France

Visiting France 

France, the world's number one tourist destination, is located in the heart of western Europe. It shares borders with six countries: Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany and Switzerland to the east, Italy to the south-east and Spain to the south-west. By sea, it is bordered by the Mediterranean to the south, the Atlantic to the west and the North Sea to the north, offering a wide range of beaches and coastlines to discover.

As for the capital, Paris lies in north-central France. Known for its iconic landmarks, renowned museums and vibrant culinary scene, it connects many destinations in Europe and the rest of the world, including France's largest cities. 

Population, language and practical information

The population of France is estimated at around 67 million people. The five most dynamic cities in France are Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and Nice. The official language is French. However, France stands out for its linguistic diversity, with several dialects and regional languages:

• Breton: a Celtic language still spoken and cherished in Brittany.
• Alsatian: a Germanic dialect that is alive and well in Alsace.
• Occitan: spoken in the south of France, this Romance language has regional variants such as Provençal.
• Corsican: a Romance language spoken on the island of Corsica, where it is co-official with French.

France's national anthem is "La Marseillaise", a song of liberty and fraternity. The French flag is a tricolour with blue, white and red stripes, a symbol of the Republic and its values. It embodies the spirit of a people proud of their heritage and open to the world.

How to get to France

Ready for a trip to France? Here are 5 ways to reach the Hexagon, depending on where you are starting from and your budget.

Travelling by plane

Flying is often the fastest and most convenient choice for coming to France, especially from faraway destinations. The main airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly, as well as other major airports in the regions, such as those in Nice, Lyon and Marseille. Direct flights or flights with stopovers are available from many countries around the world. Book your flight and get the best fares.

Taking the train

For travellers coming from Europe, the train is a great option from neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Italy, Spain and Germany. The European rail network is highly developed and France benefits from high-speed links (TGV) connecting the major French cities with each other, as well as with other European capitals. Book your train and get the best fares.

Coming by car

Travelling by car is an excellent way to explore France at your own pace, especially as the country has a dense and well-maintained motorway network. Coming from neighbouring countries such as Germany, Belgium, Italy or Spain, you will cross impressive natural borders and varied landscapes.

Choosing the coach

Many international coach companies offer journeys to France from other European countries. It is often the cheapest option, but also the one that takes the longest.

Going by boat

If you are near the Mediterranean, the Channel or the Atlantic, taking the ferry can be an excellent idea. France is connected by sea to Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and Spain, as well as to its own overseas territories such as Corsica.