Travel Guides

How To Get Around France (What Actually Works) France is one of the easiest countries in Europe to move through but the reality is, there isn’t one “best” way. I spent just over a month travelling France by car with my dog Roly, moving from the north down the west coast before crossing into Spain. That wasn’t the fastest way to do it but it was the way that made the most sense for how I travel: working remotely travelling with a dog moving at a pace that allows places to actually deepen At the same time, France is much bigger than one single route. The way you move between each changes the experience completely: the Atlantic coast the south of France eastern cities like Strasbourg inland hubs like Lyon You can read more in my France travel guides.  Table of Contents The Key Insight: Movement Shapes the Trip Getting Around France by Car Getting Around France by Train Flying Within France Ferries & Crossing from the UK Getting Around France Without a Car Regional Differences (West Coast vs South vs East) Taxis, Uber & Local Transport Can You Travel France Without Speaking French? What Actually Matters When Choosing The Key Insight: Movement Shapes the Trip France isn’t difficult to navigate but it isn’t neutral. The way you move determines whether your trip feels: connected or fragmented flexible or fixed fast or lived-in Driving along the west coast of France, the journey between places became part of the experience. Rouen to Rennes felt different from Rennes to Nantes. Nantes to La Rochelle shifted again; more open, more coastal. But that’s just one version of France. Take a different route: Nice to Marseille → Mediterranean, faster pace, coastal density Lyon to Chamonix → mountains, altitude, longer drive effort Strasbourg to Colmar → compact, storybook towns, short distances Same country. Completely different movement logic. That’s why transport choice matters more here than people expect. Getting Around France by Car (Where It Works Best) I chose to drive across France because it removed friction. Travelling with a dog and running a business means: you need flexibility you need control over timing you can’t rely on rigid schedules Driving allowed me to: leave places when I wanted stop in small towns without planning adapt routes based on work or energy Where driving is strongest Driving is the best option when you’re covering: 1. The West Coast (Atlantic route) Rouen → Rennes → Nantes → La Rochelle → Bordeaux → Biarritz This is where France opens up. Distances are manageable, but trains don’t connect the smaller towns cleanly. 2. The South of France (spread-out coastline) Between: Nice Cannes Saint-Tropez You can take trains but driving gives you access to: beaches outside main towns hilltop villages in Provence quieter coastal stops 3. Rural & mountain regions Areas like: French Alps Dordogne are difficult without a car. Distances aren’t huge but transport is limited. What driving actually costs Typical (2026): Car rental: €30–€70/day Fuel: €1.70–€2.00/litre Tolls: €10–€30 per long motorway stretch Parking: €10–€25/day in cities Tolls (péage system) France’s motorway system is fast but paid. ticket on entry pay on exit card accepted everywhere Toll roads = faster, direct. Non-toll = slower, more scenic Where driving becomes unnecessary Cities like: Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg are fully walkable. Once you arrive, the car becomes secondary. Getting Around France by Train (Where It’s Better) France’s rail system is one of the strongest in Europe. If your trip is city-focused, trains are often the better choice.  Where trains outperform driving Long-distance city connections Paris → Bordeaux (~2 hours) Paris → Lyon (~2 hours) Paris → Strasbourg (~2 hours) High-speed lines make these routes significantly faster than driving. Where trains struggle coastal routes with smaller towns rural areas mountain regions For example: getting between Atlantic towns without a car = slower + indirect Provence villages = difficult without driving Costs €20–€120 depending on timing booking early matters Operator: SNCF Travelling with a dog on trains Small dogs (<6kg): carrier (~€7) Larger dogs: ticket + muzzle required Possible but not seamless compared to driving. Flying Within France (When It Makes Sense) Flying only works when distances are large. Example: Paris → Nice This is one of the few routes where flying can save meaningful time. But even then: Train = more central and less fragmented Flight = faster in the air, slower overall Ferries & Crossing from the UK If you’re starting from the UK: Eurotunnel 35 minutes stay in your car Operator: Eurotunnel Le Shuttle You can read more in my guide London to Rouen: Our First Road Trip Stop (With Roly in the Front Seat).  Ferry slower more route flexibility (Normandy, Brittany) Operator: Brittany Ferries You can read more in my guide Ferry to France from the UK (With a Car).  