France Tours in 2026

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our [Entry Requirements tool](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-and-visa-requirements/). Alternatively, check the French embassy website in your country of departure.

France experiences a range of different climatic conditions given its diverse geography. The north of the country tends to experience warm summers and mild but wet winters. Think highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 2°C (35.6°F). The south of the country is lapped by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea so you can expect hot and dry summers and mild winters — temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F) and rarely get below 8°C (46.4°F). Central and Eastern France tend to have colder winters — it often drops below freezing — but warm summers which often reach 30°C (86°F). Finally, mountainous areas like the Alps and the Pyrenees have mild summers but snowy winters — perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

While there really isn’t a bad time to visit France, we’d recommend travelling here during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to November) as the weather is pleasant and you’ll avoid the crowds of the hectic peak summer months (July and August). It’s also the best time for hiking and if you’re wanting to catch the grape harvest in October and November. However, these months are a great time to come if you’re looking to hit the beach and music festivals. The winter months of December to March are an ideal time to come for skiing and snowboarding.

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Internet access in France is generally pretty good, and you’ll find it in most public places like restaurants, hotels, hostels, libraries and cafés. Expect it to be better in cities like Paris and Lyon than in the countryside, and be aware that if you’re using data on your phone from outside the EU, you may be subject to roaming charges.

ATMs are widely available in France — particularly in towns and cities. Pretty much all ATMS accept Visa and Mastercard and other major networks of bank cards, though fees may apply for withdrawals. Check with your bank before you travel. You should also carry cash with you if you’re in rural or remote areas in case of emergency or if you can’t access an ATM. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: [www.xe.com](http://www.xe.com).

Yes — France is generally considered one of the most LGBTQ+friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2013, and there’s a thriving LGBTQ+ scene in cities like Paris, Marseille and Lyon. However, as with many places in the world, rural areas may be slightly more conservative — use discretion. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).

The official language of France is French, and it’s spoken by almost all of the population. There are also regional dialects here — including Basque, Breton and Corsican.

Yes, you can drink tap water all over France as a general rule. We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle for environmental reasons.

France is generally considered a very safe country in which to visit. However, as with everywhere else in the world, it pays to be careful. While rare, petty crime like pickpocketing does exist, and there are occasional tourist scams — especially on public transport and in crowded areas in Paris and Marseille. There’s also occasional civil unrest and protests here too. Heed local warnings. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in the United Kingdom. A general rule is 10% of the bill for waiting staff — which is usually added to your bill. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from £3 to £5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, how £25 to £35 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.