France Travel Guide

Plan your trip to France

Choose a city and airport first, then compare airlines and routes.

Metropolitan France is in Western Europe, with Paris as its capital. Distinguish the exact airport and check the travel-document requirements for European France and overseas territories separately.

Capital
Paris
Currency
Euro / EUR
Common language
CLDR territory-language data records commonly used languages including French, English, Spanish. Usage varies by region; CLDR population figures are estimates.
Time
Metropolitan France uses IANA time zone Europe/Paris (UTC+1 standard time; UTC+2 during daylight saving time). Overseas departments and collectivities use their local time zones; confirm the destination airport’s local time.

Major airports in France

Compare location, airlines and ground transport to choose the most convenient airport for your trip.

Airlines for travel in France

An airline’s hubs can determine whether your trip is nonstop or requires a connection.

Airlines, codes, key hubs and networks for travel in France
AirlineCodeKey hubsNetwork
Air FranceAFCDG / LYS / BOD / FSC / CAY / CLY / ORY / AJA / BIQ / FDF / NCE / PTPAir France provides fare-specific baggage guidance; use the partner carrier’s rules when it operates the flight.

How to travel around France by air

What to expect when flying between cities or connecting after an international arrival.

Flying between cities in France

  • Check baggage against your fare on domestic flights
    Air France notes that baggage allowance depends on the fare and that its guidance applies to Air France-operated flights. Check the partner carrier’s rules when it operates your flight.

Arriving from another country

  • Use France-Visas for your personal requirements
    The French Foreign Ministry directs travelers to the France-Visas Visa Wizard to check visa types and documents for their circumstances. Confirm applicable documents before departure.

Popular cities to visit in France

Open an airport guide to compare airlines, nonstop destinations and practical travel information.

International routes to France

Compare arrival airports and plan for time zones, baggage and onward connections.

Popular international flight routes to France
RouteArrival airportRegion
JFK to CDGCDGUS
LHR to ORYORYGB
FRA to NCENCEDE

Before you fly to France

Complete these checks before departure.

Distinguish mainland and overseas document requirements

Check overseas-territory visa requirements separately; do not assume a Schengen visa covers every French overseas territory. Confirm mixed European and overseas itineraries with French authorities.

Explore France travel information

Continue to detailed pages for cities, airports, airlines and routes.

France flight and airport FAQs

Where should I check French visa requirements?

Use the official France-Visas Visa Wizard for your circumstances and contact the relevant consulate when needed.

Does a Schengen visa automatically cover every French overseas territory?

Do not assume that it does. France-Visas lists overseas requirements separately; check nationality, existing documents and your exact destination.