Planning a France trip can feel overwhelming, but our free tools make it simple!
This guide walks you through using our calculators and planners to create your perfect French adventure, from Paris to Provence.
Step-by-Step Planning Process
Choose Your Regions
France is diverse! Start by deciding which regions to visit based on your interests and trip length.
Popular France Regions:
Île-de-France (Paris)
Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles
Provence
Lavender fields, wine, villages
French Riviera
Nice, Cannes, Monaco
Loire Valley
Châteaux, wine, countryside
Normandy
D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel
French Alps
Chamonix, Annecy, skiing
Pro Tip:
First-timers: Focus on Paris + 1-2 regions. Returning visitors: Explore lesser-known areas like Alsace or Brittany.
Calculate Your Budget
Use our cost calculator to estimate your total France trip expenses.
Open Cost CalculatorAverage Daily Costs in France:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30-50 | €80-150 | €200+ |
| Food | €20-30 | €40-70 | €100+ |
| Transportation | €10-20 | €30-50 | €80+ |
| Activities | €10-20 | €30-50 | €80+ |
| Total/Day | €70-120 | €180-320 | €460+ |
Pro Tip:
Paris is 20-30% more expensive than other French cities. Budget accordingly and consider staying in nearby suburbs.
Plan Your Route
Calculate distances and travel times between French cities to optimize your itinerary.
Popular France Routes:
Classic First-Timer (7-10 days)
Paris (4 days) → Loire Valley (2 days) → Provence (3 days)
South of France (10-14 days)
Paris (3 days) → Lyon (2 days) → Provence (3 days) → French Riviera (4 days)
Northern France (7-10 days)
Paris (4 days) → Normandy (3 days) → Brittany (3 days)
Wine & Countryside (10-14 days)
Paris (3 days) → Champagne (2 days) → Burgundy (3 days) → Loire Valley (3 days)
Pro Tip:
France's TGV high-speed trains connect major cities quickly. Consider train travel instead of driving for long distances.
Book Your Flights
Calculate flight times and find the best airports for your France trip.
Flight Time CalculatorMajor French Airports:
Pro Tip:
Consider flying into one city and out of another (open-jaw ticket) to maximize your time and avoid backtracking.
Find Accommodation
Search for hotels near key attractions and transportation hubs.
Find Hotels Near LocationAccommodation Options:
Hotels
€80-300/night - Full service, central locations
Apartments (Airbnb)
€60-200/night - Kitchen, local experience
Hostels
€25-50/night - Budget-friendly, social
Boutique Hotels
€150-400/night - Unique, charming
Pro Tip:
In Paris, stay in the Marais (3rd/4th arr.) or Latin Quarter (5th arr.) for walkable access to major sights.
Plan Transportation
Decide how you'll get around France based on your itinerary.
Transportation Options:
TGV High-Speed Trains
Best for: City-to-city travel, long distances
Paris to Lyon: 2 hours | Paris to Marseille: 3 hours | Paris to Bordeaux: 2 hours
Car Rental
Best for: Countryside, wine regions, flexibility
€40-80/day - Essential for Provence, Loire Valley, Normandy
Regional Trains (TER)
Best for: Short distances, budget travel
Slower but cheaper than TGV, connects smaller towns
Metro/Public Transit
Best for: Within Paris and major cities
Paris Metro: €1.90/ride or €14.90 for 10 tickets
Pro Tip:
Book TGV tickets 3 months in advance for up to 50% savings. Consider a France Rail Pass if taking multiple train journeys.
Book Activities & Attractions
Reserve tickets for popular attractions to skip lines and guarantee entry.
Must-Book in Advance:
Eiffel Tower Summit
Book 2-3 months ahead, €28-35
Louvre Museum
Timed entry tickets, €17
Palace of Versailles
Skip-the-line tickets, €20-27
Mont Saint-Michel
Abbey tickets, €11
Wine Tours (Bordeaux, Burgundy)
Book 1-2 weeks ahead, €80-150
Pro Tip:
Many Paris museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Plan accordingly to save money!
Final Preparations
Complete these essential tasks before your France trip.
Pre-Trip Checklist:
Pro Tip:
US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days in France. Starting 2025, you'll need ETIAS authorization (€7, valid 3 years).
Money-Saving Tips for France
Eat Like a Local
Lunch menus (menu du jour) are 30-50% cheaper than dinner. Shop at markets for picnic supplies.
Visit Off-Season
November-March (except holidays) offers 40% lower prices on hotels and fewer crowds.
Free Museum Days
First Sunday of month = free entry to most national museums. Under 26 EU residents always free.
Walk Everywhere
French cities are walkable. Skip taxis and discover hidden gems on foot. Free and healthy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to See Everything
France is huge! Focus on 2-3 regions max. Quality over quantity makes for better memories.
Not Learning Basic French
Even "bonjour" and "merci" go a long way. French people appreciate the effort and are more helpful.
Skipping Travel Insurance
Medical costs in France can be high for tourists. Insurance is essential, especially for longer trips.
Underestimating Travel Times
French countryside roads are scenic but slow. Add buffer time between destinations.