Europe
France
Rich in food, culture and fast trains, and easy to cross by TGV. Paris pickpockets and high prices are the trade-offs; English is limited outside cities, so basic French helps a lot.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level77%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, E230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAccepting overall, especially in Paris's Marais and big cities.Details
- Internet332 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 133 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightNon-EU licences are valid for visits; carry an IDP or official French translation if yours isn't in French.
Where to go in France
27 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ParisCapital city | 4/5 | $3,600–5,060 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 7/100 |
| NiceCity | 4/5 | $2,930–4,050 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 17/100 |
| ProvenceRegion | 4/5 | $2,480–3,600 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 25/100 |
| French RivieraRegion | 4/5 | $2,810–3,940 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 19/100 |
| LyonCity | 4/5 | $2,590–3,600 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 23/100 |
| MarseilleCity | 3/5 | $2,360–3,380 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 21/100 |
| BordeauxCity | 4/5 | $2,480–3,490 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 25/100 |
| CannesCity | 4/5 | $2,930–4,050 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 15/100 |
| StrasbourgCity | 4/5 | $2,360–3,380 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct, Dec | 27/100 |
| ChamonixMountain town | 4/5 | $3,150–4,280 | Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar | 15/100 |
| AnnecyCity | 5/5 | $2,700–3,710 | May–Jul, Sep | 26/100 |
| CorsicaIsland | 4/5 | $2,700–3,830 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 19/100 |
| Aix-en-ProvenceCity | 4/5 | $2,480–3,490 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 27/100 |
| ToulouseCity | 4/5 | $2,250–3,150 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 35/100 |
| Loire ValleyRegion | 4/5 | $2,030–2,810 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 42/100 |
| NormandyRegion | 4/5 | $2,030–2,810 | May–Jul, Sep | 42/100 |
| MontpellierCity | 4/5 | $2,140–3,040 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 39/100 |
| AvignonCity | 4/5 | $2,030–2,810 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 43/100 |
| BiarritzTown | 4/5 | $2,590–3,600 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 22/100 |
| ColmarTown | 5/5 | $2,030–2,810 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 49/100 |
| Saint-TropezTown | 4/5 | $3,940–5,630 | May–Jun, Sep | 6/100 |
| AntibesTown | 4/5 | $2,700–3,830 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 23/100 |
| NantesCity | 4/5 | $2,140–3,040 | May–Sep | 37/100 |
| LilleCity | 4/5 | $2,140–3,040 | May–Sep | 36/100 |
| CarcassonneTown | 5/5 | $1,690–2,360 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 66/100 |
| BrittanyRegion | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | Jun–Sep | 48/100 |
| DordogneRegion | 5/5 | $1,910–2,700 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 55/100 |
When to visit France
May–June and September; July–August is hot and crowded in Paris and the south, and many Parisians leave. Alps ski December–April; the Riviera is mild in winter.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
- Border police may ask for a return ticket, accommodation, funds and travel insurance. Eurostar passengers complete EES checks in London.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Police can demand ID; without it you can be held up to four hours, so carry your passport.
- Smoking is banned on beaches, in parks, at bus shelters and near schools; fines apply.
- Covering your face in public (balaclava, niqab, mask) is illegal, with fines up to €150.
Etiquette
- Say 'Bonjour' when entering a shop and before asking anyone anything.
- Keep voices low on public transport and in restaurants.
- Lunch runs about 12:00–14:00; many kitchens then close until 19:00.
Tipping
Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK: France travel advice
- EU: Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index: France
- EF English Proficiency Index: France
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.