All the information you need to travel to France

Looking for travel information on France? If you're interested in obtaining information on every country in the world, then we highly recommend downloading the free Berbe app. With this user-friendly app, you'll have access to all the information you need about any country you desire at the touch of a button, making it easier than ever before to stay informed and educated about the world around you.

Are there travel restrictions to France?

If you're planning a trip to France, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the latest entry rules. As of August 1, 2022, COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted for travellers to France. This means that you're no longer required to present proof of vaccination, fill out any forms prior to arrival, or show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test upon arrival. Exceptions may apply, so it's a good idea to check with your travel operator or the relevant French Embassy before travelling.

Things to do in France

If you're interested in holiday vacations to France, you're in good company. France receives around 90 million international visitors annually, and there are plenty of exciting destinations to explore. For city vacations, popular options include Paris, Marseille, Nice, Nîmes, Lille, and Bordeaux. If you're looking for beach vacations, Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, Marseille, Nice, and Sérignan are all great options. And of course, France is known for its rich history, wine, and cuisine, with must-visit attractions like the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the ancient cave drawings at Lascaux.

When it comes to activities in France, there's no shortage of things to do. Some popular options include watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower, taking a Seine River cruise, strolling through the charming old quarters of Paris, making a pilgrimage to Mont Saint-Michel, attending the Cannes Film Festival, or skiing in the French Alps. And if you need healthcare information while in France, it's worth noting that the country has a highly-ranked healthcare system with universal coverage for residents.

Overall, France is a wonderful destination with plenty to offer travellers of all types. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or just soaking up the beautiful scenery, there's something for everyone in this Western European gem. So why not download the Berbe app today and start planning your trip to France?

Healthcare in France

When it comes to healthcare information in France, it's worth noting that this country boasts a noteworthy ranking of 22nd in the world. The healthcare system in France operates through a statutory health insurance (SHI) program that offers universal coverage to all residents, ensuring access to essential medical services for every citizen. The financing of this system is primarily sourced from contributions made by both employees and employers, while also drawing upon earmarked taxes levied on a diverse array of revenues. With such comprehensive and well-structured healthcare coverage in place, France is a global leader in providing quality healthcare services to its people.

Is France safe? What is the crime rate in France?

Discovering information on crime and scams in France is crucial for any traveller visiting this beautiful country. One of the most common crimes that tourists face in France is pickpocketing, which occurs in areas frequented by visitors. Paris, in particular, is notorious for having a high number of pickpockets. Travellers should exercise caution around popular tourist attractions such as the Madeleine, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur church at the artists' area of Montmartre, L'Opera, Les Halles and the George Pompidou Center, the Porte de Clignancourt flea market, and of course –anywhere near the Eiffel Tower. Thieves may even target visitors inside the crowded lifts that take them to the top of the tower.

Travellers are advised to take care of their belongings when dining at street side cafes or restaurants. It's essential to keep your bag and valuables secure and avoid hanging your bag over the back of your seat or leaving your bag or wallet on a table, as it's an easy target for opportunistic thieves.

Property crime is also prevalent in France, with half of all crimes being related to this category. Paris and the Mediterranean coastal cities of Marseille and Nice are particularly affected by property crimes. Travellers should exercise caution, especially in the Ile de France region, which encompasses Paris and its outer suburbs. Southern parts of France are not exempt from crime either, as opportunistic thieves have targeted pensioners and even truffle farmers for their valuable harvest.

When travelling, it's crucial to be mindful of your safety and belongings, particularly at automated service stations and rest areas on motorways. It's recommended to avoid sleeping in these areas or makeshift or unauthorised campgrounds on the outskirts of major cities. Travellers should also exercise extra vigilance around Normandy's military cemeteries, as they attract both tourists and local thieves.

Credit card fraud and skimming are also on the rise, as is common in any major international city. Travellers should protect their PIN when using credit cards in high volume tourist areas and automated service stations. It's advisable to use ATMs in more controlled and supervised areas like banks, shops, and shopping centres.

What plug sockets are used in France?

If you're travelling to France, you should also be aware of the type of plug sockets used in the country. Type C and Type E sockets are used in France, so make sure to have the right adapters. You can download the free Berbe app to view plug socket and adapter types for France and other countries.

What are the emergency phone numbers in France?

In case of an emergency, travellers can dial the phone number 112 for assistance in France.

What is the capital of France?

The capital city of France is Paris, which is also known as the Latin Quarter. The 5th arrondissement is home to the Sorbonne University and student-filled cafes. Paris is famous for its bookshops, including the renowned Shakespeare & Company. Family-friendly attractions include the Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens and the National Museum of Natural History. The Panthéon building holds the remains of notable individuals such as Voltaire and Marie Curie.

Best holiday vacation deals France

If you're planning a holiday vacation in France, consider checking out the best holiday vacation packages offered by various providers. You can download the free Berbe app to view exclusive deals and offers.

What vaccinations do I need for travelling to France?

Planning a trip to France? It is important to ensure that you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, such as Chickenpox, Diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles. Additionally, all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. For those travelling to smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water, it is recommended to consider the Hepatitis A vaccine. The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travellers of all ages to France. Infants aged 6 to 11 months old travelling internationally should get one dose of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. For those working directly with wildlife, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species, CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel.

What are the customs allowances in France?

For information on the latest customs allowances, please visit the French Customs website.

What is the language in France?

In France, the official language is French, but English is widely spoken.

What is the currency in France?

The currency used in France is the Euro (EUR).

How much should I tip in France?

Wondering about tipping customs? At a casual café or restaurant, you could leave one to two euros per person, while for fine dining establishments where the service is much more attentive, you may want to leave 5 to 10 percent.

Stay ahead of the game, Berbe has you covered!

Discover the beauty of France with Berbe! Our free app provides comprehensive travel information on everything from accommodations to activities. With Berbe, you'll be able to plan your perfect France getaway with ease.

In addition to our travel guide, Berbe also offers a range of other useful tools, such as a currency converter, weather updates, and a language translator. You can use these tools to stay informed and prepared throughout your trip.

And with our customizable itinerary planner, you can create a personalised travel plan based on your interests and preferences. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore local culture, or indulge in some shopping, Berbe can help you plan your ideal itinerary.

Don't miss out on these helpful travel tools and more. Download the Berbe app today on the Apple Store or Google Play, and start planning your perfect France adventure!