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France is western Europe's largest country, spanning 640,000 square kilometres from the English Channel and Atlantic coast in the north and west to the Mediterranean, Alps, and Pyrenees in the south and east. The country draws over 90 million international visitors annually, making it the most visited nation on earth. Paris anchors the cultural scene with world-class museums, but France's appeal extends far beyond the capital - the lavender fields of Provence, the wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, the D-Day beaches of Normandy, the French Riviera's coastal glamour, and the ski resorts of the Alps each attract dedicated followings. French cuisine, from Michelin-starred restaurants to corner boulangeries, is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The TGV high-speed rail network connects Paris to Lyon in 2 hours, Marseille in 3.5 hours, and Bordeaux in just over 2 hours, making multi-city trips practical even on short itineraries.
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France is part of the Schengen Area. EU and EEA citizens can enter freely. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period but must register via the ETIAS system (7 EUR fee) from 2026 onward. Citizens of other countries should check the French consulate website for specific visa requirements.
May to June and September to October are ideal for most of France. Temperatures are pleasant (18-25 C), tourist crowds are smaller than in July-August, and accommodation prices are lower. The French Riviera is best from June to September, while the Alps and Pyrenees ski season runs from December to April. Paris is enjoyable year-round, though July-August brings peak crowds and many Parisians leave the city on holiday.
France is generally very safe for tourists. The main risks are pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, particularly in Paris. Stay alert on the metro, keep bags closed and in front of you, and be wary of common street scams (petition signers, bracelet sellers, card tricks). Violent crime against tourists is rare. In an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.
France uses the Euro (EUR). Contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including small cafes, bakeries, and market stalls. ATMs (distributeurs) are widely available. Tipping is not mandatory as service is included in restaurant bills by law, but leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated.
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France's TGV high-speed rail network is the best way to travel between major cities. Book through SNCF Connect for the cheapest advance fares. Regional TER trains and buses connect smaller towns. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the countryside, wine regions, and areas not well served by rail. Within Paris, the Metro and RER network is extensive and affordable at 2.50 EUR per single ride.
Visa and entry
Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
Best time to visit
The most comfortable stretch of the year in France, based on 1991 to 2020 climate averages.
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