France is the world's most visited country — and for good reason. But navigating it well requires knowing a few things that guidebooks often gloss over: how the French actually feel about tourists who try (and fail) to speak French, how to use the SNCF rail network without overpaying, which Paris neighbourhoods to stay in, and why you should never ask for a doggy bag. Here's the practical intelligence you need for a brilliant France trip in 2026.
Visas & Entry
France is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most other developed nations can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2025, non-EU visitors require ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) pre-travel authorisation — a simple online application costing €7, valid for 3 years. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date. Post-Brexit, UK citizens are subject to the 90/180-day Schengen rule — keep track of your days if combining France with other Schengen countries. France uses 230V electricity with Type E plugs — bring an adapter if needed.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but cash is still useful in rural areas, markets, and smaller restaurants. ATMs (distributeurs automatiques) are plentiful in cities. Budget: €80–100/day (hostel, boulangerie meals, metro). Mid-range: €150–200/day (hotel, bistro lunches and dinners, museums). Paris is significantly more expensive than the rest of France — Lyon, Bordeaux, and the south are better value. The Paris Museum Pass (2, 4, or 6 days) gives free entry to 50+ museums and monuments including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Versailles — excellent value if you plan to visit 3+ major sites. Tipping: service is included in French restaurant bills (service compris) — leaving an extra €1–2 per person is appreciated but not expected. Never tip in a way that feels performative — the French find it slightly embarrassing.
Getting Around France
SNCF (French National Railways) operates one of Europe's finest rail networks. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) high-speed network connects Paris to Lyon (2 hours), Marseille (3 hours), Bordeaux (2 hours), Nice (5.5 hours), and Strasbourg (1.75 hours). Book TGV tickets in advance on the SNCF website or Trainline — prices rise sharply closer to travel. The Ouigo low-cost TGV service offers very cheap fares (from €10) if booked early. Intercités trains serve regional routes not covered by TGV. In Paris, the Métro (16 lines) and RER (suburban rail) cover the entire city efficiently — buy a carnet of 10 tickets or a Navigo weekly pass for best value. The Paris Vélib' bike-share scheme is excellent for short trips. Driving in France is straightforward on excellent roads — the autoroute (motorway) network is fast but toll-heavy.
French Language & Etiquette
The single most important thing you can do in France is attempt a few words of French — even badly. "Bonjour" (hello), "s'il vous plaît" (please), "merci" (thank you), and "parlez-vous anglais?" (do you speak English?) will transform your reception. The French are not rude — they are formal, and they expect the basic courtesy of a greeting before launching into requests. Always say "Bonjour" when entering a shop, café, or restaurant, and "Au revoir" when leaving. Addressing strangers as "Monsieur" or "Madame" is correct and appreciated. The French take their lunch break seriously (12:30–2pm) — many smaller shops close. Dinner is rarely before 7:30pm and often 8–9pm. Dress modestly when visiting churches — bare shoulders and shorts are inappropriate. Queuing: the French queue less rigidly than the British — be assertive but polite.
Food & Dining Culture
French cuisine is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — and eating well in France is one of life's great pleasures. The boulangerie (bakery) is the cornerstone of French daily life — a fresh baguette (tradition, not ordinaire) and a croissant in the morning is non-negotiable. The formule (set menu) at lunch — typically entrée + plat or plat + dessert for €12–18 — is the best value way to eat well in France. Bistros serve classic French cooking (steak-frites, duck confit, crème brûlée) at reasonable prices. Brasseries are larger, more casual, and open all day. Gastronomic restaurants (with Michelin stars) require advance booking — sometimes months ahead for the top tables. Regional specialities: bouillabaisse in Marseille, choucroute in Alsace, cassoulet in Toulouse, galettes in Brittany, fondue in the Alps. Wine: France produces the world's greatest wines — order the house wine (vin de maison) in a carafe for excellent value.
Beyond Paris: France's Regions
France is far more than Paris — and many visitors make the mistake of spending their entire trip in the capital. The Loire Valley (2 hours from Paris by TGV) has the world's greatest concentration of Renaissance châteaux — Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise are unmissable. Provence (Aix-en-Provence, Arles, the Luberon) is one of Europe's most beautiful regions — lavender fields, Roman ruins, and extraordinary light. The French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes) is glamorous and expensive but genuinely beautiful. Bordeaux is the world's wine capital — the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol châteaux offer excellent wine tourism. Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar) is a fairy-tale region of half-timbered villages and outstanding Riesling. Brittany has dramatic Atlantic coastline, excellent seafood, and a distinct Celtic culture. The French Alps (Chamonix, Annecy) are spectacular year-round.
Practical Tips
Pharmacies (pharmacie, marked with a green cross) are excellent first-stop medical resources — French pharmacists are highly trained and can advise on minor ailments. The emergency number is 15 (SAMU medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire), or 112 (general European emergency). Pickpocketing is a genuine risk in Paris — particularly on the Métro, at major tourist sites (Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur), and on the RER B from CDG airport. Keep valuables in a front pocket or money belt. Paris tap water is safe to drink — ask for "une carafe d'eau" in restaurants (free, and perfectly acceptable). Sunday trading: many shops and some restaurants close on Sundays — plan accordingly. August: many Parisian restaurants and shops close for the entire month as locals take their annual holiday — the city is quieter but some favourite spots may be shut.
