boat Tours in Burgundy
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in Auvergne
- Skiing in the Alps
- Sea Kayaking in Corsica
- Scuba Diving in the French Riviera
- Disneyland Paris
Week-Long Itinerary for France
If you’re planning a week-long visit to France, you could follow this itinerary to cover several of the popular places in France:
Day | Destination | Activities |
---|---|---|
1 | Paris | Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame |
2 | Versailles | Palace of Versailles |
3 | Bordeaux | Wine tasting, St. Emilion |
4 | Marseille | Calanques, Vieux Port |
5 | Nice | Beaches, French Riviera |
6 | Annecy | Lake Annecy, Vieille Ville |
7 | Lyon | Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Vieux Lyon |
Food and Drink Scene of France
French cuisine is extremely diverse, and it varies from region to region. France is renowned for its exceptional food and wine, which is prepared using fresh, local ingredients. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages when visiting France:
Must-Try Dishes
- Escargots de Bourgogne (Snails with Garlic Butter)
- Steak Tartare (Raw Beef with Capers, Onions, and Egg Yolk)
- Ratatouille (Vegetable Stew)
- Pissaladière (Caramelized Onion Tart with Anchovies and Olives)
- Coq au Vin (Chicken Cooked in Red Wine)
Local Beverages
- Bordeaux Wine
- Champagne
- Cognac
- Kir Royale
- Pastis
Where to Stay in France: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
France has a broad range of accommodation options for visitors, which include hostels, hotels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in France:
- Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris
- Hotel Carlton, Cannes
- La Maison d’Ulysse, Uzes
- Grand Hotel, Bordeaux
- Les Demeures du Ventoux, Malaucene
What to Buy in France: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
France is a country that is famous for its fashion, food, and wine, and there’s no shortage of unique items to take home as a souvenir. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from France:
- Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé
- Wine from Bordeaux or Burgundy
- Cheese from Normandy
- Perfume from Grasse
- Fashion items from Parisian boutiques
Local Culture and Customs of France
France is a country that values politeness, and it’s customary to greet others with a “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir.” Dressing well is also important, and it’s common for people to dress up, even for everyday activities. It’s also worth noting that the French have a passion for food and wine and often enjoy long meals with family and friends.
Best Time to Visit France
France is a country that can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the activities you’re interested in. The summer months (June-August) are the busiest and most expensive, while the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) months are ideal for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of France
Do:
- Greet people with a “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”
- Dress well (avoid wearing shorts and flip flops)
- Learn a few French phrases
- Enjoy the local cuisine
- Follow the rules of etiquette (e.g., wait to be seated at a restaurant)
Don’t:
- Be loud or rude in public
- Smoke in public areas (including outside cafes)
- Tip excessively (10% is a standard tip in France)
- Bring up political or religious topics in conversation
Safety and Health
France is a relatively safe country, and visitors are unlikely to experience violent crime. However, petty crime (such as pickpocketing) can be an issue in tourist-heavy areas, so it’s important to be mindful of your belongings. As for health, France has a good healthcare system, but travel insurance is recommended for visitors.
Safety in France
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash
- Keep an eye on your belongings in public
- Be vigilant when using public transport
- Use a reputable taxi company
Health in France
- Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance
- Check your vaccination status before traveling (not required for all visitors)
- Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated during the summer months
Getting to France: Transportation Options and Logistics
Getting to France is easy, as the country is well-connected via air, rail, and road.
Airports Near France
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
- Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
- Marseille Provence Airport
Bus Stations Near France
- FlixBus
- Eurolines
Other Options
- Eurostar (High-speed trains connecting the UK and France)
- Driving (France has an extensive road network)
- Ferry (Links to the UK, Spain, and North Africa)
How to Get Around in France
France has an excellent public transportation system, including trains, buses, and metros. Taxis are also available, although they can be expensive.
Where to Go Next from France: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
France has a wealth of other destinations to explore beyond its borders. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Spain
- Italy
- Monaco
Conclusion
France is a country that has something for every traveler. From its rich culture and history to its stunning natural attractions, exceptional cuisine, and world-renowned fashion, France is a must-visit destination. With comprehensive planning and knowledge before you go, your trip to France will be memorable and enjoyable.
