Travelling in France: 12 mistakes to avoid

In short: the most common mistakes in France are easy to avoid: book the big sights in advance, don’t turn up at a restaurant at 3 pm, remember Sundays, don’t rent a car for Paris, always say “bonjour” and watch out for scams around the monuments. Here are our 12 tips.

1. Not booking the big sights

The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel in high season: many sites use timed slots. Without a booking, you risk a long wait, or not getting in at all.

2. Forgetting French school holidays

During French school holidays, trains fill up, prices rise and sites get crowded. Check the calendar before setting your dates (see When to visit France).

3. Arriving at a restaurant at the wrong time

In France, lunch is around noon and dinner from 7:30-8 pm. In between, many kitchens are closed: head to brasseries or places with all-day service instead.

4. Forgetting that Sunday is quiet

Many shops are closed on Sundays, and some museums close one day a week (often Monday or Tuesday). Check before planning your days.

5. Renting a car to visit Paris

Traffic, scarce and expensive parking, low-emission zones: in Paris and the big cities, the metro and walking are far more efficient. Only rent a car for the countryside (see Renting a car in France).

6. Not saying “bonjour”

When you walk into a shop or café, or approach someone, always start with “bonjour” (or “bonsoir” in the evening). It’s the foundation of French politeness, and it changes the welcome completely.

7. Misunderstanding tipping

Service is included in restaurant prices. A small tip for good service is appreciated but not expected, unlike in some countries.

8. Falling for classic scams

Around the big Paris monuments, watch out for fake petitions, the shell game and strangers offering help at cash machines. Keep your belongings close on the metro and in crowded places.

9. Not validating your ticket

On the metro, buses and trams, validate your ticket for each journey and keep it until you exit: inspections are frequent and fines are high.

10. Taking a fake taxi at the airport

On arrival, don’t follow people offering taxis in the terminal. Use the official taxi rank, a ride-hailing app or a pre-booked transfer (see Paris airport to city centre).

11. Paying in your home currency

When a card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency rather than euros, choose euros: the conversion offered is almost always worse.

12. Overloading your itinerary

France is big and rich: two or three regions enjoyed properly beat ten cities in a rush. Allow two to three nights per stop (see our France itinerary).

For a stress-free trip

Also consider travel insurance, an eSIM to stay connected and booking your accommodation early in high season. All our practical tips are in Travel in France.