So, you’re heading to France? First of all, bravo! Whether you’re planning to sip wine in Bordeaux, admire the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or wander through the lavender fields of Provence, France is packed with magic around every corner. But, let’s be real, traveling to a new place always comes with its challenges. So, to help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, I’ve compiled a list of essential travel tips for your time in France. Trust me, you’ll want to read this.

So here we go with France Travel tips. Voilà!

1. Learn Basic French Phrases

Let’s start with something super simple but incredibly important: French people love it when you try to speak their language, even if it’s just the basics. Here are a few phrases you’ll want to know:

• Bonjour (Hello/Good morning)
• Merci (Thank you)
• Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
• Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?)
• Où est…? (Where is…?)
• Combien ça coûte? (How much does it cost?)

Even if your French isn’t perfect, making the effort will go a long way. The locals really appreciate it.

2. Embrace the French Café Culture

If you want to experience the true essence of France, find a café, grab a seat, and just soak in the atmosphere. Whether you’re in Paris or a small village, café culture is a way of life. People aren’t rushing; they take time to enjoy their coffee (or wine) and chat. Don’t rush your drink, don’t feel like you need to order something every time you sit down, and don’t be afraid to relax and people-watch. It’s all part of the experience.

3. Understand the French Dining Etiquette

French dining is an experience, not just a meal. You’ll notice that meals are longer, more deliberate, and often followed by a few courses. Here are some quick tips:

• No elbows on the table. Keep your hands visible and avoid slouching.
• Order water: It’s common to order “une carafe d’eau,” tap water, for free. If you want bottled water, specify “eau minérale.”
• Bread etiquette: Don’t use bread to scoop food (unless it’s to soak up the sauce). It’s often placed directly on the table or on a small plate.

And remember, don’t rush through your meal—it’s all about savoring the moment!

4. Pack Light & Stylish

One thing you’ll quickly notice is how stylish everyone looks in France. Parisians, in particular, have a way of making everyday outfits look chic. While you don’t need to be a fashionista, try to avoid overly casual clothes (like sweatpants) when out and about. Comfortable shoes for walking are essential, but pack them in neutral tones to blend in a little better.

A small, practical daypack is great for carrying essentials like your wallet, phone, water bottle, and any snacks, but don’t overstuff it.

5. Navigating France with Public Transport

France has an excellent public transportation system, whether you’re hopping on the Paris Metro or taking a high-speed TGV train between cities. You can buy metro tickets or train passes at stations or on mobile apps. One thing to keep in mind: while most transportation services have English signage, not all stations or trains will announce stops in English, so it’s handy to have a map or app on hand to track your journey.

6. Accommodation: Where to Stay

From luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, France offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. When choosing where to stay, consider factors such as location, amenities, and customer reviews. Booking platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb can provide valuable insights into different accommodations.

If you’re traveling during peak season (July and August), it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. For budget travelers, consider staying in hostels or vacation rentals, which often offer kitchen facilities where you can prepare your own meals to save money.

7. Stay Connected with SIM Cards & eSIMs

Okay, let’s talk about staying connected while in France. You can’t exactly navigate the country or keep your social media up to date without a good internet connection, right? Here’s the deal:

• SIM Cards: If you’re visiting France from outside the EU, you’ll need a local SIM card. You can buy one at the airport or various kiosks and shops in the city. French carriers like Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom offer good coverage, but do check their data plans for the best deal.
• eSIM: If you have an eSIM-enabled phone, you’re in luck! eSIM is an awesome alternative to physical SIM cards and can save you a lot of hassle. You can activate an eSIM right on your phone without having to deal with physical SIM cards. You’ll get coverage across multiple countries, and it’s often cheaper and more convenient than buying a local SIM card. Make sure to check out eSIM options before you leave, especially if you’re planning to visit other countries during your trip.

Choose between these prepaid France eSIMs:

Data Plan
1 GB	30 days – €1.43	7 days – €4.25	–	7 days – €4.50	7 days – €3.31	7 days – €4.31	Unlimited – 7 days – €9.40	7 days – €3.00
3 GB	30 days – €4.15	30 days – €9.45	30 days – €6.00	15 days – €8.00	15 days – €7.56	30 days – €8.10	Unlimited – 15 days – €15.10	30 days – €7.50
10 GB	30 days – €12.87	30 days – €21.73	30 days – €12.00	30 days – €11.50	30 days – €11.34	30 days – €20.29	Unlimited – 30 days – €24.55	30 days – €14.50
Unlimited Data	Calls/Data €86.52	–	–	–	–	–	–	–

* Get your Airalo discount code here.

Trust me, staying connected will make your life a lot easier when navigating, booking tickets, or finding the best places to eat!

8. Must-Have Apps for France

You’re going to need some essential apps to help you explore France seamlessly. Here are the must-haves:

• Google Maps: This one’s a no-brainer. Whether you’re walking, driving, or using public transport, Google Maps will guide you everywhere.
• Citymapper: For navigating public transport in cities like Paris, Citymapper is fantastic. It’ll show you all your options and real-time updates on train and bus arrivals.
• TheFork: If you’re a foodie (who isn’t?), TheFork is a great app to find restaurant reservations across France. You can even check reviews and sometimes snag discounts.
• Trainline: If you’re planning to take trains around France (and you should), Trainline helps you book tickets for everything from regional trains to the high-speed TGV.

9. Must-Have Travel Tech Gadgets

Now, let’s talk tech. Here are the gadgets you’ll want to bring for a hassle-free trip:

• Portable Charger: You’ll be using your phone for maps, pictures, and more, so make sure you have a portable charger to keep your devices powered up throughout the day.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Whether you’re on a train or just walking around a busy street, noise-canceling headphones can give you a little peace. Plus, they’re great for flights and train journeys.
• Universal Adapter: France uses Type C plugs, so don’t forget to pack a universal power adapter. It’ll work with any device you need to charge.

10. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I know, I know, it’s not the most fun topic to talk about, but trust me—having travel insurance can save you big time if something goes wrong. From canceled flights to lost luggage or even unexpected medical expenses, you’ll be glad you have it.

11. Have Fun with French Food

If you’re not a fan of French food, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. French cuisine is amazing, and you should take full advantage. Don’t just stick to croissants and baguettes (although you should have both, of course). Try escargot, ratatouille, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. The French take their food seriously, and it’s one of the highlights of the country.

12. More Tips for Enjoying France travel

• Plan your museum visits: France is home to some of the best museums in the world, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Some museums offer evening hours, so check the schedule and plan accordingly to avoid long lines.
• Expect Strikes: Sometimes the French go on strike, and it can affect trains, public transport, and other services. Keep an eye on local news and have a backup plan just in case.
• Be Mindful of Siesta Time: In some smaller towns, many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon, usually between 1 PM and 3 PM. Plan your day accordingly.

France travel tips – Wrapping It All Up

There you go—a mix of practical France travel tips, local insights, and essential tech to make your time in France as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Don’t forget to explore, take in the culture, and, of course, indulge in a glass of wine (or two).

Bonne chance and happy travels!