Complete Guide to Self-Guided Travel in France for Beginners
Traveling independently in France allows you to flexibly explore destinations according to your interests, save costs, and experience local culture authentically. Let's see tips for independent travel in France in detail right here.
Tips for applying for a travel visa to France (Schengen Visa)
Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter France. This visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period in France and other Schengen countries. Below are the preparation steps and application submission:
Essential tips for independent travel in France include applying for a visa
Required documents
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months and has at least 2 blank pages.
Visa application form: Fill out the Schengen application form (download from the French Embassy website or TLScontact).
Passport photo: Size 3.5x4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Travel itinerary: Details of the places you will visit, duration of stay, and planned activities.
Flight and hotel booking confirmation: Round-trip ticket and booking invoice.
Travel insurance: International health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR, valid throughout the Schengen area.
Financial proof: Bank statements, savings book (minimum 5,000 USD), or income proof documents.
Employment documents: Employment contract, leave letter (if employed), or student confirmation letter (if a student).
Schedule an appointment at TLScontact (the visa application center for France in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City).
Submit the application directly or by mail (if permitted).
Pay the visa fee (approximately 80 EUR for adults, free for children under 6 years old).
Provide fingerprints and biometric photo.
Wait for results in about 15-30 days (may take longer during peak season).
Tip from NVK Travel: Carefully check your documents to avoid mistakes. NVK Travel provides Schengen visa application support services with a high approval rate, helping you save time and effort.
Prepare the budget for your independent trip to France
The cost of independent travel in France depends on the timing, spending habits, and services you choose. Below is an estimated average cost for one person over 7 days:
Prepare round-trip flight tickets for your independent trip to France
Round-trip flight tickets: 12,000,000 - 20,000,000 VND (depending on the time of booking, airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Air France, or Qatar Airways).
Accommodation:
3-star hotel: 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 VND/night.
Hostel or Airbnb: 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night.
Food: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/day (including dining at casual restaurants and self-catering).
Transportation: 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND (subway tickets, bus, or TGV train between cities).
Entrance fees: 500,000 - 2,000,000 VND (tickets to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace, etc.).
Other costs (shopping, contingency): 2,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND.
Estimated total cost: 20,000,000 - 35,000,000 VND/person for 7 days (excluding luxury shopping).
Suggested itinerary for independent travel in France for 7 days and 6 nights
Below is a reference itinerary for you to explore the highlights in France:
Days 1-3: Paris – The City of Light
Day 1: Visit the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the Champs-Elysees, and admire the Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, enjoy French cuisine at a local restaurant in the Le Marais area.
Day 2: Explore the Louvre Museum (home to the Mona Lisa), Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently under restoration), and take a boat ride on the Seine River.
Day 3: Visit the Palace of Versailles (45 minutes by RER train from Paris) and Luxembourg Gardens.
Days 4-5: Nice – The gem of the Mediterranean coast
Day 4: Travel to Nice by TGV (about 5-6 hours from Paris). Relax at the Promenade des Anglais beach and explore the old town of Vieux Nice.
Day 5: Visit the nearby village of Eze or Monaco. Enjoy the local specialty salade Nicoise and shop at the Cours Saleya flower market.
Days 6-7: Provence – The land of lavender and wine
Day 6: Rent a car or take a bus to Aix-en-Provence. Visit the lavender fields (if traveling in summer) and the local market.
Day 7: Explore Avignon, visit the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon before returning to Paris to conclude the journey.
Visit Provence - The land of lavender and wine
Note: The itinerary can be adjusted according to preferences. NVK Travel offers flexible car rental and tour booking services to make it easy for you to move between cities.
Transportation options for independent travel in France
France has a modern public transportation system, convenient for independent travelers:
Within Paris:
Metro: A system of 16 lines covering the city, ticket price is about 1.9 EUR/ride. Buy a weekly pass (Navigo Semaine) to save costs.
Bus: Suitable for sightseeing, ticket prices are similar to the Metro.
Public bicycles (Velib’): Rental prices start from 3 EUR/hour.
Traveling between cities:
TGV trains (high-speed trains): Connect Paris with Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux. Ticket prices range from 30-100 EUR, so book early through SNCF or NVK Travel.
Long-distance buses (FlixBus): Cheaper than trains, from 15-50 EUR.
Car rental: Suitable for exploring rural areas like Provence. Rental prices start from 50 EUR/day, contact NVK Travel for assistance.
Tip: Download the Citymapper or SNCF app to check schedules and book tickets easily.
French cuisine - Must-try dishes
French cuisine is a world heritage, with famous dishes you should try:
Croissant and baguette: Enjoy at bakeries like Pierre Herme or Poilane in Paris.
Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in wine, a traditional specialty.
Crepe: Thin pancakes with sweet or savory fillings, popular in the Latin Quarter.
Ratatouille: A vegetable stew from Provence, rich in flavor.
Macaron: Famous sweet pastries, try them at Laduree or Pierre Herme.
Suggested addresses:
Le Consulat (Paris): A historic cafe in Montmartre, serving traditional French dishes.
Chez Janou (Provence): A famous restaurant known for ratatouille and local wine.
Must-try dishes in French cuisine
Tips for saving money and cultural notes when traveling in France
Hunt for cheap flight tickets through NVK Travel.
Dine at casual eateries or buy groceries at supermarkets like Carrefour, Monoprix.
Participate in free activities like strolling in parks, visiting churches, or local cultural events.
Greetings: Use "Bonjour" (good morning) or "Bonsoir" (good evening) when entering shops or restaurants.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but if satisfied, you can tip 5-10% at restaurants.
Language: French is the main language, but English is widely spoken in Paris and tourist areas. Learn a few basic phrases like "Merci" (thank you) or "Parlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?).
With over 10 years of experience in international travel, NVK Travel offers a complete and budget-friendly travel experience in France. Whether you choose independent travel or a package tour, we will assist you from visa application, ticket booking, to creating the perfect itinerary.
