How To Reach France From India

France is one of the most open and forward-thinking societies of the world that began trailblazing way back in history. It is a European country that crops up in every English history class. The French are known for their wines, women and clothes. Paris is the lover’s capital of France, and the Eiffel Tower dominates its symbolism. France is a spellbinding trip from many small and big towns to coastal seaside resorts of the French Riviera and islands that are simply gorgeous. So, here, planning a France trip from India is just a click away. If you are not yet planning, start planning right now. Below is a detailed guide regarding different ways to reach France from India.

Also Read: France Travel Guide – Explorez la France!

How To Reach France From India By Air?

There are many international airports in France, but among those, the Roissy – Charles de Gaulle in Paris is the only one that caters to flights from all countries. Most international flights bring passengers to France. Air France facilitates all these. However, the airport also caters to other major airlines. Especially, it caters to the ones that form the SkyTeam Alliance, like Korean Air, Alitalia, Dutch KLM, Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines. Moreover, the airport also has a separate terminal for chartered flights.

Additionally, you can find some airports outside of Paris in cities like Bordeaux, Nice, Nantes, Toulouse, Lille, Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand. Nevertheless, most of these cater to flights coming in from western Europe or Africa. If your flight has a delay on either of these continents, then you may be able to land in the cities mentioned above. From there, you can start your vacation instead of in Paris. 

France is a popular tourist destination. So, it should not be a challenge in finding direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Also, if you have enough money, you can pick flights with breaks and choose to spend lavishly in France instead of spending on the tickets. Generally, it takes 9-10 hours to reach France from India. Nonetheless, the time can vary based on whether there are any stop-overs or random delays. 

Also Read: France Visa For Indians

How To Reach France From India By Sea?

Many ferries connect France and England across the English Channel. Among those, Calais to Dover is the most popular one. Alongside this, there are plenty of other such services to Brittany or Normandy from England. The other popular routes by water are Boulogne to Folkestone and Saint-Malo to Weymouth. Other links to the Channel Islands are Ireland and the North African coast include Sete – Tangier, Marseille – Tunis and Marseille – Algiers. You can also avail a service from Corsica to Genoa in Italy.

Boat rides and cruises are often memorable experiences. Do you want your trip to have another layer of adventure to it? If yes, then you should travel to France via cruise. Keep in mind that you will find a range of cruises that sail from Mumbai. These cruises not only just take you to France, but its neighbouring countries as well. Contrarily, if you are travelling within Europe, you can also take a ferry to France. Connect with any of the following ferry travel companies – that is all you have to do.

• DFDS
• P&O Ferries
• DFDS Seaways
• Brittany Ferries
• LD Lines

Also Read: 10 Best Cruises in France – Elegance, Charms and Wonders!

How To Reach France From India By Rail?

Eurostar, a dedicated railway service, shuttles passengers between France and other European destinations, such as London, Brussels, Belgium, Amsterdam etc. Nationally, you can travel by train in France and make an interesting picturesque journey out of your trip. Moreover, during the winter months, there are many ski trains between London and the French Alps. There is no need to pre-book in advance, normally in France. However, make sure to do so at least a day or two before departure (especially in tourist seasons).

Many international trains are there that offer service from the channel ports and Paris to different destinations throughout Europe. Eurostar is one such type of service providing the company with connections from London to Paris and Brussels. You can expect a journey of around 2 hours and 15 minutes to Paris from London and 2 hours until Brussels. The Channel Tunnel or “Chunnel” is the fastest way to reach France from England. You can also avail of direct rail service with the help of Eurostar from London to Avignon, and Lyon and Marseille along with ski trains to the Alps during winter.

There are many popular rail systems by which you can travel to France from any European country, for example, the EuroRail, Eurostar, IZY, Thalys and Eurotunnel. Also, you can travel to France via certain intercity trains that leave for all European cities.

Also Read: Know the Best Time to Visit France – Bon voyage les amis!

