A little more
France.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to France: what to know before you go

France is the world's most visited country, and for good reason: Paris, the châteaux of the Loire, the lavender fields of Provence, the beaches of the Riviera, the Alps and some of the world's best food and wine. Fast trains make it easy to combine several regions. It suits almost everyone, from first-time city-breakers to hikers, skiers, wine lovers and families on a road trip.

Where to go

• Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and Notre-Dame, but also walks along the Seine, the hilltop streets of Montmartre, and café life in the Marais and Saint-Germain.
• The Loire Valley châteaux. A river valley lined with Renaissance castles, including Chambord, Chenonceau, built across the river Cher, and Villandry with its formal gardens.
• Mont-Saint-Michel. A medieval abbey on a rocky tidal island off the coast of Normandy, reached by a footbridge.
• Provence. Lavender fields around the Luberon and the Valensole plateau in early summer, hilltop villages such as Gordes and Roussillon, the Roman monuments of Arles and Nîmes, and the Palais des Papes in Avignon.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times for most of the country, with mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, especially on the coast, and many Parisians go on holiday in August, so some small businesses close.

Staying online in France

Mobile coverage is very good in cities, towns and along motorways and rail lines, with 4G and 5G widely available. Signal can drop in mountain valleys, remote rural areas such as parts of the Massif Central, and on some hiking trails. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés, stations and many trains. France is in the EU, so EU roaming rules apply for EU plans; visitors from elsewhere should check roaming charges. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.