France

Eco-friendly travel guide to France advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in France, Europe.

View of the city of Paris seen from the "Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile"

Air quality: 3 / 5

Bus connections: 4 / 5

Train connections: 3.5 / 5

Hitchhiking: 4 / 5

National parks: 3.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 2 / 5

Safety: 4 / 5

Accommodation: US$40 - $1200

Budget per day: US$100 - $2000

Responsible Travel

France is a very popular country all around the world that is known for its popular beaches, medieval cities, fashion houses, museums, monuments, alone villages, and others. Every year, millions of tourists from different countries visit France to witness different things. From food to clothes, all of the things in this country are very popular. Apart from all the different attractions, the culture and traditions of the country also invite people from all around the world. The country is located between Spain and Germany, which is also known as the French Republic.

Travelers all around the world visit this country to witness places and experience things like the Eiffel Tower, French cuisine, historical landmarks, and much more. The population of the country is more than 66.99 million and the economy is also very good. France has so much to offer and you will end up having a memorable time during your visit to this romantic place. All of the cities have a charm of their own. However, there are some things that you need to know before starting your journey. As an eco-friendly traveler, there are many different ways available that you can do to help the country stay safe and clean.

Public Transport: You will find a lot of options available to move around the country. The options will change from one to another city. However, most of them are run by fuel and produce air pollution that harms the environment. So, look for transportations that are eco-friendly such as bicycles, electronic cars, and many more. They are available in almost all the major cities of France
Local Food: French cuisines are one of the popular cuisines in the world. You must try the traditional dishes from famous restaurants to get the best food experience in the country. However, just as much as the traditional cuisines, the street foods of France are very important and play a major part in the culture. You will find small food stalls and shops in almost all corners of the country. It will not only provide you the complete and authentic food experience but will also help support the local sellers.
Do not throw waste: As an eco-friendly traveler, you need to promote sustainable living as much as possible in the city to motivate not only fellow tourists but local people. When you visit any tourists attractions especially city parks, make sure you do not throw any food wrapper and do not just stop at that but if you see any trash, pick it up and throw it in the dustbin. It might look like a very small thing to do but has a huge impact on people watching especially the children present in the park since they learn and mimic the behaviour of other people around them.
Green Hotels: There are some things that you need to do while traveling to France. One of the crucial ones is choosing green hotels for your stay. Being a popular destination, France has a lot of different accommodation options available that you can choose to stay in during your trip. But staying at green hotels will keep the environment of the country very clean and reduce the waste production
Be conscious: While exploring the country, play your part in keeping the country pollution free and help reduce waste. As an eco-friendly traveler, it is one of your responsibilities to play your part in the development of the country. You can also volunteer for many different initiatives to help out the country and motivate the local people
Shop Local: When you are exploring France, you will come across many small shops and stalls in the country. Most of them are dependent on travelers around the world. So, make sure to buy goods from them and taste foods to both help them out and get the best quality items at low prices. In almost all the major cities of France, you will find these small shops on lanes and markets.

Air Quality and Pollution

Before visiting any destination, one of the things that you need to check is the air quality. With the changing climate all over the world, the air quality is very different in all the places. The quality of the air plays a major role for travellers during a trip so, you need to know about the pollution level, AQI, and other relevant stuff before planning your trip. The air quality of France is overall moderate and the pollution level is also under the WHO recommendation. The average air quality of France is between 20-50. In most of the major cities, the pollution in the air is very low and not harmful. However, there are some places, where you might find bad air quality.

So, make sure to carry some of the necessary things with you such as masks, medicines, etc. If you have such conditions as asthma, serious breathing problems, and others, then the best option for you is to consult a doctor. It will help you know what precautions you need to take before visiting the country. Also, when visiting different parts of the country, check the air quality of that particular region before going in. The average AQI (Air Quality Index) of France is 43, which is considered to be harmless for travelers if no health conditions are there.

Respect the Culture

Land of the croissant, home of the Guillotine, France has a lot to offer to its visitors. The traditions, customs, food is all a part of the French culture. However there is so much more to it than that.

Something that you should know about French people is that they love sharing and they believe in a sense of community so you have to respect that. They live a pretty balanced life and they are very respectful towards others and have a strong sense of civic duty.

