France Travel Tips

Paris, capital of France, is a city that brings images of love and romance to our minds. Indeed, the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River that you can sail on, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, etc. Plus, there’s plenty of museums and sidewalk cafes to make Paris even more attractive to the traveler.

In fact, Paris is the most visited city in the world, and France ranks number one for international tourism. The regions of France each have their own personality. A tourist could spend months here and only scratch the surface of what you can do.

In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to France:

Where to stay?

The list of where to stay would be a list of all the cities and towns in France as each has their own charm. Here are a few of the possible top destinations to visit:

• Paris: As the most visited city in the world it is a city you must visit at least once in your life.
• Nice: Nice is more or less the eastern end of the Cote D Azur, commonly called the French Riviera. A great blend of ancient and modern.
• Cote D Azur: Away from Nice, in small villages such as Cannes and St. Tropez you will find an array of different activities and lifestyles. Some of the best beaches, restaurants, festivals, and casinos in the world are found here.
• Normandy: Apart from its historical importance, Normandy welcomes visitors with quaint villages and breathtaking landscapes.
• Burgundy: The name only tells you half of the story. Burgundy is one of the best-known wine-producing areas, however, it also has many remarkable medieval buildings.
• Lyon: Lyon is the third-largest city in France. The city is known for its cuisine and gastronomy, and historical and architectural landmarks. Part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities and excursions in France

France offers so much for the tourist, that it is difficult to suggest activities and excursions. You could spend months in just Paris alone and not fully explore all the city has to offer. Here are a few activities and events to consider:

• Visit a dozen museums.
• You can hike in the summer and ski in the winter in the French Alps.
• Enjoy the French Rivera and any of their many festivals.
• Take a cooking lesson.
• Visit any of the ten main wine producing regions.
• Visit medieval castles and estates.
• Watch the Grand Prix d’Amérique, the world’s best trotters.
• Experience the Tour de France.
• The Gypsy’s Pilgrimage – Les Saintes Maries de la Mer.

Best time to visit France

France can be visited year round. Indeed, the best time to visit France will depend on what you want to do, since all seasons can be great for many activities. First, the summer season, especially July and August, can be either great, or overcrowded, depends who you’re asking! Some people will say it’s the best time to travel to France, and others will tell you these months are the worse, cause it’s too busy. It’s the same thing for any summer months, anywhere!

The summer sees people flocking to the beaches and into the mountains. France has a mild climate, so unless your activity is seasonal, the weather should not be a major factor.

Secondly, the spring and fall seasons are great to visit Paris and the wine producing areas. Plus, these seasons are perfect if you want to do some hikes in the French Alps. Third, ff you are into skiing, then the Alps in the winter is perfect.

Health and Safety

France health care system is often rated as the best in the world. The quality and availability of care is first class. The cost for routine and emergency care is reasonable. Every French citizen and long stay resident is enrolled in the government health care system. This system takes care of most of the cost involved. Many citizens will also take out supplemental insurance.

The tourist will be expected to pay for services but emergency care will not be withheld. A tourist who require a visa, either those on the list of countries and those staying more than 90 days will need health insurance.

In fact, during the visa process, a list of acceptable insurance providers are offered. Proof of insurance is needed before a visa is approved. These health insurance providers often have rates below the travel insurance companies in your native country. Also, these companies provide direct payment so there is no out-of-pocket cost for you.

If you become ill while in France, you do have some options. If the problem is not serious, a trip to a pharmacy may be your best bet. A pharmacist can write a prescription for most common illness. If that is not a suitable process, then a walk-in visit to a doctor may be possible. An office visit to a General Practitioner will cost you about 24€.

If you feel your condition is more urgent or you are not capable of getting to a clinic you can call to “SOS Médecins” may be the right step. SOS Médecins (SOS Doctor) will send a doctor to your location. Depending on the volume of patients at the time and the severity of your problem, you will likely see a doctor within an hour. The cost of this service is about 80€.

