FRANCE
Travel overseas to Europe and France with a unique and flexible plan tailored just for you

Things You Might Wonder About When Traveling in France.

France's Climate and the Best Seasons to Visit

In France, the best season to visit varies slightly depending on the region. It's recommended to plan your trip according to the climate or events such as festivals, so you can enjoy what you want to do at the best time.
However, during the holiday season from mid-July to the end of August, many shops close for vacation, so it's a good idea to check information in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
Paris: Spring (March–May), Autumn (September–November)
Marseille (Southern France): Spring (March–May), Summer (June–August)
Lyon (Southwest): Spring (March–May), Autumn (September–November)
Bordeaux/Burgundy (Wine Regions): Spring (March–May), Autumn (October–November)
Winter Sports: December to early April

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• september
• October
• november
• december

Average Temperature and Precipitation in France (Paris)

Source: Weather Base (http://www.weatherbase.com/)

Cash, cards and currency exchange

・Currency exchange can be done easily both in Japan and at most tourist destinations in France. Since there are fees and exchange rates to consider, it's recommended to check these in advance.
・ATMs are available, and you can withdraw euros using credit cards or international cash cards, so we recommend using them. If you are concerned about currency exchange, it's reassuring to exchange at least a minimum amount in Japan before your trip.
・If you are bringing in or taking out more than 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in foreign currency, checks, traveler's checks, or bonds, you are required to declare it.

Tips

・Basically, tipping is not required in France. Service charges are already included in the price.
・On the other hand, at high-end restaurants such as those with Michelin stars, it is common to leave a tip of around 10–15%. Regardless of the establishment, if you feel you received excellent service, leaving a tip as a gesture is considered polite.
・At hotels, if you request arrangements or receive services such as having your luggage carried, it is customary to leave a tip of about 1–2€.
・Basically, if you receive good service, it is natural to leave the change as a tip.

Public order

・France is considered a relatively safe tourist destination by global standards. Tourist areas are usually crowded, and it is generally safe for women to walk alone during the day.
・On the other hand, pickpocketing and theft targeting tourists do occur, so please be cautious in places like airports, museums, and restaurants.
・Basically, you should be prepared for the possibility of theft by keeping your passport in a secret waist pouch and carrying your cash and credit cards separately.
・To prevent pickpocketing, always carry your belongings in front of your body in crowded places, and avoid putting valuables in coat pockets or open bags. If you notice individuals or groups behaving suspiciously, leave the area immediately, get off public transportation if you are on board, or change your location to avoid becoming a victim.

clothing

・France, like Japan, has four distinct seasons and experiences significant changes in climate. In every season, the temperatures tend to be slightly lower than in Japan.
・Spring in France is still quite chilly compared to Japan, so you will need sweaters, cardigans, and sometimes even a coat.
・The average daytime temperature in summer is around 25°C, and it can drop below 20°C after sunset. Since the overall temperature is on the cooler side, it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or something to layer.
・From around November, the cold becomes severe and continues through March. There are already days below freezing in November, so proper winter gear such as down coats and scarves is essential.
・For safety and comfort, we recommend wearing comfortable sneakers. Since it rarely snows even in winter, if you want to prioritize warmth, low-heeled boots are also a good choice.

Things you should bring

・Medications
・Disposable cutlery
・Power outlet adapter (France uses Type C plugs).
・Voltage converter (France's voltage is 220V).
・Mobile battery, insect repellent, sun protection items, etc.
・Overseas travel insurance

Visa availability and arrangements

・Japanese nationals can enter France for tourism or business trips of up to 90 days without a visa, using only their passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay.
・From 2025, you will be required to apply for ETIAS in advance. ETIAS is an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' required for travel to Schengen countries, including France. Applications are processed online and are only available for trips of up to 90 days for tourism or short-term business purposes.

Required vaccinations

・There are no specific infectious diseases for which a vaccination certificate is required for entry.
・It is recommended that children receive the vaccines required by Japanese immunization laws, and that adults receive vaccinations for tetanus, and if possible, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.