Another common part of French culture is critiquing. You will find them analysing and critiquing different things like art, theatre, food etc so they don’t just expect everything to be perfect and they are honest about these things. This is great if you want to engage in an honest conversation with them and talk about real stuff.

Another extremely important aspect of French culture is that they like to separate religion from official matters. It’s not allowed for anyone to wear anything that represents a religion for example the headscarf for Muslims to official places like schools etc. This might be a cause of concern for a lot of visitors who do not want to change the way they dress in their everyday life just to visit a country. This is something that you should seriously consider before planning your trip so you are not offended by what French people expect of you and they are not offended when you don’t meet those expectations.

French people believe in living a relaxed lifestyle and this is more prominent in the southern areas of France. While it might not be true for a city like Paris, it’s definitely true for most of the people living in the countryside.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Not a lot of people will give up on the opportunity of visiting France and rightfully so. The country has so much to offer and there is so much to see. The top 10 places to visit in France include:

Marseille: One of Europe’s oldest cities and France’s second largest city Marseille is a major Mediterranean seaport located off the southeast coast of France. Boasting an idyllic climate, Roman ruins and medieval architecture, Marseille is also a working city with several universities and industries.
Milau Bridge: The Milau viaduct is a cable bridge that happens to be the tallest bridge in the world. The four lane bridge spans valley of the River Tarn in Southern France. It is considered as one of France’s greatest engineering feats.
Pont du Gard: It is an old Roman bridge that crosses the River Gardon in Southern France. This bridge was built around 40 AD and was a part of a long watercourse to bring water from a spring in Uzes to the Roman colony of Nimes. It is also the highest of all the Roman aqueduct bridges.
Cite de Carcassonne: It is an historic fortified city in the Languedoc-Roussillion region. The city date backs about 2500 years and became part of France in the mid 13th century. At one time it was the center of the French woollen textile industry. A 19th century restoration project of the Cite turned Carcassonne into the popular tourist destination it is today.
Chartes Cathedral: The cathedral is located in a small city near Paris that seems too small to fit the cathedral,

. The vast nave, the porches adorned with fine sculptures and the magnificent 12th and 13th century stained glass Windows, all in remarkable condition, make it one of the finest examples of the French High Gothic Style.

Chateau de Chambord: The chateau to end all chateaux. It is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. The construction started in 1519 by King Francois I so he could hunt in the nearby forests. The cold and massive 440 rooms of the Chateau made it unpopular as an actual residence and the King himself stayed here for less than 40 days in total.
Gorge du Verdon: It is located in southeastern France and is considered to be in of Europe’s most beautiful river canyons. It’s at its deepest at almost 2300 feet in an area that offers the best views as the green emerald Verdon River winds it’s way through the canyon.
Mont Saint Michel: It is a small tidal island located just off the coast of Normandy. A spectacular and well preserved Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel stands at the peak of the rocky island surrounded by the winding streets and convoluted architecture of the medieval town. A causeway connects the mainland with the island.
Palace of Versailles: It is frequently associated with Marie Antoinette, the French Queen who was beheaded during the French Revolution. The royal palace started out as a hunting lodge in 1624 and became more ornate over the years. Located outside of Paris, Versailles is known for the hall of mirrors and beautiful gardens.
St Tropez: It is a resort community on the French Rivera. Once a military stronghold, fishing village and artist colony, it is now a playground for the jester. The beaches are popular with scantily clad sunbathers while others come for windsurfing and yachting. Outside the peak summer there are less celebrities to spot but you will instantly appreciate what lured artists, writers and filmmakers to this picturesque village.

Panoramic view of Marseille

Explore

There is so much to explore in France that your itinerary will be jam packed on your trip to this beautiful country. There is something for everyone from museums to city parks to beaches and hiking spots. Whether it is the hustle and bustle of the city that you crave or the quiet peace of the country side, France offers you both.

