France is one of our favorite countries. Some of us have travelled there many times, so we’ve been encouraged to write these tips for travelling to France, where we collect all the practical information we think you’ll find useful before you set out to get to know the country.
Travel alone
Travelling to France on your own and having almost nothing organized is very easy, because of all the tourism. Getting around by public transport or rented car is easy, the country is safe and being understood is also relatively easy. Although the French, like many of the citizens of southern Europe, are not generally very good at languages, especially in the touristiest places you hear more and more English and even Spanish, the second most studied foreign language in France.
In addition, in the trips organized to France in all-inclusive or in packages it is more complicated to discover the typical local gastronomy or to leave a little bit of the tourist places.
Documents required for tourists: ID CARD, PASSPORT, VISA…
For Europeans
Of course, to travel to France from another European country you do not need a passport and even less a visa, you only need a valid ID card. So all you have to do is check that your ID card is not expired, take it with you and travel! More details can be found in the Foreign Ministry’s travel recommendations.
For other countries
On the other hand, to travel to France from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Uruguay or any other country that is not part of the European Union and is not in the Schengen area, a passport is required. It must be valid for at least three months from the date of departure from the European Union.
For these countries no visa is required for tourist trips of up to 90 days, but you must show the return ticket, hotel reservations and be able to prove that you have the financial means for the trip. The requirements are the same as for any trip to a European Union country, on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs are detailed.
Map of France with its regions and capitals
Since December 2015, in metropolitan France – without islands and overseas regions – the number of regions has been reduced to only 12. The map shows the twelve capitals and the names of their respective regions. Our advice and information on France relates in particular to metropolitan France.
In addition, there is the ‘territorial collectivity’ of Corsica, with capital in Ajaccio, and the ‘overseas France’. The latter includes, among others, French Guiana, New Caledonia, French Polynesia (Tahiti is its largest and most touristy island), Reunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Martinique. The scraps of the French colonial conquests….
Want to know more about trips? Have a look at our Travels category.