travel plans in french

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

Prepare and plan for your vacation in France and you'll find it's much more enjoyable

Since there are a few steps involved, you might consider bookmarking this page so you can return for reference. Here are some basics before you even book your reservations:

• Top Myths About France and French People - There are plenty of stereotypes about the French: they stink, women don't shave their underarms, they are rude, they hate Americans. Don't be fooled by this myths and urban legends. The truth is far more interesting.
• Avoiding the Rude French - Not only are most French people I've encountered civil, they were outright friendly, helpful and kind. They even went out of their way to help me! How could this be? Find out the secrets.
• France: Before You Go - Before you go to France, find out all the basics about customs requirements , the culture, weather, currency and more.

Where to Go in France

HOCQUEL Alain - Coll. CDT Vaucluse

France isn't just Paris. France is the biggest country in western Europe with a breathtaking variety of landscapes. There are other wonderful cities, diverse and fascinating regions, beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountains and even border territories ideal for day trips to other European cities. Find out where to go in France.

Top 10 Reasons to visit France

• Paris Travel Guide - Paris, the City of Light, is filled with thousands of hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants. Get help focusing on where to stay, where to eat, where to go and more basics before you go to Paris.
• Top Beaches in France - France might be small, but it borders two major bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterannean Sea. These miles of beachfront property are filled with delightful small villages and larger, bustling cities.
• France's Border Regions - Situated in the epicenter of Europe, France's border regions tempt with often-overlooked delights. By exploring the country's edges, you can find influences of Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Switzerland--or even quickly cross over to visit these countries as well.
• Skiing in France - Perhaps you want to go skiing? France has some of the best skiing in Europe, from the Alps to the Pyrenees. Check out the main mountain ranges of France.
• River vacations - The rivers of France cross the country, giving the departments their names. 
• Canals of France - Take a leisurely canal trip to get away from the main roads and cities and enjoy a holiday that will recharge your batteries.

Next: When to Go to France

When to Go to France

France is wonderful any time of year, whether you hit the Christmas markets in winter, see the blossoming of spring, enjoy the beaches and festivals in summer or do some leaf-peeping in autumn. Find out when to go to France.

• Weather in France: Month by Month - Get an idea of what to expect from the weather in France with this month by month guide.
• France in the fall - Glorious colours, warm days, the grape harvest and crisp evenings around a roaring fire; France in autumn is a magical time. 
• France in Winter - With its Christmas markets , its ski resorts and its Mediterranean beaches, France offers something for everyone in winter. 

Next: Getting Around France

Getting Around France

There are many wonderful ways to get around France, whether you want the romance of train-hopping or the flexibility of having your own brand-new car to tour the country. Here is a guide to getting around France.

• Renault Eurodrive Buyback Car Rental Program - You can save money, drive a brand-new car, rent even if you're under age 25, and get free, included, no-deductible car rental insurance with the Renault Buyback Lease program.
• French Roads and Driving Advice - France is a lovely country to drive through. You can take the motorways if you're in a hurry, or get off and motor through small country roads, past little villages, stately rivers and rolling landscapes.
• Guide to Travel in France by Train - France is Europe's largest country, so it makes sense to take the train where you can. Check out this guide to train travel in France.
• Speed Between Paris and London in 2 hrs, 15 mins  - The trip from London to Paris, and to Lille and Brussels on Eurostar is a great way to travel. 
• Take the TGV - French TGV (Trains de grande vitesse or express trains) are the wonder of Europe. They get you to your destination very fast and you go through the heart of France's countryside. The new direct service from London St Pancras to Marseille goes via Lyon and Avignon and takes 6 hours, 47 minutes, without a change . 

Next: Where to Stay in France

Where to Stay in France

Ossi Laurila

France's hotels, inns, chambres d'hotes, camping and myriad other options can make it tough to decide where to stay. Here is a guide to the lodging and accommodations in France.

• France's Hotel Rating System - Are the mentions "two star" and "three star" hotel on travel web sites reliable? Find out how France classifies its hotels and what that means. 
• Lodging Options in France - France's lodging options go well beyond hotels. There are gites, logis  and chambres d'hotes (bed and breakfast ). You can stay on a farm, rent an RV or sleep on a houseboat. You can save money by camping or splurge euros on a castle stay.
• Top French Chateau Hotels - Live like true royalty during your next visit to France. This country, with its rich history of elegant architecture and majestic castles, features several great castles that are open for overnight guests.
• Good Budget Options - France has a good selection of budget chains which give you exactly what they say. The French system is well organised, so you will not find any nasty surprises. 

Next: French Culture and How to Fit in

Surviving Your Trip to France

Visiting France is wonderful, but it can be challenging. This is a unique country with interesting and sometimes surprising cultural differences. Here are some tips on understanding and embracing French culture and customs .

• France's Bad Side - You should be prepared for what you might regard as the bad, the ugly and the smelly before your visit, especially if you've never been to France. Here are all the details about France's bad side.
• The French Schedule - If you arrive in France, you might be coping with more than jet lag when it comes to timing. You will also discover that dining, shopping and sightseeing must bend to the French schedule. Instead of fighting it, surrender to the French time-table.
• Wearing Sneakers in France - Find out if it is acceptible to wear sneakers in France, or whether you will just stand out as a tourist.
• Tipping in France - Sitting at the terrace of a sidewalk cafe in Paris and sipping on a Perrier while watching passers-by is a pleasure many travelers promise themselves to experience when they are in Paris. But with the check comes the question: to tip or not to tip?
• How to Order Coffee in France - French cafés serve some of the world's best coffee, but each of us has our own preferences and a language barrier could prevent you from ordering the right coffee on the menu. If you can't have caffeine, this could be even more crucial.

Next: France Budget Travel

France Budget Travel

Many people think France is just too expensive, but that doesn't have to be true. Here are some secrets to affording a French vacation, including ways to pinch your pennies (or centimes), the best way to exchange currency and a travel budget calculator.

• How to Get Euros in France - If you visit France, one thing is certain: you will be spending money. Make sure you get the most bang for your euro by following these DOs and DON'Ts for exchanging cash.

Next: Packing Tips

Packing Tips

Now that you're ready to go to France, be sure you learn how to pack for a French vacation. Here are tips on packing for France, packing lightly, what to bring and some recommendations for travel packing items.

• Vacation Packing Checklist - Consult this list before your trip to France so you don't leave home missing those needed items. By all means, not everyone will need everything off this list. If you take everything on this list, you will NOT be packing light.
• Packing Oh So Light - If you are visiting France, especially more than once city or taking the train, a light bag can make the difference between a pleasant or unpleasant experience.

Article edited by Mary Anne Evans

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Avoid Rude Service in Paris and France: 5 Key Tips

Avoid these First-timers France Travel Mistakes

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Best Time to Visit France

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Cost of Hotels and Accommodations in France

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

How to Travel From Zurich to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

How Paris Has Changed Since the Turn of the 21st Century

Vacation Packing Checklist for France

Step-By-Step Budget Tips for a First European Vacation

Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

How to Get the Best Hotel Deals in Europe

Albi: Planning Your Trip

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50+ Important French Vacation Words and Phrases (With Audio)

Whether you enjoy the feel of seawater and hot sand or the crisp mountain air, there’s nothing like a relaxing vacation.

However you choose to vacation, wouldn’t you love to do it all in French?

Here are 50+ useful French vacation vocabulary words and phrases , with example sentences so you can use them correctly in context.

So grab that passport and let’s get started!

French Vacation Vocabulary for a Smooth Trip

Talking about vacation plans, vacation accommodation, modes of transport, vacation activities, tips to learn vacation vocabulary, drill flashcards before your trip, visualize the vocabulary, watch authentic french videos, start using the words in your own sentences, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

This topic will require you to get comfortable with some basic interrogatives in French .

Common questions and answers

• où ? (where?)
• quand ? (when?)
• avec qui ? (with whom?)
• Comment voyages-tu ? (How are you traveling?)
• Je vais au / à la…  (I’m going to…)
• pendant (during)

Vacation seasons

• les vacances de Noël ( Christmas vacation )
• les vacances d’été ( summer vacation , also known as les grandes vacances )
• les vacances d’hiver ( winter vacation )
• les vacances de printemps ( spring vacation )
• les vacances de la Toussaint ( fall vacation ; All Saints)

Example sentences

Où vas-tu en vacances ? (Where are you going on vacation?)

Je vais à la plage / à la montagne / à l’étranger. (I’m going to the beach/to the mountains/overseas.)

Quand iras-tu en vacances ? (When will you go on vacation?)

Je voyagerai pendant les vacances d’été. (I will travel during the summer vacation.)

Avec qui allez-vous voyager / vas-tu voyager ? (Who are you going to travel with?)

Places people stay on vacation

• un hôtel (a hotel)
• une auberge de jeunesse (a youth hostel)
• un club de vacances (a resort)
• un camping (a camping ground)
• un appartement (an apartment)
• un gîte (a holiday home/cottage)
• une chambre d’hôtes (a bed and breakfast)

Phrases for making a reservation

• Je voudrais une chambre (I would like a room…)
• salle de bains (bathroom)
• pour une / deux / trois / quatre personnes   (for one/two/three/four people)
• du… au… (from [date] to [date])

Je voudrais une chambre pour deux personnes avec salle de bains du 5 août au 12 août. (I would like a room for two with a bathroom from August 5 to August 12.)

Pour mes vacances, je vais loger dans un hôtel. (For my vacation I am going to stay in a hotel.)

Je logerai dans une auberge de jeunesse. (I will stay in a youth hostel.)

L’année dernière, j’ai logé dans un camping. (Last year, I stayed in a camping ground.)

Getting to your destination

• en avion (by plane)
• l’aéroport (airport)
• en bateau (by boat)
• en train (by train)
• la gare (the station)
• le billet (the ticket)
• aller-retour (round trip)

Getting around your vacation spot

• en métro (by subway)
• en bus (by bus) 
• en taxi (by taxi)
• à pied (on foot)

Comment vas-tu en Belgique ? En avion ou en train ? (How are you going to Belgium? By plane or by train ?)

Où est l’aéroport, s’il vous plaît ? (Where is the airport, please?)

Je cherche la gare. (I am looking for the train station .)

À quelle heure est le départ de l’avion ? (What time does the plane leave?)

Combien coûte le billet pour Nice ? (How much does the ticket to Nice cost?)

Je voudrais un aller-retour pour le train qui va à Marseille. (I would like a return ticket on the train going to Marseille.)

This topic is a great opportunity to pick up common French nouns and verbs . There are hundreds of activities that you can add to your vocabulary list. Some common ones include:

• faire de la planche à voile (to windsurf)
• faire du lèche-vitrine (to go window-shopping )
• bronzer (to suntan)
• aller au restaurant (to go to the restaurant)
• nager (to swim)
• faire du ski (to ski)
• faire une randonnée (to go hiking)
• faire du vélo (to cycle)
• visiter des monuments / des musées (to visit monuments/museums)
• participer à une visite guidée (to join a guided tour)

Try to use this vocabulary with different tenses!

Aujourd’hui, je voudrais aller à la plage pour bronzer. (Today, I would like to go to the beach to suntan.)

Hier, je suis allé(e) faire du vélo en montagne. (Yesterday, I went cycling in the mountains.)

Demain, j’irai au restaurant avec mes amis. (Tomorrow, I will go to the restaurant with my friends.)

One of the best parts of going on a holiday in France is getting to eat out and sample food. So, food vocabulary should be in the cards. We’ll give you the basics for a vacation— for an in-depth guide to restaurant vocabulary in French, check out this article.

• le repas (the meal)
• le petit déjeuner (breakfast)
• le déjeuner (lunch)
• le dîner (dinner)
• la salle à manger (the dining room)
• le restaurant (restaurant)
• Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez aujourd’hui ? (What do you recommend today?)
• le plat du jour (today’s special)
• Je voudrais… (I would like…)
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît. (The check, please.)

À quelle heure est le petit déjeuner ? (What time is breakfast ?)

Comme dessert, je voudrais la crème caramel. (For dessert, I would like the crème caramel.)

Recommandez-vous le plat du jour ? (Do you recommend today’s special?)

Je voudrais des escargots. (I would like some snails.)

Make flashcards for the words above and go through them periodically before your trip. You don’t even need to carry around a stack of index cards—there are apps like Quizlet for creating flashcards online and even playing games to test yourself.

French vacation words tend to be highly visual, so consider  making mind maps , or visual diagrams that represent the words you want to learn. There are many examples of mind map templates online.

You can also create a memory palace . The idea of this memorization device is to visualize a location—say, your childhood home—and populate it with the relevant vocabulary. For example, you could visualize a building and each hallway, room or object would be associated with a word you wish to remember.

