💱 Currency
• The Euro (EUR) is used throughout France. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry small cash for bakeries, markets, and rural stops.
🗣️ Language
• French is the official language. English is spoken in major tourist areas, but a few polite French phrases go a long way.
🕒 Time Zone & DST
• France follows Central European Time (CET) and observes Daylight Saving Time from late March to late October.
🔌 Plugs
• France uses Type C and E plugs with a 230V voltage. Bring a universal adapter if needed.
💰 Tipping Culture
• A service charge is included in most bills, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated for good service.
🏧 ATM Access
• ATMs are widely available, especially near banks and tourist areas. Use official machines to avoid unnecessary fees.
🚨 Emergency Information
• General emergency: 112. Police: 17. Ambulance: 15. Fire: 18.
🔗 Embassy Info
• List of Embassies
🛂 Visa Requirements
• Do I need a Visa?
💉 Vaccine Requirements
• Vaccine Information
✈️ Major Airports
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main hub. Orly (ORY), Nice (NCE), and Lyon (LYS) serve many international and regional routes.
🍽️ Food to Try
• Just walk into a pâtisserie and order whatever looks fresh. Croissants, tarts, and savory quiches rarely disappoint.
📍 Must-See Spot
• Paris is iconic for a reason. Spend a full week exploring its museums, parks, neighborhoods, and cafés—you’ll barely scratch the surface.
🏞️ Our Favorite Location
• We loved Reims, a charming town in Champagne country with amazing food, a local Notre-Dame cathedral, and fewer crowds.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
• April to June or September to October offer mild weather and fewer tourists. July and August can be hot and packed.
🚌 Transportation Tip
• France’s SNCF train network is excellent for regional travel. In cities, metros and trams are reliable. Buy tickets ahead for high-speed routes.
🚰 Water Safety Info
• Tap water is safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle and fill up at public fountains where available.
📶 Wi-Fi & Connectivity
• Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes. SIM cards from Orange or SFR work well for tourists. Download Google Maps offline just in case.
🚻 Bathroom Availability
• Public toilets can be scarce or require payment. Cafés often have restrooms for customers—buy a coffee if needed.
🤝 Cultural Custom Tip
• Always greet with a “Bonjour” before asking anything. The French value politeness and greetings are non-negotiable.
🤯 Fun Fact
• France has over 40,000 castles, and you’ll spot random châteaus even from train windows on rural routes.
France felt familiar yet full of surprises. It’s generally safe, especially in smaller towns, but stay aware in big cities like Paris, where pickpocketing still happens in crowded areas and transit hubs. Locals appreciate basic manners—start with a “bonjour” and you’re off to a good start. One major tip: watch your speed while driving. We racked up a few tickets thanks to hidden speed cameras we never even noticed.
Weather varies by region but spring and early fall hit that sweet spot across the board. English is widely understood in tourist zones, though you’ll want a translation app handy in rural pockets. Traveling with kids? Easy. France knows how to do playgrounds, family menus, and afternoon park picnics. Solo travelers will feel equally at ease.
Tipping is minimal but appreciated. Cards are accepted nearly everywhere, though a few coins still come in handy. Wi-Fi was reliable for us, and SIM cards were easy to grab at airports or tabacs. France left a mark on us and it will always be stop when in Europe. Just good food, good views, and that certain je ne sais quoi.
