🗼 What to Do in France for First-Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to France? France is filled with iconic landmarks, scenic beauty, and rich culture. In this guide, we’ll cover what to do in France for first-time visitors, including budget-friendly tips, travel advice, nearby attractions, and FAQs to make your experience unforgettable.

 

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How to Travel to France for First-Time Visitors-

Traveling to France for the first time? You can fly into major cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille. France is also well-connected by train, so if you’re in Europe, taking a high-speed train (TGV) is an affordable option.

  • Budget Tip: Look for discount airlines or use train passes for a cheaper way to travel around France.

Best Time to Visit France for First-Time Visitors

Wondering what to do in France for first-time visitors depending on the season? France offers year-round experiences, but the best time to visit is from April to June or September to November when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

🏰 Top Places to Visit in France for First-Time Visitors

1. Paris – The Heart of France-

What to do in france

Your list of what to do in France for first-time visitors is incomplete without visiting Paris. This magical city is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the world:

Eiffel Tower-

What to do in france
  • Ticket Price: $18 – $28 (Elevator to the top), $11 – $22 (Stairs to second floor)
  • Pro Tip: Visit at night for fewer crowds and enjoy the illuminated tower.
  • Activities: Take a boat ride on the River Seine, enjoy a picnic at Champ de Mars, or explore nearby Trocadéro Gardens.
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Louvre Museum

  • Ticket Price: $18.50 (Online tickets), Free for visitors under 18
  • Pro Tip: Visit on Friday evenings for a quieter experience and discounted entry for those under 26.
  • Activities: Explore masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Take a guided tour for deeper insights.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

  • Ticket Price: Free to enter (Tower access: $11)
  • Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines.
  • Activities: Climb the towers for panoramic views, visit nearby Sainte-Chapelle for stunning stained glass.
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2. Versailles – The Royal Palace

Just 30 minutes from Paris, Versailles offers a glimpse into French royal history with its extravagant architecture and lush gardens.

  • Ticket Price: $21 (Palace), $29 (Palace + Gardens)

  • Pro Tip: The gardens are free on certain days, so check before visiting.

  • Activities: Stroll through the Hall of Mirrors, visit the Queen’s Hamlet, or rent a rowboat on the Grand Canal.

  • How to Travel: Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles for a convenient day trip.

3. Loire Valley – Castles and Vineyards-

Known for its fairy-tale castles, the Loire Valley is perfect for history and wine lovers alike.

Château de Chambord

  • Ticket Price: $15
  • Pro Tip: Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene gardens.
  • Activities: Explore the massive castle, take a bike ride around the grounds, and enjoy a wine-tasting tour in the nearby vineyards.

How to reach-

🚗 By Car

Renting a car offers you more flexibility to explore the Loire Valley at your own pace. The A10 motorway connects Paris to the Loire Valley and is well signposted.

  • Travel Time: Around 2 – 2.5 hours by car from Paris to Tours or Amboise.
  • Cost: Car rental starts from around $50/day, and there are tolls along the route that cost around $20 USD.
  • Pro Tip: Driving is the best option if you plan to visit several castles and villages that are spread out across the region.

🚌 By Bus

FlixBus or Ouibus operate direct buses from Paris to Tours, a main city in the Loire Valley.

  • Travel Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Cost: $15 – $30 USD one way
  • Pro Tip: While buses are cheaper than trains, they take longer and may have fewer departures.
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4. Provence – Lavender Fields and French Charm

The picturesque region of Provence offers not only stunning lavender fields but also beautiful historic towns like Avignon and Gordes.

  • Ticket Price: Lavender fields are free to visit, but tours range from $33-$55.
  • Pro Tip: Visit in late June to early August to see the lavender in full bloom.
  • Activities: Take a scenic drive through the Luberon villages, hike the Verdon Gorge, and visit local markets in towns like Aix-en-Provence.

✈️ How to Get to Provence

🚄 By Train

The TGV (high-speed train) is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel to Provence from major French cities like Paris.

  • Paris to Avignon:

    • Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
    • Ticket Price: Around $40-$90 USD depending on how early you book
    • Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance through Oui.sncf or the SNCF website for discounted fares.

