About
France is one of the most diverse and culturally rich destinations in Europe, making it a dream destination for Indian travellers planning a European holiday. From the romantic streets of Paris and historic castles of the Loire Valley to the glamorous French Riviera and scenic Alpine towns, travelling to France offers art, architecture, fashion, food and unforgettable experiences. With excellent connectivity from India, easy rail travel within the country, Indian-friendly hotels and vegetarian food options, France is ideal for first-time Europe visitors as well as repeat travellers. This guide highlights the best places to visit in France, immersive experiences, and essential planning information to help you plan your perfect France trip with ease.
France is located in Western Europe and is bordered by countries such as Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy, with coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The country features diverse landscapes including beaches, rolling countryside, vineyards, river valleys and the French Alps. France experiences four distinct seasons, making it suitable for travel year-round, depending on the experience Indian travellers are seeking.
The official currency of France is the Euro (EUR). Indian travellers can exchange INR to Euros in India or withdraw cash from ATMs widely available across cities. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted, but small cafés and markets may require cash. Contactless payments are widely used, making transactions easy for tourists.
France is well-connected to India with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Paris. Major international airports include Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly. Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa, typically processed within 15–20 working days. Average flight duration from India to France is around 8–10 hours.
Visa applications are submitted through VFS
All documents must be provided in A4 size
Do not staple any documents
Applicants should regularly check the VFS / Embassy website for updates, as requirements may change without prior notice
Passport must be issued within the last 10 years
Valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay
Must contain minimum 2 blank pages
All old passports are mandatory
The following are not accepted:
Handwritten passports
Passports with observations
20-year validity passports
Online visa form only (manual forms not accepted)
Must include barcode pages
Complete form must be printed and signed
Visa application receipt (2-page barcode document) must be printed and submitted
Applicant’s mobile number and email ID are mandatory
2 recent colour photographs (not used previously)
Size: 35 mm × 45 mm
Matte finish, white background
80% face coverage, neutral expression
No sunglasses, spectacles, caps, or hats
Religious head coverings permitted
Full front face clearly visible
Photocopy of valid USA / UK / previous Schengen visas (if applicable)
Personal covering letter addressed to:
The Visa Officer, Embassy of France
Must state purpose, duration, expense details
Must instruct passport dispatch after approval
Travel insurance as per Schengen norms
Minimum coverage: €30,000
Dates must match ticket
Day-to-day travel itinerary
Confirmed return air ticket / live PNR
Confirmed hotel booking
Hotel name, address, phone, email
Original personal bank statement for last 3 months
Income Tax Returns for last 3 years
Final COVID-19 vaccination certificate
Employment certificate / NOC
Salary slips for last 3 months
Company covering letter
Company bank statement (3 months, sealed & signed)
Income tax proof (3 years)
Company registration documents
Leave letter or report card
Student ID copy
Sponsorship proof / accommodation proof
National Schengen sponsorship form
Retirement proof
Pension statement (3 months)
Income proof (if applicable)
Marriage certificate or card
Wedding photographs
If travelling alone or with one parent:
Notarized NOC
Parents’ passport copies
Embassy may request additional documents or interview
Handwritten or observed passports are not accepted
Photo must be full-face front view with 70–80% coverage
Sunglasses, masks, or face-covering veils are not permitted
Appointment booking
Documentation assistance & scrutiny
Visa fee preparation
Meet & assist for biometrics
Visa submission
Passport dispatch
⚠️ Document discrepancies may require a fresh appointment.
Professional assistance is recommended to avoid delays.
Children below 12 years
Applicants unable to provide fingerprints
Heads of State / senior officials on official travel
Airport Transit Visa not required when transiting without exiting airport
Short-stay visa required to enter France
Processing Time
Approximately 15 working days
Submission: Monday – Friday
Collection: Monday – Friday
Visa Section: Monday – Friday
Applicant (with original receipt), or
Authorized representative
Authorization letter required
ID proof required
Passport delivered by courier
Courier charges applicable
One passport per shipment
The best time to visit France for Indian travellers is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. Summer (July–August) is peak tourist season, especially in Paris and the French Riviera, while winter is ideal for Christmas markets and Alpine skiing. Budget travellers can find better deals during shoulder seasons.
Book flights & accommodation early — Advance bookings usually get better prices.
Use public transport — Metro, trams, and buses are far cheaper than taxis; consider day/week passes.
Stay outside city centres — Hotels or Airbnb in suburbs are often significantly cheaper.
Eat like a local — Try bakeries, street food, or lunch menus instead of expensive restaurants.
Carry a reusable water bottle — Tap water is safe; avoid buying bottled water frequently.
Visit free attractions — Many museums/landmarks offer free entry days or discounts.
Avoid currency exchange at airports — Use cards or withdraw from ATMs for better rates.
Shop smart for souvenirs — Buy from local markets instead of tourist-heavy areas.
Use tax refunds (VAT refund) — Eligible non-EU tourists can claim refunds on certain purchases.
Plan itineraries efficiently — Group nearby attractions to save transport costs and time.
Travel Documents: Passport, visa copies, tickets, hotel bookings, insurance, and document backups.
Money Essentials: Credit/debit cards, some Euros in cash, and a secure travel pouch.
Seasonal Clothing: Pack according to weather — layers/jacket or winter wear; comfortable walking shoes.
Smart Casual Outfit: Suitable attire for restaurants, museums, or formal outings.
Electronics: Phone, chargers, power bank, camera, and a universal travel adapter (Type C/E).
