How to Travel to France from the US: A Complete Guide

Planning a trip from the US to France involves several key steps, from securing the right documentation to making practical travel arrangements.

As someone who’s made this journey multiple times (including some memorable mistakes along the way), let me walk you through the entire process.

In this article...

Getting Your Documentation in Order

Passport Requirements

First and foremost, you’ll need a valid passport:

It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from France
It should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps
If your passport expires within 6 months, I strongly recommend renewing it before traveling

Timing tip: Current US passport processing times are 6-8 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service ($60 additional fee). Plan accordingly!

Visa Requirements

For US citizens planning standard tourist visits:

No visa is required for stays under 90 days within any 180-day period
Your purpose must be tourism, business, or visiting family/friends
You can travel throughout the entire Schengen Area (26 European countries including France) during this period

If you’re planning to study, work, or stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa through the French consulate serving your region.

Flight Options

Major Routes

The most common direct routes from the US to France are:

East Coast to Paris: Multiple daily flights from New York (JFK/Newark), Boston, Washington DC, and Atlanta
West Coast to Paris: Direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle
Other US cities to Paris: Direct flights from Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and Dallas
Regional French destinations: Limited direct flights to Nice and Marseille (primarily during summer season)

My experience: I once saved $300 by booking a flight to Paris with a connection through London, only to miss my connection and spend 11 hours at Heathrow. The direct flight is often worth the extra cost, especially if time is valuable to you.

Airlines to Consider

Based on my experiences and current offerings:

Airline	Advantages	Considerations
Air France	Direct flights to multiple French cities, SkyTeam alliance member	Can be more expensive than competitors
Delta	Codeshares with Air France, good US coverage	Service quality varies by route
United	Star Alliance (connects with Lufthansa for French destinations)	Often requires connections through Frankfurt or Munich
American	Oneworld alliance	Fewer direct options to France
French Bee	Budget option with direct flights from certain US cities	More limited schedule, basic service

Best booking windows: Typically, the optimal time to book flights to France is 4-6 months in advance for summer travel and 3-4 months for off-season travel.

Recommended Plans

✅ Atlas America

Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.

✅ Safe Travels Comprehensive

Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).

✅ Patriot America Platinum

Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.

Transportation Within France

From Paris Airports to the City

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG):

RER B Train: Most economical option (€11.40), takes about 30-45 minutes to central Paris
Roissybus: Direct to Opéra in central Paris (€13.70), takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
Taxi: Fixed rates of €53 to Right Bank, €58 to Left Bank
Uber/Bolt: Usually €45-60 depending on destination and time

From Orly Airport (ORY):

Orlybus: To Denfert-Rochereau metro station (€9.50), takes about 30 minutes
Tram T7 + Metro: Economical but takes longer
Taxi: Fixed rates of €32 to Right Bank, €37 to Left Bank

My tip: After a long transatlantic flight, I now budget for a taxi even though I normally prefer public transportation. The reduced stress after a 8+ hour flight is worth the extra cost.

Getting Around France

France has excellent transportation options for exploring beyond your arrival city:

High-speed trains (TGV): Connect Paris to major cities in 2-4 hours
Regional trains (TER): Serve smaller towns and rural areas
Car rentals: Ideal for exploring countryside regions like Provence or Normandy
Domestic flights: Useful for reaching distant regions like Corsica or the far south

Booking tip: For the best train fares, book TGV tickets on the SNCF website or app 3-4 months in advance when the cheapest fares are released.

Accommodation Options

France offers lodging for every budget and travel style:

Hotels: Range from budget chains (Ibis, B&B Hotels) to luxury properties
Vacation rentals: Particularly good for longer stays or family travel
Bed & Breakfasts (Chambres d’hôtes): Often charming and personal
Hostels: Available in major cities with private rooms often available
Unique options: Château stays, wine estate accommodations, boat rentals

Location advice: In Paris, first-time visitors typically prefer staying in central arrondissements (1-8) for easy access to major sights. In other cities, prioritize accommodations within walking distance of the historic center.

Money Matters

Currency and Payments

France uses the Euro (€). For the best exchange rates:

Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for most purchases
Withdraw cash from ATMs rather than using currency exchange services
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates

Payment reality check: While major establishments accept cards, some small shops, markets, and rural businesses may be cash-only. Always keep some Euro cash available.

Tipping Culture

Unlike in the US, tipping in France is much more modest:

Restaurant service is included by law (look for “service compris”)
For good service, rounding up or leaving a few euros is appreciated but not expected
Taxi drivers: round up or add 5-10%
Tour guides: €5-10 for a group tour, more for private tours

When traveling, make sure you get travel insurance.
Buying it online can save up to 30%!

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Practical Considerations

Mobile Phone Service

Your options for staying connected:

International roaming: Convenient but potentially expensive
French SIM card: Orange, SFR, and Bouygues offer tourist plans
eSIM services: Increasingly popular digital option if your phone supports it

I’ve found that a French SIM card offers the best combination of coverage and value. You can purchase these at carrier stores, some airports, and even vending machines in major transport hubs.

Travel Insurance

Based on several mishaps during my French adventures, I strongly recommend travel insurance that covers:

Medical emergencies (French healthcare is excellent but not free for visitors)
Trip cancellation/interruption
Lost luggage
Emergency evacuation if needed

Real example: During my last trip, a sudden train strike disrupted my carefully planned itinerary. My travel insurance covered the additional accommodation and alternative transportation costs, saving me over €400.

Health Preparations

Before traveling to France:

Check if any vaccines are recommended
Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications
Carry a basic first-aid kit for minor issues
Keep digital copies of any important medical information

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

A few things that will make your experience in France smoother:

Learn basic French phrases: Even minimal effort is appreciated
Always greet with “Bonjour”: Entering shops or restaurants without a greeting is considered rude
Meal timing: Lunch is typically 12-2pm and dinner starts around 7:30-8pm
Dress code: French people generally dress more smartly than Americans in urban areas
Volume awareness: Keep conversations at a moderate volume, especially in restaurants

My most embarrassing mistake: I once entered a small Parisian boutique and immediately asked for help without saying “Bonjour” first. The shop owner gave me a lecture on manners that I’ll never forget. A simple greeting would have changed the entire interaction.