France Travel Guide

Helpful Articles, Tips & Videos

Intro to France

Lively cities, historical landmarks and beautiful countryside can all be found in the charming country of France.

From the iconic fashion scene in Paris to enticing French cuisine to the stunning vineyards in the Bordeaux region or the Loire Valley, France has a lot to offer travelers. France is home to a varied landscape, from vibrant towns like Lyon to the magnificent Mont Blanc in the French Alps. You can enjoy a relaxing day on the Mediterranean at one of the many beaches along the French Riviera. Some of the most popular tourist destinations and vacation spots in France for the French/Parisians are Nice, Côte d’Azur, Marseille and Cannes, which borders the country of Monaco.

These are just a few reasons that France has become one of the most-visited countries in the world. Paris (also known as the City of Light) is home to iconic landmarks such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Notre Dame and Normandy. In the South of France in Provence are a plethora of wineries and spectacular scenery.

Indulge in any delight that suits you, whether it be a rich French Bordeaux or burgundy wine or sipping champagne in the countless charming bistros along the Seine. A unique mix of old towns and contemporary cultures flows throughout France. While Paris is the most popular destination in France, while Southern France offers hidden gems including the Rhône wine region and Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, Normandy. So check out our France Travel Guide and many articles on France below so you don’t miss all that France and the big city of Paris have to offer.

Plan Your Trip

Where is France?

France is located in Western Europe, bordered by the English Channel and Bay of Biscay, with Belgium and Germany to the north, Switzerland, and Italy to the east and Spain to the south.

Getting Around France

The most convenient means of transportation is France’s public transport systems. Charles de Gaulle’s airport is the closest to Paris, and taxis are the fastest way to get to the city. There are buses, underground subway trains and trams available for a small fee. While public transportation in France is the recommended way of travel, taxis and Uber are available in a big city like Paris and are a convenient way to get around the city.

Language

French is the official language of France; however, 25 different languages are spoken throughout all of France.

Currency

France uses the euro (EUR) as its only currency. Get some euros before you leave for France, but only for your initial expenses. The best place to get euros in France is through ATM machines.

When is the Best Time to Visit France?

The best time to visit France is in the springtime, April-June, and the fall, September-November. During these times you will get fair weather and moderate-to-light crowds.

What to Pack When Visiting France?

Weather varies throughout France. However, France typically has mild winters where snow is rare, and warm summers with an average temperature between 60 and 75 degrees. If you visit during the spring or fall, jeans, a T-shirt, a light jacket (just in case) and tennis shoes for walking should be appropriate. Summers on the Mediterranean coast and Southern France can get quite warm, so shorts, T-shirts and sundresses will do just fine.