Medications: Personal prescriptions plus basic medicines for fever, cold, and motion sickness.
Toiletries & Care: Travel-size toiletries, sanitizer, sunscreen, lip balm, and reusable water bottle.
Food Items: Light ready-to-eat Indian snacks and instant beverage sachets (optional).
Travel Accessories: Umbrella/rain jacket, earphones, luggage scale, and day backpack.
Emergency Preparedness: Extra photos, digital copies of documents, and important contact details saved.
Strasbourg lies in eastern France near the German border and blends French and German influences. It is famous for its UNESCO-listed old town, half-timbered houses, canals and European Parliament.
Colmar is a picturesque town in eastern France along the Alsace wine route. It is known for colourful medieval houses, canals and storybook scenery.
Dijon is located in eastern France and is the historic heart of the Burgundy wine region. It is known for mustard, vineyards, grand palaces and medieval architecture.
Bordeaux lies in western France near the Atlantic coast and is world-famous for wine production. The city offers elegant riverfronts, classical architecture and vineyard tours.
Nantes is located on the Loire River in western France and blends maritime history with modern creativity. It is known for art installations, historic castles and river cruises.
Rennes is the capital of Brittany in western France and offers medieval streets, half-timbered houses and a strong cultural identity.
Lyon is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in central France. Known as France’s gastronomic capital, it also offers Roman ruins, Renaissance old town streets and scenic hilltop viewpoints.
Orléans lies on the Loire River in central France and is deeply connected to French history. It is famous for Joan of Arc heritage, Gothic cathedrals and proximity to Loire Valley castles.
Clermont-Ferrand is located in central France within a volcanic region. It is known for black lava-stone architecture, scenic landscapes and access to the Auvergne volcano parks.
Paris is located in northern France along the River Seine and is the cultural, fashion and art capital of the country. It is home to iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Champs-Élysées and world-famous museums and cafés.
Lille lies close to the Belgian border in northern France and features Flemish-influenced architecture. It is known for its historic old town, vibrant student culture, museums and charming city squares.
Rouen is a historic city in northern France along the Seine River, famous for its medieval streets and Gothic cathedral. It is closely associated with Joan of Arc and offers rich Norman heritage.
Nice is located on the French Riviera along the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for pebble beaches, Promenade des Anglais, turquoise waters and access to Monaco and coastal villages.
Marseille lies on France’s southern coast and is the country’s oldest city. It offers a vibrant port, multicultural atmosphere, historic forts and access to Calanques National Park.
Cannes is a glamorous seaside town on the French Riviera. It is famous for the Cannes Film Festival, luxury boutiques, sandy beaches and yacht-filled harbours.
Avignon is located in southern France along the Rhône River. It is known for its medieval city walls, Papal Palace and cultural festivals.
Explore major highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre (photo stop), Notre-Dame, Montmartre and Champs-Élysées with a guided city tour. Pre-booking ensures smooth sightseeing and skip-the-line access; ideal timings are 09:00–13:00 or 09:00–17:00, starting from Paris.
Enjoy panoramic views of Paris from one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Timed entry tickets must be pre-booked, with visits usually between 09:30–22:45, starting from Paris.
Sail past illuminated monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre-Dame on a relaxing cruise. Cruises operate throughout the day, with popular evening slots from 18:00 onwards, starting from Paris.
Visit one of the world’s largest museums housing the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces. Timed tickets are essential, typically between 09:00–18:00, starting from Paris.
Explore the opulent Palace of Versailles, Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens on a half-day or full-day excursion. Tours usually run from 08:00–15:00, starting from Paris.
Discover fairytale châteaux such as Chambord and Chenonceau set amid vineyards and rivers. Full-day tours operate from 07:00–19:00, starting from Paris or Tours.
Experience vineyard visits and wine tastings in the world-famous Bordeaux region. Half-day and full-day tours operate between 10:00–17:00, starting from Bordeaux.
Explore glamorous coastal towns, cliffside villages and Monaco’s luxury sights. Full-day tours operate from 09:00–18:00, starting from Nice.
Visit the iconic island abbey rising dramatically from the sea. This full-day excursion typically runs from 07:00–20:00, starting from Paris or nearby Normandy cities.
Enjoy world-class theme park entertainment, rides and shows perfect for families. Date-specific tickets must be pre-booked; park hours usually run from 10:00–22:00, starting from Paris.
Discover Paris at your own pace with a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus covering major landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre and Opera district. Operating daily from around 09:30–18:30, this flexible tour is ideal for first-time visitors and families, and YourTripTailor can pre-book 24-hour or 48-hour passes with audio guides in multiple languages.
Explore the highlights of the French Riviera with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus in Nice, offering panoramic views of the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, Castle Hill and harbour area. The service typically runs from 10:00–18:00 and is a convenient way to cover coastal attractions comfortably in a short time.
See Marseille’s key sights including the Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, MuCEM and Corniche coastline using a Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass. Tours usually operate between 10:00–17:00, making it an easy and time-efficient option for cruise passengers and short-stay travellers.
Lyon’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus allows travellers to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed old town, Fourvière Hill, riverbanks and cultural districts with ease. Services generally run from 10:00–18:00 and are ideal for understanding Lyon’s geography and history in a relaxed manner.
In Bordeaux, Hop-On Hop-Off buses combine city sightseeing with wine-themed routes covering historic quarters, riverfronts and nearby wine estates. Tours usually operate between 10:00–18:00 and are perfect for wine lovers seeking a flexible sightseeing experience.
