France

France is the most visited country in the world, with over 100 million visitors annually, and for good reason. This France guide will help you plan the perfect trip to a country rich in history, culture, art, and cuisine. Tourism in France offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler – from the snow-capped Alps in the north to the sparkling Mediterranean beaches in the south.

Key Highlights

• Paris Beyond the Clichés – 20 unique districts with special character, from the Louvre in the center to bohemian Montmartre. Notre-Dame is open for visits with advance booking after magnificent restoration.
• Loire Valley – The Kingdom of Castles – Over 300 historic Loire Valley castles spanning 280 km, including Chambord with its famous double staircase and Chenonceau, the “Ladies’ Castle” built over the river.
• Provence and the Riviera – Perfect combination of purple lavender fields (June-July), sparkling Côte d’Azur beaches, and historic cities like Nice and Marseille.
• Unique Heritage in Every Region – Celtic lighthouses in Brittany, 7,000-year-old megalithic monuments, German-French culture in Alsace, and famous Bordeaux wines.
• The Importance of Cultural Respect – A simple “Bonjour” opens doors, waiting to be seated in restaurants, and speaking quietly make the French helpful.
• Smart Planning Saves Money – Booking TGV trains 4 months in advance (saves 3x), Paris Museum Pass for museum visitors, and eating at local markets instead of tourist restaurants.
• Perfect Week Itinerary – 3 days in Paris, 2 days in Loire Valley, and 2 days in Provence or Riviera for a comprehensive French experience.

Executive Summary

This France guide offers comprehensive and smart planning for travel to the world’s most visited country with over 100 million visitors annually. The guide focuses on France’s 13 main regions, from cultural Paris to the sparkling Côte d’Azur beaches, and contains up-to-date information for visitors.

What you’ll find in this guide:

• Updated prices for all French attractions and services
• Essential cultural tips for proper behavior with the French
• Proven savings strategies that can save up to 50% of travel budget
• Detailed travel itineraries adapted to different budgets and time lengths
• Expert recommendations from personal experience of dozens of visits to France

When to Travel and Trip Planning to France

When is the Best Time to Travel to France

Spring (April-June): The ideal period for a first introduction to France. Temperature ranges 15-20°C, comfortable, Loire Valley castle gardens bloom colorfully, and tourist flow hasn’t reached peak. In Provence, lavender season begins (late June), and on the Mediterranean coast you can already swim.

Summer (July-August): Beach and festival season, but be prepared for crowds and high prices. Temperature reaches 25-30°C. Many French take vacation in August, so in small towns shops and restaurants may be closed. Better to choose large tourist centers.

Autumn (September-October): “Golden time” for travel. Weather remains warm, but crowds disperse. Wine regions hold grape harvest, pleasant temperature 18-22°C. Excellent time to visit Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Winter (December-February): Magical period of Christmas markets in Alsace and ski season in the Alps. In Paris and other cities fewer tourists, museums work peacefully. Temperature 5-10°C, but southern regions remain moderate.

How Much Does a Trip to France Cost – Travel Budget (Updated Prices)

Budget (€50-70/day): Hostels €25-35, street food and picnics €15-20, public transport €10-15. Many museums free on first of month.

Mid-range (€100-150/day): 3-star hotels €70-90, bistro lunches €25-35, car rental or trains €30-40. Includes visits to main attractions.

Comfortable (€200+/day): 4-5 star hotels €150-300, gourmet restaurants €60-100, private tours and tastings €50-80. Complete freedom of choice without limitations.

The Regions of France

Paris and Île-de-France – Heart of French Culture

France’s capital is much more than the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements), each with unique and special character. The first district is the historic heart with the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens, the second is famous for nightlife and opera, Montmartre (18th) offers bohemian artist atmosphere with Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Marais (4th) is the hottest gay district with traditional Jewish shops.