Getting Around France Without a Car France is very manageable without driving, if structured correctly. Works best in: Bordeaux Lyon Strasbourg Nice Everything becomes walkable and connected. Becomes harder in: Atlantic coast routes rural Provence mountain regions This is where transport gaps appear. Regional Differences (What Changes Where) This is the part most guides miss. France doesn’t move the same everywhere. West Coast (Atlantic) more spread out fewer direct train links driving makes the route feel connected South of France (Mediterranean) denser coastline train options exist driving adds flexibility for beaches and villages East (Alsace & Strasbourg) compact well connected easy by train or short drives Alps scenic but slower requires more planning driving is often essential Taxis, Uber & Local Transport In most cities: Uber is widely available trams and buses are efficient taxis exist but are less flexible Realistically: Walking and occasional Uber covers most needs. Can You Travel France Without Speaking French? Yes. In cities, English is widely spoken. In smaller towns, less so but still manageable. What changes the experience isn’t fluency. It’s approach. A simple “bonjour” shifts everything. What Actually Matters When Choosing After travelling France for a month by car, the difference wasn’t convenience. It was structure. Driving gave: flexibility continuity control over pace Trains gave: speed simplicity Flights removed: everything in between Final Thought France is easy to navigate but the experience isn’t created by transport. It’s created by how you move through it. Driving lets the country unfold gradually. Trains compress it into key moments. Flights skip the transitions entirely. And in France, those transitions are often the best part. For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full France Travel Guides.

West Coast of France Road Trip (From the UK) After finishing my UK road trip, I left London with Roly in the front seat and crossed into France via the Eurotunnel. What started as a simple move into Europe quickly became something more defined: a full west coast drive down France, following the coastline from Normandy all the way to the Basque Country, before crossing into Spain. The route unfolded like this: London → Folkestone → Calais → Rouen → Rennes → Nantes → La Rochelle → Bordeaux → Biarritz → Spain Not rushed. Not overly planned. Just moving south, one stretch at a time. Table of Contents Route Overview Northern France: Rouen & Normandy Brittany: Rennes Nantes La Rochelle Bordeaux The Basque Edge: Biarritz & Anglet (Before Spain) How to Structure This Road Trip Driving the West Coast of France Dog-Friendly Travel on This Route The Key Insight: This Route Isn’t About “The Coast” On a map, the west coast of France looks like one continuous line. In reality, it doesn’t feel like one route at all. Each section shifts: Normandy feels historic  Brittany feels creative and lived-in The Atlantic coast opens up into something lighter and more spacious The Basque edge starts to feel closer to Spain than France You’re not just following a coastline. You’re moving through different versions of France, gradually. Route Overview (North to South) The most natural way to drive this route from the UK is straight down the western side of the country: Calais → Rouen → Rennes → Nantes → La Rochelle → Bordeaux → Biarritz Drive times stay manageable, mostly between 1.5 to 4 hours, and the route avoids unnecessary zig-zagging inland. The key is not to treat every stop equally. Some places are transitions. Others are worth slowing down for. Northern France: Rouen & Normandy (The Entry Point) Your first stop after crossing into France shapes the tone of the entire trip. For me, that was Rouen. After the structured efficiency of the Eurotunnel and motorway driving, Rouen immediately softened things. Cobbled streets, gothic architecture, cafes spilling onto pavements. It felt historic, but still very liveable. Compared to what comes later on the route, Rouen is: more contained more traditional less about lifestyle, more about atmosphere It’s a good reset point after leaving the UK. Best for: easing into France, short stays, first stop after crossingDrive: Calais → Rouen (~3 hours) Brittany: Rennes (Creative, Social, Lived-In)  Driving from Rouen to Rennes, the shift is noticeable. Rennes doesn’t feel like a “classic” French destination in the same way Rouen does. It feels younger. More creative. More social. Canal walks, weekend markets, courtyard bars, small conversations that turn into evenings. Compared to Rouen: less historic intensity more everyday energy easier to settle into This is where the trip starts to feel less like visiting and more like living. Best for: longer stays, social energy, creative citiesDrive: Rouen → Rennes (~4 hours) Nantes: A Transition City That Grows on You Nantes sits between Brittany and the Atlantic coast, and it behaves like a transition in more ways than one. It doesn’t immediately pull you in the way Rennes does. It takes a bit more time. But that’s exactly the point. Nantes is: