France travel blog: expert tips from people on the ground

Transport, budget, culture, safety, admin steps: practical guides written by a team based in France, designed for international travelers.

13 articles

Bordeaux riverside skyline along the Garonne, ideal for a one-day itinerary from Paris
paris bordeaux day-trip train tgv itinerary france

Paris to Bordeaux Day Trip: Train Schedule, Itinerary & Is It Worth It? (2026)

Can you really do Bordeaux in one day from Paris? YES, thanks to the TGV. This guide gives you the best departure/return times, a realistic walking itinerary in Bordeaux, a clear cost breakdown, and the honest verdict: doable, but more enjoyable with an overnight stay.

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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Aerial view of Paris and the Seine, illustrating the choice of the best neighborhood
paris accommodation neighborhoods budget

Where to Stay in Paris for First Timers: The Honest Neighborhood Guide

Choosing accommodation in Paris is tricky. Between the expensive center, the romantic Montmartre, and the practical suburbs like Levallois, your address changes your whole trip. Here is the honest guide to the best neighborhoods (and the traps to avoid) to find the perfect base camp for your first visit.

Erwan
Nature Travel Planner & Regional Expert
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Crowds in Paris near the Eiffel Tower during peak season, illustrating the importance of choosing the right months to visit France
planning weather crowds budget regions

Best Time to Visit France: May–June or Sep–Oct (Weather, Crowds & Budget)

If you can choose your dates, aim for the shoulder-season wings: May–June or September–October. This guide breaks down France by region (Paris, Provence & the French Riviera, Brittany/Normandy, the Alps, Alsace) and shows how French school holidays and peak weekends can spike prices, queues, and stress, plus the best time slots for the Louvre, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, and Disneyland Paris.

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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Money
budget travel planning practical tips

Budget for a Trip to France: 2026 Costs, Scenarios & Local Tips

There is no fixed price for France, but there are real numbers. Whether you are planning a week in Paris or a road trip in the regions, I break down actual costs for 2026: accommodation, transport, food, and hidden fees. See detailed budget simulations for solo travelers, couples, and families to plan with confidence.

Erwan
Nature Travel Planner & Regional Expert
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View over Bormes-les-Mimosas
Blog French Riviera Villages Provence

Visit Bormes-les-Mimosas: Zehra discovers a hilltop village between flower-filled streets and the Mediterranean

Story and practical guide: Zehra discovers Bormes-les-Mimosas, a photogenic hilltop village between flower-lined streets and the Mediterranean.

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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I'm French: here are the dishes you must try in France
Blog Gastronomy French cuisine Regional dishes What to eat in France

I'm French: here are the dishes you must try in France

A (deliberately subjective) guide to dishes to try in France: regional specialties, safe picks in brasseries, and my personal top 3 to avoid restaurant disappointments.

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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TGV at a French station, travelers with suitcases on the platform
Blog France Train Tips Transport

Train Travel in France 2026: The Complete Guide

Planning to travel through France by train in 2026? Check out our complete beginner’s guide: booking tickets, navigating stations, and exploring beautiful regions stress-free!

Erwan
Nature Travel Planner & Regional Expert
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Cyclotourism in France: a quiet road through rural landscapes
Guide France Bike Adventure Nature

The Complete Guide to Renting a Bike in France in 2026: Routes, Prices, and Practical Tips

Stop getting lost in the rental jungle. Here’s how to rent a bike in France without stress: prices, bike types, and the key traffic rules tourists actually need.

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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Alsace Wine Route winding through the vineyards
Blog France Car Road-Trip

France Road Trip 2026: The Ultimate Driving & Logistics Guide

Prepare for your French road trip adventure: from rental secrets and traffic rules to budget tips and 2026 regulations. Drive through France with total confidence.

Erwan
Nature Travel Planner & Regional Expert
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How to plan a trip to France: practical itineraries and transport tips
Blog France Planning

Planning a France trip in 2026: logic, transport, and expert itineraries

Stop over-complicating your France trip. Here is my method for choosing where to go, managing your budget, and following realistic itineraries for Paris, Normandy, and Brittany.

Erwan
Nature Travel Planner & Regional Expert
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Buying a SIM or an eSIM to travel in France: a simple guide (2026)
Blog Tips

Buying a SIM or an eSIM to travel in France: a simple guide (2026)

Buying a SIM or an eSIM to travel in France: a simple guide (2026). Range of prices, tips and recommendations.

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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Travel in France: build an itinerary in 5 steps
Blog How-to

Travel in France: build an itinerary in 5 steps

A simple, reliable method to build a realistic itinerary in France (duration, budget, regions, activities, transport). We show you in 5 steps how to plan your trip efficiently. Evaluate, plan, organize!.

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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3 regions to visit — Brittany, Provence, Alsace
Blog Regions

3 regions to visit — Brittany, Provence, Alsace

Discover 3 regions to visit — Brittany, Provence, and Alsace

François
Travel Planner France & Travel Writer
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Why you can trust us

A 100% France travel blog designed for international travelers: practical tips, cultural context, and on-the-ground info you can use.

A team based in France

Our content is written and reviewed by people who live and travel in France. Goal: give you clear, actionable guidance.

Maintained content

We review our articles regularly and update them when important information changes. The update date is shown when relevant.

Clear sources

When information depends on an organization (transport, admin steps, prices, access), we link to official sources. Our on-the-ground feedback is presented as such.

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Before or during your trip: practical questions, steps, guidance, or a helping hand remotely depending on the situation. Contact us

Our approach: Tips written by a team based in France, with sources identified when needed. And an update date displayed when information may change.

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