France Travel Guide — Currency, Costs & Culture (2026)

France uses the Euro (EUR), symbol: €. Capital city: Paris. Region: Europe. Primary language: French.

Government & practicalities: Head of state: Emmanuel Macron (President). Government type: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic. International calling code: +33. Drives on the Right. Power outlets: Type E, 230V 50Hz. Internet domain: .fr.

What $100 USD typically buys in France

• 🥐 61–77 fresh croissants from a boulangerie
• 🍷 12–15 glasses of house wine at a bistro
• ☕ 26–33 espressos at a Parisian café
• 🚇 43+ Paris Métro rides
• 🧀 12–15 pieces of artisan cheese at a fromagerie

Daily travel budgets in France

Budget travelers: €70–110/day (~$77–120) — hostel, boulangerie meals, metro. Mid-range travelers: €150–280/day (~$165–310) — mid hotel, bistro meals, museums. Luxury travelers: €500+/day (~$550+) — palace hotels, Michelin restaurants, private tours.

Typical local prices in EUR

• Baguette (bakery): €0.90–1.50
• Croissant: €1.20–2
• Café espresso (standing at bar): €1.50–2.50
• Glass of house wine: €5–10
• Bistro lunch (plat du jour): €12–18
• Paris Métro ticket (t+): €2.15
• Budget hotel/night (Paris): €80–140

Cultural tips for visitors to France

• 👋 Greet with 'Bonjour' (good day) before any interaction — skipping this is considered rude by French standards.
• 💋 La bise (cheek kiss greeting) — typically two kisses among acquaintances, varying by region.
• 🥖 Bread is sacred — it's placed directly on the table (not on a plate) and eaten with every meal.
• 🕐 Lunch is serious business — a proper midday meal is still observed in much of France, especially outside Paris.
• 🗣️ Make an effort to speak French, even badly — 'Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais?' goes a very long way.

Tipping customs in France

Tips are not expected in France — a service charge is legally included in all restaurant bills. Rounding up for a coffee or leaving €1–2 after a meal is appreciated but never required. Do not tip as you would in the US — French wait staff find it sli

Useful phrases in French

• Bonjour (Bon-ZHOOR) — Good day / Hello (use every time you enter a shop)
• Merci (Mair-SEE) — Thank you
• S'il vous plaît (Seel voo PLAY) — Please
• L'addition, s'il vous plaît (La-di-SYON seel voo play) — The bill, please
• Où sont les toilettes? (Oo son lay twah-LET?) — Where are the toilets?
• Je ne comprends pas (Zhuh nuh kom-PRON pah) — I don't understand

Traditional foods to try in France

• Croissants and viennoiseries
• French onion soup
• Steak frites
• Coq au vin
• Ratatouille
• Crème brûlée
• Cheese (400+ varieties)

Major landmarks and attractions in France

• Eiffel Tower (Paris)
• The Louvre
• Palace of Versailles
• Mont Saint-Michel
• French Riviera (Nice, Cannes)
• Château de Chambord
• D-Day Beaches (Normandy)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France

• Palace and Park of Versailles
• Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
• Chartres Cathedral
• Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
• Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
• The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes

Safety information for France

France is generally very safe for tourists. Pickpocketing is the main concern at tourist sites (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, metro Line 1), on the Riviera, and in Montmartre. Use a money belt, keep bags in front, and be alert in crowded areas.

Visa information for France

France is in the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK (post-Brexit), Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2025, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required for most visa-waiver nationalities

Emergency numbers in France

police: 17 (or 112 EU-wide), ambulance: 15 (SAMU), fire: 18 (or 112), tourist: +33 811 000 073 (French Tourism)

Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and vary by city, season, and travel style. Exchange rates and costs are for informational purposes only. Always verify visa requirements and safety conditions with official sources before travel. Information current as of 2026.