There are few destinations in the world as romanticized, idealized and well-known as France. Home to the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Europe, France is a must-see for travellers from all over the globe.
There are so many things you can do when visiting France: stroll through gardens, marvel at palaces, relax on beaches and much more. Yet planning a trip to France isn’t quite that easy. To help you get started on your journey to this wonderful country, we’ve put together this handy guide! From visa requirements and general information about travelling there to details about specific cities and regions within it — you’ll find everything you need here.
Before You Go to France
- If you are flying to France, make sure to check your airline website for information on the latest travel advisories. You can also check the U.S Department of State website for general information on travelling to France, as well as specific information about French embassies and consulates.
- Make sure to get travel insurance — either via your credit card or from a specialist provider — so in case of any unforeseen circumstances, you will be covered and won’t have to worry about the cost of medical treatment or missing your flight home.
- Another important thing to do before you go is exchange your money. It’s recommended to exchange your money at least a week before travelling to allow time for your bank to process the transaction.
Going from Paris to the French Riviera
While there are many wonderful places to visit in France, the French Riviera is one of the most famous regions of the country and a must-see for any visiting tourist. There are several ways to travel to the French Riviera from Paris. The most popular route is to take the train.
Trains depart from Paris’ Gare de Lyon station several times a day, with the journey taking approximately five hours. Alternatively, you can travel to Nice via the Paris-Nice Airport, with flights from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport leaving regularly throughout the day. The journey takes around 90 minutes. Want some great travel Women’s backpacks, check this out.
If you’re travelling from Paris, you can also travel to the French Riviera via the SNCF train network. There are several direct trains that depart from Gare de Lyon and Gare d’Orsay, with the journey taking around six hours. If you’re travelling from a different city in France, you can also take the TGV train to Nice.
Other Places to Visit in France
If visiting the French Riviera isn’t enough, you can also visit the following places while in France:
- The Champagne Region: If you’ve ever had a glass of sparkling wine, then it’s likely that the grapes were grown in the Champagne region. You can visit the Champagne houses to sample the wines and learn more about their production. Alternatively, you can visit the Champagne vineyards and sample the grapes fresh from the vines.
- Paris: No visit to France is complete without a visit to Paris. This city is one of the most visited places in the world for a reason — the architecture, art, culture, and general beauty is unrivalled. If you only have a day to visit, make sure to check out the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
- The Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is famous for its royal chateaus and architectural beauty. You can visit the many different chateaus in the area, including the Chateau de Chambord and the Chateau de Chenonceau. Alternatively, you can visit the gardens at the gardens of Villandry, where the flowers are nearly as beautiful as the architecture of the buildings themselves.
- The French Alps: If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can visit the French Alps. There are several ski resorts in the area, and you can also visit some of the picturesque villages.
- Provence: This region is famous for its lavender fields and beautiful landscapes. You can visit the towns and villages here to see the architecture and gardens, or you can visit the nearby cities of Nice, Avignon, and Marseille.
France is one of the most beautiful and cultured countries in the world, and visiting it is an experience that anyone should have at least once in their life. However, it’s important to plan ahead and get everything organized before you go. After all, the more prepared you are for your trip, the more you’ll be able to enjoy it. If you’re looking for a place to start, our guide will help you get started. Whether you’re travelling alone or with a group of friends, there is no better place to visit than France.