more urban more spread out less instantly charming Compared to Rennes: less cosy more functional slightly harder to “read” at first But once you settle into it; markets, small local moments, restaurants, shops it starts to work. This is a good example of a place that rewards time rather than first impressions. Best for: 2-3 night stops, breaking the journey south Drive: Rennes → Nantes (~1.5 hours) Atlantic Coast Begins: La Rochelle (Where the Route Opens Up) This is where the trip shifts properly. Driving into La Rochelle, you feel the space change. The air feels different. The light softens. The pace drops. Compared to Nantes: more open more coastal less urban pressure But also: quieter slower less structured days La Rochelle isn’t about constant movement. It’s about: market mornings harbour walks cooking at home slower routines This is where the route becomes less about cities and more about lifestyle. Best for: slower travel, coastal reset, reflective staysDrive: Nantes → La Rochelle (~2 hours) Bordeaux: Where Everything Comes Together Bordeaux is where the route clicks into place. After La Rochelle’s slower pace, Bordeaux brings energy back, but in a controlled, liveable way. It’s one of the few cities on this route that balances: structure lifestyle social energy workability Compared to La Rochelle: more dynamic more layered easier for longer stays Compared to earlier stops like Rouen: less historic weight more modern flow Chartrons, Bastide and the riverfront aren’t the whole of Bordeaux, but they’re the areas I spent most of my time in, and they give a good sense of how the city functions day to day. Best for: digital nomads, longer stays, balanced city lifeDrive: La Rochelle → Bordeaux (~2.5–3 hours) The Basque Edge: Biarritz & Anglet (Where France Starts to Shift) The final stretch down to Biarritz and Anglet feels like a transition into something new. The coastline becomes: wilder more surf-driven more internationally influenced Compared to Bordeaux: less structured more lifestyle-led more ocean-focused Biarritz brings: energy restaurants social life Anglet offers: space beaches calmer living And just 30 minutes further south, Saint-Jean-de-Luz starts to feel like the bridge into Spain. This part of the route doesn’t feel like “ending France.” It feels like moving into the next chapter.  Best for: coastal living, surf culture, final stop before SpainDrive: Bordeaux → Biarritz (~2.5–3 hours) How to Structure This Road Trip (Realistic Timing) If you only have 7 days, don’t try to cover the full west coast. On paper it looks manageable. In reality, you’ll spend more time driving, checking in and out, and adjusting than actually experiencing each place. Instead, focus on 2–3 stops and let the route breathe. Two options that work well: Option 1 (North to Mid Coast) Rouen → Rennes → Nantes → La Rochelle This keeps drive times short and lets you move gradually into the coast without rushing. Option 2 (Mid to South Coast) La Rochelle → Bordeaux → Biarritz This is the stronger option if you want a more lifestyle-led trip; coastal pace, better weather, and places that support longer days. In both cases, aim for: 2–3 nights per stop minimal moving days time to settle into each place The trip improves the moment you stop trying to “complete” the route and start choosing the part of it that actually fits your time. 10–14 Day Version (Balanced) Stay longer in: Rennes (2–3 nights) La Rochelle (2–3 nights) Bordeaux (3–5 nights) Use: Rouen + Nantes as transition points 2–3 Week Version (Best Experience) This is where the route works properly. You can: build routines settle into places move without rushing The difference between 10 days and 3 weeks isn’t distance. It’s depth. Driving This Route: What Actually Matters The sweet spot for drive days is 2–4 hours Motorways are smooth, but tolls appear (cards accepted) Leaving the motorway = small towns, limited services Refuel earlier than you think you need to Parking in historic centres is rarely straightforward And most importantly: Don’t move every day. This route improves the moment you stay longer in fewer places.  Dog-Friendly Reality (With Roly) This route is one of the easiest I’ve done with a dog. Dogs are welcomed in cafes, restaurants, shops Coastal towns make daily routines simple Cities like Bordeaux and Rennes are extremely accommodating The biggest difference isn’t rules. It’s how naturally dogs are integrated into daily life. Final Thought The west coast of France isn’t a checklist of destinations. It’s a progression. You start in historic cities. You move into creative, social spaces. You reach the coast, where everything opens up. And by the time you arrive in the Basque region, France is already starting to shift into something Spain. That’s what makes this route work. Not the places individually, but how they connect. Without forcing it, the road slowly changes the way you move through your days. For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full France Travel Guides.

