Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Most travelers visiting France don’t need any special vaccinations, but it’s good to ensure routine vaccines are up-to-date, like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio. Consider a flu shot if traveling in flu season. If you’re coming from a region with yellow fever, it’s required to have that vaccine. Always check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in France, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for FranceCulture & Customs
Always greet with a polite ”bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants. It’s considered rude not to. Dress smartly; Parisians especially appreciate a chic appearance. In dining, wait for ”bon appétit” before eating, and keep your hands (but not elbows) on the table. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, France is generally accepting, especially urban areas. However, some rural regions may be less open. Women should be aware of street harassment, though it’s less frequent than in some other countries. Public transport is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for France.
- Baguette: A staple in French daily life, the baguette is a simple yet essential part of French meals. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s often enjoyed with cheese or pâté.
- Coq au Vin: This classic dish involves chicken slow-cooked in red wine, with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that showcases France’s love for combining wine and food.
- Boeuf Bourguignon: A rich beef stew braised with red wine, typically from Burgundy, along with carrots, onions, and garlic. It’s a quintessential French dish that highlights the country’s emphasis on slow cooking and deep flavors.
- Ratatouille: A vegetable medley of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, slow-cooked with herbs. This dish is a celebration of Provence’s fresh produce and sunny flavors.
- Crêpes: Thin pancakes that can be sweet or savory. Sweet crêpes are filled with sugar, fruits, or chocolate, while savory ones, known as galettes, might include ham and cheese. They’re a versatile and beloved street food.
- Quiche Lorraine: A savory pie filled with a custard of eggs, cream, and bacon, originating from the Lorraine region. It’s a popular choice for brunch or a light lunch.
- Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails cooked with garlic, butter, and parsley. It might sound adventurous, but it’s a beloved appetizer that highlights the French knack for flavoring.
- Foie Gras: A luxury pâté made from duck or goose liver, often served with bread or fruit. It’s a controversial but deeply traditional dish that reflects France’s gourmet dining culture.
Yes, tap water in France is generally safe to drink, and locals do consume it. However, if you’re sensitive or have a delicate stomach, you might prefer bottled or filtered water, especially in rural areas where the taste might vary due to local plumbing. Bottled water is widely available if you want to play it safe.
The main language in France is
French. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your French skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for France includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In France,
English proficiency varies significantly by region and demographic. In major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice, many people, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, speak English reasonably well. You’ll find that younger generations and professionals in urban areas are more likely to communicate in English.
However, in rural areas and smaller towns, English may be less commonly spoken, and locals might have limited proficiency. It’s advisable to learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Overall, while you can navigate many tourist areas with English, being open to using French can lead to more meaningful interactions and a deeper appreciation of the culture.
Money & Payments
The local currency of France is EUR (€).
ATMs: These are widespread in France, even in smaller towns. Stick to ATMs linked to actual banks to avoid excessive fees. Double-check your bank’s international withdrawal fees before you jet off.
Cash or Card: France is pretty card-friendly, but it’s smart to carry some euros for market buys or small cafes. Avoid USD – they’re not accepted, and you’ll get hit with lousy exchange rates if you try to swap them at local exchanges.
Card Acceptance: Major cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express, not so much. Always have a backup card, just in case.
Currency Exchange: Skip the airport kiosks unless you’re desperate. Local exchange offices in the city usually give better rates, but your best bet is to use ATMs for a fair exchange rate. If you do need to exchange, look for offices with a ”No Commission” sign, but read the fine print.
Tipping in France is generally low-key since a service charge is typically included in your bill at restaurants. However, leaving a bit of extra change or rounding up the bill is appreciated if the service was particularly good. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro or giving a euro or two is common.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.