Learn a few words or sentences. It will make your experience much easier and friendly. All the signs are in french, train stations and labelling, so you will need to know at least a few basics, or have easy access to google translate. Also, it is not uncommon for people living in France to only speak their native language, especially in the countryside or more rural regions and learning a few words in the language of the country you’re visiting is always appreciated and seen as polite.

If you visit the big cities, it is well known that there are a lot of pickpockets, so make sure you hold your belongings near your body and it is hard to grab ( a cross body bag is recommended) . Pick pockets are very skilled people who literally steal people’s belongings for a living, so don’t overestimate yourself by thinking you’ll notice if it happens to you. They tend to hang around the main tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Champ Elysees, Notre-Dame etc where people are already distracted by other things.

Trains are the most effective and quickest way to get around in France. While being one of the most extensive networks of train systems (TGV), you can travel from one area to another in just a few hours, while being comfortable and making it affordable. In most cities, public transport such as tramways and buses are very accessible and easy to catch.

However, if you venture outside the main cities and go more in the backcountry, a car of some sort of reliable vehicle will be needed for your everyday needs as buses or trains are not very common and hard to find.

The plug sockets in France are 230V and 50Hz so it’s good to have an adapter. I recommend the universal adapter which allows you to travel with only one adapter instead of many different adapters from different countries. It is a bit more expensive but definitely worth it in the long  run as you save money from having to buy many different ones. 

If you love good food and even better wine, France is definitely the right place for you. Food culture is something very important in French culture, and they are definitely proud of it. They definitely have a superior take on baked goods, coffee and bread. At every corner you will find a coffee shop with plenty of tables outside to take the time to sip your espresso or for people watching (my favourite).

In France, food is a way to spend quality time with loved ones, to catch up and to come together. They don’t rush to eat and eating on the go is not really a thing.

France is known worldwide for its rich and sophisticated food culture, which has a long history and has influenced culinary traditions around the globe. The French take their food seriously, and meals are often seen as an important social occasion to be savored and enjoyed with family and friends.

One of the hallmarks of French cuisine is its emphasis on high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. French chefs take great pride in the quality and freshness of their produce, meats, and cheeses, and many ingredients have protected designation of origin (PDO) status, meaning they must meet strict criteria to be labeled as such.

France is famous for its bread, with a wide variety of types and flavors available, from crusty baguettes to hearty sourdough loaves. Cheese is another staple of French cuisine, with hundreds of varieties available, from creamy Brie to pungent Roquefort.

French cuisine is also known for its sauces, which can be complex and time-consuming to prepare. Classic French sauces include béchamel, hollandaise, and velouté, among others.

In France, mealtimes are typically structured around a series of courses, starting with an apéritif (a pre-dinner drink) and moving on to a starter, main course, cheese course, and dessert. Wine is often served with meals, and French wine is considered among the best in the world.

Tipping in France is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service.

I definitely recommend enjoying this part of the trip, as exploring and trying food will make your whole travel experience an amazing memory.

The official currency in France is the Euro. Make sure to exchange your currency before your trip, or withdraw money from ATMs once you're in France.

If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you do not need a visa to enter France. However, citizens of some other countries may need a visa. Check with the French embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa requirements.