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travel to france

Travel to France?

Thinking of traveling to France? This is your go-to hub for everything you need—travel news, essential tips, and smart solutions to stay connected across the country. From avoiding high roaming charges with the latest SIM and eSIM options to discovering cutting-edge travel tech that enhances your journey, Alertify helps you explore France smarter and more efficiently.

 

Whether you’re a tourist, digital nomad, or business traveler, we’ve got the insights and tools to keep you informed and connected.

France – 86.9 million tourists. And you?

travel to france 

CurrencyEuro * Capital: Paris Population:  65,273,511 * Calling code+33

Buying a SIM card in France

Local SIM Cards: In France, there are four main mobile operators – Orange, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, and SFR. You can buy a SIM card from their physical stores, official websites, or authorized retailers.

The average price for a prepaid SIM card in France is around €10, which includes a certain amount of calling minutes, texts, and data. However, prices and plans vary between the operators, and you can choose one that fits your needs. travel to france

When purchasing a SIM card, it is recommended to avoid buying an expensive one at the airport or at the last minute, as prices tend to be higher and your options may be limited.

Discover the world with Alertify! Unleash affordable connectivity with our wide range of SIM cards and eSIMs. Say goodbye to exorbitant roaming expenses and embrace savings of up to 80%. Visit the Alertify shop today and seize the opportunity before your next adventure begins!

Don’t Forget a Power Adapter

France uses Type C and Type E electrical plugs, both of which have two round pins and operate on a 230V supply voltage with a frequency of 50Hz. Most European countries use similar plug types, so if you’re coming from within Europe, you may be fine. However, travelers from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many parts of Asia will likely need a travel adapter to charge their devices. Some plugs (like Type E) also have an additional grounding pin, so it’s best to bring a universal adapter that covers multiple regions. Having one with USB ports or USB-C built in can be extra handy for charging multiple devices at once.
👉 Buy a travel adapter before your trip to avoid paying more at airports or tourist shops..

france travel adaptor

Here’s a list of essential apps for visiting France, perfect for making your trip smoother, more connected, and enjoyable—whether you’re exploring Paris, the French Riviera, or the Alps.

Navigation & Transport
  • Citymapper – Best for public transport in major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Real-time updates for buses, metros, and trains.
  • SNCF Connect – Book and manage national train (TGV, Intercités) and regional TER tickets.
  • RATP – Great for navigating Paris metro, RER, tram, and bus networks.
  • Bolt / Uber – For ridesharing services across major cities.
  • BlaBlaCar – Carpooling with locals; super popular in France.
  • Free Now – For taxi booking if you prefer licensed cabs over rideshares.
Language & Communication
  • Google Translate – Offline translation and instant camera translation for menus, signs, etc.
  • Duolingo / Babbel – Learn or brush up on basic French phrases.
Food & Dining
  • TheFork (LaFourchette) – Discover restaurants, read reviews, and get discounts up to 50%.
  • Too Good To Go – Get discounted leftover food from bakeries and restaurants (great for saving money and reducing waste).
  • Michelin Guide – Explore top-rated dining spots from casual bistros to fine dining.

Accommodation

  • Booking.com/ Airbnb – Standard go-tos for hotels and vacation rentals
  • Gîtes de France – Find charming rural stays and authentic French countryside homes.
Tourism & Culture
  • GetYourGuide / Viator – Book tours, museum passes, and skip-the-line tickets.
  • Culture Trip – Discover local experiences, attractions, and travel guides.
Money & Budgeting
  • Wise – Low-fee currency exchange and international payments.
  • XE Currency – Currency converter with real-time rates.
  • Lydia – A popular French peer-to-peer payment app, useful for splitting bills with locals.
Connectivity
  • WhatsApp / Telegram – Stay in touch with fellow travelers or locals.
Safety & Emergencies
  • SAIP (if available again) – French government alert app for emergencies (natural disasters, attacks, etc.).
  • 112 – Add this number to your contacts – it’s the European emergency number.

orange holiday sim

France Tourism

In France, 9.7% of the GDP is contributed by the travel and tourism sector. 30% of the revenue generated by tourism is obtained from foreign tourists, while the remaining 70% is derived from domestic tourism.

Arguably the most romantic country in the world, France has been wooing travellers with its heavenly cuisine, eye-popping architecture, and captivating culture for centuries. From the châteaux of the Loire Valley to the legendary Latin Quarter of Paris and the ski resorts of the French Alps, each region offers a new discovery. Home to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the iconic cathedral of Notre Dame, it’s easy to see why Paris pulls in over two million tourists a year. Each of the capital’s districts (known as arrondissements) has its own unique vibe. Stroll through Le Marais and you’ll experience a medieval labyrinth of crooked lanes filled with quirky shops and old-school bakers. Venture into the seventh arrondissement, and you’ll be in the heart of the action, with some of the city’s best museums on display. If you fancy a jaunt north, you’ll find Lille with its noticeably Belgian influences, the Champagne wine region, and the pretty cities of Normandy. Famed for its tropical subclimate, the south shows off France’s glamourous side, with the Côte d’Azur home to super-snazzy St. Tropez, Cannes, and Nice. Depending on which part of the country you’re visiting, you’ll find accommodations to suit your needs. Whether it’s an extravagant five-star hotel in Paris, a ski lodge in Chamonix, or a campsite in Brittany, you’ll find the perfect stay. More travel tips about your French journey find here.

Hotels in France

There are approximately 65,000 hotels in France, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury establishments. The average hotel price in France depends on the location, the type of hotel, and the time of year, but you can expect to pay anywhere from €50 to €300 per night.

France has a number of domestic and international airlines, including Air France, which is the country’s largest airline. Other popular airlines in France include easyJet, Ryanair, and Transavia.