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Travel Guide
Visiting France
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Top Attractions in France
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Chateau de Chambord
The largest of the Loire Valley chateaux, Chambord is a Renaissance masterpiece built for King Francis I in the sixteenth century. Its famous double-helix staircase, often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is the centrepiece of a fantastical rooftop skyline.
Eiffel Tower
Built for the 1889 World's Fair, Gustave Eiffel's wrought-iron tower has become the defining symbol of Paris and France itself. Visitors can climb or ride lifts to three levels for sweeping views over the Seine, Trocadero, and Champ de Mars.
French Riviera Coast
The Cote d'Azur stretches from Saint-Tropez to Menton, combining turquoise Mediterranean waters, cliff-hugging corniches, and glamorous resort towns. Its mix of beaches, gardens, and hilltop villages has drawn artists and travellers for over a century.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in France. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for France.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for France see where to get vaccines and whether
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police17
Ambulance15
Fire18
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting France
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the France page at Yoogo.
France uses the euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are accepted almost everywhere, though carrying a small amount of cash is useful for markets, small cafes, and rural areas.
France is generally safe, though pickpocketing is common in tourist hotspots such as the Paris Metro, around the Eiffel Tower, and on crowded trains. Keep valuables secure, stay alert in busy areas, and be aware of occasional strikes or demonstrations that can affect transport.
France has an excellent rail network, with TGV high-speed trains linking major cities in hours. Paris has a comprehensive metro and RER system, while regional trains, buses, and rental cars make exploring the countryside, wine regions, and coast straightforward.
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. July and August bring warm Mediterranean weather but also peak tourism, while winter is ideal for Alpine skiing and Christmas markets in Alsace.
French is the official language. English is widely understood in Paris and major tourist destinations, though less so in rural areas, and making an effort to greet people with a polite 'bonjour' is genuinely appreciated.
No special vaccinations are required for most travellers, though routine immunisations should be current. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, and healthcare is of a high standard, though travel insurance is recommended for visitors.
A service charge (service compris) is included by law in restaurant bills, so tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but never expected.
France has strong 4G and 5G coverage, and EU roaming rules mean many European SIMs work without extra charges. Travel eSIMs and local prepaid SIMs are widely available, and free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, hotels, and public spaces.
Always greet shopkeepers and servers with 'bonjour' on entering and 'au revoir' on leaving, as it is considered basic politeness. Meals are unhurried, dress tends to be smart-casual in cities, and speaking quietly in public is the norm.