The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): These bullet trains travel over 300 km/h, getting you from Paris to Nice in just 6 hours. Crucially: All TGV trains require a mandatory seat reservation, which can sell out weeks in advance in the summer. We handle this for you.
The Paris Metro: It is incredibly dense and cheap. However, pickpockets operate heavily on lines passing major tourist sites (like Line 1 to the Louvre). Keep your hands on your bags and do not stand right next to the doors.
Keep Your Ticket! Do not throw away your Metro ticket after going through the turnstile. If ticket inspectors ("contrôleurs") catch you without it inside the station, you will be fined €50 on the spot.

In France, the chef is highly respected, and dining is meant to be a slow, savory experience.

The Budget Hack: Le Menu du Jour At lunchtime, almost all bistros offer a "Menu du Jour" (Menu of the Day) which includes a starter, main, and dessert for a fixed, heavily discounted price (often €15 - €22). Always order this instead of à la carte!
No Substitutions: French chefs take pride in their flavor profiles. Asking to swap out ingredients is considered deeply insulting.
Tipping: Service is always included by law ("service compris"). You do not need to tip 15-20% like in the US. Leaving €1 - €2 per person on the table is a nice gesture for good service, but not required.

France's weather is temperate, but the crowds fluctuate wildly.

Spring (April-May): "April in Paris" is famous for a reason. The cherry blossoms bloom, the café terraces open up, and the weather is perfect for walking.
Summer (July-August): The south of France (Riviera) is packed with beachgoers and celebrities, and prices skyrocket. In Paris, many locals leave for vacation, and some smaller restaurants close for the month of August.
Autumn (Sept-Oct): Harvest season! The best time to visit the wine regions. The weather is crisp, and the summer crowds have disappeared.

Save hours of waiting in line with the right documentation and passes.

Schengen Visa: A valid Schengen visa issued by France (or the country you enter first) is required. Ensure you apply at least 45 days in advance during peak season.
The Paris Museum Pass: The ultimate time-saver. This pass grants you access to over 60 museums (including the Louvre, d'Orsay, and Versailles). Crucially, it provides skip-the-line privileges, allowing you to bypass the massive ticket lines that wrap around the buildings.

L'art de Vivre

Our French Itineraries