Why visit
France is the most-visited country on earth for good reason. Paris's museums, Loire châteaux, Provence lavender, Alpine skiing, Normandy beaches, and the Riviera, all linked by the TGV.
Country - Europe
France
culturefoodhistorycitybeach
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
France works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Paris as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in France.
At a glance
Location
46.0°, 2.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
551,695 km²
213,011 mi²
Country population
64.8 million
117/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+33
Language
French
Demonym
French
Internet
.fr
UN
Member state
ISO code
FR / FRA
Where in the world
46.0° - 2.0°
France
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- France is the most-visited country in the world: around 90 million tourists annually.
- The Eiffel Tower was meant to be temporary: built for the 1889 World's Fair and only kept because it made a good radio antenna.
- France has 12 time zones (including overseas territories): more than any other country.
- French bread law requires a baguette to be made with only four ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt.
Bordering France
Traveler notes
- TGV makes 5-city itineraries easy in one week
- Schengen visa covers most travelers
- May and September are the shoulder-season sweet spots
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Paris, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in France
Lyon
Lyon is France's gastronomic capital. Bouchons for traditional food, Vieux Lyon's Renaissance old town, and traboules (hidden passageways) used by silk weavers.
Nice
Nice is the French Riviera base. Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya market, and short trains to Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes.
Marseille
Marseille is France's most Mediterranean city. Vieux Port, Calanques national park, Panier's narrow streets, and the MuCEM waterfront museum.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the benchmark overwater-bungalow destination. Lagoon snorkeling with sharks and rays, Mount Otemanu behind the hotels, and French Polynesian influence throughout.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about France
What is the capital of France?
Paris is the capital of France.
What currency does France use?
France uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in France?
The primary language is French.
Is France landlocked?
No, France has a coastline.
What countries border France?
France borders Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland.
What is the international calling code for France?
The calling code is +33.
When is the best time to visit France?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Naples
Naples is pizza's birthplace, the gateway to Pompeii, and the wildest, most alive city in Italy. Spaccanapoli's alleys, Capodimonte's art, and the Amalfi Coast next door.
Munich
Munich is Bavarian capital. Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden (larger than Central Park), Oktoberfest, and BMW Welt. Alpine day-trips to Neuschwanstein or Zugspitze.
Cologne
Cologne's Gothic cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, the Rhine's busiest riverfront for beer gardens, and a carnival that rivals Rio's in intensity.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is castle + Royal Mile + Arthur's Seat volcano in the middle of the city. August brings Fringe. The world's largest arts festival.
Oxford
Oxford is 38 medieval colleges, the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and a river you can punt on. A complete day-trip from London or a slower weekend.
Manchester
Manchester is industrial-revolution roots, two major football clubs, Northern Quarter's indie scene, and some of the UK's best restaurants outside London.