France

Every meal is an event, every street a painting — France turns ordinary moments into art.

Safety B💰💰💰💰Food ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Beginner ◎

💸Estimated cost for France

Real-time surcharge applied (flight +15% / lodging +5%)

Elevated jet fuel + weak JPY: real prices running ~+15% vs baseline

Updated: 2026-05-16

3N4D Budget

$1,324.59〜

Hostel + self-catering

3N4D Mid

$1,549.71〜

Mid hotel + dining out

3N4D Comfort

$1,999.95〜

Upscale hotel + tours

* Rough estimate: round-trip from Tokyo ¥172,500 + local costs. Actual prices vary widely by season

Local time · Paris

16:43

Mon · 2026-07-06

vs your local +2h

Your time: 14:43 (Mon)

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📅Best Time to Visit

Best destinations now →

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

May–Jun, Sep best. Summer crowded

BestGoodOKAvoid

🎉Events & Holidays

🗓

Bastille DayJuly 14

Jul 14. Eiffel Tower fireworks, Champs-Élysées parade

⚠️

Summer VacationAugust

August: many restaurants closed. Tourist-crowded

🎊

Christmas MarketsDecember

December. Strasbourg, Alsace most famous

Plan your trip to France

✈Search Flights 🏨Search Hotels 🎫Browse Tours

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📍Must-Visit Places

Eiffel Tower

The world's most romantic landmark — Paris from the top is unforgettable

Mont Saint-Michel

Medieval abbey on a tidal island — looks like a fairy tale

French Riviera

Nice, Cannes, Monaco — glamorous Mediterranean coastline

🍜Must-Try Food

Croissant

Buttery, flaky, warm from the boulangerie — the perfect morning start

Coq au Vin

Chicken braised in Burgundy wine — classic French comfort

French Cheese

Over 400 varieties — Brie, Camembert, Roquefort are just the beginning

Quick Facts

🏛

Capital

Paris

💬

Languages

French

💰

Currency

EUR

🌍

Region

Western Europe

Entry & Visa

* Information for Japanese passport holders. Other nationalities may differ.

Visa-free for Japanese passport holders (up to 90 days in Schengen area). Passport must have 3 months validity beyond departure date.

Visa

Not required

Max stay

90 days

Passport

3 months

💬 Language

French is the national language. English proficiency has improved significantly in recent years, especially in Paris and tourist areas, but remains limited in rural France. Making an effort to speak French (even basic phrases) is strongly appreciated and may improve service quality. Menus in tourist areas often have English translations. Major museums offer English audio guides.

🚆 Transport

TGV high-speed rail is excellent (Paris to Lyon in 2 hours, Paris to Marseille in 3). Paris Métro is extensive and affordable. Navigo card for Paris transit. Regional TER trains connect smaller cities. BlaBlaCar carpooling is very popular. Rental cars ideal for countryside (Provence, Loire Valley). Driving in Paris is not recommended.

💳 Payment

Highly cashless. Carte Bancaire (CB) contactless accepted almost everywhere. Credit cards widely used (Visa, Mastercard). American Express less common. Cash useful for small bakeries and markets. ATMs widely available. Euro zone — same currency across much of Europe.

📋 Travel Basics

Temperate climate with regional variation (Mediterranean south, continental east, oceanic west). Tap water is safe. Stores and restaurants typically close for lunch (12-2pm) outside Paris. Sunday closures are common. Tipping is included in bills (service compris) but small additional tips are appreciated. Power outlets use Type C/E plugs (230V).