Bonjour a tous!
Every year, millions of tourist head to Europe for the vacation of a lifetime, and of those millions, a very large portion visit France.
France has a hold on our imaginations unlike any other country. It is the land of fine dining, magnificent art and palaces, medieval castles and cathedrals, Celtic and Roman civilization, and extreme natural beauty.
It is also home to the French who are sometimes portrayed as xenophobic and unfriendly but who can be, in reality, quite friendly and welcoming.
As a visitor to France, it is important to keep some basic things in mind so that you enjoy your time and get a proper taste of French life.
Here are our top twenty tips for travellers visiting France:
1. Learn some basic French phrases. Locals appreciate when tourists attempt to speak their language, even if it's just a few words. This applies to any country, and is no less important in France. A few key phrases, spoken well, can get you far, especially outside of Paris. Paris, we’ve noticed, is something of a different case. If you speak French to them, there is a chance that they will still answer you in English, but at least you tried. Outside of the big city, a little effort speaking French will go over well.
2. Check the weather before packing. France has a varied climate, and you'll want to be prepared for rain or sun. France is a big country with a lot of different terrains and regions. Do some research and check the average weather for the time of year you are travelling to make sure you bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
3. Keep your belongings safe. Pickpocketing is common in some areas, so keep your valuables close to you and don't leave them unattended. This goes for any European country, and France is no different. Keep your purse or satchel hanging in front of you, and your phone secure. Be especially careful in crowded marketplaces, the metro, or train stations. If you visit a bank machine, be sure to have someone in your party watch your back while you get your money. Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. That way, you can relax and enjoy.
4. Use public transportation. The metro and bus systems in Paris are extensive and affordable, and they'll get you where you need to go quickly. Find a map or guide to the system and mark down the sites you want to see so that you know at a glance where you want to get off. Some apps will also give you directions on public transportation as well.
5. Don't skip out on the food. France is known for its delicious cuisine, so indulge in some pastries, croissants, cheese, wine, and other local specialties. This is probably one of the best parts of travelling in France, so enjoy eating the way the French do. There is a very particular order to a French meal, so take your time and go through the courses. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. After tasting haute cuisine, you may not want to go back!
6. Learn the tipping etiquette. Tipping is not always expected in France, but it is appreciated for good service. A small amount, such as 5-10% is fine. Just because you are expected to overtip back home, doesn’t mean you should abroad. Things are different in France!
7. Dress appropriately. French people take their appearance seriously, so avoid wearing athletic clothing or flip flops. With Paris doubling as the country’s capital, as well as the fashion capital of the world, this is hardly surprising. You don’t have to dress like Emily in Paris, but you may want to make a bit of an extra effort. Whether you agree with it or not, it can make a difference in how the locals treat you.
8. Take advantage of free entry days. Many museums and attractions offer free admission on certain days of the week, so plan your visits accordingly. This is a wonderful thing in a country that is home to some of the most fantastic museums and art galleries in the world. Check on-line for what days are free entry days, but bear in mind that these days can also be busier than usual.
9. Don't forget to validate your metro ticket. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine. You might think that they don’t check tickets for validation, but they do. It doesn’t take long, so just insert the ticket in the turn style and don’t forget to retrieve it. You must keep the ticket on you as proof that you’ve paid! Do that, and you’ll be able to go anywhere in Paris.
10. Be mindful of store hours. Many shops and businesses close for a long lunch break, so plan your shopping accordingly. The French take their lunch, and their food, quite seriously. Life is to be enjoyed, and so it is not uncommon for places to close for a few hours in the middle of the day. Adjust your meal times to align with this, or else plan on a long museum visit (if it’s open) during the time when shops are closed. You could also head back to your accommodation for a rest so that you can stay up late and enjoy the nightlife!
11. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. This is always a good idea because of pickpockets and other petty thieves. You can also stash some cash in your shoes. You may also want to consider RFID protection for your credit cards. Check our ‘Travel Resources’ page for options.
12. Be respectful of cultural differences. France is a diverse country, and it's important to be mindful of local customs and traditions. The truth is that if you are respectful of their culture, you will have a better time. You don’t want to be the loud North American in a crowd. People won’t appreciate it. One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing another way of life. When in France, do as the French do!
13. Plan your itinerary ahead of time. There's so much to see and do in France, so make sure you prioritize the things you want to do most. An itinerary with maps is always helpful. Advance preparation can save you a lot of time, and a bit of research on a site before you go will only serve to enrich your experience. Consider booking a guided tour if you are too overwhelmed by all the choices!
14. Bring comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you have shoes that can handle it. Plan for whatever terrain you will be in. If you’re in Paris, then you will be walking a whole lot, but you may want to keep some fancier shoes for meals out. If you’re headed to the countryside, some good hiking shoes might be in order as the French landscape can be quite rugged, especially in the south.
15. Learn the metro system. It's an easy and affordable way to get around Paris, and it is one of the best. Get a map of the system, mark off where you’re staying and what you want to see, and get onboard! Remember to always validate your ticket and to keep it on you as proof of payment.
16. Don't be afraid to ask for help. French people are generally helpful and friendly, so don't hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations. It can be daunting to ask for directions, especially if you are not fluent in French. But it is better than getting lost or wasting time wandering aimlessly. Be polite, try out a little of your French, and ask someone you’re comfortable approaching. More often than not, they will be happy to help you.
17. Try to blend in. Avoid drawing attention to yourself by dressing like a tourist or speaking too loudly in public. This goes hand-in-hand with being respectful. The French don’t like loud, blustery tourists. Enjoy your time in this beautiful and refined country, and live as they live as much as possible. You’ll enjoy your vacation much more.
18. Be patient. Lines can be long at popular tourist attractions, so be prepared to wait. Some things are worth waiting for, so be prepared to do so when visiting some of the greatest sites in the world. Check online before you travel to see if you can purchase tickets ahead of time that will allow you to skip the lines, especially at attractions such as the Louvre or Eiffel Tower.
19. Carry a water bottle. It can get hot in the summer months, and staying hydrated is important. If you are in a city like Paris, there are water bottle refill stations everywhere, and some are even for sparkling water! Paris has some of the best, cleanest tap water in the world, so enjoy and stay hydrated.
20. Enjoy the experience. France is a beautiful country with much to offer travellers, so take your time and enjoy your trip. A trip to France can be the trip of a lifetime, and changing your pace, getting out of your comfort zone, and doing as the French do will only enrich your experience.
We hope you’ve found these twenty pro tips on travelling in France helpful.
It is a beautiful country filled with some of the most magnificent art, food, and wine you will every experience.
If you’re prepared, and ready to go with the flow, you’ll have an amazing adventure.
Remember to check out our ‘Travel Resources’ page for travel deals, and recommendations around accommodation, food, site visits, and more!
Bon Voyage!
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