It’s a great technique for visual learners to create context for seemingly isolated terms.

The best way to remember any new French vocabulary is to learn it in context. And one of the best ways to do that is to watch videos in French from French sources. You can easily find French TV shows and movies on streaming services like Netflix. If you prefer shorter videos, you can find French videos about all sorts of topics on YouTube.

FluentU is another way to hear French how it’s spoken in actual French-speaking regions. It’s a language learning program that uses authentic videos with interactive subtitles as the core of its lessons, along with active learning features like flashcards and quizzes.

The videos on FluentU are sorted by topic, so you can easily find media that’s related to travel, such as news clips about French vacation habits or video tours of French open-air hotels.

You’ll be using the words and phrases below with real French speakers throughout your vacation. So, why not start practicing now?

For example, don’t just learn the word nager (to swim). Start creating sentences, like:

Où est la plage ? J’aimerais nager cet après-midi. (Where is the beach? I would like to swim this afternoon.)

Savez-vous nager ? (Do you know how to swim?)

To ensure your own sentences actually make sense, you can use a grammar checker like Bon Patron . 

Now that you’ve used all the tools and resources at your fingertips and you’ve prepared everything for your vacation, you’re ready to go.

Use your new vocabulary as often as you can and you’ll become good at communicating and recognizing repeated words.

Bonnes vacances ! (Have a good vacation!)

FluentU has a wide variety of great content, like interviews, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU brings native French videos with reach. With interactive captions, you can tap on any word to see an image, definition and useful examples.

For example, if you tap on the word "crois," you'll see this:

Practice and reinforce all the vocabulary you've learned in a given video with learn mode. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning, and play the mini-games found in our dynamic flashcards, like "fill in the blank."

All throughout, FluentU tracks the vocabulary that you’re learning and uses this information to give you a totally personalized experience. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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Above, the Arc de Triomphe , Paris .

France Trip Planner: 8 Easy Steps for Planning a Trip to France 2024

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

How to Plan a Trip to France

If you’re planning a trip to France , you will want to read this France Travel Planner. This France Trip Planner covers everything you need to know to plan a trip to France, including the best time to visit France, where to go, what to do, how to move around, and more.

Do you need help with your France trip planning? So let’s get started! Here’s how to plan a trip to France you’ll never forget in eight easy steps that works for any kind of trip — no matter how long you’re going for! Just follow this checklist, and you’ll be off to France in no time!

READ MORE – here are the best quotes about France to feed your wanderlust from home!

France Travel Planner 2024 Content:

• Best Time to Travel to France
• Do You Need a Visa for Your Trip to France?
• Where to Go in France
• Booking your Flight or Train Tickets to France
• Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance
• What to Do in France
• Itinerary and How to Get Around
• Share Your Itinerary, Review, and Start Booking

1. Best Time to Travel to France

Of course, it is always a good time to travel to France! But if you are flexible with your travel dates, the best time to visit France depends on what you’d like to do.

If you want a beach holiday in the French Riviera , then it’s best to go in late spring or during the summer. Summer (late June and July) is also the lavender season in Provence , while in winter (January and February), you will find great skiing in the French Alps or the French Pyrénées.

If you’re planning a city sightseeing trip, then the shoulder seasons are best (spring or fall) as there are fewer crowds. Although it is lovely to travel to France during the festive holiday when there are some wonderful Christmas markets to explore.

If you are on a budget, avoid summer and winter holidays, bank holidays in Europe, and school holidays in France .

To help you decide on what time of the year to go, read about the seasons in France . Then, the following articles outline where to travel in France by season:

• Best places to visit in France in spring
• Best places to travel in France in the summer
• Best places to visit in France in the fall
• Best places to travel in France in winter

You can also decide to plan your French trip around one of the major events in France this year .

2. Do You Need a Visa for Your Trip to France?

EU nationals and citizens of Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland only need an ID card or passport to visit France.

For tourists from around 60 countries , visas are not required for stays of less than three months. This list includes countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Israel. For stays longer than 90 days, contact your nearest French embassy or consulate for the exact requirements and start the process as soon as possible.

Other people wishing to travel to France as tourists have to apply for a Schengen Visa . This visa allows unlimited travel throughout the entire zone for 90 days.

3. Where to Go in France

With France being such as diverse country – there are so many wondering things to see and do. Of course, if this is your first trip to France, then some time in Paris , the capital, is a must. However, if you’ve had multiple trips to France or you plan to travel to France for an extended holiday, then you’ll be able to choose a few different regions to explore.

You can find out more about the different regions in France in this guide to the French regions . This article will lead you to various in-depth articles about each of the regions in France.

If you need help determining where to go in France, the most popular destinations (other than Paris) are as follows:

French Riviera – Located in the South of France and with Nice as its “unofficial” capital, the French Riviera is a picturesque stretch of coastline extending from around Toulon or Saint Tropez to Menton and includes the Principality of Monaco . The French Riviera is a luxury destination known for its beaches , coves, and pretty villages.

Loire Valley – Nicknamed ‘The Garden of France,’ the Loire Valley is situated in the country’s center. The region is well known for its historic towns, Château de Chambord , and other impressive Renaissance castles , remarkable gardens, and wines. Also, thanks to its proximity to the capital, it is possible to visit Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris .

Normandy – Normandy is a region in Northern France with coastal towns and WWII sites such as the D-Day landing beaches. Other main attractions include imposing castles , the rocky island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel , Rouen with its beautiful Gothic Cathedral, and Giverny .

Alsace – This historical and cultural region of Eastern France shares a border with Germany and Switzerland.  Alsace is well-known for its wines, picturesque villages , and fairytale Christmas markets , with Colmar and Strasbourg as the most beautiful cities to explore.

Provence – From the glorious lavender fields to the UNESCO World Heritage walled city of Avignon , here you’ll find Roman history, stunning hilltop villages , and landscapes that inspired Cezanne.

Each of our French regions is truly unique – with differences in culture, traditions, heritage, gastronomy, and wine, which makes visiting them all an absolute delight!  I’ve written more on our regions in my guide here .

4. Booking your Flight or Train Tickets to France

If you are considering other means of transport in France, check out our quick guide to transportation in France .

Flight Tickets to France

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) are the main international airports to travel to France.

If you don’t wish to visit Paris, check the list of French International Airports ; perhaps you can find flights to an airport closer to your final destination.

Lately, we have been using Omio to book our flights. Omio is very easy to use and has different filters – time, number of scales, departure time – so the research and booking process is straightforward.

Train Tickets to France

If you visit Paris or France from Europe, high-speed trains are a good and definitely a more eco-friendly option. Train travel is also a great way to explore the main destinations in France – check out our France by train guide .

To book train rides in France, we recommend Omio . The website is straightforward to use, it is in English, and they propose interesting promotions from time to time.

Our readers from the UK and Australia, however, prefer Trainline , probably because it has its headquarters in London, UK. Trainline is also in English and works more or less like Omio.

So there’s the Omio team and the Trainline team, but you should always find the same ticket prices.

5. Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance

It’s important not to skimp on  Travel Insurance  when you are planning a trip to France. Unfortunately, things do happen when you least expect it, so you really need to be insured. Make sure your insurance policy covers you for things such as theft, loss of luggage, medical issues, and flight cancellation.

HeyMondo  offers travelers insurance that combines medical and travel-related coverage for single trips (leisure and business trips), annual multi-trip, and extended stays (with COVID-19 coverage included).  Use this link to get a 5% off .

SafetyWing has super affordable plans for budget travelers . While marketed as “Nomad Insurance,” you can take out a policy for as little as five days. Plus, you can sign up for insurance even if your journey has already started!

You can also compare plans, prices, and coverage with Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs. Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

Schengen Area Travel Insurance

For those who require a  visa to enter France or any other Schengen country , travel insurance covering repatriation and medical expenses is compulsory. The necessary visa to enter Europe will not be issued unless you provide proof of suitable coverage – Look for the best coverage for you with Travel Insurance Master .

6. What to Do in France

In determining your France itinerary, you’re probably best to start with a list of all the wonderful places you want to visit. 

Perhaps you’re a wine lover and want to visit all the best French Wine Regions . In France, wine travel is immensely popular, and for good reasons, given the country produces some of the world’s best wines.

Maybe you’re interested in learning more about the history of France, in which case visiting the country’s most beautiful castles should be on your France travel plan. In France, you’ll find castles of all different architectural styles, from medieval castles to Renaissance châteaux, surrounded by manicured gardens as well as crumbling castles (my favorites!).

Of course, France also has some beautiful cities to visit , with an enticing mix of scenery, historical sites, architecture, museums, and great food. From the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel, there are also some gorgeous coastal towns in France . In these picturesque little towns, you can enjoy good food, wine, and long walks on stunning beaches.

In 2024, Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics . The French capital wants to share the Olympic fun with the rest of the country, with various events hosted in other French cities. So, if you’re considering a trip to France in 2024, what better opportunity to visit than during the Paris Olympics 2024?

From Nice to Tahiti, here’s the list of the Summer Olympics 2024 locations – other than Paris and its region – to combine sports with sightseeing. Check out the  Paris 2024 Schedule  for what to see and when in each of the Paris 2024 venues.

Need even more inspiration for things to do in France?  You can always start with our guide on the best 50 things to do in France . This guide covers the most iconic, popular, beautiful, fun, awe-inspiring things to do in the country grouped by geographical area.  Now all you need to do is tick a few of them off your list!

7. France Trip Planner: Itinerary and How to Get Around

Defining an itinerary will be one of the most important tasks while planning a trip to France.

As a general rule for planning your route, choose one destination – a city or area – for a 3-5 day trip to France. If you have a week to 10 days, then visit one to three places, ideally in different regions, for more variety.

For a 2-week trip, your France travel plan could cover three to four destinations.

Train Trip in France

Train travel is ideal if you want to visit the main cities in France, perhaps with some day trips or tours from these main cities. For more information about trains in France and how to work, check out our quick guide to Train Travel in France .

• Check out these train trip itineraries for one week in France
• Check out these train trip itineraries for two weeks in France

Road Trip in France

Taking a road trip in France is just about one of the coolest things you can ever do. With a car, some good tunes, and the best company, you are set for one of the most memorable adventures in your life. Check out all our road trips in France which cover all the French regions.

If you are hitting the French roads for the first time, have a look at our quick guide to driving in France , with information about French roads, requirements, and driving rules.

When we need to rent a car in France, we usually check DiscoverCars to find the best deals. Both sites cover the major and local brands (like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and more) and compare prices for you – Check out our  best tips for renting a car in France .

If you are planning a longer trip in France and Europe, consider Auto Europe’s long-term car rentals and short-term lease options. They offer the best rates available for trips of one month or more.

If you need help crafting your French road trip itinerary, check out our France Road Trip Planner . With this e-book, we help you explore the best of France by car with the least amount of effort, and it comes with fun road trip ideas, from the wild Atlantic Coast to the pristine lakes in the Alps and the sunny villages in Provence.

Group Package Tours in France

Package tours of France can be a fantastic way to avoid the stress of planning your own trip. They are also great if you would like some company along the way.

Even as independent travelers, we like to browse  TourRadar  – the world’s most trusted online marketplace for multi-day tours where you can browse hundreds of package tours by different operators, and by date. Then filter by your interests and age group and read detailed reviews.

8. Share Your Itinerary, Review, and Start Booking

Sometimes, trip planning can be overwhelming, so it is good to share your itinerary with friends or family to get input and advice. Is it too much? Not enough? Are you missing something interesting on the way?

In our private Facebook Group, France Bucket List ,  you can just do that! We are locals in Paris running a Facebook group for francophiles and people planning a trip to France to share their questions, stories, photos, and memories of France.

Ask questions and get inspiration for your next French holiday, from where to go or itinerary review to things to see and do in France. If you are looking for tips for the Summer Olympics 2024, you are also welcome!

We specialize in Paris ( World in Paris ), France road trip itineraries, train itineraries, city guides, and wine travel ( France Bucket List ). You will also find the latest information about transportation strikes in France.

Once you have fine-tuned your French itinerary, start booking your hotels.

When it comes to booking your bed in France, the best site to search and compare different accommodation options in Europe is  Booking.com    because you have everything from hostels to luxury hotels. What I have found quite regularly on  Booking.com  is that you can get a room in a small hotel for the same price as a hostel. Research makes all the difference! – Click here to start booking your hotels in France with Booking.com

If you want to take day tours, you can find great ideas with platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets . When I travel in France solo, I find it easier to book with Tiqets , as most of the proposals on GetYourGuide require a minimum of two travelers to book a tour.

There you have it, our ultimate guide on how to plan a trip to France. Whether this is your very first time in France or one of many trips to this wonderful country, this France Trip Planner 2024 will help you craft a trip to France you will never forget.

