The 10 Best Apps for Travelers in France [2024]
“Quand on a pas ce que l’on aime, il faut aimer ce que l’on a.” (“When one doesn’t have the things that one loves, one must love what one has.”)
This French proverb sums up the French outlook to be comfortable with what you have and happy with where you are.
That kind of contentment seems to fill the air in France. Many actually go there in search of that sort of happiness.
France is the most visited country in the world. It has found a spot on several best-country rating lists numerous times.
With France’s Michelin-starred restaurants, coastline, seaside towns, vineyards and cosmopolitan cities, it’s no surprise that this European gem is so well-visited and highly regarded.
With so much to see and do, it makes sense to simplify things by using amazing apps.
Fortunately, there’s one for every situation!
Let’s check some out.
Contents
- Citymapper
- RATP
- French English Dictionary
- Flush
- TheFork
- Le Bonbon
- FRANCE 24
- XE Currency
- France Travel Guide Offline
- Brocabrac
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
France is a traveler’s dream.
Paris isn’t called the “City of Lights” without reason. It truly does sparkle. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the Louvre—and every street in between—it’s a grand journey!
There’s more to France than Paris, though.
Beyond Paris, there’s so much to see and experience. The Loire Valley, Provence and Brittany all beckon adventurers. Food, wine, culture and history provide lots of places to see and things to learn.
With so much ground to cover and so many unique opportunities for adventure, certain challenges present themselves.
Mapping routes, buying tickets and catching the right train can be tricky.
Shopping, bartering for goods and understanding currency exchanges are difficulties you’ll likely face.
If you aren’t fluent in French, you’ll need conversational help and suggestions for dining, museums and events.
All of these issues and more can be covered by travel apps. They’re essential for savvy travelers!
There’s even an app to help you find a nearby toilet!
Download some super apps and you’ll be less likely to miss fabulous opportunities—like one-night-only or around-the-block events!
Citymapper
The Citymapper app is award-winning and highly rated. It covers many cities in several countries.
Lyon and Paris are two cities featured on this app, making it an ideal download for anyone traveling to France! Both cities are bustling, but this app makes it easy to determine how to get around with minimum fuss.
Citymapper shows which times of day traffic is most congested. Also, it maps out the most direct routes to anywhere in either city.
It doesn’t stop there, though. The app offers alternate routes so there’s always a choice for users.
Want to swing by a museum on the way back to your hotel? Put an extra baguette in your backpack, choose the most direct route to your hotel and take in some art before you settle in for the night!
Depending on what’s available in each city, the app offers transport options like bicycle and scooter providers or carpool alternatives. If you’re inclined to walk, it provides travel times for that, too.
RATP
Travelers who spend any time at all in Paris will appreciate this app. Even if you’re just landing in the city before moving on to another area, this will help you navigate the public transportation systems in Paris.
Maps. Travel pass information. Bus, metro and tram schedules. It’s all at your fingertips! The app even sends personalized alerts so travelers are aware of potential disruptions on lines they may be using.
And if you’re wondering exactly what RATP stands for, like I was, it’s Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (Autonomous Operator of Parisian Transports).
French English Dictionary
Whether you have no French language skills or are fluent in the language, a solid dictionary can be very helpful. Even in our native languages, we look up word definitions. It’s just logical that we might need to do that in our second language, as well.
In addition to its dictionary function, this app has lists of common words and phrases separated into convenient categories. Shopping, eating out, weather and much more are all available in one spot.
It provides offline audio pronunciation as well as vocabulary quizzes and flashcards. Use it to pick up some French skills!
One super feature (I used this one so I am a bit partial) is its verb conjugator. It eliminates the struggle of choosing the correct verb conjugation. It’s a good way to learn verb conjugations, too.
Flush
Flush has travelers covered when nature calls! It’s a fast, easy way to locate a public bathroom.
It shows the restrooms nearest to your location and even provides immediate directions on reaching those toilets. It indicates if a restroom requires a fee for using it or if you’ll need to obtain a key to gain access.
The app allows users to rate public restrooms, so you should have a good idea about cleanliness and location issues, such as handicap accessibility.
TheFork
TheFork app makes dining in France even more wonderful! (Who knew that was possible?) It’s a snap to find a restaurant, book a table and even get special discounts when they’re available.
The app features suggestions from restaurant chefs, photos of the food served and menu prices. It also gives customer reviews so you can see what others liked—or didn’t—about a particular restaurant dining experience.
This is especially useful for anyone who doesn’t speak French. Using the app eliminates the need to phone in a reservation so you can be sure, regardless of language, that you’ll get a table when and where you want.
Bon appétit! (Enjoy your meal!)
Le Bonbon
Le Bonbon translates into “The Candy,” but fortunately this app gives information on more than just sweet shops!
Use this app to find exciting places to dine, reserve tables at busy restaurants or check prices and meal options by browsing menus.
Wondering if a particular restaurant opens early or closes late? Check Le Bonbon for scheduled hours of operation. I used this feature in Paris and saved myself the time and trouble of heading to a restaurant that was closed on the day I wanted to visit.
The app also highlights events and activities in the city to help visitors see what’s available. A very good addition to your phone if you intend to hit up the Parisian food scene!
FRANCE 24
FRANCE 24 keeps visitors (and residents) connected with international and French news.
It’s a great way to see breaking news, get alerts from broadcasts, listen to special reports or just catch up with what’s going on in the world.
There’s a section of exclusive content prepared by FRANCE 24’s own journalists. It allows users to post comments, opening a discourse on the day’s topics.
The app allows users to watch live TV news right on their phones and devices. It doesn’t just report the news—it makes it completely mobile!
XE Currency
When you’re traveling, you’re mindful of what everything costs. Most travel budgets are the result of saving, so you want to make that money last.
But you still want to have fun without breaking the bank, right?
Sometimes converting currency in your head—especially in a crowded shop or when your plane is about to board—is tough. Converting currency with this app eliminates that stress!
Change euros to dollars instantly. If you become disconnected from the internet, it uses the last stored rate for the currency.
XE Currency is useful globally. If you travel a fair bit, it’s a lifesaver! I’ve used it in France as well as lots of other countries and have never been disappointed by its accuracy.
France Travel Guide Offline
This offline travel guide offers so much intriguing information about France!
Honestly, it’s a good idea to browse through the travel articles even before you pack your bags and head out for your international flight. That way, you’ll have an idea of what you’d like to see even before the wheels touch down!
Find fun spots near where you’re staying to explore. Restaurants, museums, events and more are featured.
There are detailed maps, guides that advise on the best ways to get around and discussions on rules of the road. It’s so comprehensive that it answers questions many travelers don’t even think to ask!
Brocabrac
France is an incredible spot for anyone who loves vintage shopping, garage sales, craft fairs or hand-crafted items.
City maps, venue locations and their proximity to the user’s location, accessibility details and other features make Brocabrac a super app to have on hand. Use it to find the best shops and markets.
It helps make authentic experiences with local merchants and crafters possible.
It also allows users to contact event organizers. That makes it a snap to see if what you’re looking for is available at a particular site!
We’re a mobile society. Most of us never leave home without our phones.
When you head to France, don’t leave home without some excellent French travel apps downloaded onto your phone or device.
They’ll store lots of important information and extra options in the palm of your hand. You’ll be ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Profitez du voyage! (Enjoy the journey!)
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
