Visited

France

Café culture, countryside vineyards, and Paris at every angle.

France pairs Paris's museums and café terraces with Provence's lavender fields, Bordeaux's vineyards, and a coastline running from Normandy to the Riviera.

Capital

Paris

Currency

Euro

Timezone

CET (UTC+1)

Daily budget

~$150/day

Language

French

Best seasons

Spring (Apr–Jun)

Safety

Generally safe; watch for pickpockets in dense tourist areas.

Getting around

TGV high-speed rail connects the whole country; Paris Métro covers the capital thoroughly.

Internet & SIM

EU roaming or airport eSIMs both work well; contactless payment nearly universal.