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France

From Parisian art to Provence lavender and Alpine chalets. Wine regions, châteaux, Riviera beaches, and cuisine that defines fine dining. As part of Western Europe in Europe, France suits travelers drawn to big cities, beachside, wine & food, historic, mountains, and art & culture. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

France

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct

Paris

Paris pairs well with nearby highlights on a Western Europe route through France.

Provence

Provence pairs well with nearby highlights on a Western Europe route through France.

French Riviera

French Riviera pairs well with nearby highlights on a Western Europe route through France.

Loire Valley

Loire Valley is a favorite stop for travelers exploring France, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Normandy

Normandy pairs well with nearby highlights on a Western Europe route through France.

What it is known for
facts
  • Eiffel Tower and Louvre masterpieces in Paris
  • Lavender fields and hill villages of Provence
  • Champagne cellars in Reims and Épernay
  • Loire Valley Renaissance châteaux
  • Baguettes, cheese, wine, and Michelin-starred cuisine
key City
name
Paris
label
Most popular city
why
Art, fashion, and café culture converge along the Seine, with TGV trains radiating to every region within hours.
Places to visit
  • area
    Paris
    attractions
    • name
      Eiffel Tower
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book summit or second floor 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Louvre Museum
      duration
      3-4 hours
      book Ahead
      Reserve timed entry 2-3 weeks ahead; closed Tuesdays.
    • name
      Notre-Dame Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Montmartre
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Provence
    attractions
    • name
      Palais des Papes (Avignon)
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Pont du Gard
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Lavender Fields of Valensole
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Les Baux-de-Provence
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    French Riviera
    attractions
    • name
      Promenade des Anglais (Nice)
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Monaco Monte Carlo Casino
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Cannes La Croisette
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Èze Village
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Loire Valley
    attractions
    • name
      Château de Chambord
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Château de Chenonceau
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Château de Villandry
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Château d'Amboise
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Normandy
    attractions
    • name
      Mont-Saint-Michel
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Omaha Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Rouen Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Buy day tickets on-site or online 3-7 days ahead on busy weekends.
Itineraries
  • title
    France Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Paris
    • Provence
    • French Riviera
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Paris
    • Full day discovering Provence
    • Full day discovering French Riviera
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Paris
      description
      Land in Paris, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your France trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Provence
      description
      Dedicate the day to Provence: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      French Riviera and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in French Riviera visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic France
    duration
    10 days
    locations
    • Paris
    • Provence
    • French Riviera
    • Loire Valley
    • Normandy
    highlights
    • Cover Paris and Provence
    • Explore French Riviera
    • Explore Loire Valley
    • Explore Normandy
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Paris
      description
      Land in Paris, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your France trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Provence
      description
      Dedicate the day to Provence: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore French Riviera
      description
      Dedicate the day to French Riviera: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Explore Loire Valley
      description
      Dedicate the day to Loire Valley: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      5
      title
      Normandy and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Normandy visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    France Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • French Riviera
    • Normandy
    highlights
    • Coastal day in French Riviera
    • Coastal day in Normandy
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in French Riviera
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in French Riviera.
    • day
      2
      title
      Normandy and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Normandy, visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Rouen Cathedral before you depart France.
  • title
    France Countryside
    duration
    9 days
    locations
    • Paris
    • Provence
    • French Riviera
    • Loire Valley
    • Normandy
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Paris
    • Rural stop: Provence
    • Rural stop: French Riviera
    • Rural stop: Loire Valley
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Paris
      description
      Reach Paris, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Provence countryside
      description
      Explore Provence at an easy pace: Palais des Papes (Avignon), Pont du Gard, Lavender Fields of Valensole with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      French Riviera countryside
      description
