France
About France
France is a dream destination for student and rail travellers, combining world-class culture, breathtaking landscapes and exceptional food at surprisingly accessible prices — if you know the tricks. Under-26s get free entry to most French national museums and monuments.
From Paris to Provence, the Basque Country to the French Alps, France rewards slow travel. An Interrail pass unlocks the entire country's TGV high-speed network, connecting Paris to Nice in under 6 hours.
💰 Budget Guide
Visa: No visa for EU/UK/EEA citizens. US/Canadian citizens get 90 days Schengen visa-free.
Best Time to Visit
Safety
Highlights
Getting Around
France has one of Europe's best rail networks. Interrail Global Pass is ideal for multi-country trips. SNCF trains connect all major cities. For the South, regional trains (TER) are slow but cheap. Budget airlines (easyJet, Volotea) connect smaller cities. Within cities, public transport is excellent — Lyon, Paris and Bordeaux have superb metro/tram systems. Cycling is popular in flat regions like Brittany and the Loire Valley.
Things to Do
- 🗼 Explore Paris's free museums (Louvre free for under-26 EU citizens)
- 🚲 Cycle the Loire Valley châteaux route
- 🍷 Wine tasting in Bordeaux or Burgundy
- ⛷️ Ski or snowboard in Chamonix or Méribel
- 🏖️ Beach hopping along the French Riviera from Nice
Seasonal Tips
Apr–Jun: Perfect weather, fewer crowds than summer, great for Paris and cycling routes.
Jul–Aug: Peak summer — French Riviera packed and pricey, but festivals everywhere.
Sep–Oct: Harvest season, wine country tours excellent, Paris calmer and cheaper.
Dec–Mar: French Alps ski season at its peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to travel in France?
Budget travellers in France can typically expect to spend between £45 and £90 per day.
What is the best time to visit France?
The best months to visit France are Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
