France offers a captivating blend of elegance, culture, and natural beauty, making it an essential destination for TravelWealth members. Paris, renowned for its art, fashion, cuisine, and iconic landmarks, radiates timeless charm and sophistication. Beyond the capital, France’s regions offer stunning diversity—from the lavender fields of Provence to the vineyard-covered hills of Bordeaux and the glamorous coastline of the Côte d’Azur. History is woven into every corner, with medieval villages, châteaux, and UNESCO World Heritage sites waiting to be explored. Whether savoring world-class gastronomy, immersing yourself in French art and history, or relaxing in the picturesque countryside, France promises a truly enriching and unforgettable journey.

As they say, Paris is never a bad idea. But the best times to visit France are late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, the landscapes are vibrant, and popular regions are less crowded.

Summer (July to August) is lively with festivals and long days, especially along the French Riviera, but it’s also peak tourist season with higher prices and busier attractions.

Winter (November to February) can be quiet and chilly, though December is festive with charming Christmas markets, particularly in cities like Strasbourg and Paris, while January and February are best suited for those heading to the Alps for skiing.

Paris is a major hub and directly connects to nearly any other destination within Europe.

The countries that geographically pair best with Paris include:

• The UK

• Belgium

• The Netherlands

The countries that pair best with the French Riviera typically include:

• Italy

• Spain

And the countries that pair best with eastern France (e.g., Strausborg, Alsace, the French Alps) include:

• Germany

• Switzerland

• Italy

But as long as you have access to an international airport in France, flights to other destinations around Europe are quick.

Euro: Live conversion rate

Restaurants: A 15% service charge is automatically included at nearly all French restaurants and is routinely noted on the final bill. Tipping above the service fee is not expected, though rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for excellent service is appreciated.

Bars: Tipping is not expected, though rounding up to the nearest pound is a nice gesture when paying with cash..

Taxis: Tipping is uncommon, but rounding up to the nearest Euro is a nice gesture when paying with cash.

Tour Guides: A tip of EUR 5-10 per person is appropriate for a tour (up to 3 hours). For longer tours or multi-day tours, a tip of EUR 20-50 per person per day may be appropriate.

HOT TIP
There is a new trend in many European hotels where an optional service fee is added to your bill, typically 5% of the room rate. This should be disclosed to you at check-in, but many hotels are not clear or forthcoming. Opting out is perfectly fine – an extra 5% can add up quickly, especially at an expensive property.

No visa is required to enter the European Union. View the latest entry requirements HERE.