France Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- EUR (Euro)
- Best time to visit
- May–June and September–October.
Visa requirements
EU citizens travel freely. Non-EU can stay up to 90 days in Schengen zone without a visa.
Getting around
France's high-speed TGV network links Paris with Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and beyond in a few hours, with regional TER trains and buses filling in the rest. Cities have efficient metro, tram and bus systems (Paris's Métro is extensive) on contactless or carnet tickets, and taxis plus apps like Uber and Bolt operate widely.
Safety
France is very safe. Be vigilant in crowded tourist areas in Paris against pickpockets.
Tipping customs
Service is legally included (service compris) so tipping is optional. Leave a few coins or round up in cafés and restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares by a euro or two, and leave a euro or two for hotel porters and housekeeping.
Travel tips
Say Bonjour and Merci — it goes a long way. Lunch is the main meal and often best value.