      Explore French Riviera at an easy pace: Promenade des Anglais (Nice), Monaco Monte Carlo Casino, Cannes La Croisette with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Loire Valley countryside
      description
      Explore Loire Valley at an easy pace: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Château de Villandry with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      5
      title
      Normandy and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Normandy, stopping at Mont-Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Rouen Cathedral before heading home.
  • title
    France Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    9 days
    locations
    • Paris
    • Normandy
    • Provence
    • French Riviera
    • Loire Valley
    highlights
    • Must-see: Eiffel Tower
    • Must-see: Louvre Museum
    • Must-see: Mont-Saint-Michel
    • Must-see: Omaha Beach
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Paris
      description
      Start in Paris with Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Normandy monuments
      description
      Focus on Normandy's tourist favorites: Mont-Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, Rouen Cathedral with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Provence monuments
      description
      Focus on Provence's tourist favorites: Palais des Papes (Avignon), Pont du Gard, Lavender Fields of Valensole with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      French Riviera monuments
      description
      Focus on French Riviera's tourist favorites: Promenade des Anglais (Nice), Monaco Monte Carlo Casino, Cannes La Croisette with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      5
      title
      Loire Valley landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Loire Valley, including Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Château de Villandry, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
April through June and September through October are perfect for Paris museums, Provence lavender (June-July), Loire chateaux, and Alpine hiking before snow. Wine regions buzz during harvest in September, and coastal Normandy and Brittany see fewer storms than winter.
typical Weather
Paris Apr-Jun/Sep-Oct: highs 16-24°C (61-75°F), lows 8-14°C (46-57°F), 50-60 mm rain. Nice: highs 20-26°C (68-79°F), sea 18-22°C (64-72°F). Chamonix valley: 10-20°C cooler. Bordeaux: mild, 60-80 mm rain.
details
  • Jul-Aug is peak on the Riviera and in Paris; August Parisians flee to coast.
  • Shoulder May and late Sep offer Louvre access without summer queues.
  • Dec-Jan Christmas markets in Alsace; ski season Dec-Apr in Alps.
  • Atlantic coast wetter year-round; pack layers for Brittany and Normandy.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Off-season outside ski and Christmas market peaks delivers France's best hotel value when Paris and Provence discount and Riviera properties cut rates sharply. January and February offer lowest Paris room rates.
details
  • Paris hotels discount 30-40% in Jan-Feb after New Year.
  • Provence gites and chambres d'hotes cut winter rates.
  • Riviera hotels off-season promotions Nov-Mar.
  • Eurostar and TGV fares often lower in winter midweek.
most Expensive
period
Jul – Aug
summary
Mediterranean summer and Paris peak drive France's highest prices when Riviera beaches fill, Paris stays crowded despite local exodus, and Alpine hiking towns sell out.
details
  • Cote d'Azur hotels premium in Aug with minimum stays.
  • Paris hotels still expensive in Aug despite local departures.
  • Provence lavender season (Jul) spikes regional hotel demand.
  • Mont-Saint-Michel and Loire chateau tours cost more in summer peak.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly receive most international visitors, with Nice serving the Riviera.
airports
  • name
    Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
    code
    CDG
    location
    Roissy, serving Paris
    distance From Center
    26 km (16 mi) northeast of central Paris
    transfer Note
    RER B train reaches Châtelet in about 35 minutes
  • name
    Paris-Orly Airport
    code
    ORY
    location
    Orly, serving Paris
    distance From Center
    14 km (9 mi) south of central Paris
    transfer Note
    Orlyval and RER B connect to central Paris
  • name
    Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
    code
    NCE
    location
    Nice
    distance From Center
    7 km (4 mi) southwest of central Nice
    transfer Note
    Tram line 2 and buses reach the Promenade
Getting around
overview
French travel centers on SNCF trains, metro systems in Paris and Lyon, and regional buses; Uber and Bolt operate widely.
trains
  • name
    SNCF
    description
    National rail including TGV high-speed services.
    ticketing
    Book at sncf-connect.com or station counters.
ferries
  • name
    Brittany Ferries
    description
    Ferries link northern France with UK and Spain ports.
    ticketing
    Book online with sailing date and cabin choice.
subways
  • name
    RATP Paris Metro
    description
    Dense metro network across Paris arrondissements.
    ticketing
    Use Navigo Easy or contactless at gates.
public Transit
  • name
    RATP Paris Buses
    kind
    public
    description
    City buses and trams complement the metro in Paris.
    ticketing
    Same tickets and passes as the metro.
  • name
    FlixBus France
    kind
    public
    description
    Budget coaches between French cities.
    ticketing
    Book at flixbus.com or partner stations.
ride Share
  • name
    Uber
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Ride-hailing across French cities.
    ticketing
    Book via Uber app.
  • name
    Bolt
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Ride-hailing in Paris and major cities.
    ticketing
    Book via Bolt app.
Rail passes
name
Eurail France Pass
description
U.S. and other non-European residents can use a Eurail One Country Pass for flexible train travel across France, including many regional and intercity routes on participating operators.
ticketing
High-speed and overnight trains often require a seat reservation fee even with a pass; buy and activate before your first train.
Currency
code
EUR
name
euro
symbol
€
note
Euro banknotes and coins are legal tender throughout the euro area.

