France Travel Guide
France is located in Western Europe. The country is home to medieval cities, Alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. The country is world renowned for its wine and its cuisine. The capital city Paris is known for its world famous fashion houses. As well as great museums including the world renowned Louvre home to the Mona Lisa. As well as some famous monuments including the Eiffel tower and the Arc de Triomph. The country has a rich and fascinating history that is well worth exploring.
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Fun Facts and Useful (or not)Information
France is part of the European Union.
Their electricity is 220v and you need a European two prong adapter
The capital is Paris
The currency is the Euro
The main language is French
It’s also home to the largest and most visited art museum in the world the Louvre
The Eiffel tower grows taller in summer. (Not joking look it up)
The statue of liberty in New York originated in France.
You cannot kiss on train stations platform while a train is on the platform.
My Top 5 things to do in France
Visit the Louvre
OK just about everyone does this but there is a reason why they do. The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa. However, as it is also the largest art gallery and museum in the world it is home to many other masterpieces as well. Also the buildings unique and interesting design is worth seeing as well.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel tower located in Paris is probably the most well known icon in France. Its got three levels that visitors can take the lift to. The lower two levels have cafes and shops and exhibits about the tower and its construction. There is also good views to be had. The third level is right at the top of the tower and there’s absolutely stunning views across Paris.
Strasbourg Cathedral
Next on my list is the beautiful Strasbourg cathedral an absolutely magnificent piece of Architecture in the city of Strasbourg in North East France. For more information on this magnificent cathedral please see my Strasbourg Cathedral post here.
Visit Marseille
The city of Marseille is a beautiful port city located in southern France. The city was founded by the Greeks in around 600 B.C.
Marseille is a popular destination for cruise ships. While here be sure to visit Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. The cathedral over looks the city and you have to walk up to it or you can take a bus up. You will not be disappointed. No trip to Marseille would be complete without visit to Le Vieux Port. Lots of shops, cafe and restaurants in this bustling port area which is beautiful area in the heart of the city.
Disneyland Paris
Despite its name its not actually located in Paris. Its actually located in the commune of Chessy 32 km east of Paris. You can get the train from Paris or if coming from UK you can get the Eurostar but, you will need to change at Lille Europe as there are no longer direct trains. There are two parks and Disney village.
Other Things To Do in France
Arc de triomphe
At the top of the Champs-Élysées, on the Place de l’Étoile, visit the Arc de triomphe, a national symbol its probably one of the best known monuments in France. The tomb of the unknown soldier is also located here a memorial and a tribute to all those unidentified soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The Flame of Remembrance is located here. Each evening at 6.30pm a service is held in tribute to the great death.
visit the Normandy beaches
On 6th June 1944, the forces known as the allies of World War II launched Operations Overlord. This operation was the largest seaborne invasion in history. More than 300 thousand allied troops took part in this operation on the beaches of Normandy France and over 20,000 of them died in the battle. You can visit the beaches here along with the memorials and museums which detail the events in one of if not thee most important operation of World war II. Some of the old bunkers and fortifications are still there an you can see them. Guided tours are offered to the area and are around 150 Euros.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris
Notre-Dame cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral near the Louvre in Paris. Its a beautiful cathedral inside and out. Unfortunately due to a fire in 2019 the cathedral is currently closed to the public. However 1 hour guided tours are offered on certain dates. Check out the calendar on the official website here for details.
Travel costs
Accommodation
Dorm rooms in hostels with 8-10 beds range from 20-75 EUR per night. In Paris and many other major cities around France expect dorms to cost 40-75 EUR per night and expect to pay more in the summer. Private rooms in hostels cost between 100-150 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels include self-catering facilities and breakfast.
Budget hotels begin around 85 EUROS per night for a double room with free WiFi and air-conditioning. Accommodations is normally cheaper outside of Paris, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera. Additionally, during peak summer months, expect prices to rise to around 120 EUROS per night. In Paris, expect to pay at least 150 EUROS in the summer.
Airbnb is widely available across France. Private rooms start around 45 EUROS, though most are double this price. Entire homes or apartments start at 75 EUROS but usually cost at least triple that — especially in Paris and other major cities .
Booking.comFood
France is famous for its culinary cuisine. Fresh bread usually baguettes, croissants, local cheeses, and wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they actually are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to also try croque monsieur a hot ham and cheese sandwich, pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re really adventurous and braver than me you can also sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails). Or how about some foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).
A great way to experience the great cuisine that France has to offer cheaply is to buy your own food and prepare it yourself. There are many shops around that specialise in meats, cheeses and bread. This is how the locals usually do it. They go to local markets to by the ingredients they need to cook mouth watering meals. You can make your own lunch for around 10 -15 Euros this would include wine and be enough for two people. You can also purchase pre-made sandwich for 6-12 Euros.
Eating out in a restaurant costs around 20-35 Euros for a meal and this includes a glass of wine.
Fast food such as McDonalds costs about 10 Euros for a combo meal. A cheap meal at a budget takeaway costs around 10-18 Euros.
A pint of beer costs 6-7 Euros while a cappuccino/latte is around 3-4 Euros. Bottled water is 1-2 Euros.
If your planning on cooking your own meals a weeks worth of groceries will cost about 45-60 Euros. This will get you basic staples such a bread, pasta, seasonal foods, local produces and even a little bit of meat.
Getting Around
Public Transport
Public transport in France is generally reliable and cost efficient with the average journey costing 1-3 Euros for a single journey. Most town and cities throughout the country have a vast public transport system of trains, trams and buses. You can also in Paris get a visitors travel pass for 1 up to 5 consecutive days.
France has regular trains as well as the world-famous high-speed TGV. SNCF is France’s national railway, and you can buy tickets on their website. But even the regular train is much quicker than taking the bus!
Several bus companies operate throughout France I have never used any of them as I prefer the train but they are reported to be reliable and great for those on a budget. However the journeys can take much longer than going by train.
Interail/Eurail pass is a good option if you want to travel alot by train in France and most other countries in Europe. See my interail guide for more details
If you like my guide on France you might like my Strasbourg guide, Germany guide, and London guides
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