Ferry to France from the UK (With a Car) – Ferry vs Eurotunnel Guide If you’re planning a ferry to France from the UK, especially with a car, the first question is usually: Should I take the ferry or the Eurotunnel?  When I left London to begin my European road trip with Roly, my cockapoo riding shotgun in the car, I chose the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. Why? Because I was travelling with a dog, carrying my entire life in a Mini One, and starting a long-term road trip; speed and simplicity mattered more than the crossing experience. But that doesn’t automatically mean the tunnel is “better.” It depends entirely on your route, budget, timeline and whether you’re travelling with pets. This guide breaks down both options clearly so you can choose what works for your journey. Table of Contents My Experience Crossing from the UK to France Ferry vs Eurotunnel – Which Is Better? Ferry Routes from the UK to France Cost Comparison: Ferry vs Tunnel Taking a Car on the Ferry Travelling With a Dog (Ferry vs Tunnel) When to Book for Cheapest Fares Is Ferry or Tunnel Faster? My Experience Crossing from the UK to France I drove from London to Folkestone the night before my crossing to remove the pressure of same-day travel. That was one of the best decisions I made. The following morning, after a short drive to the Eurotunnel terminal, the process began. First came main check-in at the booth, followed by the dedicated pet check where Roly’s microchip and documents were scanned. From there it was UK passport control, then EU passport control, before entering the departure lanes. Everything was structured and efficient, but it isn’t instant. Give yourself at least 90 minutes, especially if you’re travelling with a dog. Inside the Eurotunnel, you stay in your car. The crossing takes 35 minutes. No seas, no walking decks, no weather factor. Just industrial efficiency. You can read more about the Eurotunnel journey in my Travelling to Europe with a Dog from the UK Guide. For me, starting a long-term road trip, that simplicity mattered, but ferry crossings offer something different. Let’s compare properly. Ferry vs Eurotunnel – Which Is Better? Eurotunnel (Folkestone → Calais) Pros: Fastest crossing (35 minutes) You stay in your car No sea conditions to worry about Very straightforward for pets Frequent departures Cons: Often more expensive at peak times Only one arrival point (Calais) Less scenic / less “travel experience” For a long road trip with Roly, staying in the car and minimising stress won. Ferry (Multiple UK Ports → France) Pros: Multiple arrival ports across northern & western France Often cheaper if booked early Ability to walk around, eat, work Some overnight sailings available More flexible entry points (Normandy, Brittany) Cons: Slower crossing times Disembarkation can take longer Weather dependent Pet policies vary by operator If you’re heading to western France or Brittany, ferry routes can actually reduce total driving time once you land. Ferry Routes to France from the UK There are multiple ferry routes depending on where you want to land in France and this decision matters more than most people realise. Dover → Calais (approx. 90 mins) Dover → Dunkirk (approx. 2 hours) Portsmouth → Caen (5–6 hours) Portsmouth → Le Havre Portsmouth → St Malo (8–12 hours) Newhaven → Dieppe (approx. 