Convert your travel budget ↗

Visas & official entry links
Local customs
summary
French social life emphasizes greetings, dining pace, and quiet public comportment. Paris is not all of France; regions have distinct pride and languages. Dressing neatly for cities and churches still signals respect.
customs
  • Enter shops with bonjour; skipping it feels rude.
  • Meals are lingered over; asking for the check requires catching the server's eye.
  • La bise cheek kisses vary by region among friends.
dos
  • Say s'il vous plaît and merci in every service interaction.
  • Validate metro and RER tickets in Paris before boarding.
  • Dress neatly for fine dining and cathedral visits.
  • Tip a few euros at cafés for excellent table service; service is included but rounding up is kind.
  • Learn basic French phrases outside major tourist zones.
donts
  • Do not eat while walking in formal neighborhoods.
  • Do not assume everyone speaks English in rural areas.
  • Do not speak loudly on Metro or in residential courtyards.
  • Do not touch produce at markets without asking vendors to bag it.
  • Do not photograph people in protests or police operations without caution.
Useful travel phrases
language
French
phrases
  • english
    Please
    local
    S'il vous plaît
    pronunciation
    seel voo PLEH
  • english
    Thank you
    local
    Merci
    pronunciation
    mehr-SEE
  • english
    Yes
    local
    Oui
    pronunciation
    WEE
  • english
    No
    local
    Non
    pronunciation
    NOHNG
  • english
    How much?
    local
    C'est combien?
    pronunciation
    say kom-BYAHN
  • english
    Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
    local
    Où est le restaurant ou bar le plus proche?
    pronunciation
    oo ay luh res-toh-RAHNG oo bar luh plew PROSH
  • english
    Where is the airport?
    local
    Où est l'aéroport?
    pronunciation
    oo ay la-ay-ro-POR
  • english
    I need help
    local
    J'ai besoin d'aide
    pronunciation
    zhay buh-ZWAHN dayd
  • english
    I need a hospital
    local
    J'ai besoin d'un hôpital
    pronunciation
    zhay buh-ZWAHN dun ee-tah-ree-SEHL
  • english
    Call the police
    local
    Appelez la police
    pronunciation
    ah-PEL lay la po-LEES
Longer stays
visa Summary
U.S. citizens may visit France visa-free under Schengen rules for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Long-stay visas and residence permits cover employment, study, family reunification, and talent passports for qualified professionals. French immigration law changes with EU directives and national reforms, so confirm visa types with France-Visas and prefecture offices.

Practical tips.

  • Validate metro and RER tickets before travel in Paris because barriers do not always remind you and fines are steep.
  • Book Louvre and Versailles timed-entry tickets online weeks ahead for summer and holiday weekends.
  • Keep passport or ID handy because French law requires foreigners to carry identification at all times.
More travel tips ↗

Locate France.

Location map of France

Before you go.

Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for France ↗