Food
Architecture
Scenic
Europe
France
Current status
Safe to travel
Safety
Very safe
France is generally safe for travelers, but petty theft, transport strikes, demonstrations, scams, and summer wildfire risk are worth planning around. Check current advice from FCDO.
- Watch bags and phones around major sights, stations, metros, markets, and busy nightlife areas.
- Avoid demonstrations and follow police instructions if crowds or disruptions form.
- Check local alerts for heat, wildfires, flooding, strikes, and mountain weather.
Emergency
112
Entry Information
France is in the Schengen Area. Many travelers can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; others need a Schengen visa. Check the official France-Visas portal.
- Non-EU passports usually need 3 months validity after leaving Schengen and must be under 10 years old.
- Border officials may ask for accommodation, return travel, insurance, or proof of funds.
- ETIAS is expected in late 2026; no action is needed until the EU confirms launch.
Vaccination
No recommendations
Regional Weather
Cold
Rain
Off Season
Cold
Rain
Off Season
Mild
Rain
Shoulder
Mild
Rain
Peak Season
Mild
Dry
Peak Season
Mild
Dry
Peak Season
Hot
Dry
Peak Season
Hot
Dry
Peak Season
Mild
Dry
Shoulder
Mild
Rain
Shoulder
Cold
Rain
Off Season
Cold
Rain
Shoulder
Prices
Level 3
Mid-range
$$$$
$$$$
Must Know
France can feel mid-range or expensive depending on region and season. Paris, the Riviera, ski resorts, and summer coastal stays raise costs fastest.
- Smaller cities, bakeries, set lunch menus, markets, and regional trains can keep daily spending reasonable.
- Book popular museums, long-distance trains, and peak-season hotels early.
Travel Hack
Use bakery breakfasts, fixed-price lunch menus, supermarket picnics, and advance train fares to avoid the steepest tourist-area prices.
Tipping Guide
Restaurants
10%
Cafes
No tips
Taxis
No tips
Hotels
No tips
Must Know
Tipping is optional in France. Service is included in restaurant prices, so rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for very good service is enough.
- Cafes and taxis usually only need small change or a rounded-up total.
- Hotel tips are appreciated for helpful service but not expected as a percentage.
Pro Tip
Card payments are common, but small cash tips are easier in cafes, markets, taxis, and rural places.
Currency
Euro
EUR
US Dollar Rate
$1 = €0.9
Select currency...
Pro Tip
Cards are widely accepted, but euro cash is useful for markets, bakeries, small cafes, rural stops, tolls, and tips.
- Use bank ATMs and avoid high-fee standalone machines in tourist zones.
- If a card terminal offers conversion, pay in euros, not your home currency.
- For euro reference rates, use the European Central Bank.
Traditional Food
Croissant
Flaky butter pastry often eaten for breakfast
Baguette
Long crusty bread with a soft center
Coq au Vin
Chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and onions
Ratatouille
Provençal vegetables stewed with herbs
Crêpe
Thin pancake served sweet or savory
French Onion Soup
Onion soup topped with bread and cheese
Quiche Lorraine
Savory tart with egg, cream, and bacon
Macarons
Colorful almond cookies with creamy filling
Escargots
Snails baked with garlic and parsley butter
Tarte Tatin
Upside-down caramelized apple tart
Power
France uses 230V electricity at 50Hz.
Type C
Type E
Transport
Direction
Right side
France is easy to travel by rail between major cities, with metros, trams, buses, ferries, domestic flights, taxis, and rentals covering the gaps.
- Use SNCF Connect for national rail, TGV, and many regional train bookings.
- Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and other cities have useful metro, tram, or bus networks.
- Buses and rental cars help with villages, vineyards, rural Provence, Normandy, and mountain areas.
- Expect toll motorways, tight old-town streets, parking limits, and winter equipment rules in alpine areas.
Language
French is the main language, while English is useful in Paris and major tourist areas but less reliable in small towns and rural places.
English language level
Moderate
Official
Common
Useful words and phrases
Bonjour
Hello
Merci
Thank you
S’il vous plaît
Please
Combien ça coûte?
How much does it cost?
Où sont les toilettes?
Where is the bathroom?
L’addition, s’il vous plaît
The bill, please
Parlez-vous anglais?
Do you speak English?
J’ai besoin d’aide
I need help
