To help you navigate your trip to France with ease, here are some essential tips... 

Booking Advice & Passport Reminders

• We highly recommend that your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date. 

• Heads up! The FIFA World Cup is being hosted in North America from 11 June to 19 July 2026. 

  • This is a major global event that will increase demand for international flights. 

  • We encourage you to book your flights in advance to avoid higher costs and limited availability.

Public Transportation

• France has an extensive public transport system (Metro, tram, bus), especially in large cities. 

• SNCF Connect: The official website for booking train tickets in France.

Rules of the Road 

• Speed Limits (km/h): 

  • Urban areas: Typically 50 km/h (approx. 30 mph)

  • Rural roads: Typically 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph)

  • Dual carriageways/major roads: Typically 110 km/h (approx. 70 mph)

  • Motorways (Autoroutes): Typically 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)

• Speed cameras are common! DO NOT GO ABOVE THE SPEED LIMIT or you will be fined.

• Priority to the Right: Vehicles coming from a road on your right have the right of way.

• Roundabouts: They are everywhere. Generally, vehicles already in the roundabout have priority.

• Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is lower than in most U.S. states (0.5 g/L vs. 0.8 g/L).

  • NB: You can be stopped by a police officer without causing an infraction and they can test your level! 

• Tolls accept credit cards, but it's always good to have some Euros in cash just in case. 

• Free flow toll: Car can pass without stopping, but you have to pay online within 48 hours. 

  • On the A13/A14 road, between Paris and Caen, you will pass one! Pay on the SANEF website. 

Language Basics

• Bonjour - Hello

• Bonsoir - Good evening

• Au revoir - Goodbye 

• S'il vous plaît - Please

• Merci - Thank you 

• Parlez-vous anglais? - Do you speak English? 

• Brush up on your French language skills with Duolingo!