Planning Your First Trip to France

Focus on two regions rather than trying to see the whole country in one go. Dedicate at least 10 days to your itinerary to balance city exploration in Paris with slower-paced time in the countryside or coast.

1. Define your route. Limit yourself to two major hubs, such as Paris and Provence or Paris and the French Riviera. Use the high-speed TGV train system to connect them.
2. Book international flights into Paris. Fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and out of your final destination city (e.g., Nice or Lyon) to avoid backtracking. Book these at least 4 months in advance.
3. Reserve museum and site tickets. Book tickets for the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Mont Saint-Michel at least 60 days out. These venues sell out weeks in advance.
4. Secure your train transport. Buy your SNCF TGV tickets as soon as the booking window opens (usually 90 days out) to secure lower fares; prices increase significantly as the date approaches.

Do I need to speak French?

No, but learning 'Bonjour', 'Merci', and 'S'il vous plaît' is essential for polite interaction. Always greet shopkeepers upon entering.

How do I tip in France?

Tipping is not mandatory. If service was exceptional, leaving 1-2 euros for a coffee or 5-10% for a nice dinner is appreciated, but not expected.