Europe
France
Europe
France
Updated Mar 10, 2025
Overview
France captivates with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Paris, the City of Light, boasts the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Beyond the capital, discover Normandy's D-Day beaches, Loire Valley châteaux, and Provence's lavender fields. Indulge in exquisite cuisine and wine, from Bordeaux vineyards to Parisian cafés. Explore picturesque villages like Annecy and Colmar. The French Riviera dazzles with glamorous beaches and coastal towns. From Alpine peaks to Mediterranean shores, France offers diverse landscapes and experiences for every traveler.
Best time to visit. Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings festivals but also peak tourism. Winter is ideal for skiing in the Alps and enjoying festive markets in cities like Strasbourg.
Country stats
Population
68,373,433
20th
Land area
248,600 sq. mi.
43rd
Highest elevation
15,766 ft
Currency
Euro
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$3.130 trillion
7th
GDP per capita
$47,359
23rd
Year founded
486 CE
Official langauge
French
English speaking
Spoken in major cities
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.910
28th
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Capital
Paris
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45°F - 36°F | 42°F - 32°F | Cloudy | 8:30 am | 5:15 pm | 12 days 2.0 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 48°F - 37°F | 45°F - 33°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 6:00 pm | 10 days 1.7 in | 2 days 0.7 in | 9 mph |
| March | 55°F - 42°F | 53°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 6:45 pm | 11 days 1.9 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 9 mph |
| April | 62°F - 47°F | 60°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 7:30 pm | 10 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 69°F - 54°F | 68°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 8:15 pm | 10 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 75°F - 60°F | 74°F - 58°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 8:45 pm | 9 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 80°F - 64°F | 82°F - 62°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 8:30 pm | 7 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 80°F - 64°F | 82°F - 62°F | Sunny | 6:15 am | 8:00 pm | 7 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 73°F - 58°F | 72°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 7:15 pm | 8 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 64°F - 51°F | 62°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 6:30 pm | 10 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 53°F - 43°F | 51°F - 40°F | Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:45 pm | 11 days 2.5 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 9 mph |
| December | 47°F - 38°F | 44°F - 34°F | Cloudy | 8:15 am | 5:15 pm | 12 days 2.3 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the beginning of the new year. Public holiday with festive atmosphere. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March or April) | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. Day of rest and family gatherings. | Limited services. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights. Public holiday with demonstrations and parades. | Expect closures. Plan alternative activities. | ||
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Official ceremonies held. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Ascension Day | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension. Often creates a long weekend. | Plan for reduced services. Popular travel time. | ||
| Whit Monday | Varies (May or June) | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Often creates a long weekend. | Expect some closures. Plan activities ahead. | ||
| Bastille Day | July 14 | French National Day. Celebrations, parades, and fireworks across the country. | Festive atmosphere. Plan for crowds. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. Religious processions in some areas. | Some closures. Popular vacation time. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Honors Catholic saints. Families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. | Expect some closures. Solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Commemorates the end of World War I. Official ceremonies and remembrances. | Some closures. Patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. Family gatherings and festive spirit. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. |
1 | Learn basic French phrases like 'Bonjour' and 'Merci'. Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' when entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving. It's considered rude not to do so. |
2 | Dress neatly in public. Avoid athletic wear, shorts, or flip-flops in cities. French people tend to dress more formally, even for casual outings. Blend in to avoid looking like a tourist. |
3 | Don't assume everyone speaks English. Start conversations in French, even if it's just to ask if they speak English. This shows respect for the local language and culture. |
4 | Keep your voice down in public spaces. French people generally speak more softly in public. Loud conversations, especially in restaurants or on public transport, are frowned upon. |
5 | Embrace the leisurely pace of meals. Lunch and dinner are social events that can last hours. Don't rush through your meal or ask for the check until you're ready to leave. |
6 | Tipping is not expected as service is included in the bill. However, it's common to round up or leave small change for good service in cafes and restaurants. |
7 | Always say 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me) before asking for help or directions. The French appreciate politeness and good manners in social interactions. |
8 | Learn about French cuisine and try local specialties. Avoid asking for menu substitutions; it's often seen as rude. Instead, embrace the chef's creations as they are. |
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