France Image Gallery
![Place Bellecour in Lyon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Place_Bellecour_Lyon_Panorama.jpg/100px-Place_Bellecour_Lyon_Panorama.jpg)
![Verdon Gorge seen from Bridge of Galetas in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Gorges_Verdon_Barrage_Sainte_Croix.jpg/100px-Gorges_Verdon_Barrage_Sainte_Croix.jpg)
![The Tomb of Napoleon in Dôme des Invalides, Paris](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Tomb_of_Napoleon%2C_Paris_7_October_2012_003.jpg/100px-Tomb_of_Napoleon%2C_Paris_7_October_2012_003.jpg)
![The French impressionist painter Claude Monet's house in Giverny, Normandy, Northern France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Monet_House.jpg/100px-Monet_House.jpg)
![The coast at Quiberon, Brittany](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Quiberon_1011352-01.jpg/100px-Quiberon_1011352-01.jpg)
![In the Channel Tunnel vehicle car](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/In_the_Channel_Tunnel_-_geograph.org.uk_-_11905.jpg/100px-In_the_Channel_Tunnel_-_geograph.org.uk_-_11905.jpg)
![A TGV crossing the Cize-Bolozon viaduct over the Ain river](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/SNCF_TGV_Duplex_Viaduc_de_Cize_-_Bolozon.jpg/100px-SNCF_TGV_Duplex_Viaduc_de_Cize_-_Bolozon.jpg)
![The cathedral at Reims, Champagne-Ardenne, Northeastern France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Reims_Cathedral%2C_exterior_%285%29.jpg/100px-Reims_Cathedral%2C_exterior_%285%29.jpg)
![At the Louvre you can see possibly the world's most famous painting...](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/Visitors_viewing_Mona_Lisa_at_the_Louvre_2009-08-06_.jpg/100px-Visitors_viewing_Mona_Lisa_at_the_Louvre_2009-08-06_.jpg)
![Place du Général de Gaulle, Lille](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Lille-Place-du-General-de-Gaulle.jpg/100px-Lille-Place-du-General-de-Gaulle.jpg)
![The final leg of the 2017 Tour de France](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Portedorleans.jpg/100px-Portedorleans.jpg)
![Inside L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges near Lyon, a 3-Michelin-star restaurant since 1965 and the main restaurant of the late star chef Paul Bocuse](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Int%C3%A9rieur_de_l%27auberge_de_Paul_Bocuse.jpg/100px-Int%C3%A9rieur_de_l%27auberge_de_Paul_Bocuse.jpg)
![Bakery and customer with baguette](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/La_D%C3%A9sirade%2C_69_bis_Rue_Brancion%2C_75015_Paris%2C_August_2015.jpg/100px-La_D%C3%A9sirade%2C_69_bis_Rue_Brancion%2C_75015_Paris%2C_August_2015.jpg)
![''Foie gras'' can be served in many different ways](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Restaurant_Argi-Eder_-_Foie_gras_de_canard_en_terrine.jpg/100px-Restaurant_Argi-Eder_-_Foie_gras_de_canard_en_terrine.jpg)
![Escargots](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Escargot_de_Bourgogne_002.jpg/100px-Escargot_de_Bourgogne_002.jpg)
![Champagne!](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/DomPerignonChampagne.jpg/100px-DomPerignonChampagne.jpg)
![View of La Défense, the business district of Paris](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/La_D%C3%A9fense_depuis_le_Mont_Val%C3%A9rien.jpg/100px-La_D%C3%A9fense_depuis_le_Mont_Val%C3%A9rien.jpg)
![French pharmacy signs often feature a display showing time and temperature](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Enseigne_de_pharmacie_lumineuse.jpg/100px-Enseigne_de_pharmacie_lumineuse.jpg)
![Beautiful entrance to a ''Métropolitain'' station in Paris](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Abesses_entrance_1.jpg/100px-Abesses_entrance_1.jpg)