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• France Guides
• February 13, 2023

18 Best Travel Websites and Tools for France (Planning and Booking)

Are you planning a trip to France and looking for the best travel websites and tools to help make your stay there as comfortable and memorable as possible? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 18 of the top travel websites and tools for France that will help you plan, book, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

From booking your flight or train ticket to finding a place to stay and exploring the best attractions, these websites and apps will make it easy to plan your dream trip. Let’s take a look at some of the best travel websites and tools for France!

Planning a great kayak trip in France can be quite tricky, but with the help of websites and tools such as Kayak, you can make the process smoother than ever. Kayak is an easy-to-use website that provides travelers with useful information about their kayaking trips in France. It includes detailed maps at accessible prices, routes and tides that are suitable for your chosen type of boat and a vast selection of suitable accommodations right next to France’s best kayaking locations.

Not to mention its online community which helps travelers explore new areas and share resources while visiting some of France’s most picturesque waterways. With Kayak, planning your kayak trip through France has become worry-free!

2. Air France

Air France offers a wide range of travel websites and tools for making the most out of your journey to France. From flight booking and self-service check-in, to travel advice and destination information, Air France’s online customer service makes travelling easier than ever.

You can research all the details of your trip in advance and save money through exclusive deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. With an array of features designed to make planning a France trip seamless, Air France provides the direction needed to ensure your next journey abroad is stress free and full of adventure!

Planning a trip to France can be overwhelming, but with Expedia’s comprehensive selection of travel websites and tools, you can easily get started. Need help booking flights to Paris or Marseille? Expedia offers great deals on airfare for both domestic and international flights. Prefer staying in hotels or apartments?

You can use their website to find a variety of lodging options tailored to your budget and needs. On top of that, they have a range of helpful online resources such as detailed tourist guides, city maps, and itineraries designed specifically for France, as well as time-saving mobile apps for easier navigation. Whether you’re looking for the latest deals or just some advice on where you should go, Expedia has got you covered!

4. Skyscanner

France is an amazing travel destination, and with the right tools to help plan your trip, it can be easy and stress-free. Skyscanner is home to a plethora of great deals and exclusive offers when it comes to France. Their flight booking tool makes searching for the best airline itineraries and routes a breeze, while their versatile accommodation search engine allows tourists to find the perfect spot best suited for them.

With the added convenience of Skyscanner’s app, travelers on the go can now book flights or hotels in seconds. The most convenient way to travel doesn’t end there though; thanks to their car rental feature visitors will have no problem exploring every corner of France with ease. Whether you’re looking for cheap flights, budget-friendly accommodation, or cost-effective car rentals – Skyscanner has got you covered!

Ryanair Travel is the perfect way to explore France! With the airline’s extensive network of destinations, it’s easy to find a flight that fits your needs. Plus, their websites and tools make it simple to book tickets, track flights, and access helpful information like weather updates and baggage regulations.

Customers have come to rely on these features for making quick decisions when booking trips. With everything right at your fingertips, it’s no wonder Ryanair has quickly become one of the most popular airlines when traveling in France.

6. Rail Europe

Planning a journey through France can be an exciting, but daunting task. Fortunately, Rail Europe offers travelers an array of helpful tools for their French adventure. Their website is easy to navigate and remains up-to-date with the latest train ticket fares and fare promotions throughout the country.

In addition, customers are able to set travel alerts customized to their preferences to make sure they never miss out on last minute bargains. Furthermore, the company has an expansive selection of rail passes for multiple countries, allowing customers greater flexibility when moving through Europe’s most renowned regions. With these useful services from Rail Europe, any traveler can have a hassle-free experience exploring France’s enchanting cities and countryside.

Travelling to France can be both a thrilling and intimidating experience, but with the right resources it doesn’t have to be! Trivago is one of the most reliable and convenient travel websites, as it helps you compare the prices of hotels across multiple websites. Not limited to hotels, Trivago also offers several other helpful tools such as activities, advice on planning destination trips, and reviews from fellow travellers.

It even specializes in specific regions like Marseille and Lyon so you can find out the best places to go sightseeing or shopping! With Trivago in your pocket, your French jaunt will be an organized and enjoyable one.

8. Booking.com

Planning a trip to France can be a daunting task, but with the right tools it can be both fun and rewarding. Booking.com is one of the most popular travel websites, offering a variety of helpful features tailored specifically for travelers looking to explore the beautiful country of France. From searching for accommodation to finding discounts on flights and rental cars, Booking.com provides users with an easy-to-use platform to use when booking their dream vacation to the land of wine and cheese.

It even offers expert advice from real local specialists who can give you insider tips and help you enhance your travel experience in France. With comprehensive search options and exclusive deals, Booking.com is no doubt one of the best travel resources available for planning France vacations.

9. Hostelworld

The French know how to enjoy life and have some of the world’s most talked-about cities, like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. Sometimes finding a place to stay in such beautiful places can be difficult without the right resources. Fortunately, Hostelworld provides travelers with access to thousands of hostels in France to make any visit easier. The website provides maps and information about each destination, including local contact details.

With just a few clicks you’ll find detailed information about availability and facilities at hundreds of hostels across the country. Hostelworld also has its own app that can guide you cover everything from booking your accommodation to discovering activities during your stay – in essence taking care of all your travel needs for a hassle-free tour of France.

Plan your perfect vacation to France by utilizing the full range of resources offered by Airbnb travel websites and tools. You can quickly and easily browse listings, filter available properties with detailed search criteria, compare prices between options, get insider tips from locals, or reserve your spot with a secure payment.

Flexible pricing is available for short-term stays in cozy apartments, sprawling villas and modern lofts, plus attractions or tours recommended by verified reviews and ratings. Whether you’re looking for a beach retreat in the south or culture in the heart of Paris – Airbnb has it all! Start planning your dream getaway today.

11. Rome2rio

Planning a trip to France? Look no further than Rome2rio! The travel planning website and app is dedicated to helping you have the smoothest, most stress-free experience possible. Featuring an easy-to-navigate interface, it allows you to quickly compare different transportation methods, distances, prices and journey times.

With Rome2rio by your side, you can even compare airline fares across multiple airlines or drill down deep into individual route information to emerge with comprehensive knowledge about the best way of getting from point A to point B. Plus, the website provides helpful information on local attractions and related blogs for each destination so that you barely have to lift a finger in order to plan out your entire itinerary for your next French holiday.

GoEuro’s travel websites for France offer a variety of tools and services to make traveling in the country an enjoyable experience. Individuals can customize their experience with an array of options from bus, train, car sharing, and flights to lodging and even local experiences such as walking or bike tours. Travelers can save money with convenient booking combinations on all services included in one single ticket, so they stay within their budget while exploring the country.

GoEuro’s user-friendly features also suggest personalized destinations based on individual needs, allowing travelers to explore whatever catches their eye during a visit to France. With these unique tools and services, GoEuro gives travelers all the information needed for hassle-free traveling.

13. Visit France

Planning a dream trip to France can be overwhelming. There are so many amazing sights to see and experiences to have that you can find yourself overwhelmed with information. Luckily, there are countless websites and tools out there designed to help make the planning process easier.

From online forums with insider tips from experienced travelers to comprehensive travel guides, finding information about France has never been easier. These websites also provide such services as accommodation options, airline search engines, rental car booking, restaurant reviews, and more! Take advantage of these resources before you embark on your journey so you can experience France like a local.

14. Mytourism

France is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and attracts travelers from all over. To make the most of their visit, tourists need reliable tools and resources. Mytourism provides them with just that – a comprehensive selection of travel websites and tools that allow visitors to optimize their stay in France.

From maps to transportation routes, accommodations to sightseeing ideas, Mytourism provides all kinds of information for a truly unforgettable experience. So if you’re planning a trip to France soon, look no further than Mytourism for the best tips and resources!

15. TouristEye

TouristEye is the perfect online destination to explore France’s rich culture and history. With an array of exclusive tools, such as dynamic city guide maps, traveling to and around France has never been easier. Utilizing destination experts for up-to-date advice and local tips, you will be well prepared for any holiday outing.

Also, the site provides access to reviews from other travelers who have already experienced the sites that you plan to visit or stay at. From Paris to Provence and everywhere in between, TouristEye makes it simpler for travelers to make their plans for a French getaway.

16. Trainline

For those looking to explore France, a visit to Trainline is essential. With Trainline, travelers have access to Europe’s leading travel booking website and app giving them the opportunity to plan and book their entire trip with ease. With just a few clicks, travelers can find the right ticket for their journey and access exclusive features like Real-Time Delay Reimbursements and Travel Cancellation Insurance – not to mention 24/7 customer service if anything goes wrong!

Plus, with discounts of up to 60% available, Trainline makes it simple to save on even the most expensive trips. From Paris to Marseille, Tours to Montpellier, Bordeaux or beyond — Trainline has you covered for a stress-free experience.

With the abundance of travel websites and tools available today, it can be difficult to choose which ones to use for a French vacation. Thankfully, Viator has years of experience when it comes to helping travelers plan and organize trips in France. The comprehensive website offers detailed reviews about attractions and provides customers with customer ratings for tours and activities.

It also offers a variety of helpful tools that help travelers map out their adventures in the City of Lights. From automatic price filtering to secure payment options, Viator is an essential resource for booking everything from accommodations and transport to opportunity-of-a-lifetime experiences. With access to hundreds of tour guides across all corners of France, Viator promises travelers an unforgettable exploration of this gem of Western Europe.

18. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is committed to providing travelers with an easy and accessible way to explore France. Whether you’re just looking to escape for a weekend or have ample time to get lost in the City of Light, this user friendly platform has tools that will make planning your travels easier than ever. GetYourGuide offers over 2300 activities across 169 destinations in France, allowing users to customize their experience by selecting activities in Paris, the French Riviera, and other popular locales.

From private tours of iconic landmarks like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower to thrilling outdoor adventures like kayaking on the Saone River or zip-lining through an alpine village, users can find something exciting that fits their budget and interest level. GetYourGuide even offers family packages so that multiple generations can enjoy unforgettable experiences together. Book now and get ready to experience all that France has to offer!

In conclusion

Planning the perfect French holiday doesn’t have to be a challenge. From Ryanair, Rail Europe and Trivago to Booking.com, Hostelworld and Airbnb – there are countless travel websites and tools dedicated to helping you plan your dream getaway.

Whether it’s researching activities in cities like Paris and Marseille, comparing prices across multiple websites or booking transportation and accommodation – you can find the perfect resources to make your trip to France a successful one. So get ready for the adventure of a lifetime; with these helpful tools in hand, you are sure to have an unforgettable time exploring this enchanting country! Bon voyage!

We are here out of a desire to help and of course out of a great love for France. Our goal is to help you find everything you are looking for under one roof, to get the most out of your vacation in France, without having to travel all over the web.

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Which Language Do You Want to Learn?

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How to start speaking french before your vacation.

Illustration by Aura Lewis , courtesy of the Bright Agency.

You’ve bought your plane tickets, done your hours of research, and planned your itinerary. You’re just about ready to go, but there’s one thing missing: You don’t speak French. Whether you’re heading off to Paris for some art and culture, Brittany for a breath of fresh Atlantic air, or Bordeaux for the wine tour you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll enjoy it even more if you have a bit of the language under your belt. But where should you begin? Luckily for you, here at Babbel, we have tons of courses to teach you everything you’ll need for your trip.

Learning some French for your vacation will make it easier for you to get around, to order exactly what you want to eat or drink in a restaurant or café, and to really experience the culture by making connections with the local people. Here’s a little timeline we put together to get you speaking confidently in just two weeks!

Days 1-3: Get Started With The Basics!

There are some pretty standard things everyone should know how to say in the local language when they travel to a foreign country. Here are just a few:

• How are you?
• Good morning / afternoon / evening
• I don’t understand
• How much is _______?

To master these things in French, we suggest you start with our French beginner’s courses. They teach topics that range from introducing yourself and asking simple questions, all the way to booking a hotel and finding your way around a busy Parisian train station! You’ll also find a number of lessons focused on pronunciation, so you won’t have to worry about being misunderstood when you speak.

Depending on what you plan to do during your stay, some courses might be more valuable to you than others. Really think about what you plan to do on your trip, and try to come up with a list of situations you can imagine yourself in.  We recommend taking a look at the courses on our web version so that you can see exactly what each lesson contains. This way you can pick and choose which lessons will be the best for you.

Here’s an additional lesson we think is a must-do:

Finish that one, and you’ll have the vocabulary and phrases you need to be the most polite tourist ever!

Days 4-6: Practice Ordering A Meal!

