How to Reach France from India: Flights, Visa Process & Complete Travel Guide

Have‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ you ever fantasised about having coffee in Montmartre, exploring the Louvre, or walking down the Seine at sunset? Many people feel the same way. France Tourism is an ideal trip for any type of traveller; a trip to Paris with its noisy streets, the peaceful villages of Provence, and the beaches of the French Riviera will enchant you equally. In 2026, it is simpler than ever to uncover this beauty. If you need to know how to reach France from India, then this guide is a bible for your memorable ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌travel.

Flights from India to France: Direct & Connecting Flight Options

Flying‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ is the quickest and most convenient way to get to France from India. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru will take you anywhere between 8 and 10 hours, making it a hassle-free and comfortable way.

Direct Flights vs Connecting Flights

• Direct‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Flights: These are ideal for travellers who get tired due to long travel times and want to get to their destination as fast as possible. A flight from Delhi to Paris is approximately 8 hours, Mumbai to Paris takes around 9 hours, and Bengaluru to Paris is roughly 10 hours.
• Connecting Flights: If direct fares are costly or if you are willing to take a short break in hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Frankfurt, then this will be the right option for you. The travel time will be increased slightly, but a fun little outing can be added to the ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌trip.

Best International Airports in France for Indian Travellers

• Charles‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ de Gaulle Airport (Paris): It is a primary point of entry for the largest number of international flights. The airport provides an excellent train and metro connection not only to Paris but also to other places.
• Orly Airport (Paris): This is a secondary airport, primarily a low-cost airline hub, and is best suited for short domestic flights.
• Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: The perfect entry point if you are headed to the French Riviera, beaches, and sun-soaked towns.
• Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport: Choosing this airport is best if you are going to central France and its charming surroundings.
• Marseille Provence Airport: The gateway to Provence and the south of France, the right choice for the combination of the two – the city and the ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌beach!

Cheap Flights from India to France: Low-Cost Airlines & Booking Tips

Budget carriers like Air India, Air France, Vistara, and Lufthansa often offer attractive fares. Travellers can find tickets starting around €550 (~INR 50,600) if booked during sales.

• Baggage‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ and Seat Fees: Low fares can get you in trouble if you do not check the extra charges for baggage or seat costs, as the fare will increase once you add these.
• Best Time to Book: Generally, good prices can be found if booking is done two to three months in advance, while peak seasons may require four to six months of planning.
• Smart Travel Tricks: The decision to fly mid-week, take a late-night flight, or mix the one-way tickets across different airlines are ways through which you can save money without much effort.

France Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers in 2026

• Before‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ visiting France, an Indian citizen has to get a visa, as there is no visa-free entry available. That is the case in 2026. If you intend to stay in the Schengen area for no more than 90 days, you can get a short-stay Schengen visa. 
• For periods longer than 90 days, a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) is possible. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travellers in France. 
• All applications have to be done online through France-Visas, and then you need to book an appointment to provide your biometrics at a VFS ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌centre.

Entry Options

• Schengen Short-Stay Visa (up to 90 days): Ideal for tourism, business visits, family trips, or short courses. You must provide a valid passport, your travel plan, accommodation details, financial proof, and a confirmed return.
• Long-Stay Visa (more than 90 days): Needed for studying, internships, research, work, or long-term relocation. After reaching France, you must validate your visa online with OFII (the French Office for Immigration and Integration).

Pre-Travel Document Checklist

• Valid passport with at least 3 months’ validity beyond planned exit
• Confirmed return or onward ticket
• Accommodation proof in France
• Approved Schengen or long-stay visa
• Proof of financial means (€615/month for students)
• Travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
• Academic documents and Campus France file (for students)

Arrival in France: Immigration, Customs & First-Time Tips

Immigration Process

• Documents Needed: Passport, visa, accommodation proof, travel plan, and financial documents.
• Waiting Time: Usually 15 to 45 minutes, but it can be longer during peak traffic.

Tip: Keep digital and physical copies handy, and long-stay travellers must complete OFII validation within three months.

Baggage & Customs

• Keep your luggage tags and receipts accessible for quick verification.
• Declare expensive electronics or valuables to avoid customs issues.
• If luggage is missing, report it immediately at the airport before leaving the terminal.

Getting Around

Use official airport taxis, ride-hailing apps, or airport trains like the RER for easy access into the city. Carry some Euros or withdraw cash from airport ATMs after checking the exchange rate. Buy a local French SIM card at the airport for maps, transport apps, and smooth communication.

Top Places to Visit in France for Indian Travellers

Paris: Iconic Landmarks & Experiences

Have you ever dreamed of walking the streets of romance and history? Paris captured the hearts of travellers with its charm, historic streets, and world-class museums, making it one of the best reasons to visit France. From cruising the Seine to enjoying rooftop views, the city offered iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and cosy street cafés that left a lasting impression.

French Riviera & Nice: Sun, Sea & Glamour

Looking for sun, sea, and glamour? The French Riviera charmed visitors with sun-soaked beaches, glamorous towns, and scenic coastal drives, offering the best things to do in France beyond city life. From Nice to Cannes and Antibes, travellers soaked up sun, luxury, and adventure, with day trips to Monaco or Saint-Tropez for added elegance.

Lyon & Central France: History, Culture & Gastronomy

Curious about French history, cuisine, and hidden gems? Lyon and central France enchanted travellers with history, gastronomy, and scenic landscapes, making it one of the must-see cities in France for Indian travellers. Wander through Lyon’s UNESCO-listed old town and nearby villages like Beaujolais, exploring vineyards, historic landmarks, and authentic French culture.

Best Time to Visit France from India: Weather, Crowds & Costs

• Peak‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Season (May to September): If you are looking for ideal weather, buzzing cities, and colourful festivals, this is the best time to visit France.
• Shoulder Season (March to April, October to November): You will have the advantage of fewer people, lower prices, and nice weather for a trip of your own ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌choice.

France Travel Tips for Indians: Transport, Trains & Emergency Info

• Domestic‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ travel in France is made fast and easy by low-cost airlines.
• Usually, the best prices for TGV (high-speed train) or Intercités train tickets can be obtained if you book them online 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
• If you travel on a weekday, you will be able to save money and stay away from the huge crowds.
• It would be wise to always have the following emergency numbers close at hand: 112 for general help, 17 for the police, and 15 for medical ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌assistance.

Conclusion: Plan Your India to France Trip with Confidence in 2026

It‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ has never been simpler to plan the trip you want! France tourism has everything you would want to experience as a traveller in Paris, the French Riviera or Lyon. With straightforward advice on flights, visas, and local travel tips, you are free to take off on your adventure with confidence. In case you are thinking about how to reach France from India, this guide is like sunshine for your trip, full of incredible moments and no stress at ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌all. If you prefer a hassle-free trip, plan your journey with France tour packages from Pickyourtrail, which include personalised itineraries to see what suits your budget and travel style.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to reach France from India?

The fastest way to reach France from India is via direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, taking 8–10 hours.

Can Indian travellers reach France without a visa?

No, Indian travellers cannot reach France without a visa; a Schengen or long-stay visa is required.

Which season is ideal to reach France from India?

The ideal season to reach France from India is May to September for perfect weather and lively festivals.

What are the best airports to use to reach France from India?

You can reach France from India via Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice Côte d’Azur, Lyon-Saint Exupéry, or Marseille Provence airports.