France is one of the best places to visit from the UK. Whether you love history, food, or beautiful landscapes, France has something for everyone. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your trip.
Do You Need a Visa?
- If you have a UK passport, you can visit France without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave France.
- From the last quarter of 2026, UK travelers will need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter France.
- For the latest entry rules, check the UK government’s website.
Best Ways to Travel to France from the UK
By Plane
Flying is the fastest way to reach France. Direct flights take 1 to 2 hours. You can fly from London, Manchester, or other UK cities to:
- Paris (CDG, ORY)
- Nice (NCE)
- Lyon (LYS)
- Toulouse (TLS)
Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Air France offer many flights.
By Train (Eurostar)
The Eurostar is a fast and easy way to reach France.
- It runs from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in 2 hours 15 minutes.
- It also connects to Lille, Lyon, and Disneyland Paris.
- Booking early gives you the best prices.
By Ferry
If you like traveling by sea, you can take a ferry from the UK to France.
- Dover to Calais (1.5 hours)
- Portsmouth to Caen (6 hours)
- Newhaven to Dieppe (4 hours)
Ferries allow you to bring a car, which is useful for road trips.
By Car (Eurotunnel)
If you want to drive, take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais.
- The train ride through the tunnel takes 35 minutes.
- You can drive straight into France after arriving in Calais.
By Coach
Coaches are the cheapest way to travel but take longer.
- Companies like FlixBus and National Express have routes from London to Paris and other cities.
- Travel time: 6-12 hours, depending on the destination.
Best Cities to Visit in France
- Paris: The capital, famous for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and cafes.
- Nice: A beautiful city on the French Riviera with great beaches.
- Lyon: Known for amazing food and historic sites.
- Bordeaux: A paradise for wine lovers.
- Marseille: A port city with stunning coastal views and rich history.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Flights: Budget (around £30 to £100), Full-service (from £100 and up)
- Hotels: Budget (£50 to £90), Mid-range (£100 to £150), Luxury (£200 and above)
- Food: Budget meal (£10 to £20), Restaurant meal (£25 to £50)
- Transport: Metro or buses (about €2 per ride), Train passes (around €50 for long-distance travel)
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May): Perfect for sightseeing with pleasant weather
- Summer (June to August): Warm and busy, best for beach lovers
- Autumn (September to November): Fewer tourists and still great weather
- Winter (December to February): Great for Christmas markets and skiing in the Alps
Things to Know Before You Go
- Currency: France uses the Euro (€).
- Time Zone: France is 1 hour ahead of the UK.
- Language: People speak French, but many understand English in tourist areas.
- Power Sockets: France uses Type E plugs, so you may need an adapter.
- Tipping: Not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common.
Final Tips
- Learn a few basic French words to help with communication.
- Book transport and hotels early for the best prices.
- France has great public transport use it!
For official travel updates, visit UK Government Travel Advice or French Tourism Information.
