Practical guide · Tourism in France
Last updated: October 2026 · By the Traveler.sa team · Reading time: 6 minutes
France is one of the European destinations Saudi travellers ask about most: Paris for landmarks and shopping, the Riviera for the sea and the Alps for nature. In this guide we plan a balanced week for you and explain the best time to travel, the approximate cost and what to prepare before the trip.
Short answer
Saudi citizens need a Schengen visa to enter France. One week is enough for Paris plus one or two days on the Riviera, and the best time is April to June and September to October.
Destination card
Quick facts about France
These are the key facts you need before planning, all general and up to date as of October 2026.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa | Short-stay Schengen visa, applied for through the France-Visas platform followed by a biometrics appointment |
| Currency | Euro; one euro is roughly 4.2 riyals |
| Time | Two hours behind Saudi Arabia in winter and one hour in summer |
| Electricity | 230 volts, type C and E plugs |
| Flights | Direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Charles de Gaulle Airport, about 6.5 hours |
| Emergency | 112 |
Figures and timelines are approximate and may change, and the visa decision rests with the embassy alone.
First
France visa for Saudis in brief
1. Online application
You start by completing a short-stay Schengen visa application on the France-Visas platform, choosing tourism as the purpose and entering your trip dates.
2. Preparing documents
The main ones are a valid passport, a bank statement, a letter from your employer, approved medical insurance covering the whole stay, and flight and hotel bookings. A well-organised, clear file reduces the chance of being asked for extra documents.
3. Biometrics appointment
Once the application is complete, you book an appointment at the visa centre in Riyadh, Jeddah or Khobar to submit your passport and fingerprints. Processing usually takes around two weeks depending on the embassy and the season, so apply early before summer and holidays.
Second
Best time to visit France
Spring
April to June
Mild weather, gardens in bloom and fewer crowds; the best fit for Paris and the Loire Valley.
Summer
July and August
Riviera season with the sea and long days, but it is the most expensive and crowded time, so book early.
Autumn
September and October
Calmer atmosphere and better prices than summer, ideal for cities, shopping and day trips.
Ready-made plan
7-day France itinerary
This plan suits a first visit for families or young travellers, and it can be shortened to five days by dropping the second Riviera day.
| Day | Destination | Suggested plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris | Arrival, a stroll along the Seine and the Eiffel Tower at sunset |
| 2 | Paris | The Louvre in the morning, the Tuileries Garden, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe |
| 3 | Versailles | The Palace of Versailles and its gardens, then back for an evening river cruise |
| 4 | Paris | Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, then shopping at Galeries Lafayette |
| 5 | Disneyland or Mont-Saint-Michel | A family day at Disney, or a day trip to the rocky island in Normandy |
| 6 | Nice | High-speed train or a domestic flight, then the Promenade des Anglais and the old town |
| 7 | Nice and Monaco | A half-day trip to Monaco or the village of Èze, then departure |
Third
Top tourist attractions in France
We picked the places that are truly worth your time, with the reason to visit each one and roughly how long it needs.
| Place | Why visit | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower | The symbol of Paris and the best view of the city; book your climb slot in advance | 2–3 hours |
| Louvre Museum | The world's most famous museum, home to the Mona Lisa; a timed booking saves queueing | Half a day |
| Palace of Versailles | The palace of the French kings and its vast gardens; avoid Mondays | Full day |
| Montmartre | The artists' quarter with a panoramic view of Paris from the hill | 3 hours |
| Mont-Saint-Michel | An abbey on a rocky island in Normandy, with unforgettable tides around it | Full day |
| Promenade des Anglais, Nice | A long seafront on the Mediterranean, best in the early morning | Half a day |
Fourth
Where to eat in France
Halal restaurants are plentiful in Paris, especially in the 11th arrondissement, Belleville and near the Arab World Institute, and Lebanese, Moroccan and Turkish options are easy to find. In Nice, halal restaurants are concentrated near the old town and the train station. Always ask about halal certification, and check the ingredients of French desserts, which may contain gelatine. For a French breakfast, try small bakeries in the morning; they are cheaper and tastier than hotel restaurants.
Fifth
Approximate cost of a 7-day trip
The following figures are approximate for the summer season (July and August) in Saudi riyals, and include flights from Riyadh or Jeddah and a 3–4 star hotel in Paris and Nice.
| Item | Young travellers (per person) | Couple (two people) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flights | 3,000–5,500 | 6,000–11,000 |
| 6 nights' accommodation | 2,300–4,200 | 4,600–8,400 |
| Daily food | 1,200–2,100 | 2,400–4,200 |
| Transport and trains | 500–900 | 1,000–1,800 |
| Activities and entry | 400–900 | 800–1,800 |
| Approximate total | 7,400–13,600 | 14,800–27,200 |
Flights from Riyadh and Jeddah are similarly priced, and direct tickets are usually more expensive. Prices are approximate and depend on when you book.
Sixth
Getting around Paris and between cities
The easiest way to get around Paris is the metro. A single ticket costs about €2.55, and the weekly Navigo pass costs €32.40 and covers all zones, including the airports, Versailles and Disney, according to the 2026 Île-de-France Mobilités fares. Between cities, use the TGV high-speed train and book early for better prices. If you plan to rent a car in the countryside or on the Riviera, get an International Driving Permit before you travel.
Seventh
Checklist before travelling to France
- A Schengen visa for France: start your application at least a month before you travel.
- Approved medical insurance for the whole trip, a requirement of the Schengen file.
- A provisional flight and hotel booking to attach to the visa file.
- A Europe eSIM that works in France and neighbouring countries.
- Comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for evenings even in summer.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about tourism in France
Do Saudis need a visa for France?
Yes, they need a short-stay Schengen visa, applied for through France-Visas followed by a biometrics appointment at the visa centre. The final decision rests with the embassy.
How many days are enough to visit France?
One week is enough for Paris and Versailles plus two days on the Riviera, and 10 days lets you add Normandy or the Alps.
What is the best month to travel to France?
May, June and September are among the best months: pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Are halal restaurants available in Paris?
Yes, they are plentiful in areas such as Belleville and the 11th arrondissement, and in Nice near the old town.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in France?
If you will rent a car, an international permit is usually required along with your Saudi licence; check with the rental company before booking.
Our services
Prepare your trip with us
Official sources for further reading
France-Visas, the official French visa platform · France's official tourism website · Paris transport fares 2026
Travelling to France?
We prepare your Schengen visa file and book your biometrics appointment in Riyadh, Jeddah or Khobar, along with insurance and provisional booking.
Note: entry and visa requirements may change, and the final decision on the visa rests with the embassy alone. Check official sources before you travel.