Planning a Trip to France? Use This Detailed Guide

France is incredible, with experiences to delight any kind of traveler. Now that we’ve lived here, we know how meaningful it can be to uncover those less-traveled spots in France. If you’re here for the first time, though, the well-traveled is rewarding, too.

Planning a trip to France can go in many different directions, but it starts with the basics. This trip planner for France gets into everything you need for a fantastic holiday, complete with where to go and what to eat.

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to France

To start planning your first trip to France, there are a few things to think about before you book. Here are a few bits of travel advice to get you started before we get into the details:

• Set a budget. That will determine when you visit, how long you visit for, and the kinds of accommodations you’ll book.
• Plan a route. Try to add some buffer time at the start of your trip to recover from jet lag if applicable.
• Choose your travel dates. Book flights based on the best season for your preferences, weather, and any special events.
• Reserve accommodations. We generally stick to hotels while in France, as you really don’t save much on apartment-style stays.
• Book internal transportation. If you’re not spending your trip in one place, choose between domestic flights, road trips, trains, or buses to move between cities.
• Reserve popular attractions. That includes tours but also popular museums. If you’re visiting Paris, the big ones sell out.
• Plan a packing list. I’ll get into some tips later, but at the very least, make sure you include clothing that makes sense for your itinerary.
• Make dinner reservations. This is true in the off-season and during the busy months. The French love to travel, too, so expect regular closures.
• Learn some French. Practice some basic French phrases to help with communication and to show respect for the local culture.

How many days do you need to see France?

If you’re only here for Paris, you can visit for a long weekend and have a fantastic time. I like telling visitors to give France a full week on their first time here. You can spend that week in Paris alone, or plan some day trips to nearby Versailles and Giverny.

On repeat trips, you can explore the country’s wine regions, the French Riviera and southern France, or head into the mountains. There is so much to explore in France.

The Best Time to Visit France

The weather in France depends on your destination. Generally, the further south you go, the warmer it will be. The mountains get more snow, but winter is much milder if you use the Midwest as your standard, as we do.

If you find a good deal to France, there really is no bad time to visit, especially on a city break. You’ll find plenty to do, even in wet or chilly weather.

READ MORE: Nice is known as a summer destination, but we had a fun time even in the rain!

Here’s a closer look at seasonal differences in France to help with your planning:

• Spring (March-May): Late spring means warm temperatures and lower prices than the height of summer. However, crowds can get thick come May, as there are some French holidays at that time to consider.
• Summer (June-August): Traveling through mid-June remains pleasant throughout France, but travel during the peak of summer can get a little crazy. Paris becomes overrun with tourists, and beaches will be full of European vacationers.
• Autumn (September-November): This is a shoulder season for France, and for me, an ideal time to visit. The weather’s still nice, but you may get some rain by this point, depending on your location.
• Winter (December-February): Good deals are available outside of December, when tourists are looking for those magical Christmas fun times. Mulled wine is still good after Christmas, though, when deals are more likely.

How to Get to France

Daily flights are available to Paris from many major cities in the United States and Canada. You may also find some good airfare into cities like Nice or Lyon, especially if you don’t mind a stopover.

If you’re already in Europe, several airlines, including Air France, fly to Paris daily from major European cities. Trains will also take you to Paris and the larger cities in France from major European cities on the cheap. Check out Eurostar and Rail Europe to start.

Canadian and American residents do not need visas if traveling to France for less than 90 days. Travelers within the European Union won’t need a visa either, no matter the length of stay.

If you’re traveling from outside of these countries, visit France’s official visa website to determine what you’ll need ahead of your trip. Visa requirements differ for certain countries.

How to Get Around France

Most of France’s larger cities are very walkable, so bring comfy shoes and hit that cobblestone.

Buses and trains are also plentiful and cheap, leading to all kinds of day trip opportunities no matter where you’re at. Consider France’s system of high-speed trains and rail passes to get to where you’re going quickly and comfortably.

