Why France the hard way? Get some help with these France travel tips on getting around, French language, French, specific destinations, important and emergency numbers, packing checklists, and more.
Destination guides
Get a good idea of the country before you go. This will help you determine which of the many varied regions to choose. France is the largest country in Western Europe, so the choice is yours.
Do you want northern France, which has more than its fair share of historic sites, abbeys, and castles, as well as the fascinating history of WWI and WWII? Are you going along the glorious Atlantic coast with its rolling waves and charming little islands? Or do you like the Mediterranean with its glitz and glamor?
Northern France is a wonderful area, rich in history and with an excellent series of long sandy beaches.
- The best attractions in northern France
The west coast of the Atlantic in the greater Aquitaine region of France is less well known, but it is a wonderful part of the country. The beaches are long. and surfing around Biarritz is world famous. Islands dot the shoreline offering laid-back vacations or a bit of island hopping, and just inland is the world’s best theme park, the Puy du Fou, which makes for a great family day out (and you can stay there too).
- Aquitaine region
Provence is a favorite destination for holidays. It stretches from the mountains to the coast. It has large abbeys in peaceful settings, small hill towns to wander around, glorious countryside with river valleys and canyons, and of course great food and wine.
- Provence Guide
- Best attractions in Provence
The French Riviera , the Côte d’Azur that runs along the Mediterranean to the border with Italy is one of the best playgrounds in the world.
- Top 10 things to do on the French Riviera
The Loire Valley is one of the most popular destinations in France. It’s close to Paris, so you can take day trips there, or settle in one of the cities like Orleans at the northern end of the Loire or in Blois with its fabulous castle and spooky history. If you are a gardener, this is one of the best places to explore the glorious gardens, from the majestic formal castle gardens to the orchards ( potagers in French) where chickens walk and vegetables grow fat and delicious in the summer sun. .
- Top 10 attractions in the Loire Valley
- The best castles to visit in the Loire Valley
- Gardens in the western Loire Valley
- Gardens in the eastern Loire Valley
Beach holidays
- The best beaches in France
- Best French Beach Resorts
- The best nudist and naturist resorts
Be based in a city
- Paris before you go
- The best French cities you must visit
- The 20 most popular cities for French visitors
- Main Mediterranean cities
Try more unusual places
- Consider island hopping off the French coast.
- Why not try one of the underrated destinations in France?
Packaging
- Packing checklist
- Tips on packing light
- The 10 essential packages for your holidays in France
Move
France has one of the best rail systems in Europe, with TGV Express ( Train de Grande Vitesse ) trains providing fast and efficient services throughout the country.
- Map of routes and destinations of TGV trains
- Guide to traveling by TGV train
- Guide to traveling by train in France
The latest express service takes you from London St Pancras to Lyon, Avignon and Marseille without changing in just 6 hours and 27 minutes, making the south of France accessible during a short break.
- London to Marseille by train
Health and safety issues
- Is it safe to travel to France?
- Travel, entry and exit medical insurance
Accommodation in France
There are all kinds of accommodation in France, from delicious little bed and breakfasts to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
- Accommodation in France
- French bed and breakfast (chambre d’hôte)
- Logis de France
- The best palace hotels in France
- Stay in a castle
Special interests
- Go breaking into the great canals of France
- The best gardens in France
World War I and II in France
- Monuments and cemeteries of the First World War
- 3-day tour of the WWI sites in France
- American monuments and cemeteries in World War I
- Normandy D-Day landing beaches in WWII
Family trip in France
- Short break in northern France for families and history buffs
- The best theme parks in France
- Disney Land Paris
Keep in contact
- Using your cell phone in France
- Having a laptop, you will travel: a guide to using your computer in France
Money matters
- Pinching Centimes: a list of ways to stretch that expensive euro
- Getting euros in France: what to do and what not to do
Holidays, events and festivals
You may want to plan your trip to France around a holiday or a festival, a carnival or the Christmas markets. Here are some tips on when to go to France
- Cannes film festival guide
- The best Christmas markets in France
- The best summer jazz festivals
- Halloween in France
- Thanksgiving in France
- Carnivals in France
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
