19 Useful Apps and Websites for Traveling in France

General Travel

1. C’est la Grève

France is known for its strikes, and C’est la Grève is where you can find all the information you need.

They list all upcoming strikes, including the ones for transportation. So, even if you can’t avoid them, at least you can be prepared.

2. Airalo

Airalo is an app that enables users to buy virtual international SIM cards (or eSIMs). It provides access to low-cost cellular data in over 200 countries, including France.

You won’t have to worry about getting a plastic SIM card or signing up for a long-term contract.

All you have to do is select the data plan that works for you and download the app.

Helpful Tip: Airalo’s eSIMs are only compatible with unlocked phones.

3. Revolut

As an American in France, I’m always monitoring the conversion rates between the Euro and the United States Dollar.

And I’ve been using Revolut for years. It’s an online banking platform that allows me to hold accounts in multiple currencies.

I can exchange money on the app, and I don’t have to worry about added bank or ATM fees.

4. SafetyWing

If there is one thing I never travel without, it’s travel insurance. Not only does it give me peace of mind, but it has also saved me a ton of money.

And while there are tons of options out there, SafetyWing is my preferred option.

They offer affordable coverage with a variety of packages. Some of the options include medical, lost checked luggage, and travel delay.

5. AirHelp

AirHelp is an app that helps travelers get compensation for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights. 

At first, I thought it was a scam. But the airline refused to respond to my emails. Airhelp took care of everything, and I got my money back.

Helpful Tip: They can even get you reimbursed for any hotel expenses.

6. The Fork

The Fork is an online platform that allows users to book tables at restaurants in France. It provides detailed information about the restaurant as well as availability.

But the best part about The Fork is the discounts and special promotions.

In fact, anytime I go out to eat in Strasbourg, I first check The Fork for a discount. I’ve saved so much money that I wouldn’t think of making a reservation without it.

7. Flush

Finding a public restroom is, for whatever reason, impossible in France.

Luckily, there’s an app called Flush to help.

It uses a mapped database to show you the nearest public restrooms.

You might not think you’ll need it until you do, so it’s worth installing it just in case.

8. NordVPN

I travel a lot between the United States and France, and there are a lot of websites that don’t work outside their home country.

I’ve been locked out of my bank account and unable to access websites several times.

Using a VPN solved all these problems.

I’ve tried several different ones, and NordVPN is the best. It’s safe, secure, and affordable. I’ve been using it for years and I love it!

Accommodation

9. Booking.com

Booking.com is my go-to for booking accommodations. It offers a wide selection of hotels, apartments, and hostels throughout France.

On one platform, you can compare prices, check reviews, and make bookings.

But the best feature is their loyalty program.

I signed up several years ago, and I’m now a Level 3 member. This means I get special offers, up to 20% off selected bookings, and sometimes free breakfast.

For traveling in Alsace, it’s the only app I use to find places to stay.

Helpful Tip: Their loyalty program is free.

10. Gites de France

If you want something more authentic, Gites de France is a great alternative. These are local, often family-run, bed and breakfasts.

Each offers a different experience and rarely resembles a large hotel chain.

They have accommodations throughout France, including places you might not find on big chain websites.

Transportation

11. SNCF-Connect

SNCF-Connect is the official app of the French national railway system. The app provides timetables for rail travel, ticket sales, and real-time information.

Unlike third-party sites, there is no booking fee.

I use SNCF-Connect to book all my train tickets. (I also have a few advantage cards that I can’t use on any other platform.)

12. G7

G7 is the best app for finding a taxi in Paris. It’s far better than Uber. The drivers are reliable, and the rates are guaranteed.

I’ve been screwed by so many Uber drivers in Paris that I, now, only use G7. 

Plus, they have a phenomenal booking service. I use it every time I need to get to the airport (either Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly) early in the morning.

13. Uber

Uber is one of the cheapest ways to travel by taxi.

Unfortunately, it’s not available everywhere in France.

For larger cities like Lyon, Paris, and Strasbourg, you’ll have no trouble finding an Uber. But when I was traveling from Colmar to Eguisheim, I was not able to find one.

14. Bonjour RAPT

The Bonjour RATP App is an essential tool if you’re visiting Paris. It’s the easiest way to navigate the public transportation network (trains, metros, buses, and trams). 

They even have maps and timetables that update in real time.

The app has services to make your travels as smooth and stress-free as possible. You can plan journeys, calculate estimated travel times, receive alerts, and buy tickets. 

It even works offline.

Helpful Tip: Every major city has a public transport app. If you plan on visiting Strasbourg, the local transport app is CTS-Strasbourg.

Navigation

15. Waze

Waze is a GPS navigation app that helps users find the fastest routes to their destinations. It provides real-time traffic so you can adjust your plan.

Additionally, Waze offers voice directions and alerts for police presence and speed traps (which are not always easy to spot).

16. Google Maps

Google Maps is my go-to navigation app. It offers street maps, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, and bicycle.

It’s the best all-around navigation app.

17. Maps.me

Maps.me is a mobile app that provides users with offline digital maps. It’s used for finding points of interest and getting directions for traveling by foot, car, or bike.

You can download detailed maps for offline use so you can access them when you don’t have internet access.

This app has been on my phone for years. I find it especially useful for hiking and visiting small villages, like the ones in Alsace.

Language

18. DeepL

The best translation app is, without a doubt, DeepL.

This app can translate text, speech, and images from one language to another. It supports over 100 languages, including French, and can be used on your phone.

DeepL also works offline. All you need to do is download the French and English dictionaries, and you’re good to go.

19. iTalki

If you plan to spend more than a few days in France, I recommend learning some French. It will make your trip far more enjoyable.

And the best app to learn French is iTalki.

I’ve taken over 50 lessons with iTalki, and I love this platform.

In short, it’s private tutoring without the cost. Not only that, but you can find a tutor that fits with your learning style, budget, and time constraints.

You can even get lessons tailored to your trip.

Conclusion

Traveling to France can be a great experience, but it’s important to have the right apps before you go.

From buying train tickets to finding a bathroom, there are a ton of apps that can make your trip that much more enjoyable.

I use all the apps and websites above, and they have all helped me travel around France.

Now, all that’s left to do is pick the apps that work best for you and start planning your trip.

If you’re traveling to Alsace, check out the apps and websites I recommend for traveling around the region.

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Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

• 33 Incredible Things to Do in Lyon, France
• 19 Best Things to Do in Paris this Summer
• 3 Days in Strasbourg – The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)

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