Why spend money on apps when you have plenty of amazing, and mostly French, free apps and websites?
My name is Carole and I am French. I was born and raised in Paris, and I want to help you have a good time in France! As a Parisian and the founder of Test Your French, I’ve experienced traveling in France firsthand.
All the pictures in this article are from my personal collection.
This article will share the best free apps and websites for traveling in France. These are the ones that most French people actually use for their day-to-day activities when planning a trip in France. Read on and enjoy France like a local! You don’t to pass the B2 French test to have fun!
Drawing from my experience, I’ll share my insider knowledge with this breakdown of the must-have apps and websites to navigate France like a local! This article has lots of information. Use the table of contents to find what you’re looking for. Grab a drink or a hot beverage (like un café?) and get ready for a good read!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Any money I earn from this blog helps keep it running. I appreciate your support!
Table of Contents
Best free apps and websites for traveling in France: planning your trip
01. Skyscanner (website): I’ve found that it’s the most comprehensive website to compare flights, hotels, and car rentals all in one place for convenient trip booking.
02. AutoEurope (website): I always use AutoEurope for renting cars. I only had one incident. It was in the South of France at Avignon with Europcar. Many clients had to book somewhere else because there were no car available. AutoEurope did a good job helping me with that. It’s never a 100% reliable but it’s my favorite car rental company.
03. and 04. SNCF Connect & Trainline (websites): I love taking trains in France. You can see all the different French landcaspes. Get window seats if you can. There are two main online providers:
- 03. SNCF Connect: The official website and app of the French national railway company, SNCF, for booking train tickets WITHIN France.
- 04. Trainline: A British company that allows users to compare and book train tickets across Europe.
PRO TIP: Check airlines as well as trains because it can sometimes be cheaper to fly (and faster).
Best free apps and websites for traveling in France: navigating France
05. Google Maps (website and app): I prefer google maps. I had a bad experience with Waze in Nîmes (a city in the South of France). It took me through very narrow streets instead of the easy wider road close by. Never again! I also prefer google maps because it offers driving, walking, cycling, and public transport directions.
PRO TIP: Download offline maps before your trip for worry-free navigation.
06. Uber (app): in my experience, Uber is still often cheaper than French apps like G7. I’ve had bad surprises with G7 with a big difference between their estimate and the final price. You can also try the French company LeCab or the French cooperative VTC officiel (prices vary).
Best free apps and websites for traveling in France: navigating Paris
07. Bonjour RATP (app): I mostly use this app to purchase tickets and passes [1] Each city has its own public transport system and website. Let me know in the comments if you need more info on one of them.
You can also get our cool bundle with a lot of info on where to go in Paris to have the best time!
Best free apps and websites for traveling in France: finding things to do EVERYWHERE in France
08. TimeOut France (website): I love this website. It’s a very good guide to events, activities, and attractions in the biggest French cities.
09. Le Fooding (website and app): Le Fooding is my go-to website when I am looking for trendy restaurants, cafes, and food markets. A friend of mine used to work there. I know it’s legit!
10. Airbnb Experiences (website and app): I always check Airbnb experiences when I go to a new city. I love meeting new people and be guided by locals. There is a lot to choose from, including cooking classes, wine tastings, and guided tours.
PRO TIP: Book online before your trip for the main museums because it can be sold out quickly. You will also avoid waiting outside as much. Each museum has its own booking platform.
Best free apps and websites for traveling in France: three bonuses
Bonus 1: Communication
- Google Translate (website and app) or DeepL (website): I like Deepl better but both apps translate text and speech.
PRO TIP: Say that you want to practice your French if you are learning French and want to practice! Otherwise, most people will switch to English (to pratice their English). Also, here are some useful French for travel phrases for you!
Bonus 2: Financial Transactions
- Wise (website and app): I use Wise everywhere. It’s very convenient to transfert and converts money with low fees. I also have a debit card that is very convenient.
PRO TIP: Get a Wise debit card for convenient spending in Europe without additional fees (and the card is free with this link). Order the card before your trip to ensure it arrives on time.
Bonus 3: Carpooling
- BlaBlaCar (website and app): I used this carpooling French company a few times. I met nice people, both drivers and other carpoolers. And I got to my destination. BlablaCar is big now with 100 millions members all over the world. It’s a good way of meeting locals and travel for cheap. It can sometimes take more time than expected if the driver has a lot of stops to make. It’s an experience by itself.
