France Travel Guide

France is an amazing country to visit. There’s the history and wonderful museums of Paris, the chateaux that cover the Loire Valley, artist inspiration in Provence, and so much more.

Let’s plan your trip!

Top Things to Do | Itineraries | Know Before You Go | Transportation | When to Travel | Costs & Budget | Solo Female Travel Advice | Photo Inspiration | All Blog Posts

Top Things to Do

Paris – The capital and most populous city in France has so many museums and other famous sights that you will not be bored.

Loire Valley – This region of France is defined by the Loire River and is famous for its more than 300 chateaux that are sprinkled throughout the region.

Normandy – For World War II buffs, a visit to this region in northern France is a must. Beyond World War II sights, you’ll also see the famous Mont St. Michel.

Bordeaux – You’ll find plenty of history, but this region of France is famous for its food and wine. Some people claim that this is the best food in all of France.

French Riviera – For a break from some of the big cities, stop by the French Riviera to relax on his beautiful beaches.

Provence – Many people claim that this is the prettiest area in France. It’s no wonder that so many famous artists found their muse here.

Itineraries

Know Before You Go

Currency – Euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Language – French. In large cities, like Paris, English is common enough that you won’t have too much trouble. However, it’s still polite use a little French if you can. Outside of large cities, English can be rare. When I visited the Loire Valley, the staff at my hotel and the chateaux spoke English, but in restaurants and stores, it was 100% French.

Power – 230V and 50hz. Types C and F.

Tipping – Your service charge is typically include in the cost of your meal, so tipping is generally not expected. However, if you had a fabulous experience, a small tip is appreciated.

Water – The tap water is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle.

Transportation

By Plane – You can use planes for longer journeys, such as Paris to Nice.

By Train – Trains are fast and efficient and can help you connect cities that are further apart. SNCF is France’s national train operator and operates both high speed trains and slower, regional trains. To get the best price, book the high speed trains far in advance. For local regional trains, booking in advance is not a big concern as prices will not vary much. Check out my guide to France trains for more information.

By Bus – Buses are cheap and affordable, but can take longer. They’ll fill in the gaps where planes and trains don’t have great connections.

By Rental Car – In some regions of France, such as the Loire Valley, a rental car will make transportation easier since there are some places that just aren’t accessible by public transportation.

When to Go

Low Season – Winter is low season when the weather is coolest and crowds are at their lowest. Expect major sights to have more limited hours at this time of year. Additionally, some services may not operate at all.

High Season – Summer is high season when crowds are at their peak. Expect large crowds and warm weather.

Shoulder Season – Spring and fall have the best mix of good weather and manageable crowds. This can be the ideal time to visit France. I’ve visited both in spring and fall and had great experiences both times.

Budget

Prices in France will vary greatly based on when you travel and where you travel. Larger cities, like Paris, will typically be more expensive than smaller towns. While I found France to be more expensive than some other European countries (such as Spain), prices didn’t feel outrageous and it was still significantly cheaper than traveling in the United States.

Accommodations – Larger cities like Paris will be more expensive than small towns. Adjusted for 2023 prices, my costs for private, comfortable hotel rooms ranged from 70 euros (in Tours) to 100 euros (in Paris’s Montmartre district).

Food – France has a lot of good food, but the best part is you don’t have to spend a fortune. A pastry at a bakery will typically cost 2 euros. You should be able to find a good lunch for 10 to 20 euros. Dinners will cost more, but for 30 euro, you’ll be able to get a great dinner.

Transportation – Transportation costs vary wildly based on which mode of transport you choose, when you book your ticket, and which cities you are traveling between. For flights and high speed rail, book earlier for better prices. I’d recommend budgeting 100 euro for flights, 75 for high speed trains (15 for shorter local trains), and 20 for buses between cities. However, it’s better to look at the actual routes you take to get a more accurate idea.

Activities – Budget 15 to 20 euro per museum or sight that you plan to visit.

My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler

I’ve visited France twice: first in 2018 and again in 2023. There was never a time on either visit where I felt unsafe. However, it should be noted that I didn’t go out after dark and I never drank, which standard for my travel and lifestyle.

Photos to Inspire Your Travels

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