France is a travel powerhouse where every region, from Paris, Nice, Lyon and Bordeaux to Provence and Normandy, has its own clear character.
The classic Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Versailles circuit, luxury on the Côte d'Azur coast at Nice, Saint-Tropez and Cannes, winery tours in Bordeaux and Burgundy, the mystery of Mont-Saint-Michel, Provence at peak lavender in July and the Christmas markets of Strasbourg: a week is not enough.
Pickpocketing is frequent in Paris and other big cities, so watch your bag and split up your valuables.
Visa and entry requirements for France
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
This country is in the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) registers non-EU travelers at the external border, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to apply to visa-exempt travelers; check the official EU site for who needs it, the start date and the fee.
- France-Visas (official visa website for France) (Government of France)
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) (European Union)
- EES (Entry/Exit System) (European Union)
France at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1), with summer time |
| Best season | April to June and September to October (crowds and prices peak in July and August) |
| Electricity | 230 V, Type C and E plugs |
| Transport | TGV high-speed trains between cities, the Paris Métro in the city |
| Prices | Among Europe's highest; bistro meals EUR 25–50 per person |
| Safety | Pickpocketing is very common in big cities such as Paris; wear your bag in front on the Métro and at sights |
Paris: city of light, art, food and romance
Give Paris at least five days and four nights to cover the essentials. The Eiffel Tower (night views and the sparkle show on the hour), the Louvre (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo), the Palace of Versailles (a half-day trip), Montmartre (Sacré-Cœur and the artists' square), the Champs-Élysées and the Musée d'Orsay are must-sees.
| Sight | Time needed | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | 2–3 hours | EUR 20–36 |
| Louvre | 3–5 hours | EUR 22 |
| Palace of Versailles | 4–6 hours (half day) | EUR 21 |
| Musée d'Orsay | 2–3 hours | EUR 16 |
| Montmartre | 2–3 hours | Free |
The Côte d’Azur: Nice, Cannes and Monaco
The Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera) is a luxury resort coast along the Mediterranean linking Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Day trips from Nice by TGV or Riviera bus are easy, and in Monaco (30 minutes by train), the world's second-smallest country, you can see the casino, the palace and the Formula 1 circuit.
The best season on the Côte d'Azur is May to September, with crowds and prices peaking in July and August. For a honeymoon, four nights in Paris plus three nights in Nice and the Côte d'Azur is considered France's most romantic combination.
What to eat in France
| Dish | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Croissants and baguettes | From a Paris boulangerie, a breakfast essential | EUR 1–3 |
| Macarons | Ladurée and Pierre Hermé flagships | EUR 2.5–4 each |
| Steak frites | Bistro steak and fries, a Paris staple | EUR 18–30 |
| Escargots and foie gras | Traditional French courses, fine dining | EUR 30–60 |
| Crêpes | A Breton specialty, sweet or savory | EUR 4–10 |
| Wine and cheese | Bordeaux and Burgundy wineries; around 300 kinds of cheese | EUR 5–30 |
France budget guide
We estimate the following costs per person, excluding international flights.
| Itinerary | Item | Cost per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6 days, 5 nights in Paris | Hotel (5 nights, mid-range) | KRW 1,000,000–2,000,000 |
| Food, transport and sightseeing | KRW 600,000–1,200,000 | |
| 8 days, 7 nights in Paris and the south of France | Hotel (7 nights) | KRW 1,300,000–2,800,000 |
| Food and sightseeing | KRW 800,000–1,500,000 |
FAQ
When does ETIAS start?
Its start date has been postponed several times. Check the official EU ETIAS site for the latest schedule and whether it applies to you before you go.
How do I avoid pickpockets in Paris?
Pickpockets concentrate on Métro lines 1, 4 and 9 and around the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Wear your backpack in front, keep your wallet in a front pocket and carry only a copy of your passport. Ignore fake petitions and the ring scam.
What is a good honeymoon itinerary?
Four nights in Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Montmartre) plus three nights in Nice and Monaco on the Côte d’Azur is France’s best seven-night honeymoon combination. June to September has the best coastal weather.
What about a summer trip in July and August?
Queues at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Mont-Saint-Michel reach one to three hours, and prices are at their highest. April to June and September to October are strongly recommended.
Is English spoken in Paris?
Yes at sights, hotels and upscale restaurants. In ordinary cafés and markets, greeting people first in simple French (Bonjour, Merci) gets a much warmer response.
Sources
- France-Visas (official visa website for France) · Government of France · accessed 2026-10-30
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- EES (Entry/Exit System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- France.fr (official tourism website) · Atout France · accessed 2026-10-30
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