City Parks

Jardin de Ville (Grenoble) - This beautiful heritage park is perfect for a day out in Grenoble. The beautiful flora and fauna present in the park will make you feel closer to the nature. The ambience is peaceful and makes it a perfect spot for a picnic.
Parc Palais des Papes (Avignon) - You will get a lot of open space here which is good for playing outdoor games with your children. It would be fun and the enjoyment will be unlimited and uninterrupted.
Parc de la Torse (Aix-en-Provence) - This beautiful park is just a ten minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau. It’s the ideal park for a morning run or stroll and is also pet friendly. You can get to the park easily via a bus or light rail.
Jeux Pour Enfants (Cannes) - This park is meant for children who are between the ages of 6-10. Plenty of space for them to play and a great play area as well which is very safe.

View of the lush green Jardin de Ville and a Rainbow in the sky

National Parks

France has some amazing National Parks. Some of these are:

Pyrenees National Park: This one is just simply spectacular. This National park not only offers a plethora of beautiful views ana panoramas but also an array of landscapes for you to discover.

Located on the border of France and Spain, this park is named after the mountain range that dominates its area. You can let go and revel in the unforgettable scenery all around you. Picturesque and perfect in their beauty, the mountains rear dramatically about you and their snow capped peaks dominate the skyline.

Vanoise National Park: This is the largest National Park in mainland France and it is a marvel to visit due to the incredible scenery it has to offer. Located in the French Alps, it is the heart achingly beautiful mountains that are the main attraction and hikers, mountaineers and skiers will never want to leave its astounding premises. It offers the quintessential image of the French Alps with the domineering mountains, sweeping valleys and gorgeous lakes all contributing to the picture perfect scenes. The panoramas and views are endless and up amidst the clouds, the world below appears to be in miniature.
Calanques National Park: Lying between Marseille and Cassis, this coastal park has a picturesque albeit slightly daunting cliff top walk which hikers will adore. Following the Treacherous paths you lead your way amidst the rock strewn terrain as the cliff face plunges away to the side. The glistening turquoise waters only add to the stunning scenery on show. The rugged white cliffs and craggy rocks have delightful Tufts of green growing from them and the vivid colours make this park a delightful part of the world to explore.

The scenic Pyrenees National Park

Beaches

There are plenty of amazing beaches in France with golden sand, clear blue water and a great ambiance. Some of the most notable ones include:

Plage de Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio
Plage de l'Espiguette, Montpellier
Plage Paloma, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Plage de Corz, Île d'Ouessant
Grande Plage, Biarritz

The iconic Grande Plage beach

Landmarks

Eiffel Tower: One of the most recognised landmark all over the world is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Known as the symbol of love and romance, it is definitely a place not to be missed on your trip to France. Tickets start from 5 Euros and go all the way up to 30 Euros. There are plenty of places to eat and shop in and around the tower including a Michelin star restaurant so you’re bound to have a great and fulfilling experience.
Arc De Triomphe: It is the biggest arch in the world. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at Austerlitz. Around the 10th May and the 1st August, the sun sets and rises towards the east.
Chateau de Chambord: The Chateau de Chambord is one of the most recognisable chateaux in the world because of its very distinctive french Renaissance architecture which blends traditional french medicinal forms with classical renaissance structure

The tower is the focal point of New Year's Eve and Bastille Day (14 July) celebrations in Paris

Museums

France is home to plenty of great museums that offer an insight into the history and cultural heritage of this beautiful country. Most of these museums have a great collection of rare artefacts and art pieces. Some of the museums that merit a visit include:

Louvre Museum Paris
Musee Miniature et Cinema Lyon
Musee Rodin Paris
Cite de l'espace Toulouse

Eat

France has a uniquely rich history, a history that has sculpted and refined the country’s food culture over hundreds of years. France is notorious for having a very sophisticated and superior food scene and the french cuisine is considered to be very inventive. The rich and delicious french dishes are served with flair and passion. The French believe that food should be savoured, enjoyed and experienced. Known as the style capital of the world, French cuisine is probably the most important influence in the culinary world today and the locals are proud of their food that represents their culture. They think it truly mirrors how much passion is put in preparing these dishes and the love they have for food.

France has the world’s finest dining experiences and teams of chefs work together to create food magic. There’s two different styles of cooking, there is a young nouvelle cuisine which is fine dining and is considered to be an art form.

Then there is the traditional and wholesome homely prepared meals which are a signature of Southern France especially the small towns. They are little bistros that serve food of this style and are usually family run businesses that buy fresh produce from farmer’s market to prepare these delectable dishes.

