France Travel Guide (Europe)

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.