France: Basic Travel Guide

Paris, France

📍 Destination

France is one of the world’s most visited countries, renowned for its cultural richness, history, gastronomy, and lifestyle. Paris, the capital, charms visitors with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, while regions such as Provence, the Côte d’Azur, and Alsace offer their own unique appeal. Perfect for romantic getaways, family holidays, or cultural exploration.

This France basic travel guide is what you need to learn more about your destination.

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ℹ️ General information

• Official name: French Republic

• Capital: Paris

• Official language: french

• Currency: euro (EUR)

• Currency exchange locations: airports, train stations, authorized exchange offices, banks, and some hotels

• Predominant religion: catholicism

• Time difference: 

  • From U.S. East Coast: Paris is +6 hours ahead

  • From U.S. West Coast: Paris is +9 hours ahead

  • From UK: Paris is +1 hour ahead

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📄 Required documentation

• U.S. citizens: Valid passport (at least 6 months recommended). No visa required for tourist stays under 90 days (Schengen Zone)

• UK citizens: Valid passport (minimum 6 months recommended). No visa required for stays under 90 days (Schengen Zone)

• Travel insurance is recommended (not mandatory)

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📅 Best time to visit

• Spring (march–may): mild temperatures, blooming gardens

• Summer (june–august): long days, peak tourist season

• Autumn (september–november): pleasant weather, fewer crowds

• Winter (december-february): ideal for skiing in the Alps and city visits without heavy crowds

🎯 Tip: spring and autumn offer the best balance of climate, prices, and crowd levels.

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🕐 Opening hours

• Public services: mon-fri, 08:30 - 17:00

• Banks: mon-fri, 09:00 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 17:00

• Shops: mon-sat, typically 08:30 - 20:00

  (times may vary, we recommend checking in advance)

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✈️ How to get there

Flight time:

• From New York → Paris: +/- 7:30

• From Los Angeles → Paris: +/- 11:00

• From London → Paris: +/- 1:15

• Main airports:

  • (CDG) Paris Charles de Gaulle

  • (ORY) Paris Orly

Approximate distances:

• CDG → Paris center: 40 km (50 - 60 min)

• CDG → Disneyland Paris: 47 km (40 - 50 min)

• ORY → Paris center: 24 km (35 - 40 min)

• ORY → Disneyland Paris: 52 km (50 - 60 min)

🚖 Transfers: you can hire a transfer service, use taxis, or use ride-hailing apps. Travel times vary by city.

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💊 Health & medications

• There is no mandatory medication

• We recommend bringing your own medications and consulting a doctor for specific guidance

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💰 Currency and costs

• Approximate exchange rates:

  • 1 USD ≈ 0.90–0.95 EUR

  • 1 GBP ≈ 1.15–1.20 EUR

• Credit/debit cards are widely accepted.

• Tipping is not mandatory, but there may be a service charge

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🧳 What to pack

• Seasonal clothing: coats/scarves in winter, light clothing in summer

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat/umbrella depending on season

• Power adapter: Type E plug (different from U.S. and UK plugs)

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🏨 Where to stay

• Paris: central hotels near the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, or Eiffel Tower

• Provence / Côte d’Azur: mediterranean charm and beaches

• French Alps: skiing and hiking

🎯 Tip: book well in advance, especially in Paris and during peak season —

🚕 Transport and accessibility

• Paris Metro/RER: extensive and efficient

• TGV high-speed trains: connect Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, etc.

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) in major cities

• Domestic flights: practical for long distances (Paris ↔ Nice)

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⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 220V

• Plugs: Type E (adapter required for U.S. and UK travelers)

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📞 Communication

• Country code: +33

• Internet domain: .fr

• Good mobile coverage and Wi-Fi availability

• Local SIM cards available at airports and shops

🎯 Tip: avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link)  —

🏖️ Main holidays

• Jan 1 - New Year’s Day

• March/April - Good Friday & Easter (variable)

• May 1 - Labor Day

• May 8 - Victory in Europe Day

• Ascension Day (variable, May)

• Pentecost (variable, June)

• July 14 - Bastille Day

• Aug 15 - Assumption of Mary

• Nov 1 - All Saints’ Day

• Nov 11 - Armistice Day

• Dec 25 - Christmas

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🍽️ Local cuisine

• Typical dishes: croissants, quiches, coq au vin, bouillabaisse, ratatouille

• Cheeses & wines: over 400 cheese varieties, renowned wine regions (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne)

• Desserts: macarons, crème brûlée, tarte tatin

🎯 Tip: bakeries (boulangeries) and local markets offer authentic and affordable food experiences — 🇫🇷 Local habits

• Greet with “Bonjour” as a sign of courtesy

• Meals are important social occasions, often lasting longer than in the U.S./UK

• Locals appreciate attempts to speak simple French phrases

— 🕵️‍♂️ Safety

• France is safe for tourists

• Beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and public transport

• Avoid displaying valuables openly

• Check for strikes or protests that may affect transport

— 🚑 Emergency services

• Police: 17

• Ambulance/SAMU: 15

• Fire Brigade: 18

• U.S. Embassy in Paris: +33 1 43 12 22 22

• UK Embassy in Paris: +33 1 44 51 31 00

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🔗 Useful links

• Official Tourism Website

• U.S. Embassy in France

• UK Embassy in France

• Paris Airports (CDG/Orly)