France travel guide for first-time visitors

For a first trip to France, plan around 7 to 12 nights: a few days in Paris followed by one or two regions such as Normandy, the Loire Valley or Provence. Check your entry requirements early, since they depend on your nationality, and book timed tickets for the big museums. Trains make it easy to combine cities without driving.

Who France suits

France suits travellers who enjoy food, history, art and landscapes that change every few hours of travel. Couples often pair Paris with Provence; families like the castles of the Loire and the open space of the Normandy coast; history lovers head for the D-Day beaches and Versailles. It is less suited to travellers on a very tight budget in peak summer, when the coast and Paris are at their busiest. Browse all regions on our France destination page.

Entry and visas (as of November 2026)

Entry rules depend on your nationality, so always check your own situation. France is part of the Schengen area, and short stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Travellers who need a visa apply through the official France-Visas portal; the short-stay visa fee is EUR 90 for adults.

• EES: since 10 April 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System has been fully operational. Non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a photo on first entry instead of having their passport stamped. Children aged 11 or under do not give fingerprints.
• ETIAS: as of November 2026, the official EU ETIAS website says ETIAS is not yet in operation. The EU expects a launch in the last quarter of 2026, followed by transitional and grace periods of at least 12 months in total. Do not use unofficial websites that claim to sell it.
• Passports: UK government advice for UK travellers is that passports must be under 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. Other nationalities should check their own government's advice.

Airports, money and essentials

Getting around

Fast trains link Paris with Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Provence, while regional trains and private transfers reach smaller towns. In Paris, the Métro and RER are the quickest way to cross the city. A car is useful for the Luberon villages, the Normandy coast and the Loire countryside; note that central Paris, Lyon and Grenoble require an air-quality sticker on weekdays, and some older vehicles are banned there during the day, according to UK government travel advice.

Suggested routes by trip length

Our ready-made routes follow a similar shape: Paris, Normandy and the Loire over 7 nights, or Paris and Provence over 8 nights. To pick the right season for each region, see our guide to the best time to visit France.

Etiquette and culture

• Greet shopkeepers and staff with 'bonjour' (or 'bonsoir' in the evening) before asking for anything; it is considered basic courtesy.
• Lunch is an important meal, and many smaller restaurants serve it at set times only, especially outside Paris.
• Service is included in restaurant bills; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not required.
• Dress neatly for churches such as Notre-Dame and keep voices low during services.
• Many museums close one day a week; the Louvre, for example, closes on Tuesdays.

Health and safety

France is a well-developed destination with good healthcare, but travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation is essential. UK visitors can use a GHIC or EHIC for state healthcare, though it does not replace insurance. Official UK government advice on safety in France warns of pickpockets on the Paris Métro, RER trains and at mainline stations, describes a high terrorism threat, and notes frequent strikes that can disrupt transport. You must be able to prove your identity if police ask, so keep your passport or a copy handy. On Atlantic beaches, follow lifeguard flags because of strong currents.

Practical tips for a smoother first trip

• Book timed entry for the Louvre and Versailles; buy only through official channels to avoid fake tickets.
• Allow extra time at the border for EES registration on your first entry.
• Budget for the Paris tourist tax, collected by hotels per adult per night; our France trip cost guide lists the 2026 rates.
• Keep cards and passport in separate pockets on public transport.
• Learn a few words of French: 'merci', 's'il vous plaît' and 'excusez-moi' cover a lot.

Ready to start? Share your interests and dates and our specialists will build your first France itinerary, or send us a custom request if you have something more unusual in mind.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. France-Visas — Visa fees
2. European Union — What is ETIAS
3. European Union — Revised timeline for the EES and ETIAS
4. European Union — Entry/Exit System (EES)
5. GOV.UK — France travel advice: entry requirements
6. GOV.UK — France travel advice: safety and security
7. GOV.UK — France travel advice: health
8. Musée du Louvre — Hours and admission