France is one of the most misunderstood travel destinations. It is subject to romanticized stereotypes (thanks to movies and TV shows) that contrast sharply with the reality of daily life. Search “things to do in France,” and you’ll be met with a ton of warnings and things to avoid.
This doesn’t mean France shouldn’t belong on your travel bucket list. France offers the perfect blend of iconic, historical, and romantic attractions. And a memorable trip is just a matter of being prepared and knowing what you’re in for. This comprehensive guide will offer clarity.
Here are some do’s and don’ts you should follow when going on a family vacation to France:
Do’s of Vacationing in France
Follow these tips to make the most of your vacation in France:
1. Learn Some Basic French
We agree — in many European countries, the language barrier is minimal. But France isn’t one of them. You can’t expect vendors and service workers to speak English. This is why it’s important to learn some basic French.
We aren’t asking you to become B1 in French. Learning basic greetings such as “Bonjour,” “Merci,” and “Au revoir” will take you a long way. Speaking French can show cultural respect and may make locals more helpful.
Moreover, knowing some French helps you understand signs, menus, and announcements, reducing stress and allowing you to enjoy the culture more deeply. For families, this is an excellent opportunity to expose their young kids to a new language and cultural landscape.
2. Use the Public Transport
In France, driving isn’t always the best way to get around. This is especially true if you’re going to hit up major cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Toulouse. There are no parking spaces, and many streets are one-way. And don’t even get us started on the traffic jams.
However, France does have great public transport. Even locals believe it is the best way to get around. You can use the Metro, RER, and SNCF to travel efficiently.
Google Maps is pretty much your best friend. It will tell you which color line to take and how many stops are needed to reach your destination.
3. Get an eSIM
Looking for a local store to buy a SIM after landing is a nightmare. The kids need to rest, and you’re dragging the luggage. The best thing you can do is buy an eSIM for France and activate it before you leave or upon landing. You won’t have to look for a store, and you will have immediate connectivity.
The convenience of eSIMs is unmatched. Instead of inserting a card, you just download a “profile” from a mobile network provider. This process is secure and often involves scanning a QR code.
The best part? Many eSIM providers have regional plans. If you’re planning to visit countries other than France, you don’t need to buy multiple SIM cards.
4. Pre-Book Tickets
France is a popular holiday destination. And if you’re visiting for the first time, chances are you want to visit all the famous destinations and attractions. Pre-book your itinerary, especially for attractions like Sainte-Chapelle, the Pantheon, Notre-Dame, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
There is nothing worse than non-stop whining children queuing up to get inside a museum. Pre-booking will help you avoid massive lines and ensure a stress-free experience.
5. Leave Some Room in the Luggage
Traveling as a family means you will have at least two large bags, suitcases, and backpacks. It would be difficult, but leaving some room in each of these bags would do you good.
France is a country that loves children. Kids often go crazy over French bandes dessinées, graphic novels, and toys. Moreover, France is famous for fashion, skincare, and artisanal goods. So there’s a great chance you will bring back more than you brought.
Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting France
On the flip side, there are some don’ts of visiting France with family. Here’s a closer look:
1. Don’t Just Visit Paris
Many first-time visitors skip the rest of France because they think it will be just like Paris. This mistake is totally understandable, given how most of the movies about France are only about Paris. After all, it’s Emily in Paris, not Emily in Marseille or Emily in Bordeaux.
But if you’re only visiting Paris, you’re seriously missing out. Go beyond Paris, and you’ll discover the true heart of France. You can expect a more authentic experience and less crowded spaces. Families can introduce their kids to French culture and traditions.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Cultural Differences
Coming to France with a consumer is king personality is not a great idea. It can lead to false expectations.
The French have a different approach to the service industry. It’s not that the locals or the service workers don’t like you or that they don’t respect you. It’s just that they are not very smiley, which is common in American-style service.
Always be polite and respect the cultural differences, and you’ll have a great time in France.
3. Don’t Overtip
Unlike America, the tipping culture isn’t common or appreciated in France. In most cases, a service charge is already added to your restaurant bills, so large tips are not required.
And of course, not leaving a large tip isn’t considered disrespectful.
4. Don’t Wear the Beret
We know you want to blend in with the locals, but wearing a beret isn’t the way to go. Only tourists walk around with them. In fact, berets help local scammers decide their next target, especially in Paris.
Inside information? The beret isn’t a local to Paris. It originated from the Southwest of France, near the Spanish border.
5. Don’t Eat at Restaurants Near Popular Tourist Hot Spots
We agree — it’s tempting to eat at those fancy restaurants near tourist attractions with an incredibly long and detailed menu. But these places often serve overpriced and mediocre food.
You can find better food with original flavors at a restaurant located in less crowded areas. This is ideal when you’re dining with children.