Best free apps and websites for traveling in France: Last tips
- Downloading essential apps and offline features beforehand.
- Consider a local SIM card for more reliable data access (check if your phone is blocked beforehand). A lot of people seem happy with Airalo (cheap and simple to set up). I personally prefer Google Fi which has a fairly inexpensive option for phone and internet service while traveling in most countries.
Et voilà ! This is the end of this article on the Best 10 free apps and websites for traveling in France! To get ready, you can also get our cool bundle with a lot of info on Paris!
What did you think? Please let me know in the comments if this article has been helpful. What other information or recommendations would you like? I’m always looking for ways to help you have the best experience in France!
Here’s how to pay for the subway in Paris with your smartphone:
- Download the Bonjour RATP app
- Create an account and follow the instructions (you will need to download another app for the Navigo activation and to turn on the NFC option)
- Add your Navigo card: If you have a physical Navigo card, you can add it to your account.
- Purchase tickets or passes: Use the app to buy Navigo Easy (single tickets) or Navigo Découverte (weekly/monthly passes).
- Tap to go: After purchasing a ticket or pass, you can tap your smartphone on the turnstile to validate your journey.
Note: To use this method, you’ll need an iPhone 7 or later version or an Android phone that supports NFC (Near-Field Communication).
FAQ about Traveling in France
What is the best time to visit France?
France is a beautiful country to visit year-round, but climate change has made seasons less predictable. Summer (June-August) typically offers warm weather and long days. But you might encounter unexpected heat waves or rain showers. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) can be delightful with pleasant temperatures. But be prepared for occasional showers or cooler days. Winter (December-February) is traditionally a magical time with festive markets and winter sports. You may experience milder temperatures or snowfall variations due to climate change.
What is the official language of France?
French is the official language of France. Sign-up for FREE and start testing your French skills today to prepare for your trip!
What is the currency used in France?
The euro (€) is the official currency of France. You can find a useful app for dealing with foreign currencies exchanges (Wise) in the article above on the 10 Best free apps and websites for traveling in France.
What is the best way to get around France?
France has an excellent public transportation system. It makes it easy to get around. Trains are the most efficient way to travel between cities, while buses are a more affordable option. Within cities, you can use public transportation like the metro, bus, and tram. For short distances, walking or cycling is a great way to explore. You can find the best free apps and websites for traveling in France in the article above.
What are some must-see attractions in France?
Some of the most popular attractions in France include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the French Riviera.
What is the etiquette in France?
The French are known for their politeness and appreciation of good manners. It’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It’s best to always say “Bonjour” (Hello) and “s’il vous plait” (please). Learn all about French history, culture, and etiquette with my free email series. It’s like a mini-crash course in all things French and it’s a MUST before your big trip!
What is the typical French cuisine?
France is a gastronomic paradise. It offers a diverse range of regional specialties that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage. From the hearty stews of the north to the delicate pastries of the southwest, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud:
–North: Indulge in the classic moules-frites (mussels and fries) or savor the comforting flavors of potjevleesch, a hearty stew.
–East: Delight in the savory quiche Lorraine or the Alsatian tarte flambée, a thin-crust pizza-like treat.
–West: Discover the sweet and savory delights of crêpes and the buttery kouign-amann, two iconic Breton pastries.
–Central: Savor the hearty coq au vin or the classic beef bourguignon for a taste of French comfort food.
–Southwest: Indulge in the hearty cassoulet or the decadent foie gras, a French delicacy.
–South: Experience the vibrant flavors of ratatouille, a colorful vegetable stew, or the rich seafood stew bouillabaisse from Marseille. Don’t forget to try aioli, a garlic mayonnaise sauce that complements various dishes.
Beyond these regional specialties, France is renowned for its delicious cheeses, pastries, and wines. Each region has its own unique offerings, so be sure to explore and savor the local flavors during your travels. You can find Le Fooding in the article above. It’s one of the best free apps and websites for traveling in France.
How safe is France for tourists?
France is generally a safe country for tourists. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in cities.
What is the visa requirement for visiting France?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit France for short stays (less than three months). However, it’s essential to check the visa requirements for your specific country before you travel.
What is the best way to learn French before my trip?
There are many online resources and language schools available to help you learn French before your trip. You can also practice speaking French with native speakers or by watching French movies and TV shows. You can also check our very useful article with a lot of French for travel phrases!
How can I test my French before going to France?
Try our FREE online quiz and see how well you know essential French travel phrases! Test Your French Skills for FREE!