Some of the staples of French cuisine include:

Escargots are a staple in french cuisine. They are snails that are slow cooked in stock and butter and taste delicious.

Beef bourguignon is another staple which is a hearty provincial stew prepared using a quality cut of meat and a range of different vegetables.

Some of the street food staples are:

Socca ( traditional flatbread made with chickpea flour, olive oil, salt and pepper)
Merguez Frites ( a special sandwich with lamb sausage and heaps of pommes fries)
Macaroons ( a small cookie cake made with ground almonds)
Pommes Frites

If you are vegan or vegetarian then you don’t need to worry about not having too many options. The French cuisine caters to people with all kinds of food preferences.

A nouvelle cuisine presentation

Drink

French wine is one of the things that you cannot afford to miss in your days in the country. Apart from that, you will find some of the popular drinks all around the world in France such as Kir, Absinthe, Pastis, Calvados, Kir, Cognac, Chartreuse, and others. Some of the leading brands such as Pernod and Richard are very well known all around the world.

However, there are many different types of drinks available in the country apart from wine and craft beer. You will find a lot of fruit juices, soft drinks, coffee, and others in this country in almost all the shops. Different types of coffees are available in this country in shops such as Cafe Americain, Cafe Kah, Noisette, and others.

French wines are usually made to accompany French cuisine

Tap-water

While the water itself is very safe to drink in France, in some rural areas you will find the water to be hard so it’s good to boil it first. Instead of using plastic bottles and buying them again and again, the most eco friendly option is to use tap water and use a refillable water bottle. It helps that free drinking water is readily available in France and most of the major cities have water fountains and some of them even contain sparkling water. The sign that you need to look out for is the warning sign that says “EAU NON POTABLE” which means that the water is not suitable for consumption and if it says POTABLE then it is safe for consumption. Even in restaurants you will be served with tap water so that goes to show it’s safe to drink. It’s also perfectly acceptable to drink water with your meal if you don’t want wine. Another important thing to know is that mineral water in France can be more expensive than wine so when ordering do not ask for L’eau or D’eau because you will most likely be served with mineral water in that case which can cost you around 30 euros.

Activities

France is one of the best countries in the world and is known for having some world-famous monuments, and other tourist attractions. So, chances are very low that you will run out of activities to do in this country during your trip. If you are a sports lover, then you will be able to participate in Football, Cycling, Tennis, Rugby, Horse Racing, Formula One racing, Rollerblading, and others. It will help you a lot to get a very good experience in the country. There are places like Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, Nice, and other cities that will help you to get a very good traveling experience.

You will spend a lot of time exploring the major tourist destinations like the Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, and others. If you love to do outdoor activities, then there are plenty of options available in different parts of the country including Canyoning, Skiing, hiking, trekking, fishing, ballooning, and others. Apart from all these, there are plenty of food markets, shopping malls, and other markets available in the country that you can visit to get the best shopping experience. Make sure to visit all of these places on your France tour to get some souvenirs on your way back home.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options available in France from five star hotel to budget friendly hostels. While it may be difficult to find the right accommodation in the right budget in a city like Paris because of the extremely expensive places so it will be best to book in advance. It will be relatively easier to find the right kind of accommodation in the rural suburbs and there are plenty of types available so you do not necessarily have to settle for a hotel. You can rent an apartment, a hostel room, a house etc. With concerns about Coronavirus, self-catering companies like Airbnb and VRBO have issued cleaning standards/guidelines for their hosts. The cleaning protocol includes what to clean and disinfect (ie. high touch surfaces like light switches) and how to clean. These are based on information from the Center For Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

They also encourage self-check-ins (with a key lock box or smart lock) and recommend that hosts have particular supplies (ie. soap, paper towels), and institute a 24 hour blackout period between bookings for regular guests and 72 hours for those who may have been exposed to Coronovirus (ie. healthcare workers).

Green Hotels

France is one of the most attractive and popular tourism destinations in the world. France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It has plenty of options available in terms of Green Hotels. Green Hotels are environmentally-friendly properties whose managers are eager to institute programs that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste—while saving money—to help PROTECT OUR ONE AND ONLY EARTH!