What to See in Paris – Must-Visit Attractions

Eiffel Tower: €14.20-€35.30 to second floor, €35.30 to summit. Hours: Daily 9:00-23:45 (summer until 00:45)

• Best photos from Trocadéro and Champ de Mars

Louvre: €17 with mandatory advance booking. Hours: Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun 9:00-18:00, Tue, Fri 9:00-21:00, closed Tuesday

• 9 kilometers of corridors with 35,000 artworks
• Less crowded hours: Wednesday and Friday evenings until 21:45
• Alternative entrances through Carrousel du Louvre (less crowded)

Notre-Dame: Free entry with mandatory advance booking (tickets released regularly throughout the day)

• Reopened in December 2024 after magnificent restoration
• 10,000-15,000 free daily tickets
• Hours: Daily 7:45-19:00 (Thursday until 22:00), weekends 8:15-19:30

Arc de Triomphe: €16 for adults. Hours: April-September until 23:00, October-March until 22:30

Musée d’Orsay: €16, famous for Impressionist art. Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30-18:00, Thursday until 21:45, closed Monday

Sainte-Chapelle: €19, world’s most magnificent stained glass windows. Hours: April-September 9:00-19:00, October-March 9:00-17:00

What to See in Paris – Most Authentic Neighborhoods

• Le Marais: Jewish-gay district with art galleries and boutiques
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Left Bank with legendary Café de Flore and bookshops
• Montmartre: Artist village with stepped streets and magnificent views
• Latin Quarter: Student district with Panthéon and Luxembourg Gardens
• Île Saint-Louis: Peaceful island with famous Berthillon ice cream and provincial atmosphere in the heart of Paris

Unique Museums Beyond the Classics

• Musée Rodin: Sculptures in magnificent garden €13
• Musée Picasso: Huge collection in Marais €16
• Palais de Tokyo: Contemporary art, open until midnight €12
• Musée Carnavalet: History of Paris – free entry

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur – France’s Enchanted Coast

This southern region is a perfect combination of the Mediterranean Sea, Alpine mountains, and purple lavender fields. Marseille, France’s oldest city (founded 600 BCE), serves as the gateway to the region. Here are some of France’s most impressive attractions.

Marseille – Gateway to the Mediterranean

The ancient port is the perfect base for exploring Provence and the Côte d’Azur. The Old Port (Vieux-Port) bustles with life with morning fish markets and Mediterranean bars. From here, you can reach the Calanques – the most beautiful sea bays in the Mediterranean. Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica overlooks the city from 162 meters high and is called Marseille’s “Good Mother.”

Main Marseille Attractions:

• Le Panier: Old district with artistic graffiti and boutiques
• MuCEM: Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (€9.50)
• Calanques de Cassis: Sea bays between white cliffs, boat trips (€25)
• Îles du Frioul: Island with Château d’If fortress (Count of Monte Cristo) (€6)

Nice – Queen of the French Riviera

The Promenade des Anglais, 7 kilometers of sun, sea, and nightlife, is Nice’s beating heart. The Old Town (Vieille Ville) offers colorful markets and authentic restaurants.

Special Nice Attractions:

• Musée Matisse (€10; May-October: 10:00-18:00; November-April: 10:00-17:00; closed Tuesdays)
• Musée Chagall (€8; rare collection of religious works)
• Old Town: Flower market, Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
• Colline du Château: Panoramic bay view, free entry
• Villa Paloma (€6; new art in magnificent palace)

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Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.

Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.

During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.

Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.

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Must-Visit Attractions in Provence Region

Lavender Fields in Valensole (June-July): Free photography; guided tours (€40-60 per day); flowering season: late June to late July

• Valensole: Largest and most famous fields
• Route de la Lavande (80 km route with free maps)
• Abbaye de Sénanque (monastery among lavender fields; entry €8)

Fortified Town of Èze (free entry to village; €8 for exotic garden; April-October: 9:00-18:30; November-March: 9:00-16:30)

Cassis and the Calanques (boat trip €21-33 [by number of calanques]; kayak rental €35-45 per day)

Avignon (Papal Palace €12; Avignon bridge combined ticket €17; open daily)

Aix-en-Provence (local markets; Cours Mirabeau fountains)

Arles (Roman amphitheater €9; Van Gogh traces)

Best of Côte d’Azur

• Cannes (Boulevard de la Croisette, Festival Palace, Îles de Lérins, Film Festival [May])
• Monaco (Monte Carlo Casino [€17 entry]; guard change at 11:55; exotic gardens)
• Saint-Tropez (romantic old port; Pampelonne beaches; famous Café de Paris)
• Menton (tropical gardens; Lemon Festival [February])

