Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in France! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to France, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
France Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in France for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in France currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to France need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
France Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in France throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 2° / 7° | 2° / 8° | 4° / 12° | 6° / 15° | 10° / 19° | 13° / 22° |
| Marseille | 4° / 12° | 4° / 12° | 7° / 15° | 10° / 18° | 13° / 22° | 17° / 26° |
| Strasbourg | -1° / 5° | 0° / 6° | 2° / 11° | 5° / 15° | 10° / 20° | 13° / 23° |
| Bordeaux | 3° / 10° | 3° / 12° | 5° / 15° | 7° / 18° | 11° / 21° | 14° / 25° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 15° / 25° | 14° / 24° | 12° / 21° | 8° / 16° | 5° / 11° | 3° / 7° |
| Marseille | 19° / 28° | 19° / 28° | 16° / 25° | 13° / 20° | 8° / 15° | 5° / 12° |
| Strasbourg | 14° / 25° | 14° / 25° | 11° / 21° | 7° / 15° | 3° / 9° | 1° / 5° |
| Bordeaux | 15° / 27° | 15° / 27° | 13° / 24° | 10° / 19° | 6° / 14° | 3° / 11° |
When to visit
Summer in France can be very hot, so the best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons between April to June and September to November. There’ll be less crowds, and the weather is more pleasant.
If you’re looking to ski, any time between December and April is a good time to hit the slopes.
Getting around in France
Children under 4 travel for free.
Trains
SNCF operates France’s trains, of which there are a variety:
- RER: Express train connecting Paris to its suburbs
- Regional: Local trains between towns
- TGV: Intercity high-speed service
- Intercités: trains between cities not serviced by TGV trains
Fares are fixed on RER and regional trains, so you don’t need to book in advance to get a cheaper price. You can purchase tickets at the station, or for RER trains, you can book on the RATP website.
You can also book short-distance Intercités trains online or purchase tickets at the station, but for long-distance Intercités trains and TGV routes, you have to book your ticket in advance. Fares on these trains do vary, so try to book early.
Paris is also connected internationally via the Eurostar, which provides routes to London, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
Buses
Buses in France are operated at a regional level. Of the bigger cities, RATP services Paris, TCL Lyon, CTS Strasbourg, RTM Marseille, Tisséo Toulouse, and Ligne D’Azur Nice.
You can buy single or multiple journey tickets from a machine at the bus stop, a local tobacconist, or from the driver. They must be validated when you board the bus. These tickets can also be used for tram and metro journeys.
Paris and Lyon operate night bus services. Paris’ run from around 00:30 to 05:30 all week, while Lyon’s run from 01:00 to 04:00 Thursday to Sunday.
Trams
There are trams services in many of the larger French cities, which can be used with the same tickets bought for bus and metro journeys. Tickets cannot be bought onboard the tram, so make sure you purchase one at the tram stop or other location, and validate it in the (normally yellow) machine once boarded.
Metros
Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Rennes and Lille all operate metro systems. You can buy your tickets from the station.
In Paris, the metro runs from 05:30 to 01:15 on weekdays, and to 02:15 on weekends, while in other cities it stops around midnight.
Taxis
Taxis in France are generally reliable as they’re licensed at a local level, and the authorities impose strict rules on them. Taxi ranks can normally be found outside train stations and in busier districts, and can sometimes be hailed on the street in places like Paris.
Make sure to only take a taxi from a designated rank though, and some illegal taxis hang out at stations and the airport. All taxis must have a meter that will provide an accurate fare for your journey, so if your taxi doesn’t have one, it’s a fake: don’t get in.
Some taxis may only take cash, so check before you get in if you can pay by card.
You can order a taxi in advance through G7, via their website or app (Android/iOS).
Luggage storage
Most major Paris stations provide lockers for luggage storage, with a small locker costing €5.50 for up to 48 hours, a medium costing €7.50, and a large (around 1 metre high) costing €9.50. They’re open from around 07:00 to 22:00 every day.
Some locations accept contactless cards, but a lot still use coins, so make sure you have some on you if you wish to use one. There is usually a change machine nearby, but they don’t always work!
Here is a list of some stations with luggage lockers:
- Paris Gare du Nord
- Paris Gare de Lyon
- Paris Gare d’Austerlitz
- Paris Gare de l’Est
- Paris Gare Montparnasse
- Lyon Part Dieu
- Bordeaux
- Toulouse
You can also search for a specific station here to see if they have any luggage storage facilities.
There are other luggage storage solutions in France including Bounce, LuggageHero, Nannybag, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in France
What language is mainly spoken in France?
French is the official language of France, and around 35% of people speak English.
What is the main currency of France?
The currency of France is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in France?
If you need emergency services in France, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in France?
You will need a Type C or E 2-pin system adapter for plugs in France. France operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in France?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in France.
Are public toilets free in France?
Generally, public toilets cost between €0.50-€1 to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in France?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in France, including on some public transport. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in France?
When tipping serving staff, it’s normal to round up the bill 5-15% to a convenient number, for example €27 to €30, but it isn’t expected.
What is the drinking age in France?
The official drinking age in France is 18 years old.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in France?
There is some dangerous wildlife in France, including snakes like the Asp Viper and European Adder, insects like Asian Hornets, and bigger animals such as wolves and boars. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in France? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in West Europe!