Dreaming of your perfect French getaway? From sampling exquisite cuisine to exploring historic châteaux, France offers endless possibilities for unforgettable experiences.
But even seasoned travelers can find their dreams dampened by common planning mishaps.
Don’t let simple oversights derail your French adventure. Discover the 20 most critical mistakes to avoid when planning your trip to France below.
Avoid These Mistakes: What to Know Before Traveling to France
Ready to make your France vacation a reality? Discover the 20 most important mistakes to avoid when planning your trip to France.
Mistake 1: Be Mindful of Scams
Be cautious of pickpockets and scammers, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers.
Common scams include the “friendship bracelet” trick near Sacré-Cœur, the “gold ring” scam where someone claims to find a valuable ring, and petition-bearers who distract you while accomplices pick your pockets.
Mistake 2: Spending All Your Time in Paris
While Paris is undeniably magnificent, limiting your French experience to the capital means missing out on the country’s incredible diversity.
Consider spending at least half of your trip exploring other regions – like Champagne, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Alsace, Provence and the French Riviera.
Mistake 3: Poor Timing for Provence
If seeing Provence’s lavender fields is on your bucket list, timing is crucial.
The lavender typically blooms from late June to early August, with mid-July being peak season.
Mistake 4: Not Utilizing Paris Public Transport
Paris has an excellent public transportation system – use the metro, buses, and trains for the most efficient and cost-effective travel.
If you need a taxi, be aware that when called in advance, the meter starts when the driver begins traveling to pick you up. Finding a ten euro charge already on the meter is normal and legal.
To avoid these pickup charges, either use ride-hailing apps like Uber or hail a taxi directly on the street, where the meter starts only when you enter.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Regional Train Tickets and Passes
The French rail system is extensive and efficient, but last-minute tickets on popular routes can be extremely expensive.
Book TGV (high-speed train) tickets as early as possible – they typically become available 3 months in advance. Consider rail passes like the France Rail Pass if you’re planning multiple train journeys.
Mistake 6: Not Validating Train and Metro Tickets
A common costly mistake is forgetting to validate your train ticket before boarding. Look for the yellow machines (“composteurs”) on train platforms to stamp your ticket.
While Metro tickets don’t need validation, keep them until you exit the station – random checks do occur, and fines can be substantial.
Mistake 7: Expecting Non-European Hotel Practices
French hotels, especially in Paris, differ greatly from international standards.
Rooms in historic buildings are much smaller, and many hotels lack air conditioning or have limited climate control.
In budget and mid-range hotels, expect to carry your luggage up narrow stairs, as elevators are often tiny or nonexistent.
Don’t assume staff will help with bags – many smaller hotels operate with minimal personnel who stay at the desk.
Mistake 8: Missing the Lunch Window
French restaurants follow strict hours: lunch is served 12:00-2:00 PM, then everything closes until dinner at 7:30 PM.
You won’t find restaurants open between 2-7 PM anywhere in France.
Most places also close Sunday evenings and all day Monday. Plan your meals around these hours or you’ll be limited to tourist spots and fast food.
Mistake 9: Expecting American-Style Breakfasts
Don’t expect American-style hot breakfasts in France. The traditional French breakfast (petit déjeuner) is simple: fresh bread or croissant with butter and jam, plus juice and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
While some hotels offer expanded buffets with ham, cheese, and eggs, finding pancakes, bacon, or other hot breakfast items usually means dining at tourist-oriented establishments.
Mistake 10: Misunderstanding French Coffee Customs
French coffee culture differs significantly from what many visitors expect. Ordering a “café” will get you a small shot of strong espresso, not the large cup of filtered coffee common in other countries.
If you’re looking for something closer to an American coffee with milk, order a “café crème” – this will give you a larger cup with steamed milk.
A crucial dining etiquette point: never order coffee to drink during your meal. In French dining culture, coffee is served after the cheese course at the very end of the meal.
Mistake 11: Eating at Tourist-Trap Restaurants
Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions, especially those with menus in multiple languages or staff outside trying to lure you in. These typically serve mediocre food at high prices.
The best restaurants are usually a few blocks away from attractions, with menus only in French (or maybe English), catering to locals rather than tourists.
Mistake 12: Misinterpreting French Restaurant Service
In France, good service means giving diners privacy to enjoy their meal without interruption.
Waiters intentionally leave you alone after serving – this isn’t neglect, but respect.
You won’t receive the bill until you specifically request “l’addition,” as bringing it unrequested is considered rushing diners.
If you need attention, simply make eye contact and say “s’il vous plaît.”
Mistake 13: Assuming “The Customer Is Always Right”
The American motto “the customer is always right” doesn’t exist in French business culture.
Instead, think of yourself as a guest in a professional establishment rather than a customer entitled to demands.
Treat staff as skilled professionals offering a service, not servants, and respect their established practices and hours. Your money is not more important than their dignity.
Mistake 14: Speaking Too Loudly in Public Places
Tourists are often unaware that their normal speaking volume can be considered disruptively loud in French culture.
French people generally maintain a more moderate volume in public spaces, viewing loud conversation as intrusive and disrespectful to others.
Mistake 15: Not Learning Basic Shopping Etiquette
In small shops, it’s customary to greet the shopkeeper with “Bonjour” upon entering and “Au revoir” when leaving. Not doing so is considered rude.
Also, many small shops close for lunch and on Sundays. Plan your shopping accordingly, especially in smaller towns and villages.
Mistake 16: Assuming Everyone Speaks English
While many French people, especially in tourist areas, do speak English, assuming this can be perceived as disrespectful.
Always begin interactions with “Bonjour” (or “Bonsoir” in the evening) and ask “Parlez-vous anglais?” before switching to English. This simple courtesy can dramatically improve your interactions with locals.
Mistake 17: Misunderstanding Tipping Culture
Unlike in the US, tipping isn’t mandatory in France. Service is included in restaurant bills (look for “service compris”).
For exceptional service, leaving an additional 5-10% is appreciated but not expected. For taxis, rounding up or adding a euro or two is common practice.
Mistake 18: Trying to See Too Much of Paris in Too Little Time
Many visitors try to cram every Paris attraction into a few days, resulting in exhaustion and superficial experiences.
Plan for at least 4-5 full days in Paris, allowing time to wander, discover local neighborhoods, and experience the city’s cafe culture.
Mistake 19: Staying Only in Major Cities
While Paris, Nice, and Lyon are magnificent, limiting yourself to major cities means missing France’s authentic charm.
Consider exploring smaller towns and villages: Colmar in Alsace, Annecy in the Alps, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence in Provence.
These destinations often provide more authentic experiences and opportunities to interact with locals.
Mistake 20: Overlooking Museum Passes and Closing Days
Many museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday, and some close on public holidays. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, while the Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays.
Research opening hours carefully and consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass, which allows you to skip lines at most major museums and monuments.
Final Thoughts on Things to Know about Traveling to France
Armed with this knowledge of common pitfalls, you’re better prepared to experience the magic of France.
Remember, the key to enjoying French culture is embracing its rhythms and customs rather than fighting against them.
Take time to slow down, savor your meals, and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
Your dream French vacation awaits, now with fewer surprises and more authentic experiences. Get started with planning your first trip to France here.