How To Reach France From India By Road?

Travelling to France is even possible by road from any of its neighbouring countries. Eurotunnel commutes cars, bicycles, motorcycles, coaches, minibuses, caravans and campervans. It shuttles all these between Calais in France and Folkestone in Kent, England. Not more than 35 minutes is required to complete the journey.

Also, there are buses operated by Eurolines or any similar companies that help you to get into France. If you are driving down from any of the countries that share borders with France, you can rent a car and visit the country. The French countryside is probably a different kind of beauty than the English countryside and breathes with the sweetest sighs of vineyards and olive trees as you go south.

Also Read: Is France open for Indian tourists? – With the Most Latest Updates!

Transportation In France

There are many ways by which you can travel in France. Look at the following list to know about the many ways:

1. By Air
2. By Car
3. By Train

1. By Air

France houses many domestic airports that connect a myriad of cities within one another. Air France is the most popular airline to facilitate such travels. Also, you may find a few other budget-friendly airlines like Ryanair, Hop, Air Corsica, Twin Jet, EasyJet, Eastern Airways, Hex’Air and Heli Securite. Did you know you can also travel via helicopter by booking tickets with Nice Hélicoptères? Alongside these, you can also find seats available on Air Austral, XL Airways and Air Caraibes. 

Also Read: France Travel Tips – Have a perfect France Vacation 🙂

2. By Car

The easiest way to get around France is by car. It is because they let you control your departure time, level of comforts and stops along the way. If you want to travel via car, you must rent one from a rental company. After renting a car, you must present all the required documents. Alamo, Avis, SIXT, and Hertz are some popular rental companies in the country. However, if you like backpacking and would rather carpool with other travellers, you should consider companies like BlaBlaCar and Covoiturage. Some French startups like DriveMe also let passengers rent cars for one-way travel for a mere Euro. 

It is advisable not to hitch-hike through France as people rarely stop for strangers on the road. 

Also Read: 10 best beaches in France – Why not relax and explore?

3. By Train

France’s rail system is quite reliable. And, using trains is a very convenient way to get around the country. There are several regular and high-speed trains that you can choose from, they are:

• TER (Train Express Regional) – These trains are the backbone of the SNCF, and you will find them stopping at nearly every city. They are highly reliable but a bit slow. You can use Eurail and Interrail passes to get on the TER.
• TGV (or inOui) – These are high-speed trains and are quite famous. What makes them so special is that they run several times in a single day, allowing you to have some flexibility in your schedule. Especially if you are travelling during the peak season, you must make reservations in advance to get on this train.
• OUIGO – These trains are often called a low-cost version of inOui. OUIGO trains are perfect for travellers travelling with a budget, and their tickets start at just 10 euros.

While looking through your options, you may also find a few intercity trains that require a reservation in advance. The biggest perk that comes with travelling to a popular destination is that you won’t find it hard to get around, even if you do not speak the language. There are systems called set systems with features like online booking via websites.

If you are planning to travel during the peak or shoulder seasons, you should make it a point to book everything at least one month before your vacation dates. Even so, if you are travelling to France during the winter, you can get away with last-minute reservations too.

Also Read: 10 Best National Parks in France – Adventure, Thrill and Nature!

Tips Regarding Travel from India to France

1. It is always better to know a bit of the French language.
2. Check the weather before travelling to France.
3. Travel in Spring or Fall.
4. Enjoy the local cuisines of France.
5. Have fun in the most beautiful parks in Paris, France.

Also Read: 10 must-see cities to visit in France for Indian families

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Travel from India to France

Now as you have got to know all about travelling to France from India, wait no more and pick up your bags. Also, now that you know about the transport system in France, explore our packages to find the best locations for your trip. Visit Pickyourtrail to find some of the best pre-packaged France packages and France honeymoon packages. Moreover, you can also customise your own France itinerary or choose any International tour packages which suits you the most.