Getting Around France
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient metros for Paris and high-speed TGV trains nationwide. Rural: Rent a car for Provence and Loire Valley exploration. Coast: Regional trains and buses along Riviera. For convenience, book airport transfers from Paris CDG to your destination.
Train Travel
SNCF National Rail
Efficient and extensive train network connecting all major cities with frequent services via TGV and Intercités.
Cost: Paris to Lyon €50-100, journeys under 2 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via SNCF Connect app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
OUIGO low-cost trains or Interrail France Pass offers unlimited travel for €200-300 (3-8 days).
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, SNCF website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
TGV connects France to Europe via Eurostar to London and Thalys to Brussels/Amsterdam.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Paris Stations: Main station is Paris Gare du Nord, with connections to others like Lyon or Montparnasse.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Provence and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €25-60/day at Paris CDG and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Autoroutes like A6 require payment (€20-50 for major trips), use electronic badges for ease.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Blue zones require parking discs, metered parking €2-5/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.60-1.80/liter for petrol, €1.50-1.70 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Paris during rush hours and around Lyon.
Urban Transport
Paris Metro & RER
Extensive network covering the city and suburbs, single ticket €2.10, day pass €13, 10-journey carnet €16.90.
Validation: Validate tickets at entry gates, inspections are frequent.
Apps: RATP app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Vélib' bike-sharing in Paris and other cities, €5-10/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across France, especially in Loire Valley and cities.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
RATP (Paris), TCL (Lyon), RTM (Marseille) operate comprehensive bus and tram networks.
Tickets: €2-3 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Coastal Services: Buses connecting Riviera towns, €3-10 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in cities for easy access, central Paris or Nice Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Cannes Film Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of France including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Orange, SFR, and Bouygues offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Paris CDG 25km from city center, RER train to center €10 (30 min), taxi €50, or book private transfer for €50-70.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€5-10/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to ancient architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €7), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €6, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to France
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales or Kiwi for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Primary international gateway, 25km north of city center with RER connections.
Paris Orly (ORY): Secondary hub 14km south, tram and bus to center €12 (30 min).
Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE): Key for southern France with European flights, convenient for Riviera.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Brussels or Geneva and taking train to France for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling serve Paris Orly and regional airports with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.