Loire Valley – France’s Castle Kingdom

The Garden of France, containing over 300 historic Loire Valley castles along 280 kilometers, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This region is known as the “Valley of Kings” due to the largest concentration of royal castles in Europe. The most famous castle is Château de Chambord, with over 440 rooms and 77 staircases, designed attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Most Important Castles

Château de Chambord (€19): Largest, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, gardens as large as Paris. Open daily 9:00-17:00/18:00, according to season. Parking: €6 per day

• Famous double staircase allows king and guests to go up and down without meeting
• Roof with 440 rooms and 77 staircases looks like miniature city

Château de Chenonceau (€18): “Ladies’ Castle,” built over river with stone bridges. Open daily, hours vary by season, 9:00-16:30/19:30

• “Ladies’ Castle” – six women designed it for generations
• Gallery surrounded by water on all sides creates magical appearance

Château d’Amboise (€16.40): Da Vinci’s burial place, magnificent valley view. Open daily 9:00-17:00/18:00, according to season

• Leonardo da Vinci buried here in Chapelle Saint-Hubert
• From here you can visit Clos Lucé, da Vinci’s last home

Château de Chantilly (€18): Rivals Versailles in beauty, Le Nôtre gardens. Open daily 10:00-17:00/18:00, according to season. Park-only ticket: €9

Château de Blois (€12): Magnificent staircases, birthplace of Louis XII

Practical Tips for Loire Valley Visit

• Recommended base: Tours – excellent train connections and car rental services
• Combined tickets: €25 for 3 castles, €35 for 5 castles
• Cycling: Loire à Vélo route, 800 km of marked trails
• Recommended visit time: April-June, September-October (fewer tourists, pleasant weather)

Normandy – France’s Memory and History

In the heart of France, above Paris, lies the historic region of Normandy. D-Day beaches (Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword) are sacred places commemorating World War II. Mont-Saint-Michel, “Wonder of the West,” is a magical sight that changes with tides, displaying the Gothic monastery from 10th to 16th centuries.

Memorial and Heritage Sites

• D-Day Beaches: Memorial Museum in Caen €25, Omaha Beach free entry
• Mont-Saint-Michel: Monastery entry €13, parking €6.80-€9.80, free shuttle
• Bayeux Tapestry: Famous Bayeux embroidery €12
• Rouen: Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral, Joan of Arc’s burning place
• Honfleur: Picturesque port, inspiration for Impressionist artists
• Deauville and Trouville: Aristocratic resort beaches

Mont-Saint-Michel: Wonder of the West

The fortress island, rising from the sea at high tide and isolated at low tide, is a magnificent display that changes twice daily. The Gothic monastery from 10th to 16th centuries, built on the island, is considered one of the world’s architectural wonders. Parking mandatory, 2.5 km distance, costs €6-16 per day, according to season. Free shuttle available 7:00 to 1:00. Monastery entry costs €11 for adults, free for children under 18. Opening hours are 9:30-18:00 (summer until 19:00). Light shows available in summer, July-August nights. Tide times can be checked on official website.

Normandy Cuisine

Normandy cuisine is known for original Camembert cheese from Camembert village, 40% alcohol apple liqueur (Calvados), sparkling Normandy cider, fresh oysters and mussels from Atlantic Ocean, rich Normandy cream, and handmade salted butter.

Brittany – France’s Unique Celtic Region

In France, there’s a unique region with independent culture and ancient Breton language. Brittany, known for its wild beaches, reminds of Cornwall and Scotland. It has the largest number of lighthouses in France (over 150), and 7,000-year-old megalithic monuments.

Main Towns and Cities

• Rennes: Brittany capital, lively university center
• Saint-Malo: Fortified city on Roman walls
• Quimper: Traditional pottery, Cornouaille festival
• Concarneau: Artists’ city with many galleries
• Dinan: Medieval town on Rance River

Megalithic Monuments

• Carnac: Over 3,000 ancient menhirs, €13
• Locmariaquer: World’s largest broken menhir
• Gavrinis: Menhir fortress on ocean

Alsace – Where France Meets Germany

In Alsace, there’s a charming French-German region with dual cultural faces.

