The Complete Travel Guide to France

France regularly tops the list of the most visited countries in the world, and it’s little surprise why. In fact, in 2024, over 100 million people visited France, generating an incredible €71 billion in international revenue. With iconic structures such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, beautiful seaside cities like Nice and Marseille, France is a country known and loved by millions around the globe. Here is the ultimate travel guide to France.

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

When’s the Best Time to Visit France?

Visiting France can generally be split into three seasons: the peak season, the shoulder season and the off season.

Peak Season: June to August. The summer months are by far the most popular months to visit France. The weather throughout the whole country is glorious, although it is generally more expensive to visit in these months.

Shoulder Season: April, May, September and October are also good months to visit. The prices are generally cheaper because not as many tourists come to France in these months. If you’re heading to the South of France, you can still expect the weather to be good, and upwards of 20℃.

Off Season: November to March is the quietest time of year to visit France. The temperature is much cooler, but if you’re planning on a Christmas break to Paris or a skiing holiday, you can still expect to pay premium prices during these months.

Language Guide: What You Need to Know

English is seen as a universal language, but it is wrong and ignorant to assume that everywhere you go in a country, people will speak it.

English is widely spoken in international areas in France, such as in Paris, Normandy and the French Riviera, although French people are known for being proud of their language and culture, so some may refuse to speak English if you do not attempt to speak French at all.

If you are travelling to more remote areas in the countryside, English is spoken less, and French is the primary language. Older people in France are also less likely to speak English, so it is important to learn a few helpful phrases for your trip to France.

Hello: Bonjour

Goodbye: Au revoir

Please: S’il vous plaît

Thank you (very much): Merci (beaucoup)

Yes: Oui

No: Non

Do you speak English? Parlez-vous Anglais?

I don’t speak French: Je ne parle pas Français.

How are you? Ça va?

Staying Safe While Travelling in France

Like many other countries, France also has its problems when it comes to staying safe and avoiding crime. However, by following these important safety tips, you can make your experience in France more enjoyable.

Generally, be vigilant when in crowded tourist areas. Scammers, thieves and pickpockets operate in network rings, especially in places like central Paris, Marseille, Montpellier and Nice. Keep your valuables close, and do not wear an excessive amount of flashy jewellery.

You should always keep your valuables close in these areas, and if you are using public transport, only use certified methods of transport. Never use an unlicensed taxi, for example.

Perhaps the most well-known scam in France is outside the Eiffel Tower, where groups of scammers play a “shell” game, where visitors are encouraged to bet on which shell (or cup) a ball is underneath. The player can't win due to a number of tricks, so it is a simple way for scammers to take cash off tourists. Be aware of this and stand your ground if you are being forced or coerced into participating.

Like many countries, there are also areas in France which are best avoided if possible. For example, due to high crime rates (especially at night), the 18th and 19th arrondissements in Paris should be avoided. Similarly, the northern districts of Marseille should also be avoided, especially at night, due to the amount of crime and drug-related problems in these areas.

How Much Does a Trip Cost?

Depending on your style of travel and how you want to experience France, as well as where you are planning on visiting and the time of year, can alter how much your daily budget will be. However, we have put together an average daily budget guide depending on what type of holiday you would like to experience in France.

Budget: As a general rule, if you’re planning on a budget trip to France, you should expect to spend anywhere from €40 to €65 per day. Naturally, this depends on a multitude of factors, as stated above, but this should be enough to cover amenities such as accommodation (which will likely be hostels, budget hotels or house-shares), food (likely from supermarkets) and low-cost activities, such as going to the beach or exploring a budget-friendly museum. Furthermore, you will likely need to be using public transport to get around, rather than private vehicles like a hire car or a taxi..

Mid-Range: The price jump from budget to mid-range travel may surprise you. You should expect to spend anywhere from €150 to €200 per day on a mid-range trip in France. This will cover the fact that you will be dining out more, staying in an Airbnb or mid-range hotels for the duration of your trip, as well as the luxury of being able to afford a taxi or a private hire car for travel.

Luxury: Luxury travel is the most expensive option. You will likely be spending anywhere upwards of €400 per day. This will cover top-end hotels – either in city centres or on the beachfront – dining at luxury restaurants, a private hire car or a chauffeur, and partaking in various expensive tours and activities. This is a real privilege and worth every penny.

Best Cities to Visit in France

While there are many beautiful and charming cities in France, these are four of the best.

City 1: Paris

What to Do: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Palace of Versailles, Notre-Dame Cathedral

Where to Stay: Central Paris is the most convenient location, although hotel prices are usually more expensive here. Staying in one of the capital’s suburbs can reduce the cost dramatically. Hotels such as Solar Hotel and D’Win Hotel are excellent budget-friendly options, while the Shangri-La is an ultra-luxury option.

