🇫🇷 France, Always a Good Idea

France — especially Paris — is a dream destination for many people. Me included.

It’s the romance of the Eiffel Tower, the grandeur of the Louvre Museum, flaky croissants at corner boulangeries, and macarons that come in colors prettier than my wardrobe.

But France is so much more than Paris. Venture south and you’ll find Mediterranean beaches bathed in golden light. Head east and you’ll wake up to snow-capped Alpine peaks. Wander into the countryside and life slows down in the most beautiful way.

France is close to my heart — my darling sister has made her home here — so I’ve visited several times. And after a few cultural missteps (and lessons learned the proper French way), here are my tried-and-tested tips to help you travel France smoothly and stylishly.

1. Always Start With “Bonjour”

This may be the most important word in the French vocabulary.

Walk into a shop? Bonjour.

Start a conversation? Bonjour.

Entering a bakery? Definitely Bonjour.

Skipping this greeting is considered rude. Many stories about “rude French people” are actually just cultural misunderstandings. The French aren’t rude — they’re formal. Once you respect that, everything changes.

In the evening, switch to Bonsoir. It goes a long way.

2. Learn a Little French (Especially Outside Paris)

In Paris, you can survive perfectly fine in English. Outside Paris? Not always.

Menus, train machines, bus websites — many are French-only. Download Google Translate and learn a few basics:

Merci (thank you)
S’il vous plaît (please)
L’addition, s’il vous plaît (the bill, please)
Une carafe d’eau (a jug of tap water)

Effort is appreciated more than perfection.

3. Get a Local SIM Card or eSIM Card

You can buy one at the airport (Relais shops or exchange counters). Major providers include: Orange, France SFR and Bouygues Telecom

I always use Bouygues eSIM and it worked beautifully across the country. I get my eSIM from SimOptions. Another alternative if you just require data is Saily and Airalo.
Reliable data = stress-free navigation.

4. Museums & Monuments: Kids Enter Free

Many major attractions are:

Free for under 18 Free for EU residents under 26

This includes places like: Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Château de Versailles and Panthéon

Always bring ID or a student card for teens.

5. Know Your Meal Times (And Meet Apéro)

Lunch starts around 12:30pm.

Dinner? Rarely before 8pm.

If you’re travelling with kids, that 5pm hunger window can be tricky. This is when McDonald’s becomes your emergency friend.

And if you’re invited to a French home in summer?

Dinner begins with Apéro — sacred pre-dinner drinks and snacks while chatting and waiting for the meal (or BBQ) to cook. It’s not about getting drunk. It’s about slowing down. Connecting. Preparing your palate.

And remember:

Cheese is served after the main course, before dessert. Not as an entrée.

Christmas lunch? It’s a long lingering lunch which starts from Apero at 12.00 and ends with dessert at 18.00

6. Ask for the Bill

The waiter will not bring it unless you ask.

Say: “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”

In France, lingering is normal. Dining is an experience, not a transaction.

7. Public Transport Is Excellent (With a Few Surprises)

France’s rail network is fantastic. Book high-speed trains early on SNCF Connect for the best prices. Price is cheaper the earlier you book and you have option to use low cost OUIGO train.

Cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice, and Montpellier have superb public transport. You don’t need a car.

In Paris:

The Metro is efficient but many stations have no lifts. Buses are underrated — scenic and stroller-friendly. I always prefer Bus to Metro to get around in Paris.

Use apps like:

SNCF Connect, Bonjour RATP, G7 for Taxi, Uber and the obvious Google Maps

8. Strikes Happen

Strikes are part of French culture.

Before travelling between cities, check updates on France 24 (English version available).

During one of my Paris trips, two strikes affected metro lines. Flexibility is key.

9. Sunday Is Sacred

Especially outside Paris.

Shops close. Streets quiet down. Families gather for long lunches.

Plan ahead for groceries. Embrace the slower rhythm.

10. Book Attractions in Advance

Gone are the days of spontaneous visits to the Eiffel Tower.

Tickets for the Eiffel Tower often need booking at least 2 weeks ahead. Many major sites now require timed entry slots.

Plan your days before you arrive.

11. Toilets Are Rare (And Often Paid)

Public bathrooms usually cost €1–€2

My rule:

Always use the restroom at restaurants or museums. Or order an espresso at a café and use theirs. If you travel by long distance train, use their toilet. Toilet at the train station is not free.

12. Pharmacies Are Everywhere (And Fabulous)

Look for the glowing green cross.

French pharmacies are well-stocked, knowledgeable, and carry excellent skincare brands. For minor illnesses, pharmacists are incredibly helpful. They can advise medicine based on your symptoms.

13. Toll Roads & Driving

Motorways have tolls. You can pay by credit card.

If the machine doesn’t work, press the assistance button — someone will answer and help remotely (yes, I’ve done this).

14. Beware of Pickpockets

Paris is magical — but stay alert.

Use crossbody bags. Keep zippers closed. Avoid putting phones in back pockets. Be extra careful in crowded metros. Certain lines in metro like the line to Montmartre often has pickpockets especially during busy hours.

Travelling with kids can make you an easier target (speaking from experience).

15. First Floor = Ground Floor

In Europe, the “first floor” is actually the level above ground.

Ground floor = street level.

First floor = one level up.

Small detail. Big confusion if you forget.

16. Christmas Markets? Go to Alsace

After Germany, France has some of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe.

Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas. Colmar looks like a real-life fairytale.

If you’re travelling in December — don’t miss Alsace.

17. There Is More to France Than Paris

Please don’t visit only Paris and declare you’ve “seen France.”

Take a train to the countryside. Explore Provence. Visit lavender field in the summer and swim in the Riviera beaches. In winter Ski in the Alps. Choose between South Alps and North Alps.

France rewards those who wander.

Final Thoughts

France requires a little preparation. A little cultural awareness. A little patience.

But once you understand the rhythm — the greetings, the slower service, the sacred apéro hour — you’ll fall in love not just with the landmarks, but with the lifestyle.

And that’s when France truly begins to feel magical.

Bon voyage 🤍