Ratatouille, bœuf bourguignon, crêpes, quiche … the list goes on! France is a veritable wonderland of food and flavor, and you’ll most likely be spending a fair amount of time in restaurants and cafés. That being said, you should plan to brush up on some useful words and phrases for ordering a meal. As menus are often only in French, it’s a good idea to learn as much food vocabulary as you can! After all, you want to make sure you know exactly what you’re ordering.

For example, let’s say you’re craving a nice Surf and Turf with scallops and a juicy steak, so you order the escalope  and  filet mignon. You will be understandably disappointed when you end up with a veal cutlet and a pork tenderloin. But don’t worry, we can help you avoid embarrassing situations like this. Under the “Countries and Traditions” category, you’ll find our “French Cuisine” section, which gives you a rundown of the culinary specialties from the different regions of France. After doing these courses, you won’t be surprised at what you find on your plate when you order  les cuisses de grenouille!

We also have a couple of other courses about food, drink, and ordering. Here are two you should try before you jet off:

These two lessons will introduce the phrases you’ll need in order to understand the menu, order food, and ask for the bill. The satisfaction of getting through an entire meal in a restaurant en français  will make the time you spend practicing absolutely worth it!

Bon appétit!

Days 7-10: Learn To Ask For Directions And Use Public Transportation

Getting lost in a place where you speak the language is bad enough. Now imagine being lost somewhere where you can’t communicate with anyone! Knowing how to ask for help will definitely lower your stress levels if you get turned around.

Now, you should have made it through some of the beginner’s courses, but just in case you missed some of them, here’s a little tip. In Beginner’s Course 2, you’ll find a unit called “Pardon, où est … ?” . These lessons will teach you all you need to know to bravely go where no tourist has gone before! You’ll not only be able to ask for and understand directions but also learn some vocabulary for common locations in a city. Make a list of the places you’d like to visit so you can learn the words for these things as well.

If you still feel like you want a little more practice, then check out these lessons too:

These will help you perfect the skills you learned from the beginner’s course, and also give you more specific information about using public transportation, which can be a confusing affair. It’s also a good idea to learn a bit about French signs and street names. After completing these lessons, you’ll truly be a well-prepared  voyageur!

Days 11-14: Put It All Together (And Have Some Fun!)

With just a few days left before you leave, you’ll want to review everything you’ve learned so far so that it’s fresh in your mind and ready to be used! This is where the Babbel Review Manager will come in handy. All of the core vocabulary and phrases you’ve picked up over the last two weeks have been stored there so you can easily go back over them and practice.

If you’re feeling confident with the basics, then now it’s time to have a little fun! We have a huge selection of courses with interesting cultural and linguistic content that you can find under the categories “Countries and Traditions” and “Specials.” With these lessons, you can get your French slang up to snuff ( cimer! ), find some ideas for sightseeing, learn a bit about true and false friends, and also pick up a few idioms to really impress the locals. We promise it won’t all be  pour des prunes!

After these two weeks, you should be more than ready to communicate effectively during your vacation. Our final tip for you is, of course, to have fun!

Bon Voyage!

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• Plan Your France Trip

The ultimate guide to Planning a Trip to France

Updated 8 March 2024 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

If you're planning a trip to France, especially for the first time, there are useful things to know – like packing, transportation, safety and the like. You'll find that information right here!

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

Planning the perfect trip to France

How to decide where to go in france.

Planning a trip to Paris

France is not just Paris

Take day trips from a specific city, follow an itinerary, explore at random, take a guided tour in france, practical matters for your france vacation, papers needed for your vacation in france, health and travel insurance for france, best time of year to visit france, what to pack for france, how to get to france, how to travel around france, preparing for your france tour, how to eat in france, how to communicate with the french, some practical travel tips, petty crime, pickpockets, and poverty, on strike, did you say.

Be honest: half the fun of a trip is in the planning, isn't it?

And if not, well, it's still got to be done.

This section is all about the nitty-gritty, the practical information you'll need to plan your trip to France. While this is a site about France's offbeat destinations, you still have to get here, find your way around once you  are  here, and do the things one must – sleep, eat, sightsee, shop, meet, explore, understand, connect.

France is a country best discovered a bite at a time, its veils lifted slowly, unexpectedly.

There are few greater pleasures than wandering around a city or driving around the countryside, getting lost, and then getting found again.

So planning is good – just don't plan too much.

This may be the hardest part because you want to see it ALL, right? But there are some logical places to start...

• by theme, like history ( the Belle Epoque ) or fame ( Louis XIV ) or food ( the most renowned )
• by topic, like  beautiful villages or flea markets or prehistoric caves
• by one of  France's most beautiful cities
• by specific  region or department
• by itinerary, following along a well-mapped route

Visit  France's major tourist attractions , by all means, but try to veer off the tourist path and explore some of the  lesser-known corners of France .

Yes, planning a trip to Paris is a glorious idea, from the famed Eiffel Tower  and Louvre Museum to  more offbeat sights  and non-touristy things to do .

But beyond Paris, France is a diverse and rich country, with tremendous regional varieties you'll love to explore. 

You can plan a trip to France in a number of ways:

An ideal way to plan your France trip is by using a single city as a base and radiating outward for a day trip to the Loire Valley or the Mont Saint-Michel.

Here are some of the best day trips from Paris by train , and below are some examples of day trips you can take from other cities:

This is one of my favorite ways to travel: start in one place, and follow a circular route to end up in the same place a certain number of days later (useful if you're flying in and out of the same city). Or, you can start and end in different cities, depending on your ongoing travel plans.

For example, you could:

• spend 10 days in the South of France , starting from Avignon and ending in Monte Carlo at the end of the French Riviera
• explore France's Basque Country for a week
• or if you're landing in Geneva (outside France but right next door), a 5-day trip through the French Alps could be just the thing

Alternatively, here are some travel tips on how to build your own France itinerary .

You can do this by car or by public transportation.

These driving tips should help you decide whether driving in France is for you. Should you decide this is the best way to enjoy your trip to France, here is everything you need to know about renting a car in France .

France has an excellent rail transportation system 90% of the time. The 10% applies to those days of the year when it goes on strike (usually during or near holiday seasons ) or if you're traveling to a rural area where transport is scarce.

If your time is limited, taking a guided tour in France might be the best way to see the country. Have a look at these to get an idea of the kinds of multi-day tours available:

• Paris and Normandy Highlights – 8 days
• Best of France  – 6 days
• Discover the Hinterland of Provence – 10 days
• River Cruise through Burgundy and Provence – 8 days

Depending on where you're from, you may not need a visa. This applies to citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and US, for example. If you're from any of these countries, you can stay in France for up to 90 days in any period of 180 days.

Most other countries will require a visa, however. You can check on this website if you're not sure.

If you DO need a visa, here's the official French government website to apply.

As of November 2023, everything changes. Those of you who can now travel visa-free will need to register with ETIAS, an electronic system a bit like the ESTA system in the US. You apply online, and the ETIAS is granted for 3 years. Here's the official EU website for ETIAS.

Unless you're a citizen or resident of the EU (in which case your medical insurance is valid across borders), consider getting some travel insurance. Hospital costs are lower than in the US or Canada but an accident can easily add up to thousands of dollars.

I recommend SafetyWing as travel insurance, but other reliable companies include:

• Roamright  and Travelex (for US residents)
• Europesure (for UK residents)
• USA Assist (residents from anywhere)

There are as many opinions as there are months in the year!

I have several favorites, but even they change depending on the year.

The one season I prefer to stay home is the height of summer:

• summer is when everyone else visits: hotels are full and expensive, roads are crowded
• summer is when French cities empty out and beaches fill up
• summer can be HOT HOT HOT

My preferences are March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December. In summary, these are the best times to visit France :

• March may still be cold, but the sun of spring begins to shine through and you can have wonderful March days
• April and May can start getting crowded, but nothing like summer, so you get great weather, without the hordes
• France in June is lovely, inching towards summer temperatures but without summer's oppressive heat.
• September and parts of October can still be crowded, but less than summer, and Paris in the fall is a lovely time to go
• November can be rainy but it's the height of the cultural season
• December can be brutally cold, depending where you go, but France does a wonderful Christmas, its streets garlanded with light and Christmas markets in many towns. Paris in winter , for example, is a very different experience.

For a deep dive into when to plan your French trip, here's a detailed look at the best and different times of year for any trips to France .

You've heard about the vaunted 'French style and elegance' and you're wondering whether you'll look like the odd person out... No, you won't.

While we do like to dress well, the days of looking like a diva just to go to the corner boulangerie for a baguette are long gone. We too have fallen prey to yoga pants and Nikes. But — few of us would dare wear them to a proper restaurant.

I'm working on a packing list for you but meantime, let me suggest two essential items: good walking shoes, and an anti-theft purse ( here's the one I use ).

And while this isn't a fashion accessory, there's every chance you will need a plug adapter. Here's why, and what to do about it.

Depending on where you're coming from, you'll fly in, arrive by train if you're coming from elsewhere in Europe, or drive to France. If you're coming from the UK or Ireland, you might take a ferry – which means you'll either have a car or take the train once you arrive.

If you fly, you'll probably land in Paris – but not necessarily. There are international flights to Lyon and Nice and several other cities, depending on the season. You'll find plenty of transport options from any French airport into town. Just check the airport's website – here's a list .

Arriving by train is usually simple in France, as most train stations are in the center of town. There is one major exception, however: those stations with the letters TGV in their name. Not all TGV stations are out of town, but many are, so check on a map to make sure.

Arriving by car will usually require crossing a border, although many of these are now unmanned within the Schengen area, unless there are terrorist alerts, in which case you may be asked to show your papers. Make sure you have proper insurance as you cross.

Once you're here, you'll want to see the country (please tell me you're not going to plop yourself in Paris for two weeks and ignore the rest?)

Think about this:

• France has a marvellous public transportation system (when it's not on strike)
• Trains are often faster than planes and (usually) deliver you into the center of town rather than to a distant airport: here's how to travel France by train
• You can easily rent a car here (but first, here are a few driving tips !) － but wait, should you even be renting a car in France? Find out the pros and cons
• France is the perfect country for marvelous road trips  so consider some of these if you're driving

You don't HAVE to do research – you can simply jump on a plane and go – but many visitors feel more comfortable if they know a little about the country they're about to visit, while those who are already francophiles may want to deepen their knowledge of the country.

Among the things to take into account is the cost of a trip to France: use this site to cost out your France travel budget.

You might want to read a bit more about the French, especially since we have "a reputation" (good and bad). Here are some French stereotypes ... just how true are they? And here are some interesting facts about the French .

If you enjoy reading, I have a book page with classics about France, by French authors and books about France by foreigners. Here are all my books about France !

You might also want to know more about...

Yes, of course you know HOW to eat but this is about how WE eat. You can start with our culinary history  and what we eat (along with what you might consider a few of our less appetizing specialties ).

At some point I'll teach you about our strange table manners, about how to decipher a French menu, how to reserve and, very important, how to tip (not too much, just round it up). But give me a bit of time...

You DO want to talk to us? Yes, I know we are particular about how we communicate. You may have even heard some of us don't treat you as we should, especially in stores. (Here's how to  go shopping in France  like a local and avoid all those cultural pitfalls.) 

First, do not even think of starting a conversation without saying Bonjour to me. I'll just stand there and wonder which planet you're from.

Once past that, I'll try to haul out my very rusty English (not mine, I'm pretending here), poorly taught to me for a few years in a school I barely remember — IF I'm sure I won't make any mistakes because in school, we are not allowed to make mistakes.

That said, I will roll over with gratitude if you've made the effort to learn a few words of French. Of course I'll make sure to correct you if you mispronounce them, and I'll answer in rapid-fire French you won't be able to understand, not because I want to confuse you, but because I'm so excited at your word or two!

➽   BONJOUR ! How would you like a list of common French expressions? You may not sound like a local, but you WILL sound like you're making an effort!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!

Bottom line, the French will make extraordinary efforts to communicate with you if you speak any French at all, either in French or in English.

There's also a difference depending on age groups and location. Older people will speak English less easily than the younger generation, and people in cities may have more English knowledge than their rural counterparts.

So learn a few words, and then relax and let go.

Or use an app... or carry a phrasebook.

You probably won't be surprised to hear that... France is not perfect. You've probably suspected this, but it is worth repeating.

France is a sophisticated Western country, with large cities, plenty of poverty, and its share of crime. The good news is that crime is relatively rare, at least violent crime. France ranks 44 out of 136 in terms of crimes per capita, but bear in mind that most violent crime is gang- or drug-related, and takes place in parts of town you'll probably never visit.

What you WILL find is active pickpocketing, especially where tourists congregate.

I'll give you some powerful safety tips for avoiding this kind of unpleasantness − especially  avoiding pickpockets in Paris  – these tips are valid for any city.

