We’re with you if you’ve ever dreamt of devouring a handmade crepe while admiring the Eiffel Tower. The city is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, which is why you’ll need these France travel tips before your trip there.
No matter what kind of traveler you are — history buff, foodie, wine lover, outdoorsy — France has something for you. Of course, we love France because it is the world’s cultural capital.
As someone who lived in France, has a French family, and has been to the country countless times, I’ve learned my fair share of France travel tips. As a travel planner specializing in custom French travel itineraries, I help our curious clients understand the country before they travel there.
17 Top France Travel Tips
Before you hop on a plane and head for Paris, Biarritz, or Nice, take a minute to prepare by reading through our list of essential 17 France travel tips:
The French Are Fiercely Proud Of Being French
For the French, national pride comes above all else. The combination of their culture, history, and commitment to democracy (and the battle it fought to win that freedom) makes for an unapologetically proud nation. That can rub some people the wrong way, as some consider it snobby or haughty, but we remind our US friends that the same thing can be said of Americans!
Paris Is Not The Whole Culture
While Paris is one of the great cities in the world, it’s important to note that France shouldn’t be summed up as that one city. Because nearly one-quarter of the country’s population lives in the greater Paris metro area (at over 14 million people, it’s the largest urban area in the E.U.), it would be easy to use the Paris culture as a shortcut to the country.
But that would be like summing up the U.S.A. based on New York City— not inaccurate, but only one piece of the puzzle. For this reason, we encourage our travel clients to take one of the many day trips from Paris to understand France better.
Regionality Plays A Big Part
Along those lines, there is major cultural diversity across the country’s 18 regions (and 101 departments, similar to counties in the U.S.). You’ll find varying weather, history, food, song, dance, and ways of life across the country.
As you travel the country, you’ll see that the life of someone from Brittany or Strasbourg (where it’s more continental European) is vastly different from someone living in the south of France (where things feel more Mediterranean).
The Weather Varies Vastly
Likewise, the weather varies greatly. It may be cold and wet up in Normandy or snowy in the French Alps, warm or hot in Burgundy, or cold and dry down in Provence. This is especially evident in spring and fall, when temperatures in Northern and Southern France might vary by as much as 20°F.
Of course, if your focus is skiing, you’ll want to head to the Alps in the winter. But aside from that, we generally feel the best time to travel there is spring and fall, with April and October being a few of our favorite months.
Learn Some French Phrases
Along with that, a strong commitment to the French language comes with national pride. Proof of that commitment? A law introduced in the mid-1990s (that has since been altered) required radios to have at least 40% of the songs played in the French language.
While more and more people in bigger cities speak English, visitors will do well to learn a few bits of French. At the very least, you should know how to say hello (bonjour), goodbye (au revoir), please (s’il Vous plaît), and thank you (merci). And, if you have specific dietary or medical needs, have handy phrases written down or easily accessible.
But Know That French Accents Vary
If you’re following the conversation in the Loire Valley but can’t seem to understand anyone in L’Occitane, it’s likely due to their accent. Depending on how and where you studied French, you may be more accustomed to one accent than another.
The French Aren’t Rude
Okay, sure, we can’t speak for every French person on the planet, and there are bound to be a few jerks. But, there is a misconception that French people (especially Parisians) are rude. One of our French friends explains that Americans often want French people to act like them, but that’s unfair when they’re the ones visiting France.
Also, it should be said that the French don’t put on a fake air when talking to you; it takes a long time to make true friends in the culture. All of that can add up to come across as cold to Americans, but the French often think we’re over-the-top with our friendliness. Bottom line: it’s all relative.
Err on the quiet side
One major way Americans stand out in France is that we tend to be loud. In France, you’ll notice that people have inside voices and that it may be as quiet as a library when you ride the metro or are in an office building.
Of course, the French aren’t always quiet – go to a Bastille Day celebration, a soccer match, or a live concert to prove they get boisterous.
Master Your Air Kissing
The French are famous for their “bisous” (aka “bises) or kiss greetings. The baseline is two kisses (one on each cheek), but depending on where you are in the country and how well people know each other, it may be four or more!
While women are “bisous” with friends and strangers, men usually only do so with close friends and shake hands with strangers.
Get To Know The Different Shops
One thing that confuses first-time travelers to France is how specific the different kinds of food spots can be. For example, a bistro and a brasserie offer different levels of service.
You can also go to specific shops, such as a boulangerie for bread, a patisserie for pastries, a boucherie for meat, and so on. Regionality also contributes to this, which explains why you might see a baguette everywhere but only a rustic boule or a pain de Campagne in certain spots.