4 hours) At first glance, Dover → Calais looks like the obvious choice because it’s the shortest but that’s not always the most efficient route. When I crossed via Eurotunnel into Calais, I still had a 3-hour drive to Rouen which meant a full travel day before I’d even properly arrived. If you’re heading to: Normandy / Rouen → Caen or Dieppe makes more sense Brittany / West Coast → St Malo removes a huge drive The ferry takes longer, but it can reduce your driving time significantly once you land. How to Choose (This Is the Bit That Matters) Don’t choose based on crossing time. Choose based on where you land vs where you’re going next. Short crossing + long drive → more tiring overall Longer crossing + shorter drive → often easier If you’re doing a short France road trip, arriving further west (Caen / St Malo) usually creates a smoother start. But Calais (and the Eurotunnel or ferry) has clear advantages too, especially when travelling with a dog. Calais also works perfectly to kick-start your full west coast road trip. Cost Comparison: Ferry vs Tunnel Pricing fluctuates heavily by: Season Time of day Demand How far in advance you book General guidance (car + 1 driver, off-peak): Eurotunnel: £100–£200+ one way Dover–Calais ferry: £60–£150 one way Peak summer prices can rise significantly for both. If budget is your priority, ferries often win, especially midweek. Taking a Car on the Ferry Taking a car on the ferry from the UK to France is simple. You’ll: Drive onboard Park where directed Leave the vehicle during the crossing Important: You cannot usually access your car mid-crossing Secure valuables before leaving Note your deck number Disembarkation can take 20–45 minutes depending on traffic flow. With Eurotunnel, you remain in your car the entire time. For some travellers, that comfort matters. Travelling With a Dog (Ferry vs Tunnel) This is where the decision can shift. Eurotunnel: Dog stays in your car Quick pet document check No separation required This is why I chose it. Ferry: Some routes require pets to remain in the vehicle Some offer pet lounges Longer crossings may offer pet cabins Policies vary by operator You’ll need: Microchip Rabies vaccination Animal Health Certificate (or valid EU Pet Passport) For full details, see: Travelling to Europe With a Dog From the UK  When to Book for Cheapest Fares To get the best price: Book 6–10 weeks in advance for peak season Travel midweek if possible Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday returns Compare operators directly Prices increase sharply closer to departure in summer. Is Ferry or Tunnel Faster? On paper: Eurotunnel is faster. In reality: If you live near Portsmouth or plan to explore western France first, a ferry may save driving hours once you land. If you’re starting a long-term European road trip and want efficiency, Eurotunnel is hard to beat. It depends on your route. Final Thought The crossing isn’t just transport, it sets the tone for your journey. For me, the 35-minute Eurotunnel crossing with Roly marked the beginning of a year on the road. For you, it might be a slower ferry crossing with coffee on deck and sea air in your face. Both get you to France. The better option is the one that fits your route, your timing, and how you want your journey to begin. For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full France Travel Guides.

