France
Currency
Like most of the European Union France has the Euro (€). 1€ is equal to 1.20 US Dollar.
Weather
France’s climate consists of warm to hot summers and cool winters. This depends on the region of France with the south being generally hotter.
Language
French is the official language of France and although you’ll be able to communicate in English in some cases it’s not as widely spread as might be expected.
Quick Facts
France is a great country to visit if you’re travelling around Europe. With plenty of cultural activities, nature and sightseeing there is a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s a fantastic country for a road-trip and for city trips. France is definitely a bit more expensive than some other southern European countries especially when it comes to places like Paris or the coast. You’ll find lots of regional European tourists in France especially in the coastal areas. International tourists tend to mostly visit Paris which is a great place but very expensive and crowded. If you’re after a quieter experience head to smaller cities instead.
When to go
You can visit France year-round although the summer is definitely the most popular season for tourism. During the months of June to August the weather is hot and dry especially in southern France. The north and north east can be a bit cooler even during the summer. This is when most places will be at their most expensive as a large number of tourists are visiting the area. The months of September or May are also a good choice as you’ll encounter fewer other tourists and prices might be a bit lower. You might have to deal with some rain but it will still be a great experience. The winter is not ideal for beach trips but the cities in France will still be fantastic during this time.
Where to stay
France has a lot to offer for all different types of travellers. Of course, Paris is the most famous city and the biggest destination for tourists. You’ll get to enjoy incredible architecture, culture and lots of things to see and do. Of course, Paris is known for its unique cuisine and high-class experiences. It’s also very expensive though so make sure your budget isn’t too tight.
Many international tourists only visit Paris when they come to France but there are actually a lot other amazing cities to choose from. Go to Lyon, Montpellier, Marseilles, Toulouse or Bordeaux for amazing sightseeing and fun activities.
The southern coast of France is also stunningly beautiful and a must-see for tourists. This area is definitely expensive such as the popular town Nice. Come here for luxury, beaches and fine dining.
The north of France is a lot cooler than the rest of the country. You’ll mostly find small towns here and beautiful nature.
The west coast of France borders the Atlantic Ocean so it’s sometimes a bit rough. The coastline is stunningly beautiful and perfect for hiking, camping and enjoying nature.
How to get around
France is very well connected when it comes to transport. You can choose between flights, long distance trains, buses or of course driving. A road trip is a fantastic way to get to know the area and visit lots of hidden places. Trains and buses will get you to major cities and towns but not to smaller places. You can also fly although most distances in France are too short for flights. Buses and trains are a good option if you’re travelling on a budget although trains can cost slightly more in general. We’d highly recommend renting a car so you can go on a road trip.
How to get to France
Paris, Nice and Lyon have some of the largest airports in France and will most likely be where you first land. Paris is by far the most common choice for tourists and there are a lot of connecting flights available. You can also drive and cross the border from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxemburg or Belgium or even Spain. The European Union does not regulate its borders so you can simply cross without an issue.
Must know words
Bonjour– Hello
Comment ca va? – How are you?
Bon soir – Good morning
Une - One
Deux- Two
Trois– Three
Pardon – Sorry
Au revoir – Goodbye
Merci – Thank you
Quel est ton nom – What is your name
Mon nom est - My name is
Oui – Yes
Non – No
Aucun probleme – No problem
Combien ca coute ?– How much is it?
Hi, I'm Victoria
Welcome to Guide your Travel – a blog about South East Asia and how to travel on a budget.
I’m a blogger, writer and photographer and love to introduce my favourite destinations to others and encourage them to see the world.
I’m originally from Germany but spent four years living in the UK, quite a bit of time in Spain and Malaysia, and am now travelling full time with a home base in Bali, Indonesia.
