Discover all the essential details for your vacation in our France travel guide.
France is truly a traveler’s delight – there’s rich history to savor, globally renowned architectural marvels to visit, and illuminating art to view. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur, and it has 41 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The country is also renowned for its verdant countryside, rolling hills and vineyards, which are particularly beautiful in summer, the best time of year to visit France. Additionally, there is fashion and glamor, and culinary delights and wine to tantalize your senses.
You may have your France trip itinerary completely in place, including some of the best things to do in France such as Eiffel Tower tours, a Moulin Rouge show, or visiting the Cote d’Azur. However, it is also important to consider practical details like: What languages are spoken there? What currency will you need to carry? Are there any vaccinations that need to be taken? Our handy France travel guide answers all these questions and more.
Language
The official language and the first language of nearly 90% of the population is French. Do note, however, that different variants are spoken in the various regions of the country. German, as well as Flemish, are spoken by a small number of people in the country. Italian is spoken by those living near the Italy border while it is not uncommon to hear Basque being spoken in areas in the southwest, around the French-Spanish border. A smattering of other dialects and languages such as Catalan and Breton are also heard in pockets.
You will find English being spoken in the bigger cities as well as in and around popular tourist destinations. But it isn’t a common language in the rural regions.
Currency in France
The official currency of France is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at airports and in all major towns and cities at the “Bureau de Changes” or “Money Exchanges”. Ensure you have your passport, travel documents, proof of residential and onward address for identification.
Credit cards – mostly Visa and Mastercard – are accepted all across France and shops that accept them generally have a sign in their window stating this. American Express is not accepted in several places in France, especially in the more rural regions. Forex cards are perhaps the most useful when traveling throughout France, as they can be used at most retailers and ATMs and offer the most favorable exchange rates. Travelers Cheques are not advised and are often only accepted in certain parts of Paris in Euros.
Health information
Vaccinations
As with travel to any developed country, it is important to ensure that you have taken your routine vaccinations. Measles Vaccine is required for infants below 11 months and as well as in specific cases for those 12 months and older. You can find more details here. Some other likely vaccines you may be advised on include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.
Drinking water
All tap water is safe to drink across France. But given the high mineral content of the water, the taste might not be palatable to all. Bottled water is widely available to buy in supermarkets and in bars and restaurants. Occasionally certain restaurants may have washrooms with water that is unsuitable for drinking. In such cases, there will be a sign on the washbasin stating that the tap water is not suitable for drinking.
Do you have more questions about your upcoming vacation, which aren’t covered in our France travel guide? Get in touch with our experts for further information and advice about visiting this culturally diverse nation.
From a province of the Roman Empire, to the master of Europe, and a hub of global culture and more, discover traces of France’s long and fascinating history while you travel, with advice from our experts.
Before you jet off to France’s romantic capital or set your sights on its glamorous coastal cities, find out more about local traditions, religion and family, everyday etiquette, the best shopping destinations, cinema, art and more.
Part of UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, French cuisine is considered one of the best in the world! From regional delights to wine and cheese, cafe culture, and the best dishes by region, eat your way through France with our handy guide.
Enchanting Travels helped make our family trip to France exceptional. We were able to experience this beautiful country without worry, stress, or frustration because of their wonderfully curated itinerary. We cannot wait to travel with them again.
Heidi Benner
May 2024
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
We could never have imagined we would have the perfect trip to France, but with Enchanting Travels team, we were able to have the experience of a lifetime. Everything from the hotels we stayed in, the touring experiences, the transportation, the itinerary, and having everything at your fingertips, including the Enchanting Travels concierge was fantastic. We don’t think we will ever try to plan a trip on our own again when we know we can rely on Enchanting Travels to create future amazing travel experiences.
Anne Calistri
May 2024
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
First and foremost – A huge shout out to Nurit for how incredible she is! We love her! She, not only listens – truly listens, she is an amazing person and now a friend:) We appreciate her and trust her – which is so important! She was very patient and understanding throughout the process and made things work that we were wanting to do! The entire process is so simple and alleviates so much undo stress that is associated with traveling. You all know the areas – the places to go – where to go and when, etc. The transfers to and from airport, train station, excursions and hotels were a huge help! We will work with you all again and again! Also, Tanisha and team were and are GREAT – they were on top of responding to us when needed throughout the entire trip. Very good about getting right back always! Last minute questions were answered throughout the entire trip and if we needed to adjust anything she and the team were on it! Thank you! Thanks overall for a great trip – we are working on our next one now 🙂 100% recommend to anyone traveling! Tracy and Michayla George
Tracy George
April 2024
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
This was such an epic trip. A three week trip that included 6 cities. The planning was thorough and we were able to communicate our thoughts and desires easily w Nurit. She listened and included our desires and steered us in a better direction when appropriate. Easy to work with. Vipra was so easy to work with scheduling all the details. I am a retired engineer, and can be very tenacious about every detail. Vipra was sweet, professional and undaunted by my direct questions and handled everything timely and thoroughly. A 21 day trip and every step was perfectly executed as planned. I loved working with both of them. Our trip was perfect. Highly recommend Enchanting Travels.
Clark Cummings
March 2024
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The Taste of France really lived up to its title. Given my medical issue, Lisa turned lemons into lemonade! The trip was well layer out and we got to see so much in a short period of time. Cheers to Nitika for always having our back throughout the entire trip.
Frank Salvatore Calfa
October 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
From start to finish, Enchanting Travels provided a top-of-the-line experience. The concierge-style support made our trip relaxing and very memorable!