Travelling to France from the UK (2026 Guide) If you’re planning travel to France from the UK in 2026 whether flying, taking the Eurostar, ferry, or driving; here’s what you actually need to know. I’ve done this route personally, driving from London to Rouen via the Eurotunnel with Roly my dog in the front seat, and later continuing across France and into Spain. This guide combines: Entry rules Visa reality ETIAS Driving requirements Insurance Food restrictions The 90/180 rule All in one place with the practical nuance you only understand once you’ve done it. Table of Contents France Entry Requirements for UK Citizens (2026) Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for France? ETIAS Explained (When It Applies) Driving to France from the UK (Documents Checklist) UK Car Sticker Rules for France Travel Insurance Requirements How Long Can You Stay in France? (90/180 Rule) What Food Can You Take to France from the UK? France Entry Requirements for UK Citizens (2026) UK citizens can enter France visa-free for short stays. You can stay: Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. Your passport must: Be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date Be less than 10 years old on the date of entry When I crossed from Folkestone to Calais by car via the Eurotunnel, passport control was efficient but thorough. UK exit. EU entry. Questions were minimal, but documents were checked properly.  Border officers can ask for: Proof of onward travel Accommodation details Evidence of funds Travel insurance You can also explore my guide Ferry to France from the UK (With a Car) if you're opting to travel to France by ferry.  As part of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), non-EU travellers (including UK passport holders) may now have their biometric data recorded on entry. This can include fingerprints and a facial image, replacing traditional passport stamping at many Schengen borders. Most short tourist trips pass smoothly. But if you’re starting a longer European journey, they will look more carefully. Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for France? For short stays under 90 days, no. You only need a visa if: You’re staying longer than 90 days You’re working in France You’re relocating You’re applying for residency If you’re planning a longer move, you’ll need a long-stay visa (VLS-TS). ETIAS Explained (When It Applies) ETIAS will apply to UK travellers visiting the Schengen Area once it launches. When active: You’ll need to apply online before travel Pay a small fee Receive approval valid for multiple trips It is not a visa, it’s pre-travel authorisation. Launch timelines have shifted multiple times, so always check official guidance before departure. Driving to France from the UK (Documents Checklist) If you’re driving whether for a holiday or a full road trip, here’s what you need. I drove from London to Folkestone, stayed overnight, then crossed early via Eurotunnel. The process is smooth but structured. Required: Valid passport UK driving licence V5C logbook Proof of motor insurance UK identifier sticker (if not on number plate) You do not need an International Driving Permit. Pet Travel Note If you’re travelling with a dog, you must complete pet check-in before boarding the shuttle. They: Scan the microchip Check rabies vaccination Review the Animal Health Certificate I break this down step-by-step in Travelling to Europe with a Dog from the UK: The Complete Guide. If you’re bringing a dog, read that fully. What It’s Actually Like to Drive in France The moment you roll off the Eurotunnel in Calais, you’re on the motorway within minutes. Driving on the right feels strange for about 15 minutes. Then it clicks. Motorway speed limit: 130km/h (around 80mph) It’s faster than the UK’s 70mph, but enforcement is real. Speed cameras are common, especially near major routes. Motorways are excellent. Service stations are frequent. Signage is clear. From Calais to Rouen, the drive took just over three hours. The biggest adjustment? Thinking in kilometres. UK Car Sticker Rules for France You must display: A UK sticker or A number plate with “UK” and the Union flag Travel Insurance Requirements For short tourist trips, insurance isn’t strictly mandatory but strongly recommended. For longer stays or visa applications, comprehensive medical cover is required. France can request proof of insurance at entry, especially if you appear to be staying longer. The old “GB” format is no longer valid. This is one of the small post-Brexit details people miss. How Long Can You Stay in France? (90/180 Rule) This rule catches people out. UK citizens can stay: 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen countries. It is cumulative. 60 days in France + 30 days in Spain = 90 days used. When I began my long-term road trip, tracking this became essential. Once you’re moving between France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, it adds up quickly. If you overstay: Fines are possible Entry bans are possible Future visas become harder Track your days carefully. You can also consider a digital nomad visa if you plan to base yourself in France for longer.  What Food Can You Take to France from the UK? Post-Brexit restrictions apply. Generally, you cannot bring: Meat products Dairy products Fresh animal-based goods Packaged snacks and dry goods are usually allowed. If you’re stocking up before crossing (as I did in Folkestone), make sure you’re not packing restricted items. Check official DEFRA guidance before departure. Final Thought Travelling to France from the UK in 2026 is straightforward but no longer casual. The differences compared to pre-2020 travel: Passport validity rules 90/180 Schengen limit Vehicle identifier requirements ETIAS (once live) Stricter food restrictions If you’re organised, the process is smooth. When I drove out of London with Roly in the front seat, the systems felt structured but workable. Once you understand the rules, the road opens up. For city-by-city breakdowns and deeper regional planning, explore the full France Travel Guides.