COUNTRY GUIDE
France
Very different regions, fast trains between them, and people to share the table with.
Studying in Lyon, working in Paris or spending a season in the south: Unmapped helps you find your city, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.
BASICS
Before you go.
- Language
- French
- Regional languages such as Breton, Occitan and Alsatian are spoken too. English is common in big cities and tourist areas, less so elsewhere.
- Currency
- Euro (€, EUR)
- Cards and phone payments are widely accepted, including for small amounts in most places.
- Time zone
- Central European Time, UTC+1
- Summer time (UTC+2) runs from late March to late October. This guide covers metropolitan France; overseas regions use other time zones.
- Power
- Type C and E plugs, 230 V
- Round two-pin plugs. Sockets have a protruding earth pin, and most European plugs fit.
- Getting online
- eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
- Easy to set up, and Wi-Fi is common in cafés and coworking spaces.
- Emergency
- 112
- The European emergency number. 15 (medical), 17 (police) and 18 (fire) also work.
GETTING AROUND
Easy to move, once you know how.
High-speed trains
High-speed trains link Paris with Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Lille and many other cities. Booking ahead usually helps.
Regional trains and coaches
Regional trains and intercity coaches reach smaller towns, including many off the fast lines.
City transit
Paris has a dense metro, and Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and other cities have metro or tram lines.
To Corsica
Ferries and flights connect Corsica with the mainland.
CITIES TO EXPLORE
Where to start.
A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in France through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.
Paris
A capital of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own markets, cafés and rhythm, and a huge cultural life.
Good for · Culture · Work · Longer stays
Find Paris in the app (opens in a new tab)Strasbourg
A city on the Rhine by the German border, with canals, timbered houses and a strongly European feel.
Good for · Culture · Cycling · Students
Find Strasbourg in the app (opens in a new tab)Lyon
A city of two rivers and serious food traditions, with old hillside quarters and the Alps within reach.
Good for · Food · Work · Weekends away
Find Lyon in the app (opens in a new tab)Marseille
A port city on the Mediterranean, diverse and direct, with the calanques and islands close by.
Good for · Coast · Hiking · City life
Find Marseille in the app (opens in a new tab)Toulouse
A warm brick city in the southwest with a large student population and a strong aerospace industry.
Good for · Students · Work · A slower pace
Find Toulouse in the app (opens in a new tab)Bordeaux
A city of pale stone on the Garonne, close to the Atlantic coast and the vineyards.
Good for · Wine regions · Coast · Cycling
Find Bordeaux in the app (opens in a new tab)
GOOD TO KNOW
Small things that help.
Say bonjour
A bonjour when you walk into a shop or café is expected and goes a long way.
Meal times
Lunch is often between noon and two, and many restaurants serve food only at set times.
Sunday hours
Many shops close on Sundays, though bakeries and markets are often open in the morning.
Every region is different
Brittany, Alsace, Provence, the Basque Country and other regions have their own food, traditions and sometimes languages.
August
Many people take holidays in August, and some city businesses close for a few weeks.
Tipping
Service is included in prices. Leaving a little extra for good service is appreciated, not required.
UNMAPPED IN FRANCE
Arrive knowing someone.
Open your next city before you land, then use it every day you're there.
Meet people before you move
Open Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.
Ask the City Chat
Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about neighbourhoods, coworking spaces or where to find a good market.
Join or host something
Find meetups and day trips, or host your own, like a hike in the calanques near Marseille, a market morning in Lyon or a dinner in Paris.
Travel together
Share your route from Paris to the south, or post a Buddy Plan for a weekend trip, a class or a night out.
FAQ
Questions about Unmapped in France.
Can I use Unmapped outside Paris?
Yes. You can explore any city in France through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The cities on this page are just a few places to start.
Does this guide cover the overseas regions?
No. This guide is about metropolitan France, including Corsica. The overseas regions have their own time zones and practicalities.
Can locals use Unmapped too?
Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.
Can I explore a city before I arrive?
Yes. Open your next city, see who is arriving, join the City Chat and share your travel plan before you land.
Do I need to speak French?
No. Unmapped is in English, and City Chats are a good place to ask for help or to find a language exchange.
Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.
Sources & information
Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)
Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
FRANCE WITH UNMAPPED
Explore France with Unmapped.
Find your city, meet people there and join or start something. Available on iPhone and Android.