Travel to France Guide

Before my first trip to France, I spent weeks overthinking everything — from how many days to stay to whether I should learn a few French phrases. Looking back, I realized that planning for France doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to be realistic.

When to Go

France changes completely with the seasons. Spring (April to June) was my favorite — flowers everywhere, long daylight hours, and fewer crowds. Summer brings energy and festivals, but it’s also when the prices jump and tourist spots get packed. Autumn feels calm and beautiful, especially in the countryside. Winter, though cold, is perfect if you want to see Christmas markets or ski in the Alps.

If it’s your first time, I’d say go in late spring or early autumn — you get the balance of good weather, fair prices, and a local vibe.

How Long to Stay

France isn’t a place you can “see” in a few days. Paris alone can take a week if you want to go beyond the landmarks. I stayed for almost three weeks and still missed places. If you’re short on time, focus on one or two regions — maybe Paris and Provence, or Paris and the Riviera. Rushing between cities just burns you out and makes everything blur together.

Budgeting Honestly

France can be both affordable and expensive — it depends on how you travel. In Paris, eating out every day can drain your wallet fast, but grabbing food from bakeries or local markets keeps it manageable. Trains can be pricey if you book late, so I learned to plan routes a few weeks ahead. I’d say a traveler on a mid-range budget can live comfortably on 80–120 euros a day.

What to Pack

Pack light. You’ll walk more than you think, and dragging heavy luggage through cobblestone streets is not fun. Bring comfortable shoes, a light jacket even in summer (French weather loves surprises), and a reusable bottle — tap water is drinkable almost everywhere.

Common Mistakes I Made

• Trying to visit too many cities in one trip.
• Ignoring train schedules — some rural routes run only a few times a day.
• Expecting everyone to speak English (learn a few polite French words; it goes a long way).
• Not booking tickets early for popular attractions — the Louvre line can eat half your day.

Planning your trip to France is part of the adventure itself. Don’t stress too much about perfect itineraries — France rewards curiosity. Leave some days open; the best memories usually come from the unplanned ones.

France is one of those countries that’s easy to reach but can feel a bit tricky to move around in at first. Once you figure out the basics, it all starts to make sense.

Arriving in France

Most international flights land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris. It’s big, busy, and slightly confusing if it’s your first time. I took the RER B train from the airport to the city — it’s fast and affordable, though it gets crowded during peak hours. If you’re arriving late or tired, book a taxi or shuttle beforehand. It costs more, but it’s worth the peace of mind.

Other airports like Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and Toulouse are great if you’re coming from another European country. Budget airlines fly there often, so it’s easy to plan a cheaper regional trip.

Getting Around the Country

The train network in France is one of the best in Europe. The high-speed TGV trains connect major cities in just a few hours. I learned to book tickets early — prices rise fast if you wait until the last minute. You can use the official SNCF Connect app for schedules and tickets.

For smaller towns, regional TER trains are slower but scenic. I often took them just for the views. Buses are another good option if you’re on a tight budget — FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus cover most routes.

Inside the Cities

Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille have excellent public transport. The metro in Paris goes almost everywhere, but it’s crowded and moves fast — know your stop before you get on. I bought a multi-day pass, which made things easier.

In smaller towns, walking is the best way to explore. Many places are compact and charming. Renting a bike is also common — cities like Bordeaux and Strasbourg are very bike-friendly.

Renting a Car

I rented a car once in Provence, and it completely changed the trip. Driving gives you freedom to stop at small villages, vineyards, and viewpoints that buses don’t reach. Just remember that fuel and tolls can be expensive, and parking in big cities is a headache. If you only plan to visit cities, skip the car.

Final Tip

Get used to the idea that trains might be late and ticket machines might switch to French without warning. It’s all part of the experience. Once you relax into it, getting around France becomes surprisingly easy — and a bit of an adventure on its own.

France is full of incredible places, big and small. Over my trips, I found these ten spots to be unforgettable — each one offering something different, from history to food to just plain charm.

1. Paris – The City of Lights

Of course, Paris tops the list. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, I loved wandering narrow streets in Le Marais, sipping coffee at small cafés, and watching life go by along the Seine. Don’t rush it — some of the best moments happen while you’re just walking.

2. Mont Saint-Michel – Magical Island

This medieval island in Normandy looks straight out of a fairy tale. I visited during low tide and walked across the sand — the view of the abbey rising from the water is unforgettable.

3. Versailles – Royal Grandeur

The Palace of Versailles is more than a palace; it’s a glimpse into France’s past. I spent hours wandering the gardens, and it’s surprisingly peaceful if you avoid the main tour times.