Strasbourg – Capital of Europe

Strasbourg, Alsace capital and European Parliament home, uniquely combines French and German culture. The Gothic cathedral with 14th-century astronomical clock is considered architectural wonder. Petite France district with timber houses and canals looks like fairy tale book.

Strasbourg Specials:

• European Parliament: Free tours with advance registration, Monday-Saturday, 9:00-18:00
• Gothic Cathedral: Astronomical clock operates at 12:30 daily
• Petite France: 16th-century timber houses, romantic canals
• Cave historique des Hospices de Strasbourg: Ancient underground wine cellars
• Musée Alsacien: Unique regional culture, €7.50

Colmar and Alsace Villages

Colmar looks like fairy tale – “Little Venice” with canals and dreamlike house colors.

Must-Visit Towns and Villages:

• Colmar: Little Venice, colorful houses, Unterlinden Museum €14
• Riquewihr: Village from “Beauty and the Beast,” medieval walls
• Eguisheim: Flower village, timber houses
• Haut-Kœnigsbourg: Restored imperial castle

Alsace Wine Route

• 170 km of vineyards and wine cellars
• Wine types: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris
• Wine villages: Rouffach, Ribeauvillé, Sélestat
• Wine tastings: €15-30 per cellar

Bordeaux – Wine, Culture, and French Architecture

Bordeaux, city famous for its wine, offers World Heritage site with magnificent 18th-century architecture.

Wine and Culture Attractions in Bordeaux

• Cité du Vin: World’s most advanced wine museum (€20 adults, €9 children 6-17, daily hours: 10:00-18:00)
• Miroir d’Eau: Magnificent water surface (free, daily hours: 10:00-22:00 April-October)
• Place de la Bourse: Bordeaux’s most magnificent square
• Saint-Émilion: Medieval wine village (45 minutes) with underground wine caves (€8-10)
• Médoc: Luxury château route, tastings (€25-50)

Wine and Gastronomy Sites

• Great Wine Route: From Mâcon to Lyon, 250 km
• Beaune: White wine capital, with Hospices de Beaune (€19)
• Nuits-Saint-Georges: World’s most expensive wines
• Wine cellars and tastings: €15-30 for tastings
• Gastronomic markets in Dijon and Beaune

Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Bordeaux Wine and Basque Culture

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France’s largest region, stretches from Atlantic coasts to Pyrenees mountains.

Bordeaux Region

• Wine Civilization Museum (€22)
• Saint-Émilion: Medieval wine village, World Heritage
• Médoc: Luxury château route
• Arcachon: Fresh oysters and Dune du Pilat

Basque Region

• Biarritz: Surfing city, authentic Basque culture
• Biarritz: Magnificent port, ornate casino, aquarium (€18)
• Bayonne: Basque smoked ham, traditional chocolate

Hauts-de-France – Northern Gateways with Flemish Soul

In northern France, where French soil meets English Channel winds, lies region with rich Flemish heritage. Lille, the region’s cultural pearl, is city where brick facades tell centuries-old stories, and cobbled streets lead to one of France’s largest art treasures.

Northern Crown Treasures:

• Lille – Flemish Muse: Palais des Beaux-Arts holds collections that can rival the Louvre. Lille’s old town seems taken from Flemish history pages, with every house holding memories of merchant guilds and medieval fairs.
• Arras – Underground Chronicle: Here, in World War I tunnels, echo soldier voices from 1914-1918. Above ground, Flemish squares are architectural stone poems.
• Amiens – Gothic Symphony: Cathedral, largest in France, rises to sky like stone prayer. This UNESCO masterpiece opens its gates free to all beauty pilgrims.
• Calais – England’s Gates: Historic monument “Citizens of Calais” by Rodin.
• Dunkirk – Evacuation Beaches: 1940 beaches and Maritime Museum (€8).

Traveler’s Practical Wisdom:

• Getting here: Eurostar to Lille (3.5 hours from London), fast TGV from Paris (1 hour)
• Accommodation: €60-90 in Lille, €40-60 in quiet towns
• Regional tastes: Oysters with golden potatoes (€12-18), amber beer from local breweries (€3-5), sharp-scented Maroilles cheese

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – From Burning Volcanoes to Eternal Glaciers

This region is symphony of contrasts, where ancient Auvergne volcanoes sleep in shadow of majestic Alpine peaks. Lyon, world’s gastronomy capital, rules Rhône valley with its three thousand restaurants and secret “traboule” passages, guarding silk weaving secrets.