Sadly, this is just one of those things.

We French are rarely satisfied, and you could give us the moon but we would want two. So whatever happens, at some point, we will probably go on strike.

Mind you, some strikes ARE justified, where work hours are long and salaries incredibly low. But even if your working conditions are passable, there's nothing a French person likes more than marching down the street, often with family in tow, holding up a large hand-painted banner of rebellion. We seem to have revolution in our blood.

Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

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Home > Paris Travel Tips > Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

Paris Trip Planner: Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris 2024

How to plan a trip to paris, france.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris in 2024, you will want to read this Paris Travel Planner . Paris for first-timers can be overwhelming; there are so many things to see and do! That’s why we want to help with our Paris Trip Planner .

This Paris Trip Planner covers everything you need to know to plan a trip to Paris, including the best time to visit Paris, where to stay, what to do, how to move around, and more.

Do you need help with your Paris trip planning? So let’s get started! Here’s how to plan a trip to Paris, France, you’ll never forget in easy steps that works for any kind of trip — no matter how long you’re going for! Just follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be off to Paris in no time!

Paris Travel Planner 2024 Content:

• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris
• Travel Insurance
• Where to Stay in Paris
• Accommodation in Paris
• How to Get from Paris Airport to City
• The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner
• Paris Itinerary Planner
• What to Eat & Drink in Paris
• Day Trips from Paris
• Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

There is no best way to plan a trip to Paris, France, but if you follow this step-by-step Paris Planner, you won’t forget the essentials.

GOOD TO KNOW: If you are planning a honeymoon to Paris or a family trip to Paris, you can complete the reading of this Paris Travel Planner with our specific guides:

• Paris honeymoon guide
• Quick guide to Paris for kids

1. Best Time to Visit Paris

When is the best time to travel to Paris? “ Paris is always a good idea , ” and there is never a bad time to travel to Paris. The city has beautiful parks and picturesque streets that are great to explore under the sun. It also has some of the world’s best museums and other interesting indoor options when it rains, or it’s too cold to be outside.

TIP: In general, the best time to go to Paris is from May to October, and then December for the Christmas Holidays .

If you are flexible with dates, important things to consider when you are planning a Paris trip are the low /high tourist seasons and the weather in Paris. This is what you need to know:

Seasons in Paris

What is the best season to visit Paris? This graphic below represents the weather in Paris year-round, with average temperatures (in Celsius) and average rainfall (%).

>>   Spring is a good time to visit Paris. Spring means blue skies, the gardens in Paris in bloom , and animated café-terraces. The city is also famous for its cherry blossoms (check out our favorite cherry blossom spots in Paris ), usually in March and April.

However, temperatures are still fresh (minimums of 4C° to 10C°), with frequent showers. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and a jacket in your day bag!

Spring Months in Paris

>> Summer in Paris comes with longer days and nice temperatures (maximums of 23C° to 25C°). With a long list of local festivals and events and cool outdoor activities everywhere, no wonder Paris is one of the best summer destinations in Europe !

However, summer is also the high season in Paris, which means more tourists, long lines to visit the main attractions, and higher prices.

Summer Months in Paris

>> Fall is, in our opinion, the best season for a first time in Paris. The colors of the trees are gorgeous, temperatures are still pleasant (maximums of 11C° to 21C°), and there are fewer tourists. In the last couple of years, we could organize outdoor activities until mid-November, with bright and sunny days.

Fall Months in Paris

>> Winter in Paris is not the best time to visit Paris in terms of weather (minimums of 2C° to 7°C and only 4 to 5 hours of light), and sunset in Paris is very early. However, some people love to travel to Paris at Christmas time to see Paris’s decorations and illuminations and the best Christmas markets in Paris .

Paris is also a popular destination for Saint Valentine’s  in February. There are many romantic things to do in Paris !

Winter Months in Paris

Tourist Seasons in Paris

>>  The high season in Paris is considered from 1st April to 31st October. It means nice weather and more hours of daylight and many people will tell you this is the best time to visit Paris.

But at the same time, the high season in Paris is not the best season to plan a trip to Paris in terms of budget (best accommodation sold out, higher prices). Also, the city is too crowded with tourists – especially in the summer – while locals are somewhere else on holiday.

>> The low season in Paris goes from 1st November to 31st March, except for Paris at Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Paris . This is the cheapest time to travel to Paris and the best time to visit Paris to avoid crowds. If you decide to travel off-season, you will get a more local experience, and it will be easier to find good deals on accommodation, for example.

In the end, Paris is a movable feast and (sun or rain) you will have a great time!

Paris Olympics 2024

The Summer Olympics 2024 will be held in Paris and France from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2024 . This will be the biggest event ever organized in the country, so expect more visitors than usual (=book everything NOW!).

If you are planning a trip to Paris around these dates, check out our Paris Olympics 2024 Guide so you don’t miss anything on such a historical event.

Best Time to Visit Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

Be flexible with your dates. Flexibility is key, especially if you are planning a trip to Paris on a budget. Flight tickets or train tickets to Paris will be more expensive:

• During the school holidays in France ;
• During holidays in France or Europe;
• Weekend trips (Friday to Sunday);
• During special events like New Year’s Eve or Saint Valentine’s Day.

If you are a museum lover visiting Paris for the first time, the best time to go to Paris will probably be the first weekend of the month when you can visit many museums in Paris for free. Some of these museums have this offer all year round, while other museums are only free during the winter months.

2. Booking your Flight or Train Ticket to Paris

Flight Tickets to Paris

Paris has three airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) , north of Paris; Paris Orly (ORY) , south of Paris; and Paris-Beauvais (BVA) . Despite its name, Paris Beauvais is not in Paris but in the city of Beauvais (80 km north of Paris, in the Hauts-de-France region).

If you are traveling to Paris from somewhere overseas, you will probably land at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is used mainly for flights to /from Europe and North Africa, while Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) is mainly for Ryan Air flights.

Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport are more or less at the same distance from Paris, so if you are traveling from Europe, you can choose whatever flight (or flight company) you like. We don’t like Orly Airport (ORY) that much, so we always try to book flights from /to Paris Charles de Gaulle. But this is just our opinion.

Lately, we like to book our flights with Omio , a search engine for all major forms of transport that is very easy to use! It has different filters – time, number of scales, departure time – so the research and booking process is straightforward – Click here to buy your flight tickets to Paris with Omio

Train Tickets to Paris

If you live in Europe, high-speed trains are a good and definitely a more eco-friendly option for your trip to Paris. Here are some of the main European destinations served from the stations in Paris.

• Gare du Nord: London (Eurostar), Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam (Thalys)
• Gare de l’Est: Germany, and Luxembourg
• Gare de Lyon: Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich), Italy, and Catalunya (Girona, Barcelona)
• Gare d’Austerlitz: Western Spain.

We like and recommend Omio to book train tickets from /to Paris. The website is straightforward to use, it is written in English, and it proposes interesting promotions from time to time – Click here to buy your train tickets to Paris with Omio

Our readers from the UK and Australia, however, prefer  Trainline , probably because it has its headquarters in the UK. Trainline is also in English and works more or less like Omio.

So there’s the Omio team and the Trainline team, but you should always find the same information and ticket prices in both sites.

3. Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance

Don’t skimp on Travel Insurance when you plan your trip to Paris 2024. Since anything can happen while traveling, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be insured.

Before going through other aspects of your Paris planning, ensure you are completely covered before traveling to minimize the financial risks of theft, loss of luggage, or flight cancellation.

SafetyWing has super affordable plans for budget travelers for long and short trips. While marketed as “Nomad Insurance,” you can get it for as little as five days. You can sign up for SafetyWing insurance even if your journey has already started! – Click here to get a quote for your next trip to Paris.

HeyMondo is another option for your Paris trip. It offers travelers insurance that combines medical and travel-related coverage for single trips (leisure and business trips), annual multi-trip, and extended stays (with COVID-19 coverage included). Use this link to get a 5% off .

You can also compare plans, prices, and coverage with Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs. Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

Schengen Area Travel Insurance

For those who require a visa to enter France or any other Schengen country , travel insurance covering repatriation and medical expenses is compulsory. The necessary visa to enter Europe will not be issued unless you provide proof of suitable coverage – Buy your travel insurance with HeyMondo

4. Where to Stay in Paris

Planning a trip to Paris for the first time can be challenging, especially when it comes to deciding which area you want to stay in Paris.

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (=districts of Paris), which are also administrative divisions. In each Paris Arrondissement , there is a town hall (Mairie), a mayor and elected officials, a council, a politician, and so on. Of course, each division is still subject to the city’s overall policy and the mayor of Paris, the socialist Anne Hidalgo.

To find your bearings in Paris , there is a little trick: the 1st Paris arrondissement is in the center of Paris, then the other Paris arrondissements are located forming a spiral turning clockwise, to finish in the 20th in the east. Check out our Districts of Paris Guide to learn more about the Arrondissements of Paris.

Where to stay in Paris? The best area to stay in Paris very much depends on the sort of trip you’re planning. Check our suggestions below for sightseeing, luxury, family, and first-time trips to Paris.

5. Accommodation in Paris

So you got your train or flight tickets for your Paris trip, and the countdown starts! In the previous chapter, you have more or less decided where to stay in Paris (the Arrondissement of Paris). The next step of your Paris travel plan is to book accommodation in Paris.

Hotels and Hostels in Paris

Hotels can be so much more than a simple place to rest your head, and a city like Paris cannot disappoint in terms of accommodation: your Paris hotel can be just as memorable as your sightseeing!

When it comes to booking your bed in Paris, the best site to search and compare different accommodation options in Europe is Booking.com because you have everything from hostels to luxury hotels. What we have found quite regularly on Booking.com is that you can get a room in a small hotel for the same price as a hostel. Research makes all the difference!

Click here to book your hotel with Booking.com

>> For a top Paris experience, stay in a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower or, even better, in one of the fabulous historic hotels of Paris . All these hotels are gorgeous and the beginning of a five-star Parisian experience!

>> Truth be told, these historic hotels are not for all the pockets. But there are many unique themed hotels in Paris that certainly know how to give their guests a memorable and colorful stay for less money. If you plan a trip to Paris in the summer, consider one of the Paris hotels with a pool for the warmest days.

>> For those people traveling on a budget, we hand-picked the  best hostels in Paris (with dorms but also private rooms). You will be surprised at how cute our proposals are, but in a city like Paris, it could not be otherwise!

Check out these lists of best hotels in the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:

• Best hotels near the Louvre Museum
• Best hotels in Le Marais
• Best hotels in the Latin Quarter
• Best hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Furnished Apartments in Paris

For a much more local experience, consider renting an apartment in Paris . This is definitely a much more local option than a hotel or a hostel, plus you can even cook some of your meals to save money. And there are some apartments with Eiffel Tower views too!

If you decide to rent an apartment in Paris, we recommend Booking.com , which also does  apartment rentals for travelers with excellent service. With Booking.com, you can have all your hotel and apartment bookings under the same dashboard, plus their customer service is excellent – Find the Best Apartments in Paris with Booking.com

GOOD TO KNOW: Furnished apartments are very requested in Paris, especially in tourist areas. For this reason, apartment owners prioritize bookings for longer stays rather than just a weekend.

Accommodation in Paris: Our Tips for your Paris Trip Planning

>> Book in advance for more options and better prices.

>> Avoid Famous Places in Paris  if you are traveling on a budget.

>> Consider one of the best hotels near Gare du Nord for late arrivals or early departures from this train station. They are good, safe, and cheaper than in the most popular neighborhoods.

>> Check out our Hotel Recommendations in our articles by Paris Arrondissement .

6. How to Get from Paris Airport to the City

If you don’t live in Europe, you will probably fly to Paris. There are currently 153 air companies flying to Paris so that you can fly to the City of Light from anywhere in the world!

There are two airports near Paris: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). You have different options to get to Paris, depending on which airport you land at.

Best Transportation Options from Paris Airports to City

Our personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups , a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

>> Full list of transportation options from CDG Airport to Paris

>> Full list of transportation options from ORY Airport to Paris

7. The Cheat Sheet for Your Paris Trip Planner

The next step of your Paris plan is to decide what to see and do. If this is your first trip to Paris, the lists below cover the main attractions and the most iconic things to do in Paris.

>> 50 Iconic Things to Do in Paris

>> Paris Checklist

>> Best Rooftop Bars in Paris

>> Best Cabarets in Paris

>> Top Things to Do in Paris at Night

>> Most Beautiful Covered Passages of Paris

>> Best Seine River Cruises in Paris

>> Famous Buildings in Paris

>> Famous Paris Landmarks

TIP: Check out the best Paris combo tickets , good combinations of 2-3 Paris tickets & tours that make you save time and money!

