26 France

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Schengen Visa Rules

France is a Schengen country. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The upcoming ETIAS system (expected late 2026) will require non-EU travelers to complete an online authorization before visiting, but it is not a visa.

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Currency and Payments

France uses the Euro. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but carry cash for open-air markets, small cafes, bakeries, and rural areas. Minimize ATM fees by using machines operated by French banks like Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas, or Societe Generale.

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TGV High-Speed Trains

France's TGV high-speed train network connects major cities rapidly: Paris to Lyon takes 2 hours, Paris to Marseille 3.5 hours. Book tickets well in advance on the SNCF Connect app for the cheapest Ouigo and Prems fares, which can be 70-80% cheaper than last-minute prices. Validate paper tickets at the yellow machines before boarding or risk a fine.

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Tipping is Not Obligatory

Service charges (service compris) are included in restaurant bills by French law, so tipping is not required. However, leaving EUR 1-2 at a cafe or EUR 2-5 at a restaurant for good service is a polite gesture. Rounding up taxi fares by a euro or two is common.

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Greeting Etiquette Matters

Always greet shopkeepers and waiters with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving. Not doing so is considered rude in French culture. A few basic French phrases go a long way: 'Merci' (thank you), 'S'il vous plait' (please), and 'Parlez-vous anglais?' (Do you speak English?).

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Museum Tips

Many Paris museums are free on the first Sunday of each month, including the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay. EU citizens under 26 get free entry to national museums. The Paris Museum Pass offers skip-the-line access and covers over 50 museums for 2, 4, or 6 days. Book Eiffel Tower tickets and Versailles entry online weeks in advance.

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Tap Water is Safe

Tap water is safe to drink throughout France. In restaurants, ask for 'une carafe d'eau' (a carafe of tap water), which is free. Ordering 'eau minerale' will get you expensive bottled water. France uses Type C and Type E plugs with 230V/50Hz electricity.

1

Iconic Paris

📍 Paris

Visit the Eiffel Tower and ascend to the second floor for panoramic views across the city. Walk along the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, then explore the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace. End the evening with crepes near the Seine and watch the Eiffel Tower light show.

2

Montmartre and Notre-Dame

📍 Paris

Climb to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre for sweeping views of Paris and wander through the artist-filled Place du Tertre. Visit the Musee d'Orsay to see the world's finest Impressionist collection, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas. Cross to Ile de la Cite to see Notre-Dame Cathedral's ongoing restoration and stroll through the Latin Quarter for dinner.

3

Mont Saint-Michel

📍 Mont Saint-Michel

Take an early train to Pontorson and shuttle to Mont Saint-Michel, the tidal island abbey rising dramatically from the Normandy coast. Climb the narrow medieval streets to the Benedictine abbey at the summit and tour the Gothic cloisters with views across the vast bay. Walk the ramparts and sample a fluffy omelette at La Mere Poulard before returning.

4

Lyon: Gastronomy Capital

📍 Lyon

Travel by TGV to Lyon and explore the traboules, hidden passageways through Renaissance-era buildings in Vieux Lyon. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere perched on the hilltop with panoramic city views, then walk through the Presqu'ile district. Dine at a traditional bouchon Lyonnais to taste quenelles and praline tart in France's culinary capital.

5

Nice and the French Riviera

📍 Nice

Fly or take the TGV to Nice and walk the Promenade des Anglais along the turquoise Mediterranean coast. Explore the narrow alleys and flower market of Old Nice in the Cours Saleya, then climb Castle Hill for views of the Baie des Anges. Sample socca, a chickpea flatbread, at Chez Rene Socca and enjoy a sunset aperitif at a seaside cafe.