# FranceStarter (https://francestarter.com) > Calm, practical travel planning for France — TGV trains, regional itineraries, wine & food regions, and all 34,742 French communes.. Complete multi-language travel guide covering 34,742 municipalities, 10 flagship destinations, 20 practical travel guides, 5 itineraries, and 14 interactive trip-planning calculators. - Canonical URL: https://francestarter.com/ - Full AI Reference Guide: https://francestarter.com/llms-full.txt - Sitemap Index: https://francestarter.com/sitemap-index.xml - Primary Sitemap: https://francestarter.com/sitemap.xml - RSS 2.0 Feed: https://francestarter.com/feed.xml - JSON Feed: https://francestarter.com/feed.json - Sister Travel Portals: [Japan Starter](https://japanstarter.com/) · [Italy Starter](https://italystarter.com/) ## Flagship Destinations - [Paris (Paris)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/paris/): Haussmann boulevards, world-renowned museums, neighborhood bistros, Seine walks and effortless TGV links. - [Nice & the French Riviera (Nice · Côte d'Azur)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/nice-french-riviera/): Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice markets, Eze, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and coastal TER trains. - [Lyon (Lyon)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/lyon/): France's gastronomic capital at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône, Renaissance traboules and traditional bouchons. - [Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Luberon (Provence)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/provence-avignon-aix/): Papal palaces, Roman aqueducts, hilltop stone villages, olive mills and sunlit Provençal markets. - [Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/bordeaux/): 18th-century limestone quays, Cité du Vin, Saint-Émilion vineyards and Arcachon Bay day trips. - [Strasbourg, Colmar & Alsace (Alsace)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/strasbourg-colmar/): Half-timbered canals of Petite France, Alsace Wine Route villages and legendary Christmas markets. - [Loire Valley (Tours, Amboise & Blois) (Val de Loire)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/loire-valley/): Renaissance châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau, riverside cycling paths and crisp Loire wines. - [Normandy (Rouen, Bayeux & Mont-Saint-Michel) (Normandie)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/normandy/): Tidal abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, Étretat chalk cliffs, Honfleur harbor and D-Day beaches. - [Annecy & Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Savoie · Haute-Savoie)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/chamonix-annecy/): Turquoise Lake Annecy canals paired with Aiguille du Midi cable cars and Mont Blanc glaciers. - [Marseille & Calanques (Marseille)](https://francestarter.com/destinations/marseille/): Vieux-Port fish market, Mucem waterfront museum, Le Panier street art and Calanques National Park fjords. ## Travel Guides - [First-Time in France Checklist: Step-by-Step Trip Planner](https://francestarter.com/guides/first-time-in-japan-checklist/): Everything to prepare 3 months, 1 month, and 1 week before your first trip to France. - [France Visa, Passport & Entry Requirements](https://francestarter.com/guides/visa-and-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](https://francestarter.com/guides/jr-pass-and-rail-passes/): 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](https://francestarter.com/guides/ic-cards-suica-pasmo/): 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](https://francestarter.com/guides/airport-transfers/): 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](https://francestarter.com/guides/luggage-and-station-lockers/): 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](https://francestarter.com/guides/driving-and-car-rental/): When renting a car makes sense in France, International Driving Permits, highway tolls, and city parking zones. - [Money, ATMs & Credit Cards in France (EUR (€))](https://francestarter.com/guides/money-cash-and-cards/): 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](https://francestarter.com/guides/trip-budget-and-costs/): Realistic daily costs in EUR (€) for backpackers, mid-range travelers, and luxury trips across France. - [VAT / Tax-Free Shopping Refund Guide for France](https://francestarter.com/guides/tax-free-shopping/): Minimum spend thresholds, passport requirements, and how to validate your tax refund at the airport. - [Best eSIM, SIM Cards & Pocket Wi-Fi for France](https://francestarter.com/guides/esim-pocket-wifi-and-sim/): How to get instant 5G/LTE data on arrival in France for navigation, train apps, and translation. - [Where to Stay in France: Hotels, Boutique Inns & Stays](https://francestarter.com/guides/accommodation-types/): Comparing city hotels, historic boutique inns, alpine/coastal lodges, and apartment rentals in France. - [How to Eat Out in France: Reservations, Courses & Tips](https://francestarter.com/guides/food-and-dining-guide/): Meal times, cover charges, tipping norms, market halls, and how to spot authentic local kitchens in France. - [Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free & Allergy Travel in France](https://francestarter.com/guides/dietary-restrictions-vegetarian-allergies/): Navigating menus, hidden ingredients, and restaurant show-cards for dietary needs in France. - [France Etiquette & Cultural Do's and Don'ts](https://francestarter.com/guides/etiquette-and-customs/): Practical manners for sacred sites, trains, restaurants, greetings, and tipping in France. - [Best Time to Visit France: Month-by-Month Weather & Crowds](https://francestarter.com/guides/best-time-to-visit/): Comparing spring blooms, summer festivals, autumn harvest season, and winter travel across France. - [What to Pack for France in Every Season](https://francestarter.com/guides/packing-list-guide/): Walking shoes, power adapters (Types E & C (230V / 50Hz)), modest layers for religious sites, and weather essentials. - [Safety, Pharmacies & Emergency Numbers (112 (European Emergency), 15 (SAMU Medical), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)) in France](https://francestarter.com/guides/safety-and-emergencies/): How to handle lost items, pharmacies, medical clinics, and emergency hotlines (112 (European Emergency), 15 (SAMU Medical), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)) in France. - [Traveling to France with Kids & Family Tips](https://francestarter.com/guides/traveling-with-kids/): Family rail discounts, stroller access, kid-friendly sights, and pacing your route across France. - [Wheelchair & Accessible Travel Guide to France](https://francestarter.com/guides/accessible-travel/): Step-free train stations, elevator routing, accessible restrooms, and reduced-mobility assistance on SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER. ## Itineraries - [7 Days in France: Paris & Nice & the French Riviera Express Itinerary (7 Days)](https://francestarter.com/itineraries/7-day-highlights/): 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 (10 Days)](https://francestarter.com/itineraries/10-day-best-of/): 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 (14 Days)](https://francestarter.com/itineraries/14-day-classic-japan/): 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 (10 Days)](https://francestarter.com/itineraries/family-friendly/): 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 (10 Days)](https://francestarter.com/itineraries/budget-traveler/): 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.