Things to Know Before Travelling to France

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France is a dream destination for many. Whether you’ve been lured in by the romantic whimsy of Paris, the sun-soaked coast of the South of France, or the fairytale-like villages of Provence, you won’t regret booking a holiday in la France.
But while the dream does indeed become a reality for many, some visitors are caught out if they arrive unprepared.I’ve put together some insider tips on the culture, etiquette, eating out and getting around in France, to make sure you make the most of your time in this enchanting country.

Trains are convenient
France’s train network is widespread and runs frequently (strikes aside). But it can be a costly option for travelling. If you’re travelling on the TGV – Use the SNCF site to look out for cheaper fares marked iDTGV, or search over a month to find the cheapest days and times for travelling.

Ask for the bill
It’s not uncommon for locals to sit at a cafe table for hours after they’ve finished their meal. French waiters won’t impatiently hustle you out the door once you’re finished – quite the opposite. Unless you ask, they won’t bring you the bill either. Practise after me “L’addition s’il vous plait“.

Courtesy is key
Always, and I mean always, say Bonjour or Bonsoir (hello/good evening) before saying anything else. Not doing so is considered very rude, and you can expect to be met with gruffness if you launch into a conversation or request without uttering this word – possibly the most important word in the French vocabulary – first.

Cash is king
Not every shop will accept your card as a means of payment. It’s important to have cash on hand at all times, or you may find yourself in deep water. Some shops selling inexpensive goods, such as the baker, will require you to spend a minimum of €10 to use your card. That’s a lot of baguettes!

Geographically interesting
As I touched on above, France is one of the most geographically diverse countries I’ve ever visited. From the stunning Calanques bordering the Mediterranean to the mighty ochre canyons of Roussillon and Rustrel, to the pine-fringed plains of the Landes, the volcano-studded Auvergne, and the mountainous wilderness of the Pyrenees.

France is not just Paris
France doesn’t begin and end in Paris! Too many visitors visit Paris and then declare that they’ve ‘done’ France. France is such a wonderfully diverse country, with a whole host of different micro-climates and cultures.
It’s important to sample more than one if you want to experience France properly. Go to Paris by all means (I encourage you to!), but know that the rest of France has a lot to offer as well.