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The Brooklynite Abroad

WELCOME TO FRANCE

FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Presenting to you, your ultimate France Travel Guide.

A French vacation sounds a lot like romance movies. Hopeless romantics trotting their way through the city of love. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming & the Eiffel Tower glimmers in the distance. As you walk the same road as Napoleon, history comes to life. The statues & monuments across from Zara & Starbucks are the perfect juxtapositions of the circle of life.

From the streets of Paris to the charming fairytale towns of Colmar and Strasbourg and stunning historic sights like the Château de Versailles and Mont Saint-Michel, find yourself coming back again and again.

Check out your ultimate France Travel Guide and everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip.

best time to visit

Let’s just start with there is no bad time to visit. As your ultimate France Travel Guide, this is what to expect each season so you can plan a perfect trip!

Visiting from April to May is ideal for travel around the country due to the longer days and perfect weather, maximizing your comfort and time.

Looking for a picturesque lavender field moment? Head to Provence between June and July, but check in advance and look into factors that could impact timing (Ex, droughts). After, head to Nice and the Côte d’Azur (but only for a little before your bank account screams)

In the holiday spirit? France’s winter markets in Strasbourg, Colmar, and Paris open from the end of November to the end of December.

France TRAVEL GUIDE:
what to know before you go

Language: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas. Learning a few French phrases earns smiles and better service.

Currency: Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. ATMs are easy to find, and contactless payments are common.

Plug Types: Type C & E. Voltage: 230V, 50Hz.

France Travel Guide (Safety):

  • Generally safe, especially in tourist areas.
  • Watch for pickpockets in Paris and crowded metros.
  • Tap water is safe to drink across the country.

BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

Living like a local: FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE

phrases you must know before you go!

“Bonjour /
Comment ça va ?"

Hello, how are you?

“BONSOIR”

Good night / evening

“combien ça
coûte?”

How much does it cost?

“L'addition,
s'il vous plaît”

The check, please?

“Où se trouvent les toilettes?”

Where is the bathroom?

“merci
beaucoup”

Thank you very much

National dishes

A France Travel Guide is incomplete without trying some of the country’s staple dishes. Eating like a local is an amazing way to get not only yummy food but a more authentic experience when traveling.

BEEF BOURGUIGNON
Slowly cooked beef marinated in red wine with carrots, mushrooms and onions are added near the end and the sauce is reduced to a thick, silky consistency and the stew is served with mashed potatoes.

LA BOUSSE
This cozy, welcoming & delicious brunch spot in Montmartre has fresh food and is such a vibe. Place is busy so book in advance!

France National Dishes

FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE: Transportation

  • Air Travel: France’s main international hub is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), followed by Orly (ORY) for domestic and European flights.
  • Trains: The TGV is France’s world-famous high-speed train network & SNCF operates all mainline and regional trains. TER (regional trains) link smaller towns. In Paris, the RER and Métro systems cover the city and suburbs — fast, frequent, and affordable. For long trips, consider a Eurail or France Rail Pass for unlimited train travel.
  • Buses: FlixBus, BlaBlaBus, and Ouibus operate across France and into neighboring countries.
  • Taxis & Ride Apps: Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are available in major cities. During strikes or busy times, ride apps can be more reliable than taxis.
  • Driving: Roads are great, but parking in cities is limited. Drive on the right-hand side. Watch for low-emission zones (ZFE) where some cars require special stickers (Crit’Air).
  • Cycling & Scooters: Paris’ Vélib’ system is perfect for short rides. Electric scooters are available via apps like Lime and Dott.

TRAVEL GUIDES

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