Green hotels are becoming more and more popular all around the world for providing a comfortable stay for the customers while keeping the environment safe. Compared to other accommodations, green hotels produce very low waste as they use natural resources and recycled items.

You will find them very expensive to pocket-friendly ones based on facilities. They use solar power to other eco-friendly methods to provide facilities to customers. The water that is offered in the green hotels is also recycled. Staying in these hotels will keep you safe from any health conditions and improve the environment of the country. Not only these, but it will also motivate the local people to adopt green methods and other travelers. Just like other options, book the green hotels before visiting the country to ensure your rooms and prevent any last time hassle. This is the most chosen option for all the eco-friendly travelers around the world.

Some of the most popular green hotels in France are:

Hi Hôtel
La Grée des Landes
Château de la Bourdaisière
Hôtel Jardin de Cluny

Hostels and Guest Houses

If you are tight on budget or planning to stay for a long time in France, then hotels can be very expensive for you. You will need to choose an accommodation option that will both offer you a good stay and fits the budget. The best ones that fit this description are the hostels and guest houses. France being a popular country, there are plenty of guesthouses and hostels are available for travelers. Guesthouses range from cheap to very expensive luxurious ones. On the other hand, you will be able to stay at the hostels at a very low price and even share the room with other travelers to get them at even lower prices.

In most of the cities of France, you will be able to find a lot of hostels and guest houses at low prices. All the basic benefits and facilities are available in these places that will help you to get a very comfortable stay in the country. However, you will need to consider some of the other extra options that are available in the high range. You can also book guest houses that are luxurious and very expensive to get a very good staying experience in France. You can use both the options to book the room online or offline.

Apartments

If you are planning a long stay in a destination to explore all the wonderful places, lifestyle, culture, any others, then you need to find an option of stay that will help you to save some money and help you in your stay. In many ways, staying in apartments is the best option for you as it is very cheap. Many travelers like to rent an apartment on their trip and stay for a long time to fit the budget. You will be able to get expensive apartments on rent as well but when it comes to cheap ones, apartments start from a very low range. Plenty of apartments are available in France that you can choose for your stay in the country. In most of the cities and regions, you will be able to find apartments even if other options are not available.

However, the budget is not the only option for choosing the apartments, many people choose it to explore the culture from up close. Staying in apartments have their own perks as you will be surrounded by the local people of the country. Local people of any destinations like to stay in apartments, and staying near to them will help you a lot to know a lot of things about them such as culture, traditions, food choices, lifestyle, and others. You might become friends with some local people as well after staying for a long time in apartments. While booking apartments, try to book the ones that are situated near the transportation hubs. It will help you to move around the country.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing has become very popular in the last few years, mostly for being an adventurous way of staying at a destination. Getting a host for Couchsurfing is not easy in all the places. In fact, it is hard to get a host in places that are not a popular destination or famous. However, France is one of the famous countries in the world, and getting a Couchsurfing host is not a big deal. Using this accommodation option, you will be able to stay in a home of travelers and get food for free. Couchsurfing is a group of travelers who help other travelers around the world to stay in their homes and provide food during the stay time.

You can get a host easily in France using online services. There are plenty of people in the country who are more than happy to provide hospitality to other travelers. The best thing about Couchsurfing is that you will be able to stay in the country like a local and get to learn a lot of things about the lifestyle of the local people. Apart from lifestyle, staying with locals will help you to know the traditions, food choices, culture from very close. The host will also help you to know a lot about the country and some other information that will aid you on your trip. Make sure to look for the hosts a lot early as both you and the host will need time to prepare for the stay.

Camping

Do you like adventure during your trip? The best way to an unforgettable adventurous experience is by camping in the country. Camping is known to be one of the best ways of accommodation that help you to stay under the open sky and experience nature from very close. You will get a lot of camping spots available in France that will help you to stay and get a very good adventurous experience. The best thing about staying at the camps is that you will be able to enjoy the great views from sunrise to sunset. You will be able to get all the basic facilities available in the caps that are available in other accommodations such as toilets, food, electricity, and others.

Camps also have some ranges from expensive to low based on facilities, In the expensive ones, you will be able to get all of the different things available such as wi-fi, workspace, and others. You can choose these camps and book them a lot early from the departure date by using online services. Some of the camps are located near the lush green and while some others are located near a river or lake. So, based on your staying choices book them accordingly. Also, you will get some extra adventure options in some of the camping sports such as sports places, trekking, hiking trails, and others.