4. Lyon – Food Lover’s Paradise

If you love food, Lyon is a must. I tried local dishes like quenelles and bouchons, and every meal felt like a celebration. The old town, Vieux Lyon, has streets that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

5. Nice & The French Riviera – Sun and Sea

Nice, Cannes, and surrounding towns are perfect for a mix of beach and culture. I walked along the Promenade des Anglais, explored tiny villages like Èze, and enjoyed sunsets that felt too beautiful to be real.

6. Bordeaux – Wine and Charm

Bordeaux isn’t just about wine, though tasting in the vineyards was a highlight. The city itself has elegant architecture, lively markets, and a calm vibe that makes it perfect for strolling.

7. Provence – Lavender and Slow Life

Visiting Provence felt like stepping into a postcard. Lavender fields, small cafés, and quiet villages made me slow down. I rented a bike one morning and pedaled through endless rows of lavender — a simple joy I’ll never forget.

8. Strasbourg – French-German Blend

Strasbourg’s old town, with its half-timbered houses and canals, is unique. I loved sitting by the water, sipping a local beer, and just watching life move slowly.

9. French Alps – Adventure and Views

Even if you’re not skiing, the Alps are breathtaking. I took a cable car near Chamonix and couldn’t stop staring at the mountains. Hiking here is amazing if you have a few days to spare.

10. Loire Valley – Castles Everywhere

The Loire Valley is packed with stunning castles. I rented a car for a day and hopped from Château de Chambord to Château de Chenonceau, and each one felt different yet magical in its own way.

Breakfast in France

• I still remember my first croissant in Paris — warm, flaky, and perfect with coffee from a tiny bakery.
• Breakfast here is simple but feels special. Locals often grab pastries on the way to work, and I loved sitting and watching them.

Regional Dishes

• Lyon: Tried local sausages and Lyonnaise salad — every bite felt like a story.
• Provence: Small market ratatouille eaten under a lavender tree — unforgettable.
• Bordeaux: Duck confit and fresh bread at a quiet café — paired with a local wine.

Markets and Street Food

• Walking through markets was a favorite pastime — cheeses, olives, fresh fruit, and pastries everywhere.
• Sometimes I just grabbed a baguette, some cheese, and fruit and had a picnic by a river or park. Simple, but amazing.

Wine Experiences

• Wine isn’t just a drink — it’s part of the culture.
• I visited small vineyards in Bordeaux and Champagne, tasting wine straight from the barrel. The winemakers often shared stories that made it feel personal.
• Small wineries often gave better experiences than big touristy ones.

Dining Culture

• Meals in France are slow. People linger, chat, and enjoy.
• I learned to stop rushing — sitting for hours over lunch or dinner became one of the best parts of traveling.
• Even in casual cafés, you can feel that the food is meant to be savored, not just eaten.

Favorite Food Memories

• Late-night crêpes in Paris.
• Wine tasting in a quiet vineyard.
• Picnic in the lavender fields of Provence.
• Every meal became a memory, not just food — that’s the real France.

France isn’t just Paris, the Riviera, or the Loire Valley. Some of my favorite moments came from random places most tourists skip.

Small Towns I Loved

• Colmar (Alsace): This town felt like a storybook. Colorful houses, canals, and quiet streets — I could have wandered forever.
• Annecy (Haute-Savoie): They call it the “Venice of the Alps.” I rented a bike and just rode along the lake. So peaceful.
• Rocamadour (Occitanie): Tiny village on a cliff. I found it while exploring rural roads and stayed just to watch the sunset over the valley.

Cafés and Bakeries

• One bakery in a quiet street in Paris gave me the best croissant ever. No guidebook mentioned it. I ended up going back the next day.
• In Lyon, a café hidden behind an alley had the creamiest quiche. I didn’t plan it, just stumbled upon it — that’s what made it memorable.

Nature Spots

• Gorges du Verdon: Kayaking in turquoise water surrounded by cliffs. Hardly anyone there. I felt like I had the whole place to myself.
• Camargue: Wild horses, flamingos, quiet mornings. I sat on the edge of a marsh and just watched — unforgettable.

Local Experiences

• Visiting a vineyard outside Bordeaux. The owner poured wine and told stories about the village. It felt like I was part of it for a while.
• Tiny markets in Provence with locals selling honey, lavender, and pastries. I bought a few things and had a picnic under a tree.

How I Find Hidden Gems

• Take small trains or buses to villages outside main cities.
• Ask locals where they eat or hang out — usually better than guidebooks.
• Don’t over-plan. Some of the best spots are found when you wander without a map.