Book A Reservation For Restaurants
While we always recommend booking a reservation for dinner when you travel, that is especially key in France, where it’s the norm. In response to the pandemic, many restaurants will only take people with reservations, and they may even ask for a credit card guarantee for the reservation.
French Food Isn’t All You Should Eat
While we encourage you to drink classics like a café au lait at a café, a Croque Monsieur streetside, and snails at a brasserie, know that there’s so much more to modern French dining than classic French food. Thanks to the immigrant patterns and the diversity of the bigger cities, you’ll find everything from Turkish to African, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Vietnamese at restaurants and sold by street vendors in the larger metro areas.Tipping Isn’t Mandatory
Here in the United States, we’re major tippers, but that’s generally not the case across Europe, including France. For good service, you’ll often leave 10% to 15% at most restaurants, whereas you’ll leave a few coins and call it a day for something smaller, like a coffee or sandwich. Many restaurants include service, so check for it so you don’t double tip.Plan To Use Public Transportation
Perhaps one of the best travel tips to know when planning a trip to France is that the country has excellent public transport services. Between the underground railway systems (or metros) in Rennes, Marseille, Lille, and Paris, bus services in all major cities and towns (generally the cheapest option), and long-distance coach services between major cities, it’s not too hard to get from one place to another. If you plan on visiting different regions across France or crossing borders, then the train is the way to go. Most trains are operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF). To save time, see if you can take the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), a high-speed train that connects to most major cities in France. Not to mention it will make your trip to France a more sustainable travel experience!Strikes Are A Real Issue
The bad news is that strikes and demonstrations are pretty common in France. The good news is that they’re usually announced in advance and don’t tend to last longer than a few days. Transportation strikes are the most common strike that interrupts travelers to France, so be on the lookout for them by checking the news or asking your concierge for updates before your travels.Petty Crimes Happen
One of the most important things to know before visiting France is that pickpocketing is a legitimate issue. Be intelligent and alert, and don’t be too showy or walk around with your valuables. Take heed of the locals and keep a constant watch on your belongings. If you have a crossbody bag, use the strap to place it across your body, then keep your hand on the strap where it meets the bag and keep it tucked under your arm.Sunday Is A Day Of Rest
Finally, remember that, like so many places we travel from Italy to Mexico, Sundays are a day of rest in France. This is a sacred time often spent with family or friends, and, as a result, many businesses may be closed. If you’re heading to a smaller town, be prepared for this. Otherwise, you may find yourself hungry or needing to go to a pharmacy when it’s not open.Frequently Asked Questions About France Travel Tips
The best time to visit France depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are ideal for mild weather and fewer tourists.
Summer (July to August) is great for sunny weather and vibrant festivals, though it is also the busiest season.
Winter (November to March) offers the charm of holiday markets and the possibility of skiing in the Alps, though it can be cold and wet in many parts.
Language: While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning basic French phrases can enhance your experience.
Transportation: Use France’s extensive public transportation network, including trains, metros, and buses. If you plan to travel between cities, consider purchasing a rail pass.
Cultural Etiquette: Greet shopkeepers when entering stores and say goodbye when leaving. It’s customary to say "bonjour" and "au revoir."
Tipping: The service charge is usually included in your bill, but you can leave a small change for good service.
Safety: France is generally safe, but always be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Dressing neatly is appreciated when visiting France, especially in cities like Paris. Avoid wearing shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear outside of athletic activities, as French locals typically dress more formally. Modest and smarter attire is advisable for dining out or visiting religious sites.
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Day Trips From Paris
If you’re traveling to France, you’ll want to heed these France travel tips. But also? If you’re heading to the capital, we insist you book time for one of these classic day trips from Paris. Going beyond the City of Lights will help you better know France and its culture and history.
Recipes Inspired By France
Not heading to France quite yet? Here are a few of our favorite classic French recipes to make at home to stoke your wanderlust:
France Travel Guide
Thinking of traveling to France in real life? Check out our free France Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles on France.
Have Us Plan Your Trip To France
Many people dream of visiting France, but not everyone can go. If you’re one of those lucky travelers, you want to make the most of it. Our travel planning services are here to help you achieve the ideal vacation.
After discussing your preferences during a short consultation, we’ll plan your perfect itinerary. Whether you’re looking for custom travel planning or a small group trip, the Salt & Wind team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more!
Photo Credit: Anya Berkut
1 thought on “17 Essential France Travel Tips For Your Next Trip”
I’m just planning to travel to France this Feb and reading all blogs on a travel guide to follow during France. I must say that I found this blog post really helpful among many. And also thanks for the tips to follow while fooding!