If you’re using the TGV (train à grande vitesse), France’s high-speed bullet trains, make sure you have reservations purchased in advance. Prices vary depending on where you’re going, but routes are numerous.

If you want to explore outside of the city centers with a bit more flexibility, renting a car is a good way to go. All you’ll need is your passport, driver’s license, and a credit card.

As always, make sure you know what’s covered under your personal car insurance before hitting the road in a foreign country.

How much does it cost to take a trip to France?

The cost of a trip to France depends on your travel style. Averages are around $2,500 per person for a full week here, but you can certainly do France on more of a budget. France has nice hostels and plenty of public transit to keep you on track.

Note: You can also blow your budget, too, especially if you’re sticking to Paris, the French Alps, or the French Riviera.

France’s national currency is the euro, which appears in paper notes and coins. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s not a bad idea to carry cash if you’re visiting markets.

Top Places to Visit in France

We’ve lived in France, and we still have so much more to see. If you’re visiting for the first time, here are a few places you shouldn’t miss on a trip to France.

Champagne

That bottle of bubbles you’re chugging isn’t really Champagne unless it comes from Champagne. The products coming out of this part of the world are so good that the region is recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Take a ride down the meandering Champagne routes or do a walking tour in cities like Epernay or Reims. Visit a famous Champagne house and tour their caves before a fancy tasting.

I’ve been to this region of France several times for a reason. It’s delicious and feels VERY French. If you don’t want to drive yourself around or don’t have access to a designated driver, the tours below look great:

Paris

I really don’t get the hate about this city. I love Paris and always will. We’ve visited countless times now from our home base in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and we never get tired of the food and cultural scene.

If you’re here for the first time, start with the big-ticket items, like the Musée d’Orsay or the Louvre.

Fun fact: The Louvre consistently ranks as the most visited museum in the world, with more than eight million visitors staring at the Mona Lisa annually.

Spend an afternoon walking through Montmartre. Get a timed ticket to Notre-Dame de Paris, the spiritual heart of the city.

Try not to feel jaded when you’re sharing spaces with other tourists. They’re here to experience the magic of this place, too, and that includes the Eiffel Tower. Yes, I’ve probably seen it 20 times at this point. Yes, it’s still magical.

Paris is fun to explore on your own, but an experience I’d highly recommend is a food tour in Paris. This one is my favorite!

Here are a few more to compare:

The French Riviera

There’s a reason why royals love holidays on the beautiful French Riviera. It can get quite glamorous on the Mediterranean coast.

That said, it isn’t all about the glitz. Visit Nice for its museums and markets. Ferry to Cannes’ neighboring islands, steeped in history. Take a road trip along the coast to lesser-known towns with views straight out of the storybooks.

From the elegance of Nice and Monaco to the charm of Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the region offers a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Note: If you’re here in the hotter months, don’t expect to have the beaches to yourself. This is a playground for the French, too.

Trips to the French Riviera start in Nice. Check out the guided experiences below if you want an overview of the city:

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is known as the Garden of France, but it’s the region’s castles that brought us here with my mom as part of our trip planning. This part of the country is lousy with fairy-tale châteaux and charming villages.

If you’re short on time, focus on the icons like the Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. We were there in the off-season, and it was blissfully light on tourists at both.

For those here to linger, the valley has an excellent wine scene, too, especially for white wine drinkers. Sample crisp sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc, the two varieties this region is known for.

We explored the Loire Valley on our own, but here are a few guided experiences if you’re short on time:

Normandy

Normandy packs a historical punch. Its rocky cliffs overlook the beaches below, the site of the famous D-Day landings. Nearby Mont-Saint-Michel, a sanctuary and pilgrimage site, sits surrounded by medieval walls.

READ MORE: The Cliffs of Étretat are a must-see while you’re traveling through Normandy. Steal our guide for visiting them efficiently!

This region is a place of reflection, but it’s also delicious. While you won’t find a wine region here, you will find hard cider and flavorful cheeses.

