Welcome to France!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
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About France
France, officially the French Republic (French: République française), is a country that extends from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea. The overseas territories include French Guiana in South America and several islands in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. France borders Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany to the northeast, Switzerland, Monaco and Italy to the east, Andorra and Spain to the south, as well as the Netherlands, Suriname and Brazil in the Americas. The country’s eighteen integral regions (five of which are situated overseas) span a combined area of 248,573 sq mi and a total population of 67.413 million. France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris, the country’s largest city and main cultural and commercial center. Other major urban areas include Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille and Nice. France, including its overseas territories, has the most time zones of any country, with a total of twelve. (Wikipedia: France)
A special thank you to Earth by Drone for an inspirational look at this beautiful country. Be sure to click the link below the video for more videos from around the world.
Country Planning Guide
Map of France
Regions of France
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes-Italy and Switzerland border this area, beautiful small villages, well known town of Lyon culture history and gastronomy
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Brittany-right on the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay, just below Normandy, rugged coastline, a favorite summer getaway for the French
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Grand Est- Bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland in the northeast, mix of Gallic and Germanic influences
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Île-de-France-location of Paris with amazing sights such as Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame de Paris, as well as museums such as the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and about 200 more galleries & museums around the city. The region also contains the famous Palace of Versailles, Disneyland, and Fontainebleu
- Normandy-With scenic chalky cliffs, desolate marshland, extensive beaches, World War II battle on D Day, birthplace of Monet
- Cote de Azur- Home to the glorious French Riviera, the Côte d’Azur region in the southeast of France, port city of Marseille, as well as the French Alps in the north, breathtaking coastline and the lovely cities of Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, Provence to the west
- Pays de la Loire- Also known as the Loire Valley chateaux, cultural landmarks, vineyards, and some of the best restaurants
- Occitanie- cities of Toulouse and Montpellier, fortified medieval towns and Roman ruins, the pilgrimage site of Lourdes
Geography Now
For a hilarious yet informative few minutes on France, check out Geography Now. Paul Barbato & friends will enlighten you on geography, history, people, and other interesting facts. Click HERE to see their other videos as Geography Now works through the alphabet of countries.
Also, click Visit France below for the country’s official travel site.
What to Know Before You Go
Check out the content in each slider to help you prepare for your trip to France! We will share with you information on the best time to go, culture, language & currency. We also give suggestions on transportation and cost saving ideas. Learn more about the culture and food so you are ready of the best trip ever!
*Be sure to click on the slider to stop and read, and click again to move forward or the button at the top right.
The best time to visit France is April and May. It is a way to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather. Of course, high season is June through August. Another pleasant time to visit is September and October.
The language is French for most of the population. It is smart to learn a few French words as a sign of respect. The French really appreciate when a visitor tries to communicate with pleasantries. It goes a long way, beleive us! English is spoken in many larger cities and towns but don't be surprised if some villages don't speak English. In a small restaurant in Caen, we had to call up the dishwasher to communicate, but it worked out after all. French culture revolves around good food, fashion and the arts. There is so much to appreciate in these categories.
Public transportation is readily available from many city to another and in larger cities like Paris. It is good to look ahead of time to evaluate your connections between destinations. We took the train from Paris to Normandy quite easily. We also arrived in Paris from Nice in the south of France by taking the TGV high speed train. Friends of ours decided to fly from Paris to Nice to save time. It was even more affordable. Look at train time (we like www.trainline.eu) or flights (www.skyscanner.com). Also consider taxis or Uber for short travel from trains, etc. We also hired a guide in Normandy who picked us right up from our hotel and dropped us off at the train station to return to Paris.
Paris is an expensive city but there are ways to cut costs. For one thing, look far in advance for accomodation as the good locations are always taken first. Look into free walking tours in larger cities and towns. Also pay ahead for tickets to skip the line and get a more affordable price. Many gardens are areas like the park under the Eiffel tower are free. Walk the path next to the Seine river from Notre Dame to the Eiffel tower. One of the covered boats that travel up the Seine are not expensive at all and are another good option to see the sites. When ordering coffee, stand at the bar as there will be a service charge added if you sit. One last suggestion..get a loaf of French bread from a local bakery and look for open air markets. They are usually 1 Euro and the best you can find.
You will find landmarks all through France. Whether you spend time in Paris with the most iconic landmarks in the world or head west to Normandy or Mount St. Michelle, you will find unique and special places. In the south, the French Riviera is filled with amazing beaches and iconic places like Monet's home and the Cannes Film Festival Auditorium. The list goes on and on throughout the country. There is so much to see and do, making an itinerary is the brest way to see the places you want to visit.
There is not enough space to cover food and drink in France as it is such a big part of their culture. The land produces some of the best product including cheese, yogurt and vegetables. The bakeries are stocked full of the best croissant, and bread you will ever taste. Chocolate and macraoons are just some of the sweets you will want to savor. The level of cooking is due to the many classically trained chefs. Of course the French will say that they produce the best wine in the world. The house wine is available at a fraction of the price in many restaurants and is usually a wonderful choice
Like other EU countries, the currency is the Euro. It is easily changed at ATMs but keep in mind there may be a fee. When using a credit card, it is advise to still pay in Euros for the best exchange rate. Restaurants usually add a surcharge of 15% so keep that in mind. It is in place of tipping that many may be used to. Tipping a cab driver or bell hop is to be expected. As mentioned, sitting in a cafe will garner a surcharge but you are welcome to stand at the counter for a coffee and pasty for no extra cost.
In France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Greece they use a type C power adapter. It is wise to purchase some from Amazon ahead of time. One other important thing to mention is that pickpocketing is rampant, especailly in France. We were at the Eiffel tower and someone tried to distract us with a clipboard and a survey. You hear stories of how even locals can be taken advantage of. It is advised not to put a backpack with valuables behind you. If you can, leave your irreplaceable items like ID in a safe in your hotel room. We always copy our passport and carry the copy on us. Take limited amounts of cash in public. It is always good to be mindful of your surroundings too.
Top Destinations
Get Inspired - Podcasts, Blogs & Video
Top 25 in France
Ryan Shirley always manages to bring life to these amazing places. He takes you to the most awe-inspiring sites. Be sure to check out his website and YouTube Channel by clicking Explore More, to see his other fantastic videos.
Rick is our go to travel guru. His travel guide on France is heaped full of links to videos, and articles. Be sure to catch Rick’s Podcast, on Itunes and Google Play. Click the title above or icon to be taken directly to his site on France.
Annie Sargent was born in France and left for 20 years. When she returned, she made it her mission to explore all of France. Her podcasts are entertaining and super helpful. Check out Annie’s website for information by clicking the title or image above.
Another helpful podcast is Amateur Traveler. Chris Christenson has over 650 podcasts on places all over this country and the world. Chis also has a blog. Be sure to click on the title or icon above to find out more about his three weeks France itinerary.
Join Us in France
If you are planning a trip to France Annie Sargent’s podcast, Join Us in France, is a must-listen! this episode focuses on the first steps when planning your excursion.
Join Us in France
Getting Around
If you are planning a trip to France Annie Sargent’s podcast, Join Us in France, is a must-listen! this episode focuses on the first steps when planning your excursion.
Join Us In France
Eat Like A Local
Host Annie Sargent will draw you in immediately! She is not afraid to share her opinions and they are good ones! She discusses tips on how to eat like a local in France. Search for other Join Us in France episodes on any podcast provider.
France~Touropa
By far, Touropa has one of the most extensive travel guides. Be sure to click Explore More for detailed articles on all things France. And check out the link below for a great travel guide.
Get Inspired - French Recipes!