Regions

France is divided into 22 administrative regions, which themselves can be grouped into seven cultural regions:

Regions of France

Île-de-France
The region surrounding the French capital, Paris.

Northern France (Le Havre, Lille, Normandy)
A region where the world wars have left many scars.

Northeastern France (Reims, Strassburg, Champagne-Ardenne, Franche-Comté)
A region where wider European culture (and especially Germanic culture) has merged with the French, giving rise to interesting results.

Great West (Nantes, Rennes, Brest)
An agriculture-based oceanic region with a culture greatly influenced by the ancient Celtic peoples.

Central France (Dijon, Bourges)
A largely agricultural and vinicultural region, featuring river valleys, chateaux and historic towns.

Southwestern France (Bordeaux, Toulouse)
A region of sea and wine, with nice beaches over the Atlantic Ocean and young high mountains close to Spain.

Southeastern France (Nice, Lyon, Marseille, Corsica, Montpellier, Saint-Tropez, Cannes)
The primary tourist region of the country outside of Paris, with a warm climate and azure sea, contrasting with the mountainous French Alps.

Cities

Paris — the "City of Light", romance and the Eiffel Tower.

View of Paris

Bordeaux — city of wine, traditional stone mansions and smart terraces.

Lille — a dynamic northern city known for its handsome centre and active cultural life.

Lyon — France's second city with a history from Roman times to the Resistance.

Marseille — third French city, big harbor and the heart of the Provence, hosting the European Capital of Culture in 2013.

Nice — the fifth most populous city in France and popular tourist destination near Monaco.

Strasbourg — famous for its historical centre, and home to many European institutions.

Toulouse — the "Pink City", for its distinctive brick architecture, main city of Occitania.

Monaco - The Principality of Monaco is an independent city-state which lies between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea.

Getting There and Moving Around

Before planning all the other things about your trip to France, you need to know what are the available options from your location to reach the country. From most of the countries, there will be multiple options available to choose from. So, you need to choose based on your own personal preferences but also keeping the environment in mind. Also, you need to keep the budget in your mind while choosing these options.

Likewise, moving around the country will not be an issue. The transport system and the road connectivity between different cities is pretty developed. This is where you also need to play your part. When travelling between different cities, avoid airplanes as it will massively increase your carbon footprint. Try to stick to local transport options as much as you can. Not only is it environmentally friendly but it is also budget friendly. Moving around the country via local transportation like buses, metros and trains will also allow you to interact with local people and observe the French culture up-close.

Air

Air is known to be the most comfortable and easiest way to travel to France. You will be able to get flights from most of the countries very easily as France is very well connected by air. Based on your travel location, you will be able to look at flight options but most countries have frequent flights coming in and going out to France. Among all the other modes of transportation, you will be able to reach the country fastest by air. However, there are some disadvantages of traveling by air like it not being the most eco friendly option.The fare for traveling by air is very high high as well when compared with all the other options. The country of France has almost 500 airports of which the Charles de Gaulle Airport is the most preferred choice for international tourists visiting the country. The airport is situated in the French capital city of Paris.

Inside the Charles de Gaulle Airport

Bus

Buses are known to be the cheapest way of traveling to different places that helps to save a lot of money and enjoy the unique experience. If you are traveling from a country that is close to France, then you will be able to get a lot of options available. However, you might not be able to get a direct bus to France if you’re traveling from a country that is located far. In that case, you will need to break your journey and catch a bus from a nearby location. The best thing about traveling by bus is that you will be able to enjoy all the natural views and sceneries on your way to the country. You will need a lot more time to reach the country compared to flights.

So, make sure to have a lot of time on your hand before going out on buses. If you are choosing the bus to move around in the country, then take extra time on your hand for traffic. Buses are very well available in France, and you will be able to get them frequently. The best thing about traveling in France by bus is that you get to witness the daily life of the local people of the country. Most of the local people of the country use buses to travel around for their job and other purposes. So, you will be surrounded by local people on the local buses.

