Things to know before you visit France on your holidays

January 25, 2018

The holiday season is going on, and everyone is planning for the Holidays. Where are you going in these summer holidays? France! If you’re considering spending your vacation in this charming and romantic country, there are several things to know before visiting France that can help to make your trip memorable.

This guide covers everything a first-time traveler needs to know to plan a stress-free and memorable visit, from how to plan a trip to France to understanding cultural etiquette rules, travel tips, packing lists, and the perfect 5-day itinerary.

Planning a Perfect French Escape: A Guide To Transport, Checklist, and Plan

If you are planning a trip to France and this is your first visit, then you have to plan it perfectly. From the best traveling time, how you can make your checklist, what are the things to know before visiting France, how to plan a 5-day itinerary, and much more about France, below is the answer to all your questions.

What is the Best Time to Visit France? Summer! Winter! Spring! Autumn!

Every country has different seasons to explore, so you can enjoy your holidays perfectly, if you are searching for the Best Time to visit France, then pick months of Spring(March-May) and Autumn(September-November) to plan your beautiful France Journey. Because both times the weather will be in your favor, pleasant and cool with the temperature of 10°C to 20°C.

What are the Things To “Do” and “Not to Do” for a First-Time Traveler In France?

First time visiting France? Don’t have any idea about the French people, language, traditions, and cultural etiquette rules, so here is the list of Dos and don’ts in France to avoid any struggle in the country.

Dos	Don’t
Greet the French Properly	Don’t skip to Greet
Make a checklist in advance	Don’t overbook a lot of places on the same day
Embrace the local culture, food, and the French	Avoid joking about the stereotypes and clichés
Use Uber from the airport to the Hotel	Don’t Buy a Tourist Travel Card
Use the Train as transportation	Don’t Rent a Car or Taxi
Learn some basic table manners	Don’t eat while wandering around
Bring some offline cash in Euros for the Bathroom	Don’t Fall for the bracelet scam
Carry an umbrella while taking a stroll in France	Don’t speak too loudly
Give Tips to the driver, housekeeper, and boutique servant	Don’t over-tip or buy overpriced water in a hotel
Book your favorite sightseeing in advance	Don’t talk too much about money

So, these are the things to know before visiting France, and to make a better travel experience, make a list of them.

How to Explore France’s Beauty and Places? Best Transportation – Bus! Car! Train!

If you are traveling to France for the first time and are confused about which transportation you should take to explore France in the best way or avoid all traveling tourist mistakes in France, here is a comparison-

Transport Name	Taken Time	Benefits	Cost
Bus	30 min- 3 hours	Cheapest, eco-friendly, comfortable, work all around	€2-€25
Car	20 min- 2 hours (Approx)	Flexibility, high priced	€10-€50
Train	20 min-1.5 hours (Approx.)	Cheap, fast, and comfortable	€5- €30

So, as a comparison, you can see that the bus is the best option to explore France.

Best Transportation Tips for travel to France

• Always book your Flight or Train Tickets in advance and be aware of the deals.
• Avoid Public transport during any big event or festival and the rush hours.
• Always keep your train or bus tickets until you reach your destination in France.

These are some golden rules or Things to know before visiting France for an excellent France Journey.

Also check, France Schengen Tourist Visa Requirements UK | France Visa Appointment

What are the Entry Requirements For Tourists in France in 2025: Has Something Changed or Not?

This is one of the important things to know before visiting France, about the entry requirements.

Yes, there have been some changes regarding the traveling rules after 2024. If you are a non-EU citizen who is residing in the UK legally and has the option of a Schengen Visa exemption will have to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS is basically, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a protocol set to keep track of the entry and exit list of travelers who are going to Schengen countries Visa-free for short Stays. Even UK citizens come under this category. Be it for whatever reasons, like tourism or business.

So if you are planning a trip to France and you are a non-EU national staying in the UK and do not have the Schengen Visa exemption feature, then make sure to book your France Schengen visa appointment on time to avoid delays, and if you’re already searching for a reliable visa agency to guide you through the application process, schedule an appointment in a secure, quick, and smooth way, You are in the right place. VISAS FRANCE is a trusted visa agency, where you can apply, and the visa experts will book your France Schengen tourist visa appointment without any hurdles.

A Packing Checklist Before Visiting France: Travel With Comfort

If you are traveling for the first time and are puzzled about what to pack or not, here are some Packing Tips for France

• Shoes and Clothing- Pack your bag with comfortable shoes, lightweight long-sleeved and short-sleeved t-shirts, trousers, and a hat or cap according to your comfort.

• Travel Documents- Best things to know before visiting France are to not forget your passport, travel insurance documents, accommodations reservation, Flights or Train tickets, cash in Euros, your ID, and credit cards.

