France Guide

Know Before You Go...®

France is a country known for its rich culture, history, and diverse landscapes. From the bustling city of Paris to the charming villages in the countryside, there is something for everyone to discover in this beautiful country. Each region in France has its own unique charm and beauty, offering a variety of experiences for travelers. From the sunny beaches of the French Riviera to the rolling hills of Provence, and the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux, France boasts an abundance of natural beauty and cultural treasures. So, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or gastronomic delights, France has it all.

Why France?

France has the second largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
France is the most visited country in the world.
France has more than 400 different types of cheese.
The Louvre Museum in Paris is the most visited museum in the world.
The highest mountain in France is Mont Blanc, which stands at 4,810 meters.

History

Every time I visit, I fall in love with France all over againMerrick Ryder

Transportation on France

Getting to France and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
Visa: Check French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
Arrival Form: Complete if required.
COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
Children under 10 or less than 135 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
Adhere to speed limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h; Non-urban roads: 80-90 km/h; Dual carriageways (expressways): 110-130 km/h; Motorways (autoroutes): 130-130 km/h
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
Vehicles coming from the right have priority unless road signs indicate otherwise. Always be cautious at intersections.
Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout and give way to the right.
Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
Use headlights at all times, even during the day.
In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

France Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in France villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons!

See our favorite villas for weddings.

Know Before You Go...® - France Travel Tips

Before making their way to France villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in France even more relaxing.

Capital:

1Paris

Population:

201966.99 million

Size:

2016643,801

Electric Current:

220/240

Time:

13:57 pm zone:+1 (GMT/UTC +1)

Official Language:

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful, especially in rural areas.

Currency:

France uses the Euro as its official currency, which was adopted in 2002. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and is represented by the symbol €. It is the second most traded currency in the world, making it easily exchangeable in most countries. Cash is widely accepted in France, especially for small purchases. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the country, allowing visitors to withdraw money in Euros using their debit or credit cards. However, it is important to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any complications with withdrawals. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in France, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly used. American Express and Diners Club cards are also accepted but may not be as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard. It is advisable to carry some cash with you as some smaller establishments may not accept cards. Traveller's checks are not widely used in France and may be difficult to exchange. It is recommended to use other f

Tipping and Taxes:

In France, tipping is not expected or mandatory, but it is customary to leave a small amount of change or round up the bill as a gesture of appreciation for good service. This is typically around 5-10% of the total bill. However, in tourist areas, it is becoming more common to leave a larger tip. Taxes in France are included in the price of goods and services, so there is no need to calculate or add taxes to the final bill. The value-added tax (VAT) is the main tax in France, and it varies depending on the type of product or service. The standard rate is 20%, but there are reduced rates of 5.5% and 10% for certain items such as food, books, and transportation. In restaurants, the VAT is included in the menu prices, so there is no need to leave an additional tip to cover taxes. However, there is a small tax called "service compris" included in the bill, which covers the cost of the service. This is typically around 15%, but it is not a tip and does not go directly to the server. I

Dress Code:

The dress code in France is typically elegant and stylish with a touch of sophistication.

Topography:

France's topography consists of diverse landscapes including mountains, hills, plateaus, and coastal regions, with the highest point being Mont Blanc and the lowest point being the Rhône River delta.

Telephone:

France country code: +33 Area code: 1 (for Paris)

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