Plan
your trip with our France Travel Guide - covering essential info, top
attractions, local culture, and insider tips to help you explore the
best of France with confidence and ease.
Country: France
Continent / Region: Europe / Western Europe
Capital City: Paris
Government Type: Semi-Presidential Republic
Population: Approx. 67 million
Official Language(s): French
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~40% (higher in major cities)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+1 (CET) / GMT+2 (CEST in summer)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type C/E – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 112 (EU standard), 15 (Medical), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 1–1.5 hours (direct flights) or 2 hr 15 mins by Eurostar
Best Time/Months to Travel: April–June and September–October (mild weather, fewer crowds)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Part of the Schengen Area
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for short stays
- Visa Duration / Cost: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in France):
Average Daily Costs: £90 / £170 / £350+
Tipping Culture: Service often included; small additional tips appreciated
Public Transport Options: Metro, RER trains, trams, buses, high-speed trains (TGV)
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: €2.10 (Paris metro)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; SIMs from Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom
Main Climate Type: Temperate; Mediterranean in the south
Average Temperature: Winter 0–10°C; Summer 20–30°C
Major Cities: Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Bordeaux, Lille
Natural Attractions: French Alps, Pyrenees, Provence lavender fields, Loire Valley, Côte d’Azur
Popular Destinations: Paris, Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Normandy, Corsica
Main Religions: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic), with growing secularism
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Croissants, baguettes, cheeses, pastries, crepes, coq au vin, cassoulet, regional wines
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Mont Saint-Michel, Palace of Versailles, French Riviera
Overall Safety Rating: Safe, especially in tourist areas
Common Scams: Pickpocketing in busy locations, petition scams, fake charity collectors
Health Risks: Heatwaves in summer; occasional air pollution in cities
Recommended Clinics: International medical centres in Paris and major cities
Insurance Recommendation: Standard travel insurance with medical cover
Internet Speed: High-speed 4G/5G access across most of the country
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Montmartre, Palace of Versailles, French Riviera, Mont Saint-Michel, Provence lavender fields
Unique Experiences: Wine tasting in Bordeaux, perfume workshops in Grasse, cooking classes in Paris, river cruises on the Seine
Hidden Gems: Annecy, Colmar, Étretat cliffs, Dordogne villages, Alsace wine route
Popular Areas to Stay: Le Marais (Paris), Saint-Germain, Montmartre, Nice Old Town, Lyon Presqu’île
Average Hotel Prices: £80 / £160 / £300+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Parisian Left Bank, Pigalle, Nice waterfront, Lyon nightlife districts
Local Drinks: French wines, champagne, kir, pastis
Entertainment: Cabaret shows, jazz bars, theatre, wine bars, opera
Car Rental: Available, but unnecessary in large cities
Domestic Flights: Frequent between major hubs
Trains: Excellent high-speed network (TGV)
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: €10–€25 typical city fares; Uber available
Best Markets: Marché Bastille, Marché Provençal, Marché d’Aligre
Popular Souvenirs: French wine, cheeses, soaps, macarons, fashion accessories, perfumes
Local SIM Card Providers: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Safe to drink in most regions
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
France is the world’s most visited country, attracting over 80 million travellers each year.