France
Travel guide & places to visit in Europe
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- French (official), Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Occitan
- Best time
- April, May, June
About France
High-income, advanced EU economy. Strong tourism, aircraft manufacturing, pharmaceuticals.
Geography
Area: 643,801 sq km
- • Generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean
- • Occasional strong, cold mistral wind in the south
- • Mountain regions: Alpine climate with heavy snowfall
Government
Type: semi-presidential republic
Capital: Paris
Economy
GDP: $3.048 trillion
Per Capita: $45,000
Demographics
Population: 68,521,974
Languages: French (official), Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Occitan
Religions: Roman Catholic 47%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 2%, none 33%
Explore France's Regions
Discover 13 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in France
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Places to Visit
bridge
Pont Wilson Tours
France
hotel
Villa Florentine Hotel
France
top
Eiffel tower
France
Parc du Thabor
France
viewpoint
Le Brevent
France
artmuseum
Marc Chagall National Museum
France
Travel Essentials
Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +33
Currency: Euro (EUR)
fire: 18
police: 17
ambulance: 15
universal: 112
Practical Info
Electricity: 230V / 50Hz / Type C, E
Driving: Right
Water: Safe to drink
Tipping
- • Tips not necessary but appreciated
- • Nicer restaurants: 5%
- • Taxi: 10%
- • Hotel staff: 1-3 EUR
When to Visit France
Best Months
April, May, June, September, October
Peak Season
July-August
Off Season
November-March
- February
Nice Carnival
- May
Cannes Film Festival
- June
Fete de la Musique, lavender blooming
- July
Tour de France, Bastille Day
- September
Wine harvest
- December
Christmas markets in Alsace
Top Destinations in France
- 1Eiffel Tower
- 2Louvre Museum
- 3Palace of Versailles
- 4Mont Saint-Michel
- 5Cote d'Azur
- 6Loire Valley Chateaux
- 7Provence lavender fields
- 8Normandy D-Day beaches
- 9Strasbourg & Alsace
- 10Carcassonne
- 11Bordeaux wine region
- 12Chamonix & Mont Blanc
Cultural Tips
- Always greet with Bonjour before any interaction
- Hugging is uncommon; greet with la bise (cheek kisses)
- Lunch is sacred (12-2 PM) — many shops close
- Never order cappuccino after lunch
- Bread is placed directly on the table, not on a plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French?
English is widely spoken in Paris and tourist areas, but basic French is appreciated and improves your experience in smaller towns.
Is Paris safe?
Generally safe. Be aware of pickpockets at tourist sites and on the Metro. Use common sense as in any major city.
Best way to get around France?
TGV high-speed trains connect major cities. Rent a car for countryside. Paris Metro is excellent.
Daily budget?
Budget: 80-120 EUR. Mid-range: 150-250 EUR. Luxury: 400+ EUR.
What to Buy in France
Countries Bordering France - Cross-Border Travel Guide
Plan seamless cross-border travel to countries bordering France. Discover visa requirements, border crossings, and multi-destination trip opportunities.
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