Alpine Crowns:

• Chamonix – Extreme Alpinism Throne: From here cable car lifts brave souls to Aiguille du Midi, dizzying height of 3842 meters (€81 round-trip, €59 one-way). Here peak conquest legends were born.
• Annecy – Alpine Venice: Lake’s turquoise waters reflect medieval towers, and canals carry romance through city heart.
• Grenoble – 1968 Winter Olympics capital: Cable car to Bastille (€9.20).

Auvergne Volcano Wonders:

• Puy-de-Dôme – Sleeping Giants: Chain of 80 extinct volcanoes, where panoramic train (€16) opens views on frozen lava moonscapes.
• Clermont-Ferrand – City on Lava Hills: Here, among black basalt stones, Michelin empire was born, giving world wings of speed.
• Le Puy-en-Velay: Basalt peaks with chapels on summits.

Guide Threads:

• Getting there: TGV to Lyon (2 hours), to Annecy (3.5 hours)
• Ski season: December-April, ski pass €35-55/day
• Thermal springs in Vichy: €25-45/day healing treatments
• Specialties: Cantal cheese from volcanic lands (€15-20/kg)

Occitania – Pink City and Cathar Legends

In these lands, where troubadour language was born, every stone breathes poetry. Toulouse, the pink city of red bricks, greets visitors with warm terra-cotta facade warmth, and surrounding Cathar castles – silent witnesses to medieval religious wars.

Medieval Treasures:

• Carcassonne – Stone Legend: Europe’s largest fortress with double walls, where every tower is knight’s romantic pillar (€13, audio-guide €4.50, free under 18).
• Albi – Red Fortress: Cathedral-fortress of baked bricks guards Toulouse-Lautrec heritage (€12).
• Rocamadour – Sanctuary-city on steep cliff: Elevator (€2.50).

Nature and Technology Wonders:

• Millau – Bridge in Clouds: World’s highest bridge (343 m) hovers over valley like heaven’s arch (observation deck €8.50).
• Camargue – Flamingo Kingdom: In Rhône delta pink birds dance, and white horses run on salt fields.
• Cévennes: Chestnut forests and granite chaos, national park.
• Montpellier: Student city with ultra-modern tram and sea proximity (20 minutes to beaches).

Road Advice:

• Getting there: TGV to Toulouse (4.5 hours), to Montpellier (3.5 hours)
• Season: May-October, Avignon festival (July, tickets €15-80)
• Culture: Occitan language, Cathar castles, Avignon festival

Corsica – Napoleon’s Island of Beauty

This proud island, where Europe’s conqueror was born, guards French-Italian soul in blue Mediterranean embraces. Corsican language sounds like melody in mountain villages, and red granites of Calanques de Piana burn at sunset.

Imperial Traces:

• Ajaccio – Bonaparte’s Cradle: Corsican Bonaparte House-Museum (€8 with audio-guide) tells of childhood of world-shaker. Palm avenue promenade remembers his first steps.
• Bastia: Main port with Genoese fortress and picturesque old port.

Nature Sanctuaries:

• GR20 – Heroes’ Trail: One of Europe’s most challenging hiking trails (15 days), where every step tests spirit.
• Calanques de Piana – Fire Cathedrals: Red granite cliffs, carved by century winds (boat tours €42-130, 1.5-3 hours).
• Bonifacio – City at World’s End: White limestone cliffs carry medieval houses above abyss (sea tours €20-48, to Lavezzi islands).
• Capo Corso: Northern tip with Genoese towers.

Paradise Beaches:

Palombaggia, Santa-Giulia, Saleccia, Rondinara – here white sand meets gem-colored waters.