8. Paris Itinerary Planner

If you are planning a trip to Paris for the first time and need some inspiration for your Paris travel plan, these Paris itineraries for one day to a week will be helpful.

>> One Day in Paris Itinerary

>> Two Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Three Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Four Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Five Days in Paris Itinerary

>> Six Days in Paris Itinerary

>> One Week in Paris Itinerary

Layover in Paris

If your vacation includes a layover in Paris, it is possible to get a glimpse of what the city offers before your next flight.

If your top priority is to see the Eiffel Tower , it is possible to have a quick ride from the airport to the city center to check it out from your bucket list. Head here for the best ways to go to the Eiffel Tower from Charles de Gaulle Airport, or check out this article for the best ways to go from Orly Airport to the Eiffel Tower.

With a long layover in Paris , you can consider a short itinerary to see some of Paris’ main sites. Check out how to spend a layover in Paris , with some proposals for short itineraries and our best tips.

TIP: This Paris layover tour from the airport always gets the best ratings!   

9. What to Eat & Drink in Paris

When you travel to Paris, be sure to learn about French food in Paris and the best things to eat in Paris. If you’re not trying the food, you are far away from getting to know the culture. We have hand-picked our best food articles for this Paris Trip Planner 2024.

>> Paris Food Guide

>> Where to Eat in Paris

>> French Wine Regions near Paris

>> Famous Foods to Try  in Paris

>> Best Bistros in Paris

>> Best Cheap Eats in Paris

>> Best Parisian Cakes (born and perfectioned in Paris!)

>> Best Desserts in Paris

If you are looking for restaurant recommendations, this blog also lists the best restaurants in Paris by district .

10. Day Trips from Paris

If you have an extra day or two, don’t hesitate to go beyond Paris. Check out the ultimate list of best day trips from Paris , featuring historic cities, seaside towns, world heritage wonders, and adventures in the great French countryside.

Versailles is the most popular day trip from Paris. Home to the Kings of France between 1662 and 1789, the Palace of Versailles is one of the most important landmarks in French history, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The Gardens of Versailles are beautiful to see too! Check out our Versailles Quick Guide to get the most out of this wonderful place.

Disneyland Paris is a must for families visiting the French capital. Check out how to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris and this Disneyland Paris crowd calendar for the quietest days in Mickeyland!

For a more local feeling, there are many picturesque small towns near Paris very easy to reach by train.

11. Planning a Trip to Paris: Know Before You Go

Check out our Paris insider tips for your first time in Paris.

>> Most of the hotels and hostels in Paris offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. You can also get a prepaid SIM card for your trip, which will allow you to communicate with other numbers in France and keep you connected to the internet all the time. Here are the best prepaid SIM cards for France (and how to get them).

>> Paris is one of the most visited cities on this planet. In 2018, 17.95 million international overnight tourists visited the city mainly for sightseeing and shopping. Read how to avoid the longest lines in Paris’ main attractions .

>> The Parisian Metro is nearly 115 years old, the second oldest metro after London’s tube system! The metro now serves 6 million out of 10.5 million people in Paris. Learn how to navigate the Parisian metro with our Paris Metro Guide .

>> Arguably the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre Museum is also the biggest! Indeed, it would take 100 days to see all of the art in the Louvre Museum. Learn how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less .

>> The Parisian style is simple, chic, and beautiful. Parisian’s motto is ‘Less is More,’ with a minimum of versatile and easy-to-combine items. If your Paris planning includes making the perfect packing list, check out our suggestions for men and women on what to pack and what to wear in Paris to blend in with the local crowd.

>> One week before leaving for Paris, check out this post about the Paris strikes 2024 . Just in case…

Consider a Paris Tourist Pass

Lines to visit the main Paris tourist attractions are guaranteed. Long lines. If you are planning a Paris trip and you want to visit most of its famous sights, you may want to consider a Paris Tourist Pass for you Paris trip plan.

The  Paris Museum Pass offers visitors direct access to 55 of Paris’s top attractions and museums in Paris. The Paris Museum Pass is available for 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days. If your schedule in Paris is tight and you don’t want to spend your time waiting in line, the Paris Museum Pass is for you.

There are other interesting tourist passes for visiting Paris; check out our Paris Pass Comparison for the full list.

So there you have it, how to plan a Paris trip 2024 you’ll never forget. Go on reading this Paris travel blog 2024 for more information and the history and culture in Paris.

Click here to read more Paris Tips

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

One of the most exciting things to do in life is take a trip. Here you’ll find a complete French conversation lesson with questions all about different trips you’ve taken. Click here for the downloadable PDF and contact me to try this lesson via Skype!

• As‐tu déjà voyagé dans ton pays de naissance? Quels endroits est‐ce que tu as visité? Have you traveled in the country where you were born? Which places have you visited?
• As‐tu déjà voyagé à l’étranger? Quels pays est‐ce que tu as visité? Have you traveled abroad? Which countries have you visited?
• Combien de pays as‐tu visité? Combien d’états ou provinces (au Canada)? How many countries have you visited? How many states and Canadian provinces have you visited?
• As-tu deja voyagé dans un pays francophone ou tu as pu utiliser ton francais? Have you ever traveled to a French speaking country where you could use your French?
• Apprends-tu le francais avec l’objectif de faire des voyages? Are you learning French with the goal to travel?
• As‐tu récemment voyagé? Où es‐tu allé(e)? Have you taken a trip recently? Where did you go?
• Où est‐ce que tu iras pendant tes prochaines vacances? Avec qui est‐ce que tu voyageras et combien de temps vas‐tu passer dans l’endroit? Where will you go for your next vacation? Who
• will you travel with and how long will you spend there?
• As‐tu fait des voyages quand tu étais un(e) enfant? Où es‐tu allé(e)? Did you travel when you were a child? Where did you go?
• As‐tu déjà voyagé dans ta propre région? Connais‐tu bien la région où tu habites? Have you traveled in the region where you live? Do you know the region well?
• Quand as‐tu fait ton premier voyage à l’étranger? As‐tu eu peur de quitter ton pays la première fois? When did you take your first trip overseas? Were you afraid to leave your country for the first time?
• As‐tu déjà fait un voyage tout(e) seul(e)? Où es‐tu allé(e) et as‐tu eu peur de voyager seul(e)? Have you ever taken a trip alone? Where did you go and were you afraid to travel alone?
• Aimerais‐tu passer le reste de ta vie à l’étranger? Would you like to spend the rest of your life abroad?
• Peux‐tu te rappeler d’un voyage que tu as vraiment aimé? Où es‐tu allé(e)? Can you remember a trip that you really liked? Where did you go?
• Peux‐tu te rappeler d’un voyage que tu n’as pas aimé? Ou est‐tu allé(e)? Can you remember a trip that you didn’t like? Where did you go?
• Préfères‐tu voyager seul(e) où dans un groupe avec un guide? Pourquoi? Do you prefer to travel alone or in a group with a guide?
• As‐tu déjà fait un voyage en train? Où es-tu allé? As‐tu aimé le train? Have you ever traveled by train? Where did you go? Did you like the train?
• Aimes‐tu prendre l’avion ou as-tu en a peur? Do you like to take airplane or are you afraid?
• T’es-tu déjà perdu(e) au voyage? Raconte l’histoire! Have you ever gotten lost on a trip? Tell the story!
• As‐tu déjà fait de l’auto‐stop? Raconte l’aventure! Have you ever done hitch-hiking? Tell the adventure!
• Préfères‐tu voyager avec peu ou beaucoup de baggages? Do you prefer to travel with little or a lot of luggage?
• Aimes‐tu faire du camping et faire de la randonnée? Où as tu fait un tel voyage? Do you like camping or hiking? Where have you taken such a trip?
• Quels pays rêves‐tu encore de visiter dans ta vie? Quels pays est‐ce que tu n’aimerais pas visiter? Which countries do you still dream of visiting in your lifetime? Which countries do you not want to visit?
• Que dois-tu apporter quand tu visites un pays étranger? What do you have to bring with you when you visit a foreign country?
• Quelle est ta ville préférée? Quand as‐tu visité cette ville? Aimerais‐tu vivre là‐bas? What is your favorite city? When did you visit this city? Would you like to live there?
• Aimes‐tu acheter des souvenirs quand tu voyages? Qu’aimes-tu acheter? Do you like to buy souvenirs when you travel? What do you like to buy?
• Quel est l’endroit le plus beau que tu aies visité? What’s the most beautiful country that you’ve visited?
• As‐tu déjà fait une croisière? Où es‐tu allé(e)? Have you ever taken a cruise? Where did you go?
• Aimes‐tu revisiter les mêmes endroits? Do you like to travel back to the same places?
• As‐tu déjà voyagé en première classe? Have you ever traveled in first class?
• En général où vont les gens de ton pays vont en vacances? In general, where do people from your country go for vacation?
• Habites‐tu dans une région touristique? D’où viennent les touristes qui visitent ta région? Do you live in a touristic region? Where do the people come from who visit your area?
• Si tu avais $100,000 et tu pouvais aller n’importe où, où est‐ce que tu irais? If you had $100,00 and you could go anywhere, where would you go?

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.

See all posts by David Issokson

Vocabulary Lesson: French for Travelers

Learn Common French Words You'll Use While Traveling

• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Resources For Teachers

Travelers to France and other countries where French is spoken will want to learn a few basic words in the local language. It will help you on your trip ( le  voyage ) as you make your way around and speak to people.

In this French vocabulary lesson, you will learn how to ask for directions, navigate your transportation options and rent a car, avoid danger, and enjoy local shopping and dining during your stay. It is an introductory lesson and you will find links to other lessons so you can further your studies.

As a traveler ( voyageur ) , you may also want to brush up on French phrases required for politeness as well as a few that are essential and let people know that you are new to the language.

Have a good trip! ( Bon voyage ! )

Note: Many of the words below are linked to .wav files. Simply click on the link to listen to the pronunciation.

Getting Around and Asking for Directions

Whether you are roaming the streets of Paris or decide to take a drive in the French countryside, these simple phrases are useful for those times when you need to ask for help.

Travel Essentials

Every traveler needs know these basic words for their journey.

• Tourist information -  information touristique
• Customs -  la  douane
• Passport -  le  passeport
• Map -  la  carte

Important Signs You Need to Know

Travelers can find themselves in precarious situations if they don't know how to read signs. Some signs will warn you of danger while others simply draw your attention to a simple fact (like the museum is closed or the restroom is out of service).

Before you travel, memorize these simple words and phrases that are found to ensure your trip goes a little smoother.

• Watch out! -  Attention !
• Open -  ouvert  
• Closed -  fermé
• Forbidden -  interdit
• Do not enter -  défense d'entrer
• Out of service -  hors service  or  en panne

In case you should have a medical emergency, get sick, or have a specific medical condition, you will want to review and learn French vocabulary related to ailments and illnesses .

Shops, Restaurants, and Hotels 

In your journey, you will probably do quite a bit of shopping and dining. You will also need to stay at a hotel and all of these require you . The following vocabulary lessons will help you navigate all of these situations.

• At the Hotel
• Banking and Money
• Dining at Restaurants

As a primer to those lessons, you will find that you will need to use these two phrases when making purchases.

Transportation Essentials

You will also need to rely on various types of  transportation ( le  transport )  during your trip and reviewing these French words will be very useful.

The airport comes with an entirely new set of vocabulary that you will want to know for your arrival and departure flights. See if you're ready with this quiz .

• Airplane -  l' avion
• Airport -  l' aéroport

Quite often, you will find that a subway is a great way to get from one place to another. Familiarizing yourself with these words will help you find the subway station.

• Subway -  le métro
• Subway station -  la gare / station de métro

The bus is another great form of local transportation ( le transport local ) and you will want to know just a few words in French.

• Bus - l' autobus
• Bus stop -  l' arrêt d'autobus
• Bus station -  la gare d'autobus

Traveling by train is an affordable and comfortable way to get around France and trains also come with a unique set of vocabulary that you will want to study.

• Train -  le train
• Platform -  le quai
• Train station -  la gare

At the Ticket Booth

No matter which mode of public transportation you choose, a ticket is often required and you will need to visit the ticket booth ( billetterie ) .

• Round-trip ticket -  un billet aller-retour
• One-way ticket -  un billet simple
• Price -  le prix

Renting a Car in French

If you want to break out on your own, renting a car is a great way to do it. This portion of the lesson focuses on what you will need to know about car rentals, including what to ask for and important details in the rental agreement.

When you do get in the car ( la voiture ) , you will also want to know basic French vocabulary for driving .

• Rental -  la location

Requesting a Particular Car

You can make special requests for the car you would like to rent with a simple sentence. Begin the request with " Je voudrais..." a nd specify the style of car you're seeking.

