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Travelling to France

Say bonjour to the land of wine, cheese and l’amour.

It’s time to discover France

Rolling countryside and blossoming romance, medieval relics and cosmopolitan cool: there’s no doubt that France is home to so much more than just the Eiffel Tower. Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.

What to see and do in France

What to see and do in France

Cities old and new

Paris: with its decadent buildings, seductive café culture and undeniable air of romance, the City of Love is the crown jewel of the already sparkling France. But get ready to open up your heart to the rest of the country with the riverside sophistication of Lyon and the medieval history of Strasbourg. Down on the southernmost coast, the glamour continues with the allure of the French Riviera shimmering out against the Mediterranean Sea.

Countryside

The lavender fields of Provence sway gently in the breeze, the medieval splendor of Mont St Michael sits mightily to the north with the vineyards of Bordeaux to the west. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sun-drenched waters of les Gorges du Verdon, the rolling meadows of the Loire Valley to the crumbling châteaux dotted all over the country, France offers something new at every turn.

Unrivalled gastronomy

When it comes to good cuisine, the French have perfected the art. Buttery croissants that melt in your mouth, freshly baked baguettes and pastel colored macaroons. Rich beef bourguignon paired with a glass of velvety red wine. A generous helping of tartiflette oozing with cheese. Chocolate soufflé that lightly melts in your mouth….have we persuaded you yet?

Essential Information

Money

The currency of France is the euro, which is broken down into 100 cents. As of November 2016, £1 is worth around €1.16, and €1 is worth around 86p.

One pound is currently worth euros.

Here’s a roundup of what you can expect to spend on your trip to France:

Inexpensive meal for one – €12

Mid-range restaurant meal for one – €24

Bottle of water – €1.50

Cappuccino – €2.60

0.5 litre beer – €5

Local bus ticket – €1.60

For up to date rates and more information on the euro, check out our dedicated pounds to euro guide.

Need to convert your dollars to euros? Order them here.

Find out how the British pound is moving against the euro here.

If you don’t want to carry cash on you, you’ll be able to use our Travelex Money Card wherever you see the MasterCard logo in France. Simply load it up with euros and get going!

Traveling around France

By train

The French network SNCF is one of the very best in the world and you can travel the length and the breadth of the country with ease. Tickets can be bought online or at the train station – fares will generally be cheaper if you travel off-peak (période bleue) rather than during the peak hours (période blanche).

By car

With sweeping views, driving in France is generally a delight and there are plenty of picturesque routes to explore – the roads are easily navigable and the distances manageable. Just steer clear of the congested cities and you’ll enjoy your trip!

Order with Travelex

Order with Travelex

Before you leave for your frolic in France, order your euros online with us at Travelex. Have a look at our store locator to find your nearest Travelex store or arrange to have your order delivered safely to your home.

Find a store