Island Practice:

• Getting there: Plane (1.5 hours, €80-250) or romantic ferry (€30-100, 4-11 hours) from Nice/Marseille/Toulon
• Car rental: Mandatory (€30-50/day) for winding mountain roads
• Season: May-October, price peak July-August
• Tastes: Chestnut flour, Corsican sausages (€12-18/kg), brocciu cheese, myrtle liqueur (€15-25)

Recommended One Week France Itinerary

Days 1-3: Classic Paris

Day 1: Arrival and First Introduction

• Landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport
• RER B trip to city center
• Hotel check-in and brief rest
• Afternoon: First walk on Champs-Élysées and Louvre
• Sunset at Eiffel Tower (Trocadéro for photos)
• Evening: Romantic Seine cruise with dinner

Day 2: Art and Culture

• Early morning: Louvre with advance booking
• Lunch: Meal at Café Marly in museum
• Afternoon: Walk in Marais, Place des Vosges
• Sunset: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
• Night: Moulin Rouge or Lido

Day 3: Royalty and Sanctity

• Full day at Versailles: RER C train from Paris
• Louis XIV palace, Hall of Mirrors, Le Nôtre gardens
• Alternative: New Notre-Dame + Île de la Cité + Sainte-Chapelle
• Evening: Rive Gauche and Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Days 4-5: Loire Valley (Tours base)

Day 4: Kings’ Palaces

• TGV train from Paris to Tours
• Car rental in Tours or organized tour
• Morning: Château de Chambord – largest and most impressive
• Lunch: Meal in Chambord village
• Afternoon: Château de Blois – magnificent staircases
• Night: Tours or Amboise

Day 5: Women and Art

• Morning: Château de Chenonceau – “Ladies’ Palace”
• Walk in magnificent gardens and Cher river cruise
• Afternoon: Amboise and da Vinci’s tomb
• Visit Clos Lucé – da Vinci’s last home
• Evening: Return to Paris by TGV train

Days 6-7: Provence or Riviera (choose one)

Option A – Classic Provence:

• Morning flight or TGV train to Avignon
• Car rental at station
• Day 6: Valensole lavender fields + Luberon villages + L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
• Day 7: Avignon (Papal Palace) + Aix-en-Provence + Montagne Sainte-Victoire

Option B – Sparkling Côte d’Azur:

• Morning flight or TGV train to Nice
• Day 6: Nice (Old Town, Matisse Museum, Promenade des Anglais)
• Day 7: Day trip to Cannes and Monaco by coastal train

Jenna Hovor’s Personal Story

My first time in France was almost a complete disaster. I arrived in Paris with a huge suitcase (mistake #1), without booking anything in advance (mistake #2), and without a single word of French (mistake #3).

On the first day I tried to enter the Louvre without a ticket – I waited 3 hours in line! Then I went to a small restaurant near Notre-Dame, sat down without waiting for the hostess and asked loudly in English “Where’s the menu?” The waitress looked at me like an alien. The place became quiet for an embarrassing moment.

But the turning point was on the second day. I went to a small boulangerie in Marais, took a deep breath and said “Bonjour” politely. The owner smiled, patiently explained every type of bread, and finally gave me a free croissant. He even wrote on a note how to say “How much does it cost?” (combien ça coûte).

The big lesson I learned: The French aren’t mean or arrogant – they simply want you to respect their culture. Since then I always start with “Bonjour,” wait to be seated in restaurants, and speak quietly. Honestly, it opens doors you wouldn’t believe.

Today, after dozens of visits, the French are the warmest and most helpful people in the world to me. All because I learned to respect their simple rules. It’s the smallest change with the biggest impact you can make on your trip.

Expert Tips for Traveling in France

Transportation and Savings:

• Book TGV trains 4 months in advance – prices triple!
• Use SNCF Connect app for flexible price searches
• Paris Museum Pass: €92 for 6 days, pays off from 4 attractions
• Notre-Dame: Free entry with advance time booking (2 days before)
• Car rental: Compare prices on Kayak, book left-hand drive

Food and Drink:

• Lunch in apartment instead of dinner in restaurant
• Local market + picnic = €15 instead of €50 in restaurant
• Supermarket wine: €3-8 instead of €25-40 in restaurant
• Say “un carafe d’eau” for free water
• Free wine tastings in most regions

Smart Accommodation:

• Book outside center – save 30-50%
• Airbnb in local neighborhoods instead of tourist hotels
• Quality hostels: €35-55 per night even for adults
• Loire countryside stay: Real camping experience €100-200

SIM and Internet:

• Orange Holiday Europe: From €20 for 14 days, 12-30GB + calls
• eSIM: Download in advance, instant activation on landing
• Free WiFi: In most cafes and public places

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