Paris
Haussmann boulevards, world-renowned museums, neighborhood bistros, Seine walks and effortless TGV links.
日本旅行ガイド · Start here for your first trip
Your first trip to France starts here
In-depth city guides, honest practical advice, sample itineraries and free planning tools, written with first-time visitors in mind (and still handy on your second or third trip). Everything links back to official sources so you can double-check the details that matter.
Where to go in France
All 10 destinations →Nice & the French Riviera
Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice markets, Eze, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and coastal TER trains.
Lyon
France's gastronomic capital at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône, Renaissance traboules and traditional bouchons.
Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon
Papal palaces, Roman aqueducts, hilltop stone villages, olive mills and sunlit Provençal markets.
Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion
18th-century limestone quays, Cité du Vin, Saint-Émilion vineyards and Arcachon Bay day trips.
Strasbourg, Colmar & Alsace
Half-timbered canals of Petite France, Alsace Wine Route villages and legendary Christmas markets.
Loire Valley (Tours, Amboise & Blois)
Renaissance châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau, riverside cycling paths and crisp Loire wines.
Normandy (Rouen, Bayeux & Mont-Saint-Michel)
Tidal abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, Étretat chalk cliffs, Honfleur harbor and D-Day beaches.
Before you fly: essential guides
All guides →First-Time in France Checklist: Step-by-Step Trip Planner
Everything to prepare 3 months, 1 month, and 1 week before your first trip to France.
France Visa, Passport & Entry Requirements
Passport validity, visa-free stays, electronic travel authorization, and arrival procedures for France.
SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER & Regional Rail Passes in France: Complete Guide
How high-speed and regional trains work in France, seat reservations, and when a rail pass saves money.
Local Transit Cards & Contactless Metro Pay in France
Using contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, and city transit passes across Paris, Nice & the French Riviera, and Lyon.
Airport to City Center Transfers in France
Fastest express trains, airport buses, and luggage tips on arrival in Paris and Nice & the French Riviera.
Luggage Rules on Trains & Station Lockers in France
Where to store bags on SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER trains, station left-luggage counters, and automated locker sizes.
Renting a Car & Driving in France: Permits, Tolls & Parking
When renting a car makes sense in France, International Driving Permits, highway tolls, and city parking zones.
Money, ATMs & Credit Cards in France (EUR (€))
Paying with contactless cards vs cash in France, avoiding dynamic currency conversion, and reliable bank ATMs.
How Much Does a Trip to France Cost? Daily Budgets
Realistic daily costs in EUR (€) for backpackers, mid-range travelers, and luxury trips across France.
Things to do by interest
All interests →History & UNESCO Landmarks
Where to experience France's iconic palaces, cathedrals, temples, castles, and ancient quarters.
Food, Markets & Regional Cuisine
Where to eat regional specialties, visit morning food markets, and book memorable meals across France.
Nature, Coastlines & Scenic Trains
Panoramic train routes, mountain trails, lakes, and coastal villages easily reached by public transport.
Art, Design & Museums
World-class galleries, contemporary design districts, and architectural icons across France.
Ready-made itineraries
All itineraries →7 Days in France: Paris & Nice & the French Riviera Express Itinerary
The classic one-week first-timer route linking Paris and Nice & the French Riviera by SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER, with easy day trips.
10 Days in France: Paris, Nice & the French Riviera & Lyon
Ten well-paced days across France's top three bases (Paris, Nice & the French Riviera, and Lyon) with regional food and scenic day trips.
14 Days in France: The Classic Two-Week Grand Route
Our flagship two-week itinerary through Paris, Nice & the French Riviera, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon, and Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion.
France with Kids: 10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
An easy-paced 10-day family route through Paris, Nice & the French Riviera, and Lyon with interactive museums, parks, and minimal hotel changes.
France on a Budget: 10-Day Smart Value Route
How to see Paris, Nice & the French Riviera, Lyon, and Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon using advance train fares, market lunches, and well-located budget stays.
14 free trip-planning tools
Interactive calculators and planners—see all 14 tools or browse our 800+ France City Directory.
Trip budget calculator
Estimate a daily and total budget in yen and your home currency by travel style.
Rail Pass value helper
Add up the long-distance rides on your route and compare against the pass price.
Seasonal calendar
Month-by-month weather, blossoms, foliage, festivals and crowd periods.
Packing list generator
A printable checklist tailored to your season, trip length and activities.
Yen converter
Convert yen to your currency at a rate you set, with typical France prices.
Which region suits me?
Six quick questions to find the part of France that matches your style.
Latest from the blog
All articles →How to Plan Your First Trip to France Without Getting Overwhelmed
A calm, step-by-step framework for choosing your dates, route, rail tickets, and hotels in France.
Riding SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER for the First Time: Tickets, Platforms & Etiquette
Everything you need to know about booking, boarding, and storing luggage on France's high-speed trains.
12 Unforgettable Day Trips from Paris, Nice & the French Riviera & Lyon
Easy 30-to-90-minute train excursions into historic towns, coastal villages, and mountain viewpoints.
Cash vs. Credit Card in France: How Much Cash Do You Actually Need?
Where contactless payments work everywhere and the few places you still want coins and small bills.
How to Travel Light in France: Station Lockers & Bag Storage
Tips for managing suitcases on trains, using automated station lockers, and packing lighter.
20 Iconic Dishes to Try Across France (Region by Region)
From street-market snacks to traditional multi-course dinners across Paris, Nice & the French Riviera, and Lyon.
How we write our guides
Practical first
We focus on the questions visitors actually face: which ticket to buy, how to get from the airport, what to do when a restaurant has a ticket machine.
Sources you can check
Entry rules, rail passes and prices change. Each guide links to the official source (JNTO, France Railways, immigration and local tourism boards).
No invented reviews
We don't publish fake testimonials or made-up statistics. Prices are rough ranges meant to help you plan, not quotes.