Try the region’s Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, Livarot, and Neufchâtel, all cow’s milk cheeses with strong, earthy flavors.

We visited Normandy on a road trip through the region, but if you want something more guided, here are some highly-rated options:

More Places to Visit in France

We’ve seen a lot of France at this point, so I’ll admit to having trouble with the list above. There is SO much to see here, and there’s a reason why France is always one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Here are a few more places we love:

• Alsace: Plan a trip to the Alsace region for the most magical Christmas in Europe. Base yourself in Colmar or Strasbourg, the hubs for all things Christmas.
• Bordeaux: See Bordeaux for world-class vineyards and 18th-century architecture, but also for the wine.
• Giverny: Any Monet fan already has Giverny on their list. See his home and gardens come alive, especially in the springtime.
• Lille: Charming Lille sits within French Flanders, so it feels a little Belgian and a little French. Expect lots of fries on trips here, naturally.
• Lyon: This is France’s third-largest city, known for its gastronomy. If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss this one.

France Travel Itineraries

You can do a lot in one week in France. A buffer at the start of your trip is nice if you’re prone to jet lag, but if that’s not possible, hit the ground running with these France itinerary ideas:

Option 1: Paris City Break

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris.
• Day 2: Explore Paris.
• Day 3: Explore Paris.
• Day 4: Visit Versailles.
• Day 5: Visit Giverny.
• Day 6: Explore Paris.
• Day 7: Depart via Paris.

Option 2: Paris & French Wine

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris.
• Day 2: Explore Champagne.
• Day 3: Travel to Bordeaux.
• Day 4: Explore Bordeaux.
• Day 5: Travel to Burgundy.
• Day 6: Explore Burgundy.
• Day 7: Depart via Paris.

Option 3: The French Riviera

• Day 1: Arrive in Nice.
• Day 2: Explore Nice.
• Day 3: Visit Monaco and Èze.
• Day 4: Explore Antibes.
• Day 5: Explore Cannes.
• Day 6: Explore Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Grasse.
• Day 7: Depart via Nice.

Amazing Facts About France

France is wonderful, but it can also be quirky. Steal these fun facts for your next trivia night, especially if it’s happening here on a France trip:

1. There is much disagreement out there on how many different types of cheeses there are in France. The number ranges from 1,000 to 1,600.
2. Since 2016, France has banned supermarkets from throwing away unused food. It was the first country to do so.
3.  It has been illegal to kiss on train platforms in France since 1910. The law originally came to be to keep trains running punctually.
4.  French is the third most popular language spoken in Europe, followed by Russian and German, in that order.
5.  The croissant was actually invented by an Austrian. The horror!

What to Pack for France

Generally, deciding what to pack for France will depend on the time of year you’re going. The tips out there about dressing to the nines when you’re visiting France are overblown. French people wear jeans and comfortable shoes, too.

That doesn’t mean you should look like you usually do at the grocery store after a late night out. Avoid novelty T-shirts and leave your stretchy pants at home unless you’re truly planning on something athletic.

Here are a few things that would be useful for your France packing list:

• Comfortable shoes: No one around you will be wearing heels. I promise. People are hoofing it in France, and you’ll be contending with some cobblestone in many cities you visit. Bring comfortable shoes that you took some time to break in.
• Rain boots: If you’re headed to France in the fall or winter months, prepare for inclement weather with waterproof footwear. You’ll have plenty to do no matter the weather, but you’ll have a better time doing it if your feet are nice and dry.
• Rain jacket: France actually has seasons. If you’re here in the fall or winter, bring something for rain and wind that’s a little more heavy-duty. Brittany is especially wet in the fall months.
• Scarf: This stereotype is accurate. The French love a good scarf. Bring a fashion scarf even if you’re here in the summer months. A comfy blanket scarf is more suitable for winter.
• Stripes: I like to play a drinking game where I demand my friends drink whenever they see “French stripes.” When they’re not in black, they’re in stripes. Pack along a long-sleeved top or something more whimsical, depending on the weather.