Average Cost: You will spend around €100 to €200 per day in Paris, but significantly more if you opt to stay in a five-star hotel, which will, on average, set you back anywhere from €600 per night upwards.

City 2: Nice

What to Do: Old Town, Castle Hill, Promenade des Anglais, visit the beach

Where to Stay: The Old Town and the area around Place Masséna are two of the most convenient areas to stay in Nice for exploring. Beachfront stays are great if you don’t mind paying premium prices, while Cimiez, known for its museums and villas, is a quieter and more budget-friendly area of the city to stay in.

Average Cost: A budget-friendly traveller can visit Nice with just €50 per day, but for luxury travellers, expect to spend over €300 per night just on accommodation. Nice is generally affordable for food, even at high-end restaurants, where a meal for two will be unlikely to cost anymore than €85.

City 3: Marseille

What to Do: Le Panier, Palais Longchamp, Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, beach front walks

Where to Stay: The Old Port area offers both high-end and budget-friendly options, making it the best place to stay in the city. Le Panier is also a good option if you like vibrant nightlife.

Average Cost: Accommodation for mid-range stays should be around €80 per night, while activities and meals out will cost around €40 per couple.

City 4: Bordeaux

What to Do: Place de la Bourse, Miroir d’Eau, Cité du Vin, Old Town

Where to Stay: The Saint-Pierre district is the best and most convenient place to stay, offering a range of accommodation types suitable for all budgets. For those wanting to experience Bordeaux luxury, we recommend staying in the Golden Triangle area of the city.

Average Cost: Around €120 per night will cover most mid-range hotel stays, while food is around €20 for a two-course meal at most restaurants. Wine tours can set you back around €30 per person.

The Big Experiences You Don’t Want To Miss

France is the most-visited country in the world, and for good reasons: there is so much to see and do. And while Paris is home to so many – the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, The Louvre, and so many more – other French cities and towns have unmissable sites, too.

In the north of France, sites like the Normandy beaches, which were the sites of the D-Day landings in the Second World War, are well worth visiting, as is Mont Saint-Michel and Bayeux, home of the famous tapestry which depicts the Battle of Hastings of 1066.

Western France also has some beautiful unmissable places, such as Brittany’s beautiful coastline and the Loire Valley, one of the best wine-producing regions in the world.

Alongside the stunning French Riviera in the south of the country, places such as Monaco, Saint-Tropez, Montpellier and the Pyrenees mountain range are all excellent places to see.

Finally, the east of France has a wonderful blended culture with its bordering countries, particularly Strasbourg with Germany.

Hidden Corners of France

Being such a visited country, you might think it is impossible to find any hidden gems in France, but there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a peaceful getaway, far from overcrowded tourist hotspots.

Saint-Paul de Vence in Provence is one such example – a stunning hilltop town overlooking Provence, while there are also plenty of nearby hidden gems along the French Riviera, including the Lérins Islands, just off the coast of Cannes.

The chalky-white cliffs of Étretat in Normandy are also less well-known and are perfect for exploring without the crowds. Finally, Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne region of the country is a beautifully preserved medieval town, which feels like you’re stepping back into history.

How To Avoid Tourist Scams and Traps in France

Keep your wits about you at all times and do not feel pressured into buying a photograph or caricature that someone has drawn of you. In addition, avoid overcrowded areas where scammers operate, such as with the “shell” game mentioned above.

Many city centre restaurants are also purposefully overpriced and offer “authentic” French food for premium prices. Instead, you should visit restaurants a few streets back from the city centre for a truer experience. Visit the bars where the locals drink and eat where they eat for a proper travel experience.

Handy Tips and How to Plan Your Trip

Unsurprisingly, French culture has a strong emphasis on politeness. You should always greet people in French and address them as Monsieur or Madame. Expect to shake hands or receive a kiss on both cheeks when greeting people, too.

Tipping is generally not expected in France, as a service charge is almost always included in the final bill price. However, waiting staff will not be offended if you do choose to leave a tip.

Public transport is generally efficient in France and affordable. Trains connect all of the major cities and towns in the country, and it is usually best if you book in advance.

There are no formal dress codes in France, but you should always be mindful and respectful, especially around places of religious or historical significance.

Finally, the amount of time that you wish to visit France for depends on what you would like to do while you’re there – anything from three to five days in a city like Paris is enough, but if you’re willing to explore areas like the French Riviera more thoroughly, one to two weeks is recommended.