Romance, fairy tales and exquisite food
Welcome to France
There probably isn’t a country with more recognisable food, wine, architecture, fashion, art, and history than France. We all love the iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. But France also has stunning beaches, green hills, a hundred and more castles and vineyards.
Travel tip
Romantic Paris
Name a more romantic city than Paris. I’ll wait. Paris is famous the world over for its food, architecture, history, wine, art, and literature which all paint a picture of absolute romance. Everything we think of that’s romantic can be found in Paris, even down to the accents and the street music. For honeymooners or even solo travelers looking for a place to feel warm and happy, there’s nowhere like Paris.
The fairy tale houses of Alsace
Any place that borders Germany and Switzerland is going to be overflowing with charm, let alone fairy tale magic. Alsace is that place, with its capital of Strasbourg that blends French and German architecture, cuisine, and culture. The houses of Strasbourg, Colmar and the other smaller areas of Alsace, have surely been torn from the pages of a fairy tale.
Famous French cuisine
Is there a cuisine that’s more iconic than French? French cuisine is fancy, delicately beautiful, refined, and broad in its flavours. From simple breads and pastries to the most elegant caviar and escargot, French cuisine is beloved the world over, and definitely reason enough to explore France for yourself.
The idyllic French Riviera
Know in France as the Coast of Azure, this mesmerising, peaceful, and grandiose coastline spans across the south of France, with historic towns stretching across its length, as well as some of Europe’s best beaches and views of the green French hills.
Amazing experiences in France
Colmar
Beauty and the Beast fairy tale village
Alsace
Wine, gourment food and magical architecture
Paris
The most romantic city in the world
Strasbourg
Loose yourself in Petite France
Best sights in France
Paris (capital)
Europe’s most beloved city is the home of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and some of the best restaurants and cafes on Earth. Paris has everything to love.
French Riviera
A long coastline of green hills, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful sandy beaches that stretches all the way to the Italian border. There’s no better natural landscape to explore in all of France.
Provence (the lavender fields) (757km from Paris)
This is a place you’ve seen before, either in famous photography or in your dreams. Lavender fields that smell better than heaven and look just as beautiful.
Strasbourg (491km from Paris)
A town where fairy tales live and breathe in charming little houses. Strasbourg Old Town blends French and German architectural styles to make the most romantic and idyllic place imaginable.
Colmar (492km from Paris)
With a sweet little canal, a 13th century gothic church, brightly-coloured houses, cobbled streets, and renaissance buildings, Colmar is a must-see in Alsace.
Normandie (201km from Paris)
One of the most historic parts of northern France, Normandie is famous as the site of the landing beaches during World War II, as seen in films such as Saving Private Ryan.
Where to g
How to get around
I always use Rome2Rio for traveling Europe. This site/app is so easy to use. It quickly comes up with a variety of transport options to suit your time and budget. All costs are shown, even taxis.
Map of France
Europe (France)
Best time to visit
The very best time to visit France is in the spring long before the summer holidays descend, and the cities get majorly busy. The summers in France get hot and expensive so visiting in April to June or in the autumn, September-November, makes for the most comfortable and affordable holiday.
Bear in mind the further south you go the warmer it gets and vice versa.
Practical info
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro
- Plugs: Standard voltage of 230V (I recommend buying a universal adapter)
- Population: 66.9 million
- Important telephone numbers: 112 for all emergencies
- Visa: Members of the EU can stay indefinitely in France without a passport. US citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
Rough Budget
- Hotel:$30-100
- Food:$10-30
- Activities: e.g. $75 to visit the Louvre
- Transportation:$5-10 for a train
French Phrases
- Hello: Bonjour
- Thank you: Merci
- Yes: Oui
- No: Non
- Bye: Au revoir
- Cheers: A votre santé