Requesting Specific Features in a Car

If you have special requirements, such as a seat for your child, begin the sentence with  " Je voudrais..."  (I would like...) and ask for one of these.

• Air conditioning -  la clime
• Baby seat -  une nacelle bébé
• Booster seat -  un réhausseur intégral
• Child seat -  un siège enfant

Details of the Rental Agreement

It is vital that you understand your rental agreement and these questions will ensure that there is no confusion lost in translation.

• Extra driver -  un conducteur supplémentaire
• Damages -  les dommages
• Free French Worksheets
• French Vocabulary: At the Hotel
• French Vocabulary: Driving and Cars
• French Trains Vocabulary - Prendre le Train En France
• French Vocabulary: At the Dentist
• Vocabulaire Du Métro - French Subway Vocabulary
• Best Apps to Learn French
• French Vocabulary Lesson: Banking and Money
• French Vocabulary: Illnesses and Ailments
• French Vocabulary: Jewelry and Accessories
• French Vocabulary: On the Phone
• Tips for Learning French As an Adult
• French Reading Comprehension Test
• Telling Time in French
• Taking the Train in France Master Typical French Train Announcements
• French Vocabulary: Physical Descriptions of People

How to Plan a Trip to France and Italy: Best 2 to 3 Weeks Travel Itinerary!

The France and Italy trip will show up as an exciting adventure as we reveal the inside scoop on planning the perfect trip to Italy and France. “How to plan a trip to France and Italy” takes on a more poetic form, where every word paints a picture of your adventure.

On this trip you will get the opportunity to walk through the charming streets of Paris, taste the delicious food of Tuscany, and taking in the interesting mix of cultures from these two lovely countries. This tour is more to this than just a lesson. This is more like a story that will take you on a beautiful journey through the French and Italian countryside.

Join me as I arrange a symphony of events on the Italy and France itinerary. From the ancient Colosseum to the world-famous Eiffel Tower, every detail is well planned, and your journey reads like a masterpiece.

Deciding the Perfect Time for Your France and Italy Trip

Setting off on a trip is a lovely way to start an adventure that knows no limits and moves to the beat of wanderlust. But, just like the speed bumps on the way to dreamland, there are a lot of questions that may come up before you start one.

How to plan a trip to France and Italy? When will be the perfect time to plan a proper Italy and France itinerary for 12 days? And many others.

Don’t be scattered! I am here to let your trip story unfold as we talk about the fine art of planning. Also, how to turn unknowns into threads that make a vivid and unforgettable journey.

Weather Conditions in France and Italy

The France and Italy trip is a timeless wonder that can be explored all year unless it changes abruptly. Hence, you can plan the perfect family trip to France and Italy, creating lasting memories amidst the ever-changing beauty of Europe.

From the historic charm of Lyon to the elegance of Paris, France’s changing seasons create an enticing picture of culture and taste. Summer dazzles with vibrant festivities , while autumn uncovers an attractive landscape . Winter , though cool, spreads festive charm . Spring , a blooming spectacle, offers mild warmth .

On the other hand, with the four seasons intertwined, Italy’s weather creates a beautiful tapestry. Summers radiate warmth , making for delightful excursions, while springs and autumns entice with their pleasantness . Cherish the briskness of winter , which is chillier in the north and produces a varied and beautiful weather canvas .

Ideal Season for Visiting France and Italy

Well, Planning a trip to Paris and Italy or any other European country means writing a story where every visit is a chapter of an enchanting tale.

In summer, France resonates with warmth , offering al fresco delights , from Lyon’s historical charm to Marseille’s Mediterranean embrace. Autumn unveils a scenic canvas, perfect for vineyard explorations in Burgundy. Winter casts a festive spell, with Christmas markets and vibrant city life. Spring , a bloom of beauty, lures with milder temperatures and blossoming landscapes.

On the other hand, summer and autumn are the busiest times in Italy. During this time, incredible festivals like Festa dei Ranieri, the Feast of Saint Rosalia, the San Gennaro Festival, and film festivals are held. The country becomes colorful with a festive look.

Going there in the fall is the best bet if you want to experience each season on a single trip. Since it encompasses all four seasons.

Bonus Tips:  ➜ If you enjoy skiing, a winter vacation to Italy might be a great choice. ➜ On the other hand, summer is the most affordable time to go.

Now, tell me which season do you think is the best time to visit France and Italy, or which will be best for you?

How to Plan a Trip to France and Italy: Organizing Your Travel

Planning each detail of a journey is essential before leaving on an adventure. Follow these steps to organize the France and Italy tour.

Read the next section to learn how to plan a trip to Italy and France!

Securing the Best Flight Deals

When it comes to buying flights, plan an affordable trip to France or Italy. In this regard, you can use Google Flight to get the best flight deals. You can also use other trusted travel search engines such as Skyscanner, Expedia, and so on, which will assist you in finding different France, Italy, and Greece vacation packages that are quite reasonable.

On some special occasions , they offer many discounts . Keep an eye on these offers. You can get a cheap flight if you can consider round-trip trips. I hope that by following these insights, you can save time, money, and frustration on your next European adventure.

Train and Bus Options from Europe

Do you know, in Western and Central Europe, traveling from Paris to Rome by train is by far the most common and pleasant way to get around? The Italy and France trip is a breeze with their first-rate train service.

You need to book a seat in advance or buy a specialized day ticket to travel great distances by train in Europe. Particularly on international or high-speed routes Websites like RailEurope.com streamline the procedure by providing easy-to-understand English instructions. Also gives the ability to book across many rail providers.

“Non-Europeans can use a Eurail pass, while European nationals can use an Interrail pass. This allows unlimited travel within a certain number of days, for extended train travel.” Source: Travel Stack Exchange

It has become the mode of choice for crossing the continent for those on a tighter budget. Flixbus provides a vast network over France and most of Europe, unlike Megabus’s UK operations.

There are regional versions that are tailored to certain locations, such as Marino Bus in Italy and neighboring countries. Platforms such as BusRadar or Get By Bus assist in finding the most economical and quickest bus routes for your journey.

Special Tips:  While trains are more comfortable, buses are a good option for the France and Italy itinerary for 7 days or within shorter trips.

Essential Travel Documents and Preparations

Before you pack your bags and hop on a trip like a London, Paris, Italy, or Greece tour, you need to take care of some essential travel documents and preparations. Such as a valid passport , a visa , travel insurance , and a France and Italy trip itinerary that covers your destinations, activities, and budget.

You also need to book your flights , hotels , and transportation for your tour that will take you to the most amazing places in Europe. Need help to grasp the concept?

How about simplifying it with more details? Check out the next section to get a clear idea.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Make sure you are well informed on these preparations and have all the necessary paperwork ready for your trip to France and Italy:

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your date of departure.
• The 12-page U.S. emergency passport without a visa is not acceptable in both France and Italy.
• If you are going to travel to France and Italy for up to 90 days then you don’t need any visa .
• Keep insurance , evidence of an onward travel ticket, and proof of accommodation with you.

Related Post: Do You Need a Green Card to Travel to France?

Travel Insurance: Why You Need It

If you are not from the Schengen area then you need a visa for a France and Italy trip. And for applying for the visa you must have travel insurance. Now, you must be thinking what is Schengen, right?

“Schengen is an area made up of France, Italy, Spain, and other 24 countries of Europe. You don’t need any visa to go from one country to another within this region.”

Other than this, if you have an accident, medical emergency, theft, flight delays or cancellations, or any other problem, travel insurance can help you pay for it.

Moreover, to get a national visa for France or Italy, you may need international health insurance . That covers your stay if you are traveling for a specific reason or for a longer length of time.

Crafting the Perfect Itinerary

You will find many resources in online like the France and Italy itinerary for 7 days or the France and Italy itinerary for 10 days . But I would suggest if you really want to enjoy your trip to the fullest then you should take some extra days in hand.

Trust me, you are going to regret going there and get back without visiting the must-visit places. A well-thought-out holiday includes everything you need for a safe and fun trip, as well as chances to make memories that will last a lifetime.

In this situation, you may think about whether is France safe to travel alone . The answer is a big YES! It’s completely safe for all travelers. And just to make sure, let’s make a tour that speaks to your spirit by going to places and doing things that go smoothly together.

Must-Visit Places in France

Here I am giving a list of the best places in France that you should not miss at any cost. So, add them to your France trip planner and travel like an explorer!

Paris is a city of beauty, culture, and romance. The iconic Eiffel Tower offers city views. Arc de Triomphe , a monument to brave soldiers, overlooks a metropolis. The Louvre is home to iconic works including the Mona Lisa.

There are plenty of options for travelers to choose from when traveling from Paris to the South of France , making it an adventure not to be missed.

Notre Dame is a Gothic gem with stained glass and gargoyles. Paris’ Champs-Elysées , is lined with wealth, culture, and history. The trek through Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and the Place de la Concorde recalls guillotine legends.

Explore through Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes to start the day. Enjoy a private wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s famous vineyards, tasting red and white wines. Experience Luberon’s medieval hilltop villages , scenic landscape, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Roussillon, and Oppede le Vieux on a unique tour. Lastly, you can visit the Cinque Terre .

Choose a private Aix-en-Provence walking tour or a Saint Remy and Les Baux trip with winery and museum stops. Visit the stunning Carrières de Lumières cave of light!

You can easily travel from Paris to Nice by bus, train, or self-driving. If you are planning a south of France and Italy itinerary then this is a must-visit place. Nice day trips reveal the French Riviera ‘s jewels. Start in medieval Eze and learn about French perfume at the Fragonard plant.

Explore the Trophy of the Alps ruins before visiting Monte Carlo Casino and the Grand Prix track. Or you can also start from your Nice hotel on this full-day trip of the French Riviera, chauffeured to Saint Paul-de-Vence and Cannes. Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo are easy to visit, so enjoy them.

Plan winery tours and tastings or a half-day Siena walking tour. Enjoy a market trip , cooking lesson , and 4-course Tuscan supper . Private transfers make entering and leaving Florence easy.

Must-Visit Places in Italy

Start your day with the Morning Vatican Tour to see the Sistine Chapel without crowds. Enjoy Ancient Rome with VIP Colosseum Underground access, uncovering fascinating stories of historical personalities and sites.

Explore the Borghese Gallery , an Italian art masterpiece. These events will deepen your connection to Rome’s rich culture, leaving lasting memories.

Explore Pompeii, frozen in time after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. This historic city, buried in ash, offers a unique look at Roman life. Look into its enormous breadth and admire the Temple, Forum, House of Faun, Thermal Baths, Amphitheater, and Brothel.

The eerie “bodies” sculptures depict the cataclysm’s victims’ agony. Pompeii’s historical significance and size make it a remarkable archaeological site that vividly depicts the past.

A day trip to Naples, known as the pizza birthplace and home to a world-class archaeology museum, is sure to be an enjoyable adventure.

Charming Sorrento is a great jumping-off point for a visit to Naples, a city that combines a wealth of history with delicious cuisine. Sadly, it has a bad name for pickpockets and other street thieves.

Making Your Accommodation Plans

Choosing the right accommodations for your France and Italy vacation requires careful consideration. In this section on how to plan a trip to France and Italy, we will discuss the accommodation arrangements that you will need.

In France , traditional hotels or self-catered flats near city centers are great for convenient access to Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg attractions. For rustic lodging in the Alps and Pyrenees, consider chalets. Provence and the Loire Valley provide charming villas and chateaux.

Private beach homes or sea-view hotels await in the French Riviera or Brittany. For a pleasant stay, use online platforms , local recommendations , and flexible cancellation policies .

In Italy , consider non-hotel accommodations for a great vacation. B&Bs create intimate interactions with owners or family workers. With their space and affordability , apartments are a great choice for week-long stays. Farm-fresh dishes and lovely countryside settings make charming agritourism stand out.

Location and views are more important than size, so choose charming accommodations. For a memorable Italian vacation, have genuine encounters with kind hosts.

Affordable and Comfortable Accommodation Options

In both countries, popular cities like Paris, Nice, Rome, and Florence offer a range of budget-friendly hotels that provide affordable yet comfortable lodging. The benefits of choosing budget-friendly hotels include potential savings that can be redirected towards exploring local attractions, enjoying regional cuisine, and experiencing the cultural richness of these destinations.

On the other hand, Tourists seeking luxurious accommodations in France and Italy can indulge in opulent stays in renowned cities like Paris, Cannes, Rome, and Venice , which boast a plethora of upscale hotels.

The benefits of choosing luxurious hotels extend beyond the lavish accommodations to encompass an unparalleled level of comfort, attention to detail, and an immersive experience that complements the cultural richness of these captivating destinations.

