FranceThings to Know

How much does it cost to travel to France?

Create tailor-made vacation packages to fit your budget, with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist. In planning your France vacation, look to budget at least $3,000, not including international airfare, for one-week trips to France. Beyond Paris, there are endless options to explore France vacations to suit your budget in smaller cities and the countryside.

What documents do I need to travel to France?

All visitors from Canada and the United States require a passport for France vacations up to 90 days. Travellers will go through passport control when arriving in France. An online electronic travel authorization form, known as ETIAS, will be required to be filled out prior to your France travel, starting in 2025.

How long can you vacation in France?

France is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that allow unrestricted movement of people. Visitors from Canada and the United States can travel to any of the Schengen zone countries for 90 days within a 180-day period. Be sure to consider taking advantage of this time by visiting as many countries as you can. Any stay over 90 days in a 180-day period requires a long-stay visa.

How do I plan a trip to France?

As Audrey Hepburn once declared, “Paris is always a good idea.” Do you want to spend an evening gazing at the sparkling lights at the Eiffel Tower, or walk the historical grandeur halls of the Palace of Versailles? Taking a vacation to France has limitless itinerary options, with highly rated destinations in each corner of the country. Get in touch with a Goway Destination Specialist to help plan a France trip that is tailor-made for you. Whether you’d prefer a week of relaxation and exquisite cuisine on the coast, or to explore the history of France in museums, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to France. 

Where are some of the best places to visit in France?

Paris is one of the most beloved cities in the world and has been attracting travellers for centuries. In the City of Light, wake early for a sunrise at the Eiffel Tower, take a boat cruise down the Seine River, and shop the boulevards of the Champs-Élysées. After Paris, Bordeaux has the most preserved buildings in France, making it a historical highlight of France tours. Normandy is known for its rugged coastlines, seaside villages, iconic medieval castles, and historical World War II battlefields. Finally, travel south to enjoy sunshine and blue waters along the scenic coast of the French Riviera, also known as the Cote d’Azur. 

Where are the best wine tours in France?

France has it all when it comes to wine, with some of the most historical and exceptional vineyards in the world. With 11 distinct wine regions and over 27,000 wineries, travelling to France for wine will not disappoint. Travel guides can arrange tours of the most famous wine regions to tour in France, including the Loire Valley, Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne.

What are the best beach vacation spots in France?

The best months for a sunny vacation in France are June through August. Enjoy the salty breeze along coasts bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea. The dramatic cliffs and shores of Northern France feature waves for surfers and history-laden coastal towns. Deauville in Normandy is known for its golden sand and colourful umbrellas. Northwestern France includes many beaches in Brittany, such as Plage de Boutrouilles and Pointe de Saint-Hernot, with picturesque cliffs, wild dunes, and unique granite boulder formations. The South of France is known as the French Riviera and is home to the most popular and glitzy beach destinations such as Nice, Saint Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes.

Is France LGBTQ+ friendly?

France is known for celebrating diversity and being progressive in its support of LGBTQ+ communities. Discrimination aimed toward sexual orientation or gender identity is banned in France. In general, LGBTQ+ visitors to France, especially in Paris, will experience a sense of belonging and community.

What currency does France use?

France uses the Euro (EUR) as its official form of currency. On average 1 USD is worth 0.90 EUR, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check with your travel agency for the latest rates before travelling. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are common in all towns and cities.

Do I need to tip in France?

A service charge may be included in the price of a meal at a restaurant, known as a service compris. In general, tipping for meals and services in France is not required or expected, though the gesture of a modest tip is welcome.

Can I drink tap water in France?

When traveling across France, rest assured that the tap water is drinkable. If there is a tap that is not meant for consumption, it will be labeled as eau non-potable. Don’t forget to pack a refillable water bottle for your days exploring. When in Paris, you will see dozens of public fountains, featuring unique historical and modern designs. You may even come across one of the public fountains that features complimentary sparkling water (yes, really!).