Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to France

Tourism in France has finally picked up in June when the country reopened its borders to international travelers on the green list.

From the stunning coastlines of the French Riviera to the sprawling chateaux and rolling hills in the wine regions, there’s so much to see and do - whether you’re back in the country for the umpteenth time or on your very first visit. To get you started, we’ve rounded up the top 5 destinations in France that are on the hot list of travelers right now.

Topping our list is the gleaming city of Paris, brimming with individuality and charisma with its expansive museums and timeless architecture.

Begin your visit to the City of Lights on a walking tour, sampling the best chocolate and wine the historic Montmartre has to offer. Spend an afternoon coming face to face with Venus de Milo at the Louvre, or join a guided tour to skip the lines and learn more about the hidden gems in the Louvre's collection (visitors can also beat the crowds by entering via the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall).

Unwind with a cup of coffee at one of Jardin des Tuileries’ many stylish cafes, before wrapping up the evening with a relaxing cruise down the Seine, as you watch the Parisian monuments come to life under the illuminating sunset glow. Of course no visit to Paris is complete without a trip to the iconic Eiffel Tower; a small group tour grants hassle-free access to the second floor, offering panoramic views of the city. Check the official website for important COVID-19 advisory for visitors.

For the food connoisseurs among us, Lyon, known as the capital city of gastronomy, is not to be missed. Join a tour of the Halles Paul Bocuse, where students of the legendary chef will take you on a flavorful journey of food and wine pairings. Those with a larger appetite can consider a walking food tour, where you’ll immerse yourself in the culture of Lyon through a range of Lyonnaise classics. For lunch, consider popping by the Bouchon Bat D'Argent, one of Lyon’s many humble bouchons (traditional eating establishments), where you can pick up a simple yet elegant three-course meal for as low as €25 (USD29).

Film buffs can also drop by the Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature, a quirky museum sporting cinema props from classics such as “Batman” and “Jurassic Park”. Alternatively, explore the hidden side of Lyon with its secret passageways (traboules) on a guided tour, which ends with a funicular ride up Fourviere Hill, offering aerial views of France’s third-largest city.

This seaside town along the Cote D'Azur offers a laid-back and distinct Mediterranean vibe for those looking for a slower pace of life. Featuring a unique blend of the old and new, Nice’s rustic streets and outdoor markets never fail to impress its visitors each year.

Dive into the history of Nice on a walking tour through Old Nice, where you’ll discover boutique shops and charming restaurants which fill the honeycomb of narrow streets. Alternatively, sample local delights like the socca (a savory chickpea pancake) as you learn more about the region’s gastronomic heritage on a walking food tour.

After a hearty lunch, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where you will come across Nice’s iconic pebble beaches. Can’t get enough of the azure waters? Soak up the Mediterranean vibes on a coastal cruise, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the luxury resorts dotting St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. If you’re there on a Monday, be sure to pop by the Cours Saleya Market, which transforms into a flea market sporting many oddities and trinkets which are sure to delight.

Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is a wine lover’s paradise, offering more vineyards (100,000!) than one can possibly imagine. Get to know Bordeaux’s history as the region’s wine capital with a visit to the Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum, or drop by the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, where you’ll get a hands-on experience indulging in an assortment of local wines. Passionate wine connoisseurs can even make their way to the Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion (the only chateau within the city itself) where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyards and have a first-hand look at the fermentation process that goes into the production of each bottle of wine.

If you’re not an oenophile, Bordeaux’s well-preserved 18th-century city center, the Place de la Bourse, has plenty to offer, including the St. Andre Cathedral, which exudes a medieval grandeur with its stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings. Before you end your journey, remember to sample some canelés (an authentic Bordeaux dessert filled with vanilla and rum) at the La Toque Cuivree.

Since its founding by the Greeks as a port back in 600 B.C., the southeastern city of Marseille has evolved into a maritime hub and cultural melting pot with strong North African vibes. Visitors to Marseille can hop on a high-octane electric bike tour, a quick way to experience the rural beauty of the Mediterranean coast. Island-hopping is also an option, with ferries providing convenient access to the Château d'If (the site of Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo”) from the Old Port.

Alternatively, soak in the bohemian vibes at The Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, where you can browse the artsy gift shops, or admire the graffiti along the narrow walkways. Feeling a bit more adventurous? The North African Market located in downtown Marseille will transport you to a different world, filled with exotic spice shops and specialty restaurants serving mint tea and North African pâtisserie. For dinner, head to Chez Fonfon to sample some bouillabaisse, a traditional seafood stew made with five different kinds of locally sourced fish - a perfect end to your Marseille trip.

To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve compiled everything you need to know on France’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. As regulations are constantly changing, please refer to the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for the most recent updates.

For international travelers, entry restrictions to France vary depending on your vaccination status.

Vaccinated travelers can travel to France with no restrictions. You'll need to prepare the following documents before your trip:

Yes, but with specific conditions. A color-coded system for categorizing countries has been rolled out, with different travel restrictions in place depending on your country of origin.

Non-essential stores, museums, theaters and cultural sites have resumed business, along with indoor and outdoor dining.

Nightclubs have also resumed business at 75% capacity. All nightclub patrons are required to present a health pass upon entry.

Visitors are still expected to abide by mask requirements and social distancing measures in indoor public spaces and on public transportation.

However, masks are no longer required in most outdoor settings (unless social distancing is not possible). Additionally, masks are not required in places where a health pass is required (although local authorities may review this).

For the latest information on travel restrictions and requirements, refer to the French government official site.

All information is current as of September 13, 2021.