• Electronics Accessories- a universal adapter, a camera, a charger, and a portable power bank are mandatory to avoid all the struggle while exploring.

• Jacket and Umbrella- Weather is unpredictable, so don’t forget to pack both these things while making a holiday in France checklist.

• Entertainment Accessories- While traveling by flight or a train, or enjoying a French solo evening, books, earbuds, a diary, and a pen will be your travel partner.

How to Plan a 5-Day Itinerary to France for a First-Time Traveler

Day 1: A Day Visit To The French Museums

Morning – The 1st morning – admiring the Art at Musee de l’Orangerie.

Noon – After lunch, you can spend some hours gazing at the Musée d’Orsay collections.

Evening – The Louvre Museum will complete your day. Things to know before visiting France are that museums are often closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Day 2: A Day Tour to Versailles

Take a 45-minute train from France and spend your morning exploring the garden and fountains, have lunch at the park at La Flotile, and end your day admiring the queen’s Hamlet and the train journey back to France. Among the key things to know before visiting France is that Versailles is the most explored place, so reach there early to avoid long lines.

Day 3: A Tour of Paris Icons

Morning – Start your 3rd day at the most popular art in Paris Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Noon – After feeding your stomach, take a visit to Notre-Dame and enjoy a walk through the Latin Quarter.

Evening – one of the best things to know before visiting France, travelers enjoy a French dinner with sunset views from Montmartre near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica..

Day 4: A French Food and Drink Tour for Taste Buds

Morning Breakfast: Start the day with a croissant at Du Pain et des Idées and try Marché des Enfants Rouges in Le Marais for tasty cheese, charcuterie, and fine wine.

Noon: Grab ur lunch at the iconic Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais—a cozy, beloved restaurant, or visit Septime to treat your tongue.

Night: End your France trip with a drink at Harry’s New York Bar (where the Bloody Mary was invented), or go for a glass of wine at Le Baron Rouge.

Day 5: Shopping in France

Treat yourself with some shopping and buy some gifts for your family, so visit popular Galeries Lafayette for high-end brands, Le Marais for trendy boutiques, and Printemps for shoes and fashion.

Note: One of the final things to know before visiting France is to always greet with “Bonjour” before ordering the food.

Also check, Best Places to Visit in France in 2025 | Top Destinations & Hidden Gems

Some Questions That Stuck In A First-Time Traveler’s Mind: Let’s Try to Answer

If you are traveling to France for the first time and have some questions in your mind, let’s answer them.

Is France expensive for tourists in 2025?

Yes, France is a bit more expensive in 2025 than 2024 per day for a single person, because according to the data, hotel prices in France have risen by 26% compared to 2019. Others are mostly stable and show

Items	Cost
Food	€25-40
Accommodation – Low budget – high budget	€48-50 €176- 185
Drinks	€5-€12
Travel – Train – Flight	€49-55 €25-€45
Tickets for Places	€65-€75

• Per day per person, 60€-180€ for budget-friendly options
• Per day per Person, 200€-262€ for mind-range options
• Per day per Person, 262€-850€ for mind-range options

Should I learn French before going to France?

No, you don’t have to learn French completely before traveling. But French people are sensitive about their habits, and greeting is one of them. With it, you will not find English speakers everywhere in France. learning some French phrases is the things to know before visiting France to connect with the locals

Here are some words, that can be easily memorized:

Bonjour: Hello/Good Morning/Good Afternoon

• Good evening: Bonsoir
• Please: S’il vous plait
• Thank you: Merci
• Do you speak English?: Parlez vous anglais?
• Can I get the bill, please?: Puis-je avoir la facture, s’il vous plaît ?
• Bye: Au revoir
• Excuse me: Excusez-moi- (when you try to get someone’s attention)
• Pardon- (When you’re trying to excuse someone to cross his/her side)

What is the tipping culture in France?

Yes, France has this culture, but not in all places. French people understand and see that giving a tip to hotel housekeepers, taxi drivers, and boutiques for the lower staff is a kind or polite way to appreciate their good work- remember these things to know before visiting France.

The amount of this tip is nearly 5-10% according to the service, or for the taxi driver, they round the figure of the fare amount.

Also check, 13 Interesting Facts and Secrets About the Eiffel Tower

Final Thought

So, in the Final thought, you can see that France is a place for first-time traveling. With some awareness of the French phrases, this city can give any traveler a memorable experience. This guide will tell you what to know before going to France, and how you can plan a perfect trip to this romantic and beautiful city.

So dear UK traveler, get ready to pack your bag, with a journal, a camera, and clothes, and don’t forget to apply for France Schengen visa to open your gateway for France.

Happy Journey and Bonjour From France…!

FAQ’s