20 Things You Need to Know about France before You Visit

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France rewards a little preparation. The country blends long standing traditions with modern conveniences, and knowing how things work makes travel smoother from your first bonjour to your final café au lait. Small courtesies go a long way, planning ahead saves time, and a few practical habits will keep your days easy and your evenings unhurried.

This guide gathers the essentials travelers ask about the most. You will find what to expect at restaurants and markets, how transport and payments work, when shops tend to close, and the everyday etiquette locals appreciate. Keep it handy and enjoy the trip with fewer surprises and more time for the good stuff.

Greetings matter

Begin every interaction with bonjour or bonsoir and a polite s’il vous plaît. A friendly greeting before a question is a social norm in shops, cafés, hotels, and ticket counters, and it sets the tone for helpful service.

Use merci and au revoir when you leave a counter or finish an exchange. Even a short merci beaucoup with a smile signals respect and makes daily errands simpler and warmer.

English is common in cities but not guaranteed

In central Paris and major tourist hubs you will meet many people who speak some English. Once you step into smaller towns or neighborhood spots, you should not assume English will be available, so a few French basics help.

Carry key phrases for directions, ordering, and numbers. A translation app works well offline if you download the French pack, and showing text on your phone can clear up pronunciation hiccups quickly.

Meal times and reservations are structured

Lunch service usually runs midday and dinner begins later in the evening than in many countries. Many restaurants pause between lunch and dinner, so plan snacks or café stops if you like to eat on a flexible schedule.

Reservations are common for dinner, popular bistros, and weekend meals. Book ahead for sought after places and be punctual, since tables are often turned in timed waves.

Tipping is modest because service is included

Menu prices at sit down restaurants include service. You can leave a small extra amount in cash for excellent service, but it is not required and there is no fixed percentage expectation.

At cafés and bars, rounding up or leaving coins is appreciated. For taxis and ride services, rounding to a convenient figure works fine, and card machines typically allow a small add on if you wish.

Water and bread have their own customs

Tap water is safe to drink. In restaurants you can ask for une carafe d’eau for a free pitcher of water, and staff will bring glasses as part of normal service.

Bread on the table is meant to accompany the meal rather than act as a separate starter. Place it on the table beside your plate in casual spots and use it to enjoy sauces without making a mess of the setting.

Cafés, bistros, and brasseries serve different moods

A café centers on drinks, light bites, and people watching. Prices can be higher when you sit on a terrace compared with standing at the counter, and a posted menu will show both.

A bistro or brasserie offers fuller meals and daily specials. Brasseries tend to keep longer hours and a larger menu, while bistros often focus on seasonal dishes and a shorter card.

Markets and bakeries run on morning energy

Open air markets come to life early and wind down by early afternoon. Go in the morning for the best selection, bring a tote, and let stallholders choose produce for you after you state how many people you are feeding.

Bakeries bake through the night and sell out by midday. Queue politely, name items in order, and keep small change ready if possible, since lines move quickly and staff appreciate a tidy flow.

Sundays and holidays bring widespread closures

Many shops, services, and small museums close on Sunday, and some businesses close on Monday as well. Grocery stores in cities may open Sunday morning and then close in the afternoon.

Plan errands for weekdays and check hours around national holidays. In August, smaller family run places often take their annual break, so verify opening times before you cross town for a specific shop.

Big museums use timed tickets

Major museums and monuments often require dated and timed entry. Booking in advance secures a slot and avoids long walk up lines, especially during school breaks and summer.

Look for combined passes and late openings to spread out crowds. Security checks are standard, so arrive a little early with minimal bags to speed your entry.

Trains are fast and reservations are common

High speed trains connect major cities quickly and usually require a seat reservation included with your ticket. For regional trains, tickets may be open seated and some paper tickets may still need validation before boarding, depending on the station and machine.

E tickets on your phone are widely accepted. Arrive early enough to find your platform, since gates close briefly before departure and trains leave on time.

Metros and buses are reliable and busy

Urban transit runs frequently and covers neighborhoods well. Keep your bag closed and in front of you on crowded lines and stand on the right on escalators to let walkers pass on the left.

Buy tickets or passes before you board and tap in and out where required. Doors usually close fast, so step aside to let riders off first and then board in a steady flow.

Driving brings tolls and strict speed enforcement

Highways use toll plazas and electronic readers. Keep a payment card handy and watch for clearly marked exit lanes, since toll segments can be long and easy to miss when traffic is moving.

Speed cameras are common and temporary limits appear near road works and villages. Plan parking before you drive into old town centers, since streets can be narrow and resident zones are enforced.

Some city centers have low emission rules

Large cities operate air quality zones with entry rules for older vehicles. If you plan to drive into these areas, check whether your car needs a sticker and choose a route that respects local restrictions.

Rental agencies can explain eligibility and alternatives. Many visitors skip driving in city cores and park on the edge, then finish the trip by metro or tram for less stress.

Electrical plugs use the continental standard

France uses type E sockets with a round pin layout and 230 volt power. Bring a suitable adapter and ensure your devices handle the voltage, which most modern chargers do.

Power strips with a single adapter help if you have multiple devices. Trains and many cafés offer outlets, but they can be scarce in older buildings and small rooms, so charge when you can.

Cards work almost everywhere with a PIN

The euro is the currency and chip cards with a PIN are standard. Contactless works for small to medium purchases, and machines usually prompt in French and English.

ATMs are found at bank branches and are labeled distributeur. Avoid standalone machines in tourist zones and withdraw at banks for better fees and clear instructions.

Tax free shopping is available to non EU residents

If you live outside the European Union and spend over the minimum in a participating store, ask for a tax refund form at checkout. Keep your receipts and passport details handy to complete the paperwork on the spot.

You will validate the forms as you leave the country and choose a refund method. Allow extra time at the airport or train terminal to scan documents before you check bags.

Pickpocketing is targeted and preventable

Busy sites, transport hubs, and popular viewing spots attract skilled pickpockets. Keep valuables zipped and close to your body and avoid placing phones on café tables at the edge of a terrace.

Use hotel safes for spare cards and passports and carry only what you need each day. Distraction scams rely on crowding and confusion, so step away if a stranger presses for attention.

Smoking rules can surprise visitors

Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on trains and platforms. Many people smoke outdoors, including on some café terraces, although local rules and posted signs may limit it.

If smoke bothers you, ask for a table inside or choose a terrace seat away from other parties. Hotels usually offer non smoking rooms and will note fines for violations in the booking details.

Respect churches and historic sites

Dress modestly when visiting active churches and speak quietly during services. Photography may be limited in certain areas, and staff or signs will indicate where you should refrain.

Do not touch statues, paintings, or roped off areas. Follow one way paths in popular monuments and keep backpacks in front in narrow aisles to avoid accidental bumps.

Public restrooms are improving but still varied

You will find a mix of café toilets for customers, municipal facilities that may charge a small fee, and modern self cleaning cabins in busy areas. Carry tissues and hand gel for places that stock lightly.

Train stations and large parks usually have clear signage to facilities. In cafés, ask politely to use the restroom if you are not a customer, and expect some places to reserve access for paying guests.

Share your best France tips and any surprises you learned on the road in the comments.