Travel landscape in France
France flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to France

France is a major tourist destination in Europe, renowned for its rich culture, historic heritage, famous gastronomy, and varied landscapes ranging from Mediterranean beaches to Alpine peaks.

Photo by Svitlana Shakalova · Pexels

Currency converter

Indicative EUR → EUR rate

Rate temporarily unavailable

Two ways to explore

01 / 02

CREATE YOUR IDEAL TRIP

Plan custom city trips for the whole family, in Paris or anywhere else.

YOUR CITY ROUTE

A day in Paris

3 stops
A lovely walk · 3 stops
SERVICESStaysActivities
Start Trip Generator
02 / 02

CREATE YOUR GPX CYCLING ROUTE

Routes tailored to your riding style, with useful roadside services.

THE ROUTE

68 km · Loop route

GPX · 68 km

ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

RentalsRepairs
Discover Bike Generator

Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
French
Time zones
UTC+1 (standard time), UTC+2 (daylight saving)
Electrical outlets
230 V, 50 Hz; plugs type E/F
Climate
Temperate climate with regional variations: oceanic in the west, Mediterranean in the south, continental in the east, mountainous in Alps and Pyrenees.

Health

Healthcare in France is of high quality. It is advisable to have health insurance that covers overseas care. In emergencies, dial 112.

Travel health advice

  • Ensure standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, polio) are up to date
  • Consider seasonal flu vaccination if appropriate
  • Consult a healthcare professional before travel if you have specific health concerns

Recommended vaccines: Seasonal influenza

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Euro (EUR)

The euro is the official currency. Exchange rates vary; use official banks or authorized exchange points.

International credit and debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are common, especially in cities.

Safety

France is generally safe for tourists. As elsewhere, be vigilant in crowded tourist areas and public transport to avoid pickpocketing.

  • Avoid displaying valuables openly
  • Stay alert in busy transport hubs and tourist sites
  • Follow local rules and check official travel advice before departure

Areas to check before travel: Some outskirts of large cities may have increased risks, but no specific areas are officially discouraged for tourists.

Regions

Île-de-France — travel guide
Region

Île-de-France

Region surrounding Paris, cultural and historical heart of France.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur — travel guide
Region

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Mediterranean destination known for beaches, mountains, and sunny climate.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine — travel guide
Region

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Diverse region including Atlantic coast, Basque country, and Dordogne.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — travel guide
Region

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Mountains, preserved nature, dynamic cities like Lyon.

Brittany — travel guide
Region

Brittany

Atlantic peninsula with strong Celtic maritime character.

Grand Est — travel guide
Region

Grand Est

Region rich in history, bordering Germany and Belgium.

Cities

Paris — city guide
City guide

Paris

Iconic capital known for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum, and unique atmosphere.

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Louvre Museum
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Montmartre
  • Champs-Élysées
  • Seine River cruises
Lyon — city guide
City guide

Lyon

Historic city famed for its gastronomy and Renaissance heritage.

  • Old Lyon
  • Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
  • Place Bellecour
  • Museum of Confluences
Marseille — city guide
City guide

Marseille

Vibrant Mediterranean port with calanques and rich history.

  • Old Port
  • Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde
  • Calanques National Park
  • Le Panier district
Bordeaux — city guide
City guide

Bordeaux

World-famous wine capital with classical architecture and renovated quays.

  • Place de la Bourse
  • Cité du Vin wine museum
  • Garonne riverbanks
Nice — city guide
City guide

Nice

Côte d'Azur city with the Promenade des Anglais and mild climate.

  • Promenade des Anglais
  • Old Town
  • Matisse Museum
Strasbourg — city guide
City guide

Strasbourg

Border city with beautiful UNESCO-listed Grande Île and German influences.

  • Strasbourg Cathedral
  • La Petite France district
  • European Parliament
Toulouse — city guide
City guide

Toulouse

The 'Pink City' known for aerospace industry and historic center.

  • Place du Capitole
  • Basilica of Saint-Sernin
  • Aeroscopia Museum

Highlights

Mont Saint-Michel — travel guide
Must-see

Mont Saint-Michel

Iconic abbey on a rocky tidal island with medieval charm.

Palace of Versailles — travel guide
Must-see

Palace of Versailles

Grand palace and gardens symbolizing French monarchy grandeur.

Verdon Gorge — travel guide
Must-see

Verdon Gorge

Large canyon with turquoise waters, perfect for outdoor activities.

Dune of Pilat — travel guide
Must-see

Dune of Pilat

Europe's tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast.

Carcassonne — travel guide
Must-see

Carcassonne

Perfectly preserved medieval fortified town.

French Riviera — travel guide
Must-see

French Riviera

Luxurious coastal region including Cannes, St-Tropez, and Monaco.

Loire Valley Castles — travel guide
Must-see

Loire Valley Castles

Region famous for magnificent castles and scenic landscapes.

Nature & other places

Écrins National Park — travel guide
National Park

Écrins National Park

Large alpine park with glaciers, peaks, and hiking trails.

Calanques de Marseille — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Calanques de Marseille

Limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean, a paradise for hikers and climbers.

Ardèche Gorges — travel guide
Natural Site

Ardèche Gorges

Stunning limestone gorges with water sports and canyoning.

Mont Blanc Massif — travel guide
Mountain

Mont Blanc Massif

Highest mountain in Western Europe, premier mountaineering destination.

Camargue — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Camargue

Wetland reserve home to flamingos, horses, and bulls.

Fontainebleau Forest — travel guide
Forest

Fontainebleau Forest

Famous forest for bouldering and diverse scenery.

Vosges Mountains — travel guide
Mountain

Vosges Mountains

Mountain range offering forests, lakes, and hiking paths.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

Was this article helpful?

Share it with your travel companions.