Traveling France

France is where I spent time at a training camp in Paris with Team USA, based in the city for long enough to get a real sense of daily life beyond the postcard version. Paris earns its reputation, but France is so much more than its capital — the Loire Valley’s chateaux, Provence’s lavender fields, and the French Alps are all completely different trips packed into one country. There’s always another reason to go back.

A few practical notes on France: the currency is the euro, and most transactions run on chip-and-PIN or contactless cards, though it’s worth carrying some cash for smaller shops and markets. A little French goes a long way — even just “bonjour” and “merci” before switching to English tends to get a warmer response. Meals run later than in the US, with dinner rarely starting before 7:30pm, and many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.

France’s high-speed TGV trains make getting between major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille fast and comfortable, often more convenient than flying once you account for airport time. If you’re heading into the countryside — Provence, the Dordogne, or Normandy — a rental car opens up a lot more flexibility. Check the U.S. State Department’s France travel page for current entry requirements before you book.

Paris deserves more than a couple of rushed days if you can manage it. Beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre reward slow wandering, and the city’s parks and riverside walks along the Seine are some of the best free things to do anywhere in Europe. Museum lines can be long in peak season, so booking timed tickets in advance for major sites saves real time. Even a slower, three or four day stay leaves you wanting more.

Outside Paris, France rewards picking a region and settling in rather than rushing between cities. Provence in early summer, when the lavender is blooming, is genuinely one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen. The Dordogne offers medieval villages and prehistoric caves, and the French Riviera delivers on its glamorous reputation, especially outside the peak August crowds. Each region rewards a bit of extra planning ahead of time.

Food in France is worth planning your days around. Markets are a highlight even if you’re not cooking — the cheese, bread, and produce on display are reason enough to visit — and a proper multi-course dinner is worth the time it takes rather than rushing through it. Tipping isn’t expected the way it is in the US, since a service charge is legally included in the bill, though rounding up for excellent service is appreciated. Slowing down for meals is part of the experience, not a delay to work around.

Below you’ll find our write-up on that Paris training camp, plus anything else we’ve published about France. If you’ve got a favorite region or a can’t-miss recommendation, let us know in the comments.