In a life-threatening situation, the Fire Brigade should be called. An ambulance will be dispatched. A doctor will be a member of the ambulance crew.

Prior to your trip, review any travel warning that may have been issued. France has been the target of terrorist attacks and you are urged to exercise extreme caution. Also, review crime warnings to understand the situations.

If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to France, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Where is France located in the world?

France is located in Western Europe, bordered by the countries of Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Switzerland. On the seaside, the country is bordered by the English Channel, Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. As mentioned before, France is the leading country in the world for tourism and the capital, Paris, is the most visited city in the world.

How to get to France?

France may be one of the easiest countries in the world to get to. Indeed, you can reach the country by air, rail, ferry, and road.

France has over 100 airports with a dozen having the label of international airports. The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France and the second largest in Europe. It has most of the long haul international flights coming into France. Also, Charles de Gaulle Airport is the European hub for many on the larger international airlines.

Moreover, the Orly airport is the second-busiest in France and is also just outside of Paris. Orly has more domestic flights and the international flights are mostly short hauls (less than 3 hours long).

Do I need a visa for France?

France is a member of the Schengen agreement. Nationals of the member nations are allowed free passage across the borders. Additionally, there are no border controls between the countries. Visitors arriving from outside of the Schengen areas will pass immigration on their external arrivals. The following supporting documents must be presented at the request of the Border Police upon your arrival in France:

• A valid passport issued less than 10 years before and valid for at least 3 months after the envisaged departure date;
• A valid visa, if required – depending on your nationality and trip purpose.

You must also be prepared to provide the following information if requested:

• Proof of accommodation covering the whole duration of the stay (hotel reservation and/or certificate of staying with a relative validated in the town hall);
• Sufficient financial means. The means of subsistence shall be assessed according to the duration and purpose of the stay and by reference to the average prices for accommodation and food in the Member States
• Your return ticket or the financial means to acquire one at the envisaged return date;
• Any document providing details on the profession or the capacity of the traveler as well as on the establishments or organizations located in France which are expecting you, if you are on a professional trip.
• If you are staying in a hotel, you will need to provide a hotel booking as well as a minimum amount per day of stay that differs depending on the Schengen country visited. For France, this amount is:
  • 65 euros per day of stay in the case of presentation of a hotel booking
  • 120 euros per day in the case of non-presentation of a hotel booking
  • In the case of a partial hotel booking: 65 euros per day for the period covered by the booking and 120 euros per day for the remainder of the stay.
  • If you are hosted by an individual, you must provide a certificate of staying with a relative validated in the town hall at the request of the person who invited you. At the border crossing, you must also prove that you have, in addition to this certificate, a minimum amount per day of stay, this minimum amount is €32.50 per day.

Citizens of Schengen area countries do not need a visa to travel to France or any other country within the area. Also, nationals of a long list of countries may enter the Schengen area without a visa for a period of 90 days. You can view the list and find more details about the visa procedures on the French Government website.

For stays longer than 90 days and for countries not on the aforementioned list will need a visa. Again, for the latest information and steps for those needing a visa, visit the French Visa website.

Getting Around

Getting around France is fairly easy. Every town and city has some form of mass transit. Larger cities will have multiple choices such as subways, light rail systems, and buses. You will also find locations with boat service. Plus, France has 131 airports, so it’s easy to take a quick flight to a different city when needed.

The SNCF, the French rail service, covers the country and connects to rail services in the surrounding countries. There are different types of trains including high speed and overnight cars.

Traveling by bus between cities may take more time than a train but can be very comfortable. The long-distance buses generally have reclining seats, WIFI on-board, power outlets and a toilet. Most bus companies have an app that will show you where your bus is located.

France is a remarkable country with a fascinating history and culture. The landmarks of Paris are something that people everywhere can recognize, but really need to be seen in person to appreciate them. Each region of the country brings their own identity to the grand mix that is France. Make your own memories of a lifetime and visit soon.

France Photos

Scuba diving

You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: France Diving