France Beach Holidays

You can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visits, or short-term studies.

Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before your arrival date and an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.

At border control, you may need to show proof of travel insurance, sufficient funds for your stay, accommodation details, and a return or onward ticket.

Be prepared for your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, to be registered at the border under the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for short stays.

If your passport is missing an entry or exit stamp, you should show evidence like boarding passes and ask border guards to add the date and location.

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more to avoid having your money seized when you leave.

If you are staying with family, friends, or a third party, you may be asked to provide a welcome invitation ('attestation d'accueil') from your French-resident host.

Keep your passport, credit cards, and other valuables in separate bags or pockets to reduce the risk of theft.

Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked with drugs.

You must be able to prove your identity with a passport or driving licence when asked or within 4 hours at a police station.

Covering your face in public places, such as with a mask or full veil, is illegal and could result in a fine.

Be alert to strong undercurrents and riptides on beaches, especially along the Atlantic coast, and follow local warning flags and lifeguard advice.

The legal alcohol limit for driving is a third lower than in the UK, and police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs.

During winter months in certain mountain regions, your vehicle must be fitted with winter tyres or chains or you could receive a fine.