A bus in Paris

Train

Trains are known to be as popular as flights when it comes to traveling. There are many travelers who prefer to travel by train than the flight to get a unique travelling experience. Although it is not available in all the places of the world and not well connected to all the corners like flights, it is one of the popular options of travel. When traveling to France, you might get direct trains available from nearby countries. You will not be able to find direct trains if you are traveling from a country that is located far from France. Just like buses, you will need a lot of time to reach the country when traveling by train. You will be able to enjoy all the side scenes and views on your way to the country.

Make sure to book the tickets earlier to ensure your seats and prevent getting your name on the waiting list. When it comes to moving around, you will find TGV trains that run between the major cities of both France and Europe. Apart from that, there are intercity trains available that are well connected to all the major cities of France. The best thing about traveling by train is that you do not have to worry about getting stuck in traffic. You can take the help of online services to book the tickets early and prevent all the last time hassle.

A TGV Rail

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is one of the best ways to travel to different destinations. Most travelers now choose to hitchhike to their travel destination because of the unique experience that it offers. Using this mode of transportation, you will be able to reach your destination by taking the help of other travelers who are going in the same direction. You will have to choose the busiest highways and take lifts from these cars to get to your destination. Hitchhiking to France is widely available in most countries. You need to keep in mind that it takes a lot of time to reach France from most of the countries by hitchhiking. If you are traveling from a country that is located very far away from France, then it might take some weeks to reach.

However, you will be able to get an experience that is worth all this time and effort. If you have time on your hand for some adventurous journey, then go out for hitchhiking without any doubt for the best experience. While going out hitchhiking, make sure to carry some of the most important things with you such as water, dry fruits, maps, and many other things that will assist you in your journey. Apart from that, try to look for lifts in some points where the cars slow down such as petrol pumps, restaurants, and clothes. You can also hitchhike to move around the country. As the French people are kind and friendly, you will have no problem getting lifts.

Others

There are some other ways available that most travelers tend to avoid because of the hectic journey and long time taking. However, there are many of them available that you can choose to reach France from different corners of the world. As the country is located near the Mediterranean sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, you can also reach the country by water. From many different countries, you will be able to get cruises and ships to reach France by water. Other than that, there are also some different ways to travel including taking the road on cars and motorbikes. It will take a lot of time to reach the country using these transportations.

However, you will be able to reach the country with a very good experience of traveling. Make sure to have a lot of time on your hands before going to the country by using these transportations. You might need to wait at some roadside motels and other accommodations during the journey. It will be both time consuming and expensive, but very adventurous and wonderful. If you are planning to choose any of these ways to reach the country, then it is best to book the cruise tickets or know the road very well before going out.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is now getting very popular all around the world for travelers to keep the environment safe and secure. With the changes in climate, sustainable shopping is one of the ways to keep the environment good. France is one of the leading and popular countries in the world. So, the country offers a lot of sustainable shopping options for customers. From flea markets to second-hand markets, you will be able to get a lot of options. Make sure to visit these markets to get recycled items, vintage items, antiques at very low prices. You will be able to add some of the best and rare collectives to your collection.

Not only will it help the country to stay waste-free, but it will also help you to save a lot of money. Most of the high-quality items are available in these markets at very low prices. Make sure to visit some of the best markets as early as you can to get all the items available.

Recycling

As the world is changing rapidly, all of the countries are taking a lot of initiatives to recycle waste. Most of the countries have taken different steps for the recycling process and make the country free from any pollution. France is one of the popular countries, and they have taken many different initiatives to recycle goods. During your trip to the country, you will clearly see the effort that France is making for recycling. They are trying hard to meet the requirements of EU regulations, which says 100% of plastics and 55% of wastes should be recycled by the year 2025. France has made a law in 2016 for all the businessmen, administration, and offices to recycle waste.

For waste management, the country has separate divisions that go from household waste to industrial ones. You will find a lot of bins that separate the waste from recyclable to non-recyclable ones. Make sure to play your part in keeping the country safe and recycle all the wastes. You can also help the environment of this country by visiting all the recycled good stores. It will help you to get high-quality items at a low price and help the sellers to get support for their good work. Being an eco-friendly traveler, it is one of your responsibilities to keep the waste recycled and help the country stay clean.