Local French Foods

I don’t believe I’ve had a bad meal in France. French food is also quite diverse, depending on the region.

Below, find some common items that you should try while on holiday in France:

• Bread: From long, crunchy baguettes to flaky croissants, carbs are where it’s at no matter where you are in France. Put the Keto diet aside and eat that bread, people.
• Cheese: Cheese is a state of mind in France. Common varietals include Camembert, a creamy cow’s milk cheese, and Comté, a hard cow’s milk gateway cheese.
• Coq au Vin: This one literally translates to “rooster in wine.” The cooking method includes dark meat chicken, bacon, and mushrooms cooked in Burgundy wine.
• Crêpes: While they’re most often linked to northwest France, crêpes are synonymous with France. Try them loaded up with Nutella or pistachio cream.
• Croque Monsieur: This is a classic French ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce and melted cheese. The Croque Madame includes a fried egg.
• Mousse au Chocolat: You’ve probably indulged in some chocolate mousse, but have you done so in France?
• Pastries: Common sweet treats include éclairs, pain au chocolat (Brian’s fave, literally translated to chocolate bread), macarons, madeleines, and the mille-feuille.
• Ratatouille: A steamed vegetable dish with a focus on eggplant, ratatouille also hails from Nice. No rats are involved in classic versions.
• Rillettes: Rillettes are similar to a pâté, and typically made of pork. Like a pâté, they’re a popular spread on breads and found as an appetizer on menus.
• Salade Niçoise: This is a salad with origins in Nice that typically includes hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, and tuna or anchovies (or both).

Fun fact: There’s a superstition in France that turning a baguette upside down on the table will bring you nothing but bad luck. That’s why I eat my baguettes in one sitting.

Special Events & Festivals in France

If you’re planning a trip to France during a specific time of year, consider whether there are any festivals or holidays occurring. You may want to attend special events, or avoid them, as holidays often mean business closures.

Here are a few notable dates across France:

• Nice Carnival: More than one million people come to experience the festival in Nice every year, with multiple parades over a two-week period in February.
• Cannes Film Festival: The annual Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera brings all the glitz and glamour to Cannes each May.
• Festival d’Avignon: The Festival d’Avignon is an annual performing arts festival held every July throughout sites in Avignon.
• Tour de France: The Tour de France is the annual men’s bicycle race that always finishes on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
• The Festival of Lights in Lyon: Every December, Lyon lights up for the Festival of Lights, with displays on many of the city’s most important historical landmarks.

Where to Stay in France

Where you stay in France depends on your itinerary. We lived near Paris, so didn’t seek our accommodations there, but love the Hostel Ozz Nice if you’re headed that way. While labeled as a hostel, it does have private rooms.

For trips to Marseille, the ibis Marseille Centre Gare Saint Charles is a budget-friendly option. If you’re traveling to Normandy, the Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert in Rouen is excellent.

Otherwise, browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for your options across France. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.

You can plan your own trip to France.

Now that we’ve lived here, we know that France is one of the most approachable destinations for travel. It’s easy to get to from much of the world, and easy to get around once you’re here. The food is excellent, and the wine may be even better.

The toughest part is narrowing down what you want to see once you’re here, but it doesn’t get better than Paris for newbies!

More France guides to help with your planning:

• A Golf Guide to Playing Le Golf National
• Top Things to Do When You Visit Antibes
• Plan a Trip to This Versailles Alternative
• Moving to France? See How it Happened for Us!
• A Guide to an Easy Time at Versailles

A few more guides for travelers in and around France:

• A Guide to the Best of Évian-les-Bains
• How to Plan Your Trip to Brussels, Belgium
• Spending the Day in Bruges, Belgium
• A Holiday Market Guide to Frankfurt
• Is Venice Worth the Headache? Read About It!

Want to see more?