How to Plan a Trip to France: Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit France is in the late spring month of May and early summer month of June, or as fall begins in September and October. These months represent the shoulder season and offer great weather and fewer crowds.

Enjoy the warmth of the French Riviera in July, but remember, this is the region’s peak season in terms of pricing and crowds. For a quieter, more intimate experience, consider visiting France in January and February, which is also the best time to partake in snow sports.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit France

The country’s romantic ambiance, outstanding cuisine, and rich history are the reasons France is famous. Breathtaking landscapes merge with walled cities and one of the finest and most lucrative wine regions in the world.

Castles, cathedrals, and myriad monuments make traveling across the country a journey of discovery, with coastal charm along the French Riviera or the drama of Normandy’s northern coastline adding perfect layers to your vacation.

Learn more: Best Museums in France

Find our list of the best places to visit in France:

• Paris
• Normandy
• Loire Valley
• Bordeaux
• Burgundy
• Provence
• Aix-en-Provence
• French Riviera
• Lyon
• Avignon
• Alsace

When we think of France, we think of Paris first and foremost. Outside of the famous city, roads lead to historical citadels, breathtaking valleys, vineyards, and the coastline. Discover the country roads, coastal trails, or charming villages with more information in our best places to visit in France.

France is a country of rich history, famous cuisine, and celebrated culture. Below is a list of highlights to consider as a guideline:

• Discover the famous monuments of Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and Sacré Coeur
• Witness the marvels of history and works of master artists in the Louvre Museum and Musee d’Orsay
• Wander the grounds of the remarkable Palace of Versailles
• Experience the authentic flavors of Paris and greater France with a culinary tour
• Trace the life of the famous French general, Joan of Arc, inside the city of Orleans
• Immerse yourself in the culture of the Loire Valley by wandering through the opulent chateaux
• Visit the stunning Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel to view the mythical Gothic spires
• Enjoy local varietals when visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux
• Witness the fascinating Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy
• Soak up the sun on one of the French Riviera’s many beaches

Our top things to do in France lists what we believe to be the best things to do and can inspire more ideas for when you are ready to discover the country.

Here are several popular dishes to try on your trip to France:

• Crepe, a thin pancake that can be savory or sweet
• Croque Madame or Croque Monsieur, comprised of ham, gruyere cheese, and bechamel sauce
• Cheese, the list of exquisite French cheeses is endless
• Macarons, a popular almond cookie with flavored filling
• Bouillabaisse, a fish stew that often includes clams and lobster
• Cassoulet, a meaty stew often made with white beans
• Coq au vin, a traditional dish of chicken cooked in red wine

Learn more: Food & Wine Tours in France

Train travel is very popular in France, connecting Paris to destinations near and far, with several departure times daily. Transferring by private car or coach is the most popular way of visiting cities and towns, and traveling from coastal sites to country hideaways.

Flying from one major hub to another is an option if you are looking to reduce travel time. It is often combined with bus, train, or car transport on the other side. For the adventure traveler, cycling between vineyards or small villages in rural France is an adventurous alternative.

Learn more: How to Get Around France

With good connections by rail, boat, and air, extending your visit to nearby European countries or Great Britain is possible for a larger adventure. Popular countries often paired with France include:

• England
• Italy
• Spain
• Greece
• Switzerland
• Germany

Learn more: France & Italy Tours • France, Italy & Greece Tours • London & Paris Vacation Packages

With fascinating historical sites in Paris to country adventures in central regions, France is a good destination for family travel.

Visit castles, caves, cathedrals, and catacombs in Paris, and walk the cobbled streets of St. Mont Michel. Enjoy a kids’ cooking class and indulge in a picnic in the grounds of Versailles.

Adventure awaits kids of all ages all over France, with fun-filled days in parks and forests, or time spent learning about the French Revolution.

Uncover unique history, explore lively natural playgrounds along the coastline, or embark on a family-friendly tour through storybook scenery when you view our top things to do in France with family to find new ways to enjoy your kid-friendly trip.