  • Paris to Aix-en-Provence:

    • Travel Time: About 3 hours
    • Ticket Price: $45-$95 USD

Once you arrive in cities like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, you can easily rent a car to explore the nearby lavender fields and villages.

🚗 By Car

Renting a car is the best way to explore Provence, especially if you want to visit the lavender fields and quaint Luberon villages.

  • From Paris: Driving to Provence takes around 7-8 hours. While longer, this allows you to see more of the French countryside.

  • From Marseille: Provence is much closer, with major lavender areas being about a 1-2 hour drive.

  • Car Rental Costs: Around $55/day for a rental car.

  • Pro Tip: Car rental is recommended for visiting remote lavender fields like those in Valensole and Sault, where public transport is limited.

🚌 By Bus

If you’re traveling on a budget, buses like FlixBus and Ouibus offer affordable travel options from Paris or Marseille to towns like Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

  • Travel Time: From Paris to Avignon takes around 9 hours by bus.
  • Cost: Tickets start from $20-$35 USD.
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🚄 How to Travel Around France for First-Time Visitors

When planning what to do in France for first-time visitors, knowing how to get around is crucial:

  • By Train: France’s high-speed trains (TGV) are the fastest way to travel between cities. A Paris to Lyon ticket costs around $32 – $65.

  • By Car: Renting a car costs around $55/day, allowing you to explore rural regions like Provence or the Loire Valley at your own pace.

  • By Bus: FlixBus tickets start as low as $11 for longer routes like Paris to Marseille.

  • Pro Tip: Book train and bus tickets well in advance to get the best prices.

🏞️ Other Places to Visit Near Paris for First-Time Visitors

Giverny

  • Ticket Price: $12 (Claude Monet’s House and Gardens)
  • Pro Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the midday rush.
  • Activities: Wander through Monet’s stunning gardens, visit his house, and explore the Museum of Impressionism nearby.

Normandy

  • Ticket Price: Free to visit the D-Day beaches, $8-$10 for museums
  • Pro Tip: Rent a car for a full-day trip to cover all key sites.
  • Activities: Visit the D-Day landing beaches, the American Cemetery, and the historic town of Bayeux.

Disneyland Paris

  • Ticket Price: $65 – $105 (Depends on season and park access)
  • Pro Tip: Book tickets online in advance for better deals.
  • Activities: Explore themed lands, meet Disney characters, and enjoy the thrilling rides.

💡 Budget Tips for First-Time Visitors to France

  • Accommodation: Opt for budget-friendly hostels or Airbnb rentals. Dorms start at around $27 per night, while Airbnb options can be as low as $55.

  • Food: Eat at local cafés or try a prix fixe menu for around $16-22 per meal. Grab baguettes and cheese for a budget-friendly picnic.

  • Transport: The Paris Metro costs $2 per ride. For regional travel, the Eurail pass is a cost-effective option for exploring multiple cities.

  • Pro Tip: Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, so plan your visit accordingly!

📅 What to Do in France for First-Time Visitors: Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit France for first-time visitors is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November. These months offer milder weather and fewer tourists, perfect for exploring major attractions without the rush.

  • Pro Tip: If you visit in the winter months, expect shorter lines at major attractions, but make sure to pack warm clothing.

❓ FAQ for First-Time Visitors to France

1. Is France expensive for first-time visitors?

France can be pricey, especially in Paris. But with budget tips like taking public transport, staying in Airbnb or hostels, and eating at local cafés, you can enjoy a memorable trip without breaking the bank.

2. What should first-time visitors do in France?

If you’re wondering what to do in France for first-time visitors, prioritize must-see attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Versailles Palace. Also, consider day trips to places like the Loire Valley and Normandy.

3. How much does a trip to France cost for first-time visitors?

For a 7-day trip, you can expect to spend around $1,300-$2,200 depending on accommodation, food, and activities.

4. What’s the best way to travel around France for first-time visitors?

Use the TGV for fast, efficient travel between cities or rent a car to explore the countryside. Bus is an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

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