France

France is a dream for travelers—romantic cities, vineyard-covered countryside, snow-capped Alps, and sun-drenched coasts. From the elegance of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, there’s something for every kind of trip.

Top Experiences (don’t miss)

• Watch the Eiffel Tower glow at sunset and picnic on the Champ-de-Mars.
• Wander the Champs-Élysées and Louvre courtyards in Paris.
• Taste grand crus in Bordeaux and crémant in Alsace.
• Sail or stroll the Promenade des Anglais in Nice on the Riviera.
• Day-trip to Mont Saint-Michel to see the tides roll in.
• Castle-hop through the Loire Valley’s storybook châteaux.

Where to Go (pick a few & connect by train)

• Paris – The City of Light: icons, cafés, art, and riverside walks.
• Provence – Lavender, hilltop villages, farmer’s markets, and sun-baked lanes.
• French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) – Glamour, beaches, and crystalline Mediterranean waters.
• Alsace – Half-timbered towns, wine routes, and a French-German cultural blend.
• Chamonix & the French Alps – Ski in winter, hike and cable-car views in summer.
• Loire Valley – Château country with riverside bike paths and vineyards.
• Normandy – D-Day beaches, cider orchards, cheese farms, and coastal cliffs.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (Apr–Jun) – Blooming gardens, mild weather, fewer crowds.
• Summer (Jul–Aug) – Peak season; festivals, beaches, long days.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov) – Grape harvests, golden foliage, cozy villages.
• Winter (Dec–Mar) – Parisian lights and markets; prime Alpine skiing.

Getting Around (fast to scenic)

• Trains – The TGV high-speed network is quick, comfy, and scenic for long hops.
• Metro & Trams – Paris’ metro is excellent; other cities rely on trams/buses.
• Car Rental – Ideal for Provence, Normandy, Loire, and rural wine routes.
• Domestic Flights – Handy for long distances like Paris ↔ Nice/Marseille.

Smart Traveler Essentials

• In smaller towns, many shops pause 12:00–14:00 for lunch.
• Tap water is safe to drink.
• Sundays are quiet—expect some closures.
• A warm “Bonjour!” opens doors—politeness goes a long way.
• Cards are widely accepted; carry some euros for markets and small cafés.

Visa & Entry (simple snapshot)

• Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay visa for tourism (apply via France-Visas/VFS). France-Visas

• U.S. citizens are visa-exempt for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). European External Action Service

• The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) starts October 12, 2025, adding quick biometric checks for most non-EU travelers. Travel.state.gov

• The ETIAS travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors is slated for the last quarter of 2026 (no action needed until it goes live). Travel Europe+2Travel Europe+2

• Typical documents: passport valid 3+ months past exit, travel insurance, proof of stay & funds, return/onward ticket. (Always verify the latest rules before you book.)

Budget Snapshot (per person, per day)

• Budget: €60–€80 (hostels, public transport, self-catering).
• Mid-range: €120–€200 (3-star hotels, bistros, some tours).
• Luxury: €250+ (boutique stays, private guides, fine dining).
• Tipping: Service is usually included; round up or leave a euro or two for great service.

Family-Friendly France

• Hits with kids: Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Seine cruises, Parc Astérix.

• Good to know: Many restaurants have kids’ menus; metros/trams are stroller-friendly; pharmacies stock baby food and essentials everywhere.

Plan Your French Getaway with Go Travel Around

Craving croissants in Paris or powder in Chamonix? We’ll design a France itinerary that fits your style—Explore (multi-city), Escape (5–7-day single destination), or Exclusive (tailor-made luxury). Tell us your dates and wishlist, and we’ll handle the rest—flights, rails, stays, guides, and those little touches that make a trip magnifique.