Is it easy to get around France without a car?

With the most extensive train network in Western Europe, France is a great country in which to travel by rail. The national rail company, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer), runs fast, efficient trains between the main towns. Buses cover rural areas, but services can be sporadic, with awkward departure times.



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If you're sticking to the big cities, locals say that trains and air travel are the best ways to get around. But if you want to explore smaller towns and villages (where locals say you'll find many of the best things to do in France, like eating fresh oysters in Cancale), getting a rental car is a good idea.

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Explore rural areas of France by bus Buses are widely used for short-distance travel around cities, and within départements (regions), especially in areas with relatively few train lines, such as Brittany and Normandy. These can be a really useful way of getting around in places where rail travel isn't possible.

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Although nine out ten times, the best way to travel around France is by train, there are a few occasions when a flight is your best bet. Take Nice for example. The fastest flight time from CDG or Orly is 1:20. Figure in transport to the airport, check in, security, etc.

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For a great holiday in France, it is best to plan around 10 days tour. In this, you can cover many important destinations. It means you will get enough time to explore this amazing destination at a relaxed pace. In 10 days, you can spend a few days in Paris.

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The vast majority of visitors to France choose to travel en voiture (by car). However, while driving is often the most convenient and comfortable way to get around – especially if you want to explore the French countryside – it's not always the easiest or even cheapest option.

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Take the (slow) train – Train travel in Europe is cheap and it's the easiest way to get around France. The TGV line can be expensive, but if you get the slow train or have a Eurail pass, you'll save money. Drink wine – In France, the wine is cheaper than water (well, almost!).

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Take the (slow) train – Train travel in Europe is cheap and it's the easiest way to get around France. The TGV line can be expensive, but if you get the slow train or have a Eurail pass, you'll save money. Drink wine – In France, the wine is cheaper than water (well, almost!).

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Your licence is recognised in France for as long as it is valid. Paper licences are usually valid until you are 70. For plastic photocard licences, the expiry date is on the front. If your UK licence has expired, or has less than 6 months' validity remaining, you must exchange it for a French licence.

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Are Taxis Cheaper Than Uber in Paris? Short answer: no. Uber is definitely not cheaper than a taxi, but you're probably talking a euro or so for a 10-minute ride. It's up to you if that euro is worth it to go looking for a taxi.

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The cheapest time to visit Paris is during the off-season — in the winter, before and after the holiday rush, which means early December, January, and February.

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The Cost of Food in France In France, you can expect to spend around €25-40 per day on meals. However, this amount will vary based on a number of factors, including which city you visit and where you choose to eat.

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The Cost of Utilities in France compared to the UK The average bundle of services such as electricity, water, and heating for an 85m² apartment in France can be 30% cheaper than in the UK. I keep referring to the cost of living increase, or 'crisis' as it's often referred to.

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How do you get around the South of France? Public Transport – One of the world's fastest trains can be found in France and runs between all of the South of France's major cities. By bike – France is well known for its bike-friendly culture, and you'll find many good cycling routes here.

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Buses in France is usually the cheapest means of tranport in France. Buses are a good budget alternative to trains, especially if you have plenty of time to get around. There is no national bus service in France so finding the best routes and prices requires a bit of research.

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The best way to travel between French town & cities is by train, in comfort at ground level. France's world-famous TGV travels at up to 199 mph, from city centre to city centre, and if you pre-book direct with the operator you can find some really cheap fares, too.

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In most French cities, public transit generally involves buses and tramways. The networks are usually dense in the town centre, and easy to take. Don't hesitate to ask other students about timetables and stops.

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