Driving in France: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your national license. Car rentals cost $30-$80 per day; tolls on highways average $10-$30.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways (110 km/h in rain). Seat belts are mandatory; the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—fines start at $150.
• Road Conditions: Roads are well-maintained, but rural areas like Provence can have narrow, winding roads—drive cautiously. Paris traffic is heavy; parking costs $3-$6/hour.
• Transport Options: TGVs cost $30-$100 for intercity travel; Paris metro tickets are $2.10; taxis start at $8 for short trips.
• Emergency Number: Call 112 for police, medical, or fire emergencies; response times are generally quick.

Currency in France: Using the Euro for Your Trip

• Euro (€): The official currency. Exchange rates are stable—1 USD ≈ 0.95 EUR (May 2025).
• Money Exchange: Exchange money at banks or authorized bureaus in cities like Paris—avoid unofficial vendors due to scams. ATMs are widely available and reliable.
• Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted, but small vendors may prefer cash. Contactless payments are common; tipping 5-10% is customary in restaurants.
• Costs: A meal in a casual restaurant costs $15-$30, a coffee $3-$5, and a souvenir like a bottle of wine costs $10-$20.

Legal Guide for France: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal—penalties include fines or jail. Public drinking is restricted in some areas like Paris parks—fines start at $40.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Respect French customs—avoid loud behavior in public spaces. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography inside some museums like the Louvre requires permission—fines start at $50. Always ask before photographing locals.
• Public Behavior: Smoking in public places like train stations is banned—fines start at $75. Littering incurs fines of $80-$150.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over €10,000—currency controls are enforced.
• Emergency Contact: Call 112 for police or medical emergencies; response times are reliable.

Travel Safety in France: Staying Safe During Your Trip

• Crime: Petty crimes like pickpocketing are common in tourist areas like the Paris metro—keep valuables secure. Violent crime is rare but exercise caution at night.
• Road Safety: Roads are safe, but Paris traffic can be hectic—use pedestrian crossings. Cycling in cities is popular; wear helmets as fines for not doing so start at $50.
• Health Risks: Tap water is safe to drink. No major health risks, but seasonal flu is common in winter—consider a flu shot. Pharmacies are widely available for minor issues.
• Natural Hazards: Flooding can occur in spring, especially in the Loire Valley—check weather updates. Avalanches are a risk in the Alps during winter; follow ski resort guidelines.
• Outdoor Safety: Hiking in areas like the Pyrenees requires proper gear—trails can be challenging. Sunburn is a risk in the south; use SPF 30+.
• Medical Facilities: Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris is recommended for emergencies; medical care is high-quality. Travel insurance is advised for non-EU visitors.
• Emergency Contacts: Call 112 for emergencies. The US Embassy in Paris can be reached at +33 1 43 12 22 22.

Culture & Etiquette in France: What to Know

• Greetings: A polite “Bonjour” (hello) or “Bonsoir” (good evening) is expected when entering shops or restaurants; handshakes are common for introductions.
• Dining Customs: Tipping 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants, though a service charge is often included. Meals are leisurely—don’t rush waitstaff.
• Community Respect: The French value politeness—keep your voice low in public spaces. Dress smartly in cities like Paris; casual attire is fine in rural areas.
• Festivals: Bastille Day (July 14) features parades and fireworks nationwide. The Cannes Film Festival (May) and Avignon Festival (July) highlight cinema and theater.
• Language Tips: French is widely spoken; learning basics like “Merci” (thank you) is appreciated. English is common in tourist areas but less so in rural regions.
• Social Practices: The French value personal space—don’t stand too close. Punctuality is important for reservations or meetings; being 5-10 minutes late socially is acceptable.

Local Cuisine in France: Dishes & Drinks to Try

• Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms—$15-$25.
• Bouillabaisse: A Provençal fish stew from Marseille—$20-$30.
• Crème Brûlée: A creamy dessert with a caramelized top—$8-$12.
• French Wine: Try Bordeaux or Champagne—$10-$20 per glass.
• Pastis: An anise-flavored aperitif from the south—$5-$8.
• Where to Eat: In Paris, Le Consulat in Montmartre offers classic coq au vin, a highlight in our Top Attractions tab. In Nice, street vendors near the Promenade des Anglais serve fresh socca.

Top Attractions in France: Must-Visit Places

• Eiffel Tower (Paris): Iconic landmark with panoramic views. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Louvre Museum (Paris): Home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of artworks. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Mont Saint-Michel (Normandy): A medieval mountaintop abbey surrounded by tides. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• French Riviera (Nice): Stunning beaches and vibrant markets. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Loire Valley (Centre-Val de Loire): Known for its châteaux like Château de Chambord. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Provence (South of France): Lavender fields and historic villages. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Where to Eat: In Paris, Le Consulat in Montmartre offers classic French dishes with a historic ambiance. In Nice, try socca from street vendors near the Promenade des Anglais with sea views.

Flights to France: Travel Options

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris is the main entry point, with flights from New York, London, and Tokyo. A taxi from CDG to central Paris costs $55-$70 and takes 40 minutes. For the south, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) serves the French Riviera; a taxi to Nice’s city center costs $25-$35 and takes 15 minutes.

Generate Your Packing List for France