From laidback cafes in Paris and slow river cruises along the Seine to secret getaways in Burgundy and downtime in Nice, France is a great destination for seniors.

Booking visits to popular museums and monuments ahead of time and taking tours of cathedrals and churches early in the day are good ideas for seniors to consider when planning a visit to France.

Avoiding crowds and long days, and traveling to major cities and bustling towns with clear plans in place will make your France tours for seniors that much more pleasant.

It can be confidently stated that France is the ultimate romantic destination, with the Eiffel Tower at night standing out as a shining example of this.

Glistening lights along the Champs Elysee and gliding along the Seine while enjoying a candlelit dinner seem to jump right out of a romance novel. Tracing the steps of artists and poets in the capital city, and taking to trails in the valleys and vineyards, add to France’s romantic ambiance.

Couples can go back in time as they explore old cities and haunting battlefields, while admiring the beauty that surrounds such poignant posts. Relax on the French Riviera or combine a city and beach experience in places such as Nice and Marseille.

Embrace the spirit of l’amour as you find inspiration on where to visit in our France honeymoon packages or by exploring new possibilities in our France tours for couples.

Learn more: Most Romantic Places in France for Couples • Our Best Romantic Trips to France

France is safe for travelers. Remaining vigilant and keeping an eye on your belongings is always recommended. However, visitors can feel comfortable and safe in sidewalk cafes and at key sites exploring alone or with a guide. Hotel staff are always happy to assist with any questions you may have, whether it be finding restaurants or hailing a taxi.

The voltage in France is 230v and the plug type used is Type E. This comprises two rounded prongs that fit into rounded wall sockets. Your electronics such as laptops, camera chargers, and cellphones will work without the need for a voltage converter as they operate from 110v to 240v. Do leave your hair dryer and straightening iron at home though.

French is the most commonly spoken language in France.

Many citizens across the country are also quite fluent in English. While most restaurants will offer you a menu in French, there are a few that have an English version, especially in popular cities like Paris.

Depending on where you travel, you are unlikely to encounter a language barrier, but your guide can help with any challenges that may arise when visiting smaller towns or villages where English may not be commonly spoken.

While no specific vaccines are required to visit France, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and rabies.

Visit CDC France vaccination information to find the answers you may need regarding health protocol and other important information for traveling to France. Before receiving any vaccinations, you should consult a travel nurse or your physician for the best medical advice.

The official currency of France is the euro (€).

ATMs and Bureau de Change establishments are located throughout major cities and towns. Major credit cards are accepted in retail stores, restaurants, and at main museums, as well as other key sites around the country.

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected.

By law, restaurants and cafes have to include a “service compris”, which means a service fee has been included in your bill, allowing these establishments to pay their workers a fair wage. Handing a couple of euros to bellboys and taxi drivers is acceptable as a gesture for their service.

Our France tours and vacations is a collection of curated trips where you can get a better idea of what your itinerary may look like.

You can select a sample trip that aligns with your ideal vacation, be it a family tour, couple’s getaway, heritage trip, or more. These sample trips are often a stepping stone from which our travelers create unique itineraries.

When you are ready, you can complete a trip request to begin planning your vacation. We ask for more information on where you would like to go, how long you would like to spend in France, the size of your party, and the ages of your travelers to help streamline the planning process.

You can also provide additional ideas or preferences, as well as set a travel budget, after which our Travel Care team will contact you to match you with a top France travel specialist. Our specialists will use their expertise and understanding of your preferences to curate your dream vacation.

Learn more: How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps • How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

France is an icon of culture, luxury, beauty, and glamour. From Paris’s chic reputation to the south’s sophisticated beaches, the ancient history of Normandy to the German influence of Alsace, France is a destination unlike anywhere else in the world.

Whether interested in wine tasting or visiting museums, you can uncover inspiration for your next trip with featured itineraries from our France tours and vacations. Our France travel guide has more helpful information and tips you can use before or during your planning process.