France, the land of Fromage, wine, and amazing patisserie. Located in western Europe, France is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. If you are planning to go to the land where the Eiffel tower is, there are a few things you should know about traveling to this amazing destination.
Best Time to visit
The answer to this depends on what you want to do in France. In general, you should visit in the spring or the fall, this is mostly because the temperatures are rather nice. Also, this is the times where there are fewer tourists and therefore prices are lower. However, the rest of the months are also great for other activities. The best time for wine country, for example, is January since the winemakers have more time. South France is at its best in June and July. And museum visiting is great in the winter months. Best time for shopping is Summer and Winter for the huge sales.
How to get a Visa
You usually only need a visa if you are staying for more than 90 days. There are a bunch of visa-free countries like Argentina. To get the visa you need to apply for a visa that fits your specific characteristics, like where you come from, how long you are staying, and why are you going to France. To get a visa you need to make an appointment with your closes French consulate, you’ll then have to fill the Schengen Visa application form or a Long-Stay Visa application form. You’ll also need to gather a bunch of documents like your passport, and pay an application fee to submit the visa application. Then just wait. If you are getting a short-term visa it will only be 2-3 weeks, a long-term can take up to 2 months. So, get the visa before making any additional plans.
Do I need Vaccines
Yes, to enter the country you’ll be required to have vaccines against Measles, TDAP, ChickenPox, Shingles, Pneumonia, Influenza, Meningitis, and Polio.
Travel safety
When traveling to France and being safe you need to consider the normal factors one would when traveling. Some of the main threats in France are protests and petty crimes. So, to ensure you are safe when traveling makes sure you avoid areas of protest, too crowded, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Another issue might be terrorist attacks if you are injured during one of your insurance policy probably covers it. To decrease the likelihood of being involved in one, avoid crowded events.
What to pack
This depends on one hundred percent on where you are going, and when. The essentials are your wallet, phone, charger, travel documents, medications, and current adaptor (if you need it). When traveling jeans are always a safe option so always take at least two pairs. If you are going in the summer you want to get a lot of dresses and skirts, maybe even shorts. The summers in France are generally hot so pack for that. When traveling to Paris try to dress fashionably, don’t take the Adidas sweatpants. If you are going during the winter, make sure you take snow boots and a thick coat, France, especially in the north, is very cold and very snowy.
Essential language phrases
It never hurts you to learn a few phrases in the language of the country you are going to. In France, people do often speak English, however, people in France tend to be a little harsh towards people who speak English. If you approach them speaking French first, they’ll be nicer.
The number one essential is: I don’t speak French – Je ne parle pas français
Do you speak English – Parlez-vous anglais?
Excuse me – excuse-moi
Please – S’il vous plait
Thank you – merci
You’re welcome – De rien
Help! – Aidez-moi
My name is….- Je m’appelle…
What’s your name? – Comment tu t’appelle?
Is there someone here who speaks English? – Est-ce que il y a quelqu’un ici qui parle anglais?
Typical costs
It depends on where you are going. Paris is much more expensive than Arles, but it also depends on your accommodations and eating decisions. To Paris, the average cost per person is around $1303, with additional traveler cost of $950. To Marseille, the average cost per day is around $91-100. To Lyon, it is around $100-150. It depends on where you are staying, eating, and what transportation you are taking. If you are staying at the Ritz it obviously won’t be the same cost as staying at a hostel.
Saving tips
Hostels are a huge saving when it comes to accommodations, but there are also a lot of little hotels that are very cute and cheap. A bed and breakfast (Chambre d’hôte) is a great option for saving money as well. If you are staying for more than a week, then a vocational rental can be a huge money-saver. Getting a rail pass can get you. Also, avoid tourist restaurants, go to the local markets and small restaurants. When it comes to getting around, avoid taxis, public transportation in France is pretty great in most places. If you are staying in Paris for a while consider buying a City Pass, it might save you a lot of money and it gives you free entrance to almost every museum.
How to get around
Especially in Paris, use the metro. Take advantage of the TGV, which is faster and cheaper than taking a flight. If you want to get to know the country better when traveling, which I recommend if you are exploring the south, you can rent a car (you need to be over 21 years old). If you are visiting Corsica you can also travel by boat. One of the coolest options is biking around the country, you can get a subscription on Velib’ system, and there are bike tours available.
What not to do
The biggest no-no’s include (but are not limited to): don’t wave wildly at waiters to get their attention, don’t be super loud at night, don’t leave your cell phone out while having coffee with someone else, don’t expect a huge breakfast (they usually just have bread and coffee), don’t leave food on the plate, don’t ask for Americanized versions of French dishes (like adding ranch on a niçoise salad), don’t get too drunk, don’t expect things to be open on Sundays, and finally, don’t underestimate how far some French words can take you.
France is a beautiful country filled with culture, art, architecture, and amazing food. Plan well and get ready for one of the most amazing trips you’ll make in your life.