Waste

Waste management is very important for all countries around the world to improve the environment and keep the citizens healthy. Most of the countries have taken multiple steps to reduce the waste and others are trying to do their best to introduce new methods. While many of the countries were successful in reducing waste, others still have not succeeded. France is one of the countries that have developed very well in the last few years. They have made a lot of changes and started different initiatives to reduce the total waste of the country. You will witness a lot of changes in the country during your visit and get to see all the management processes that they are doing.

Not only the government, but the local companies and people came forward to make the country waste-free. The local people started to place their waste in separate cans, use plastic less, and many more. They also started to collect all the wastes around in all the major cities. You will find a lot of people doing their cleaning work to keep the country clean. As an eco-friendly traveler, make sure to contribute to the country and dump all your waste in specific bins. You can also help the country by collecting wastes to reduce the total waste.

Work and Study Abroad

France is very popular in the entire world and every year a lot of tourists visit the country to witness the beautiful places in the country. However, there are many other things available that pull people from all over the world to this country apart from tourist attractions. The education system of this country is one of the best in the world and there are plenty of available jobs, unlike all the other places. So, many international students and workers visit this country for their careers. You will meet a lot of students and workers around the world during your trip to France. They offer many benefits and a very good lifestyle for these people for their stay in the country.

With most of the other countries, they have a very good relationship. They offer pocket-friendly courses to all the students from other countries to pursue their studies and career. Some world-class universities are available in the country. France offers some of the best benefits to the foreign students that helps them very much to study. Similarly, the number of available jobs is high in this country, which makes it very easy to get a good job and earn money. Here are some of the most common benefits that you can enjoy in the country as a foreign worker or student.

Exchange Student

The exchange student program has become one of the best ways of study for students all over the world. You will find a lot of students from different countries taking the help of this program to pursue their careers. While exploring France, you will meet with many students who are pursuing their favorite courses from the top universities in France. If you want to take the help of this program to study in France or the French universities, then you will need to get nominated by the home university. Also, the French universities need to have a partnership with your home university for this program. It is best to check your university and their partnered universities all around the world for the best information.

Being very well known for offering a good education system and having some of the best universities, almost all the universities have partnerships with these French universities. This is one of the best ways to study for students who do not have a good financial backup for their higher studies. If your home university does not have a partnership or you fail to get nominated, then you will not be able to get this program available for you. You can check all the details about this program and other information from the online websites to know more.

Au Pair

Au Pair is a very good way of getting shelter and food for foreign travelers, workers, and students. In most of the countries, Au Pair services are available and people from foreign countries receive big help from it. However being an au Pair in France comes with its own challenges. For Example rather than cooking one meal for dinner, be ready to prepare a feast if you’re an au pair in France. Imagine the baby crying, the toddler tugging on your pant leg and the teenager refusing to do their homework. Meanwhile, the food on the stove is boiling over and it turns out you have to prepare three courses, not one, while babysitting. If you are cooking for a family, keep in mind that in France most meals have three courses: a raw veggies appetizer, main course and dessert — which is usually a dairy product and a fruit.

If you take up tutoring the children of your host family then you will have to work really hard and also understand the French grading system. You will be expected to deliver results in a timely manner so make sure you are prepared beforehand.

You might end up working more than you signed up for. When people think about the French work week, many imagine a 9-5 job with a two-hour lunch break and ample vacation time. Though technically the French do have a 35-hour work week, most people work way over these hours. So, as an au pair, you will work over time too.

Volunteering

Volunteering is one of the best ways to help the country and keep it safe or help it out. During the trip, many travelers like to contribute as much as possible to help out the local people. In a country like France, it is an honor to be able to help. Unlike all the other countries, the number of tourists is very high in this country. You will find a lot of work to participate in and help the people out. Starting from the beautiful and breathtaking places that need to be clean in the eyes of tourists. You can join the cleaning community and help to keep all the popular monuments very clean.

Apart from that, you can also teach the people of the country to speak English to improve their communication with tourists. Help out the local shops and sellers by buying goods and eating foods from them. Although the country has less waste, you can take the initiative to plant trees or collect all the plastics from different places to keep the environment good. All of these will not only help the people of the country but help you to learn the language and get friendly with the locals. You will be able to witness the culture and traditions of the French people from very up close during the time of volunteering.