France Travel Guide

Paris, France is a cultural capital of the world, known for its art, architecture, history, cinema, fashion, and cuisine.

France is more than just its capital city, though. From the rolling hills and chateaux of the countryside to the glitzy French Riviera on the southern Mediterranean coast, there are many other destinations in France that are not to be missed.

France quick facts

Population: 67 million
Language: France
Currency: Euro
Capital city: Paris
Country size: 248,573 square miles
High season: June through August, and December

Top 10 things to do in France

Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night
Spend a day admiring art at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay
Explore the bohemian Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain in Paris
Get lost wandering around hilly Montmartre in Paris
Visit the opulent palace of Versailles and explore its gardens
Day trip to Reims, the birthplace of champagne
Visit the breathtaking tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel
See the oldest Christmas market in France in Strasbourg
Day trip to Monet’s gardens in Giverny
Hit the beach on the French Riviera

Getting around

Getting around France is very easy. France has a fast and efficient train system connecting the most popular destinations, ranging from the high-speed TGV trains to slower (and less expensive) intercity and TER trains.

Buses are another transportation option. Eurolines and Flixbus are efficient and inexpensive and cover many routes across the country. Renting a car in France is another option if you want more flexibility in exploring the countryside. (Search for rental cars here.)

Within Paris, the Metro is your best option for getting around the city and also for reaching popular nearby destinations like Versailles and Disneyland Paris.