←France travel guide
Rhône (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), France
Lyon
France's gastronomic capital, where bouchons feed body and soul.
ArchitectureCultureFood & DrinkHistory & Heritage
Lyon is renowned as the culinary heart of France, with traditional bouchons serving hearty local fare and a Michelin-starred scene led by the Bocuse legacy. Its UNESCO-listed old town, Renaissance traboules, and two rivers give the city a timeless, layered feel.
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Best time to visit
April to June and September to October
Region
Rhône (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Main airport
Lyon LYS (LYS)
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Lyon
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
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Coming soonTravel 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.