page-header

France

  1. Home
  2. Europe
  3. France

France

France occupies a mythic place in the eurocentric consciousness. No country is more grand, opulent, dramatic, or tragic. It’s the idea of France and the French way of life that is ever enticing; life is full of adventure, passion, and love. The French appetite for living and living well is what enchants the rest of the world.

With diverse landscapes, medieval towns and abbeys, stunning architecture, high mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines, and never-ending lavender fields, France is perhaps the most majestic country in Europe.

Though we’ve both traveled throughout France, we’ve only traveled to Paris together.

This post links to products and services we love, which we may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!! – Sabrina and Kati

France Travel Guide, France | Moon & Honey Travel

France Basics

Official Name: République française (French Republic)

Capital: Paris

Government: Unitary Semi-presidential Republic

Regions: Mainland France is divided into 13 administrative regions. France also has 5 overseas regions. Until December 31, 2015,  the country was divided into 22 administrative regions.

  • Metropolitan Regions: (1) Grand Est, (2) New Aquitaine, (3) Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, (4) Burgundy-Franche-Comté, (5) Brittany, (6) Centre-Val de Loire, (7) Île-de-France, (8) Occitania, (9) Hauts-de-France, (10) Normandy, (11) Pays de la Loire, (12) Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), and (13) Corsica
  • Overseas Regions: (1) French Guiana, (2) Guadeloupe, (3) Martinique, (4) Mayotte, and (5) Réunion

Population: 67 Million

Official Language: French

Currency: Euro

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping isn’t obligatory in France. In a fine restaurant, you can tip up to 5% for exceptional service. In a casual dining setting, €1 to €3 is sufficient.

Water Quality: Tap water is safe to drink throughout France.

Something Interesting: You can legally marry a dead person in France. If there is sufficient proof that the deceased had the intention of wedding their partner while alive, a French person can receive permission from the French president to marry posthumously.

 
background

On ne fait pas d’omelette sans casser des œufs.

 

 

 

French Proverb

You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.

Where to Go in France

Click the dots to explore specific destinations
Destinations
@moonhoneytravelers
Follow us on Instagram
  • Sunrise in the Karwendel Mountains. The weather forecast predicted early afternoon thunderstorms, so we woke up extra early and started hiking at 5:30 am. Seeing the sunrise as we crested the Mandlscharte was like entering heaven. After a long and difficult 9-hour stage, we arrived at @solsteinhaus in rain. Luckily, the thunder never came. The highlight of this incredible day was meeting @clarazijlstra and @jaqi_sta - two brilliant and talented women who radiate passion and warmth! Hope to see you both again! 💛💛💛
  • Italian Dolomites Tip: Skip Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) and Lago di Sorapiss and hike to Lago di Coldai instead for a crowd-free alpine lake experience.
  • The 6-stage Karwendel High Trail was one of the highlights of our summer. This hut-to-hut hiking trail traverses part of the Karwendel Mountain Range in Tirol, Austria. Tips for hiking the Karwendel Höhenweg: - Make reservations for huts 3-5 months in advance. - Hike the trail east to west. It’s more common to hike in the other direction, but we think the trail unfolds more beautifully if you hike east to west. - Hike to Speckkarspitze peak on Day 2 and Kleine Stempeljochspitze peak on Day 3. - Bring climbing gloves for securely and comfortably grasping steel cables. We’ll be publishing a Karwendel High Trail Trekking guide next week. Let us know if you have any questions about the route.
  • Kati and I decided to hop over the border to explore the Pala Group for a few days and we’re so grateful and overjoyed to be here. This magnificent range has something for everyone: easy valley walks to alpine pastures, grueling peak climbs, via ferratas, and so much more. The Alta Via 2 traverses the range as well, which is making us miss our dear friends @susielambie and @jored7 who we met while hiking the AV1 last year.
  • On top of Slovenia. @feelslovenia @triglav.national.park
  • Eagle Walk Stage 22, Lechtal Alps, Austria. The trail starts out gently, descending loamy terrain across grassy slopes. After several water crossings, the grueling ascent to Grießlscharte commences. The hike up Langkar cirque is relentless and unforgiving! It feels like it’ll never end. Luckily, the final stretch is semi-vertical and secured with cables, delivering you hastily to the Scharte. As soon as we reached the ridge, we howled at the wind, feeling strong AF. This trek was unforgettable! We hope more international hikers will discover the beauty and remoteness of the Lechtal Alps.
Posts about Europe