Here are some of the places mentioned in the text, along with their cost and location:

• Hotel Sainte Barbe, Le Conquet: This modern Brittany hotel has sea views, a pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar. From September to March , the Sun-Thurs Après Weekend half-board package costs around €110 per person each night. Hotel Sainte Barbe.
• Les Charmettes, Saint-Malo: The welcoming hotel in two 19th-century homes overlooks Rochebonne Beach on Saint Malo’s beachfront. It includes 16 cozy sea or garden-view accommodations and a beach house restaurant. Without breakfast, rooms cost €74 per night.
• Le Lodge Kerisper, La Trinité-sur-Mer: A peaceful resort in southern Brittany has 20 bright, vintage-style rooms. It offers a garden, pool, bar, and sunny atrium for breakfast. Rooms cost €89 per night, excluding breakfast. This is a great option for those who are going on a family trip to France and Italy.
• Il Guelfo Bianco: This cheap Florence hotel has good reviews. A historic structure houses an organic eatery. Free Wi-Fi and bike rental are available at the motel. Double rooms cost €80 per night, including breakfast.
• Alma Hotel: This Sicilian hotel near the beach and Cefalù is lovely. A rooftop sundeck and 26 sea or mountain-view rooms are available. A beach shuttle and Sicilian restaurant are also available at the hotel. Double rooms with breakfast cost €70 per night.
• Hotel Premiere Abano Terme:  This Veneto spa hotel is near Abano Terme’s thermal waters. The hotel features 50 balcony rooms and a spa facility with a sauna, Turkish bath, and pool. The hotel offers a playground and a restaurant serving local and foreign cuisine. Double rooms with breakfast cost €59 per night.

In France, cities like Paris are home to iconic luxury hotels such as The Ritz and Hotel Plaza Athénée , known for their lavish amenities and exquisite service.

Meanwhile, Italy offers sumptuous options like the Hotel de Russie in Rome or the Gritti Palace in Venice, providing a blend of historical charm and modern luxury.

Navigating through France and Italy

Since you’ve read the blog this far and still reading I guess you are enjoying my writing! Or you still have questions regarding how to plan a trip to Italy and France. Well, I have talked quite a lot about France and Italy’s famous places, accommodations and necessary document information.

In the next section, I will guide you through the excellent public transit systems of France and Italy that make getting around a breeze and won’t break the bank.

So that it can help you make a perfect plan for an Italy and France itinerary for 14 days or more.

Train Travel Tips in France and Italy

Take a scenic train ride through the middle of Europe, linking the two most populous countries, France and Italy. No matter how far is France from Italy by train.

The gorgeous routes along the French and Italian Rivieras and the fast Frecciarossa trains that can take you from Paris to Milan in under 6 hours make train travel an amazing experience. So, this is the best option for the London, Paris, Italy, and Greece tour .

Local train companies make it easy to buy tickets for domestic trips. But it is wise to buy tickets a day or two in advance. This changes with high-speed, overnight, or international long-distance trains like France’s TGV and others. These require seat reservations or day-specific tickets with changeable pricing to encourage early booking.

With its many firms, ticketing methods, and languages, the European rail system can be confusing. However, RailEurope simplifies the procedure by booking multiple rail operators. Bookings are easy for savvy travelers with English instructions.

Guidelines for Driving in France and Italy

Taking a road trip throughout Europe in your own or hired automobile can be thrilling. It will also help you in saving time. You will be able to plan a perfect Italy and France itinerary for 14 days by driving on your own .

All you need is to drive a manual vehicle, an International Driving Permit (if you’re an EU outsider), and third-party liability insurance . In this case, we will provide some tips for driving that will ensure to get the best driving experience. Though crossing EU borders is usually easy, going outside may cost more.

You can also go for car renting options from Avis , Hertz , and Europcar . They also have France, Italy, and Greece vacation packages. For a mini-road excursion, a rental automobile may appeal. As a long-distance ride-sharing company, BlaBlaCar offers convenience and affordability to travelers.

Public Transportation Vs Car Rentals

Transportation depends on your budget , itinerary , and interests . For me, the France and Italy by train itinerary is always mesmerizing. I prefer a train for comfort, safety, and price . This lets you relax, enjoy the landscape, and save money. That will provide you with the best experience for traveling around France without a car .

Special Notes:  The best part is fast, easy, and dependable train travel is common in Paris and Italy itinerary. Discounts, passes, and special deals are also available.

The only problem with Rail travel is, that it is less flexible, convenient, and adventurous than vehicle rental. Also, you will have less access to vineyards, rural areas, and historical attractions by train.

On the other hand, you can prefer car rental for ease, flexibility, and privacy . You can explore the countryside, tiny towns, and off-the-beaten-path in your own time.

However, compared to trains, automobile rentals are more expensive and unsafe . You must cope with traffic, parking, tolls, and unknown roads. Gas, insurance, and fines are extra.

Exploring Major Attractions

France and Italy are two of the most popular and beautiful countries in Europe. From the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the stunning Colosseum in Rome, from the charming canals of Venice to the majestic castles of France, there is so much to see and do in these countries.

That’s why I keep saying that the Italy and France itinerary of 12 days or even the Italy and France itinerary of 14 days that you find online is not good enough to witness all the charms and beauties of these two countries.

So, without wasting time, let’s have a quick check of the planning and booking!

Booking Tickets for Renowned Attractions

If you ask me when you should book your tickets and accommodations, then my answer would be as soon as possible before starting to travel to France and Italy. Especially during the peak seasons, these countries get very busy. At that time you hardly can find a suitable hotel or tickets.

So it is always better to book your tickets and accommodations 6-12 months before the trip . For train reservations and tickets , it is good enough to book them 3–4 months ahead of the tour during the spring and summer.

“For booking air tickets online you can visit Google Flights and for train tickets check Eurorail.”

Related Post: Best Airlines to Fly to France from US

Popular Day Tours in France and Italy

A popular day tour is almost like the best time to visit France and Italy. That means it depends on you. There are many cool options for a day trip in France and Italy. With a car, excellent music, and good company it becomes even more fascinating.

However,  If you’re new to French and Italian roads, carry a France, Italy, and Greece itinerary that covers roads, requirements, and rules. You can start from the south of France from the French Riviera to Rome . You can explore the best small towns in the south of France and this road is full of gorgeous beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, and a jet-set atmosphere.

In Paris, you can also enjoy a cruise or ferry along the Seine River and admire the views of the city from the water. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to the nearby Versailles Palace , the former residence of the French kings, and marvel at its lavish gardens and fountains.

Or you can explore the wine capital of France , and visit some of the prestigious wineries and vineyards of the Medoc , Saint-Emilion , and Sauternes appellations in Bordeaux.

You can experience the romance and charm of the City of Canals , and explore its narrow streets, bridges, and squares in Venice. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano , and witness the art of glassblowing and lace-making.

In Florence, you can take a day trip to the nearby Tuscany region, and visit the picturesque towns of Siena , San Gimignano, and Pisa . From Naples, you can take a day trip to the nearby Amalfi Coast , enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the cliffs, and stop at the colorful towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello .

Budgeting Your Trip

Paris and Italy itinerary or any other country trip in Europe is always a dream for many travelers. Do you think this is only because of the beauty and diverse festivals of these countries?

No, travelers also admire the many dependable travel options and accommodations they provide, which allow them to have fun without putting much load on their tour budget.

If you are visiting France and Italy for the first time, then the next segment is for you. In the next section, you will get a clear idea.

Estimating Daily Costs

Estimating the daily cost of Italy and France depends on some factors like which city you want to stay in, for how long and in which cases you want to spend , etc.

For example, staying in a cheap hotel in France can cost you around €30-50 per night. In moderate or luxury hotels it will increase up to €100-300 .

It shouldn’t cost more than €10 per day if you use public transportation for travel from one place to another. All these prices are estimated costs. These can be changed with the time and situation.

Anticipated Costs and Money-Saving Tips

Check out the tips and tricks that can help you save extra money on the trip:

• If you go between mid-October and mid-March , you can save money on flights, hotels, and trips.
• Use metro , bus, and tram passes in big to medium-sized cities. For example, the Paris Visite Pass lets you move as much as you want and gets you into many attractions for less money.
• Smaller towns are better than big cities for finding cheap places to stay, eat, and use services.
• If you want to save a lot of money on train travel between towns and regions , buy a rail pass.
• On some occasions, flights give attractive discounts on France, Italy Greece vacation packages. So, keep an eye on the websites.
• If you want to use an ATM or pay with a credit card abroad, check your bank’s fees. You can also compare rates from different credit card companies .
• Check out full guides for more information on how to have a cheap trip to France and Paris.
• Learning a few important phrases in French and Italian can help you connect with locals and experience their culture.

I hope all these tips will help you in your France and Italy trip and let you enjoy a stressless, smooth journey.

Concluding Words

Among the European countries, France and Italy are two of the centers of attraction for travel lovers. These two countries offer a rich variety of attractions, cultures, and cuisines. Whether you are looking for romance, history, art, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste in these two nations.

Hope this “How to plan a trip to France and Italy” blog will enable you to take the time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Make your travels an enduring masterpiece by allowing them to be a dance of memories, new friendships, and cherished moments that endure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you do Italy and France in one trip?

Yes of course. But I would suggest not to. As this will end up in a great rush.

Is it cheaper to go to Italy or France?

Yes. If you plan a proper Italy and France itinerary for 12 days or less you can make it cheaply.

Which country is the best between Italy and France?

It varies from person to person. I personally like France more because I love the diversified beauty it offers to its visitors.

Can I go from France to Italy by train?

Yes, you can go to Italy from France by Train. You will get a train from almost every train station from different countries of France to Italy.

How long does it take to fly from France to Italy?

It takes around 2-3 hours to reach Italy from France.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Italy?

During the off-season like summer for France and winter for Italy is comparatively cheaper than other months. You can make a cheap tour if you plan a proper Italy and France itinerary for 12 days.

Can you do Paris and Rome in one trip?

No, Paris and Rome are two individual countries with their nature and culture. You won’t get enough time to enjoy both the countries at the same time. It is better to visit these countries without a rush.

Can you catch a train from Paris to Rome?

Yes, there are options for that. You can visit Eurorail.com for more details.

Is the train ride from Paris to Italy scenic?

Without a doubt, the scenic route from Paris to Rome by train is one of the best experiences you can ever have.

Kayla D. Martinez

Senior Travel Writer

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Aussie inventor's wild plan to build 'world's largest residence'

• Inventor plans $200m mega-house 
• Will have 26 rooms and four kitchens 
• READ MORE: Inside Australia's cheapest and most expensive homes  

An inventor is planning to build an outrageous $200million house, inspired by his late daughter, which will have 26 rooms, four kitchens for different cuisines,  a four-storey wine cellar, tunnel driveway, rooftop pool and helicopter pad.

Mataki Lim has approval to build his dream 40,000sq m mansion, which will also have a cinema, nightclub, ballroom, music studio and vast collections rooms in the West Australian town of Chittering, around 60km east of Perth . 

Mr Lim said the house will showcase his company's NXT TEC's precast building technology, a rapid construction method he invented after moving to Australia from Malaysia  at the age of 14.

The new house, approved for the 475ha-site by Chittering Shire last week, will be called Madalyn Manor in tribute to Mr Lim's late daughter who he says worked with him on the designs for the 'shared dream between the two of us'. 

If realised, it's believed the residence would be one of the world's largest private houses. 

NXT TEC describes Mr Lim as 'a self-made multi-millionaire whose impressive career as a property developer, registered builder and in structural and mechanical engineering spans over 30 years'. 

After graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Western Australia , Mr Lim became a registered builder and ran a successful construction company until he retired from the business in 2006.

Mr Lim said on Friday he needs to still secure a building permit and plans to begin the three-year building project at the end of 2024.

The four kitchens will be specialised to cook French, Swedish, Japanese and Italian cuisine respectively.

As well as the grand ballroom and dining room, there will be 10 collection rooms to display Mr Lim's assembled antiques and paintings.

There will also be a car museum along with indoor beach volleyball, basketball, and squash courts, as well as a bowling alley and an arcade with laser tag.

The rooftop pool will overlook three lakes in the surrounding landscape where the  native botanical gardens will have 6,000 trees planted around a 10km boundary.

At an estimated cost of $200m the home would easily eclipse the $57.5m Mineral Resources boss Chris Ellison and partner Tia paid for their Mosman Park mansion in 2009 to become WA's most expensive property.

NXT TEC has so far only built a small single-storey home in WA.

Despite gaining approval seven years ago to build a 120-room Wyndham Lux Hotel in the eastern Perth suburb of Rivervale, construction has yet to commence.

READ MORE: Neighbours divided over David Droga's plans for Australia most expensive oceanfront home overlooking Tamarama Beach