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France can look like wine, Eiffel Tower photos, and sunny cafe afternoons, but it has a way of surprising you at every turn. One moment you are rushing through the Paris metro, the next you are wandering a village market or chatting about cheese with someone on a train. These France travel tips will help you fit in, eat well, avoid common tourist mistakes, and make each day feel like a small adventure.
Written by Hannah Govender
Reviewed by Hannah Govender
Updated August 1, 2026
No trip to France is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, but many travelers are surprised by how quickly tickets sell out. From the summit at 276 meters, you can see all of Paris spread below: the Seine winding past Notre-Dame, Montmartre's white dome to the north, and the skyscrapers of La Défense on the horizon.
This breathtaking village rises out of Normandy's tidal flats with a dramatic abbey perched on top. It looks almost mythical until you walk the causeway and watch the tide surround it. The village and its ramparts are open to explore anytime, while only the abbey requires a ticket.
Colmar in Alsace is a rewarding detour and gives you a taste of a medieval town with half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals, all without the tourist crowds you'll find in places like Bruges or Rothenburg.
Collioure is a hidden gem on the Catalan coast, where the bright harbor inspired artists like Matisse and Derain. The same bell tower and boats from their paintings are still seen from the waterfront today.
France is in the Schengen area, so most travellers can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa-check your nationality before you go. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can enter with just an ID card, while many others are visa-exempt for short stays. Non-EU visitors now do biometric checks at the border under EES rules. Remember, the 90-day limit is for all of Schengen, not just France. ETIAS is not active yet-if a website is selling it now, it's not legitimate.
France's mix of climate and culture means you'll want shoes comfortable enough for cobbled streets and long museum days. Bring something to cover shoulders and knees if visiting churches or cathedrals-entry is refused without it, even with a ticket. Pack a layer for cool evenings and chilly TGV trains, strong sun protection and a refillable water bottle for the south in summer, and something a bit smarter if you plan to dine out in Paris. In winter, a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes are your best friends.
Mobile coverage in France is generally excellent, but it can drop in rural areas, the Alps, Pyrenees, parts of Corsica, and on some stretches of TGV lines. Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and transport hubs, but daily life often relies on mobile data. Roaming costs depend fully on your home phone plan-travelers from outside the EU roaming zone (including most UK, North American, Asian, Australian, and African plans) may face high daily charges or expensive data rates, while those with EU plans use their data in France at no extra cost under fair-use rules.
France is culturally diverse, with a mix of liberal attitudes and strong traditions. Day to day, people dress smartly, public behavior is generally reserved, and alcohol is a normal part of social life. Religion is kept strictly separate from state affairs-this principle, called laïcité, means religious dress is not allowed in public schools or government buildings, but on the street you'll see a range of beliefs and styles. Visitors will mostly notice the emphasis on politeness, especially in greetings.
France is legally and socially safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, with equal rights and anti-discrimination laws in force nationwide. Paris, Marseille, and Lyon are very open and welcoming, though public affection between same-sex couples may attract more attention in smaller towns or rural areas, where people tend to be more reserved. Even in these areas, safety is not a concern-just expect a bit more subtlety.
Always greet with bonjour when entering a shop or starting a conversation. Tipping is not required-service is included in the bill-but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. Dress modestly when visiting churches, and keep noise down in public places. Some cities have fines for dropping litter or sitting on monuments, so check local signs. The most common mistake tourists make is skipping the greeting-French people notice and appreciate the effort.
Eating out in France is a highlight, but can be tricky with specific dietary needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasing, but traditional bistros may have limited choices. Many classic dishes use dairy, eggs, or nuts, so check ingredients if you have allergies. Halal and kosher food is easy to find in cities, less so in small towns. Useful phrases: Je suis végétarien(ne) (I'm vegetarian), Je suis allergique à... (I'm allergic to...).
| Cost | When to use it | |
|---|---|---|
| Train / Metro | A single Metro-Train-RER ticket in Paris is just over €2.50, with bus and tram tickets a bit less. In other French cities, expect €1.50 to €2.20. Check SNCF Connect or the local app for up-to-date fares. | Trains and metros are the go-to for city travel and moving between cities. High-speed TGV routes, like Paris to Lyon or Bordeaux, often beat flying on time and comfort. Book in advance for the best prices, and always check for strike alerts before your journey. |
| Taxi | Flag-fall starts around €4, with a per-kilometre rate of about €1.20 during the day, rising to €1.60 at night, on weekends, or in the suburbs. | Ideal for late nights, luggage, or areas without metro access. Taxis are metered and regulated-flagging one on the street is not always possible, so taxi ranks or an app are the best options. |
| Ride-hail | Usually similar to or slightly cheaper than a metered taxi for the same trip, but surge pricing during busy times can remove any savings. | Uber, Bolt, and Free Now operate in major French cities, but coverage is patchy elsewhere. Use these apps when you want a fixed price before your ride or don't have cash. |
| Car hire | Daily rental rates vary by season, but expect to pay more in summer. Add costs for fuel, motorway tolls, and often expensive city parking. | Best for regions like the Loire, Provence, Dordogne, and the coast. Not recommended for Paris, where driving and parking are difficult. Watch for low-emission zones in many cities (you need a sticker), speed cameras, toll roads, and parking challenges in old town centers. |
If you're from Europe and have an EHIC (or UK GHIC), you'll get state healthcare on the same terms as locals in France-which means paying upfront and getting most of it reimbursed, not free treatment. Visitors from outside Europe usually have no reciprocal cover, so even a routine doctor visit is fully out of pocket without insurance. No national health scheme covers repatriation, private clinics, or things like mountain rescue; insurance is worth having for everyone, especially for adventure activities. For example, a helicopter rescue in the Alps can cost several thousand euros.
Try iconic French dishes like baguettes and pastries from a boulangerie, fresh oysters at a market stall in Brittany, or coq au vin and duck confit at a countryside restaurant. For cheese, visit a local fromagerie and ask for regional specialties-Camembert in Normandy, Roquefort in the south, Munster in Alsace. French food is famously regional, so try what's local wherever you go.
Order a glass of wine from the region you're visiting-Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Champagne are classic, but every area has its own. Apéritif is a daily ritual, so join locals for a pre-dinner drink at a café or on a terrace.
The most common dining mistake is eating at touristy spots, tipping as if it's expected, or missing meal times-kitchens close firmly between lunch and dinner, and arriving too late means you'll miss out. Ordering without reading the daily specials is another missed opportunity.
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