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Planning a trip to France?
Your smartphone can be your best travel companion!
I’ve spent countless hours exploring France and testing dozens of apps, and I’m excited to share the absolute essentials that will make your French adventure smoother and more enjoyable.
Living in southern France (Toulouse!) has given me a unique perspective as both a local and a foreigner, and I’m excited to share my tech-savvy tips for navigating France without the language barrier.
Through years of exploring this incredible country, I’ve discovered that having the right apps can transform your French adventure from stressful to seamless.
As someone who bridges the gap between Eastern and Western European cultures, I understand the challenges of navigating a country where French is the primary language.
From finding the best croissants in Toulouse to booking trains and discovering hidden local gems, these carefully selected apps have become my daily companions.
They’ve helped me uncover the real France beyond the tourist trails, and now I’m sharing them with you to make your travel planning effortless. Let’s explore the essential apps that will help you experience France like a local!
In a hurry? Plan your trip with these:
Book your place to stay
Best activites out there
Check that you have your visits booked
Book your train/bus
Need a car?
Don’t forget about insurance !
Navigation & Transportation Apps
Google Maps
Ok, you might say “Everyone knows about this one… borriiiing!”. Well, yes, you are right. But this app helps you on a daily basis. It’s more than just helpful with walking directions. It gets you accurate public transit info and you can easily spot cool places to visit. You might already have it.
I also use it to save the places I’d like to see or the best restaurants I research before our trip (for me this is my favourite part!). This way, while travelling, I only have to pull out my Google Maps and check what is the closest place to my location.
To make it even easier, I put together a curated map of the best restaurants in Paris, that you can save for offline access!
The offline maps feature is crucial for areas with poor data connection. Using the one I made will assure you to have the best option wherever you find yourself hungry in Paris!
Your FREE Map to the Best Restaurants and Coffee Shops in Paris
Planning your Paris adventure? Skip the tourist traps and dine like a local with my exclusive Paris Food Guide!
I’ve curated the perfect map featuring the city’s hidden gems—from cozy cafés where Parisians linger over espresso to the patisseries with life-changing croissants and the bistros serving the most authentic French cuisine.
This interactive Google Map is your secret weapon to experiencing the REAL Paris. Just one click saves you hours of research and helps you discover spots that even guidebooks don’t know about.
Bolt vs Uber
In case you don’t already know them, these apps help you call for “a taxi” that is usually cheaper than the actual taxi services in the country (especially in France).
Both Uber and Bolt are available in France.
Bolt is significantly cheaper than Uber. For example: A ride from CDG airport to Disneyland Paris costs about half the price on Bolt compared to Uber! Coverage is excellent in major cities.
Uber makes a reliable backup option when Bolt isn’t available. They have more drivers during peak hours but typically more expensive.
Moovit
This app saved my life so many times!
It shows you real-time public transportation updates across French cities (and other european cities).
It’s particularly useful for checking bus and tram schedules in smaller cities. AND, the best part of it, its that once you are on the bus it shows your location on real time and it tells you when to get down.
This is really helpful as some french buses do not stop in every station. You have to push a button and ask for the bus to stop before your station.
So bassicaly this app takes the stress out of it!
Michelin Route Planner
We talked about buses, now let’s talk about driving. The Michelin Route Planner app is best for road trips, offering scenic routes and accurate toll estimates.
In France, highways can get expensive really fast. This app helps you choose beforehead how much you want to spend. It gives you all the options available with their prices!
Great for planning countryside excursions. And honestly, if you drive through the countryside in France, you might as well avoid the highway, the scenery is beautiful!
You can download their app or check your roadtrip on theirwebsite.
SNCF Connect
If you can’t hire a car, the best thing to do is to take the train. If you only plan to visit maor cities, I wouldn’t ever bother with the car!
SNCF is the national train company in France. So having their app is essential for train travel.
It allows you to book tickets, check schedules, and receive delay notifications.
Just make sure to download tickets offline to avoid connectivity issues.
Bonjour RATP
This is the official Paris naviation app. It works like Movit, but this one might get you more accurate information in case there are last minute changes.
It shows real-time updates, route planning, and service disruptions.
Lignes d’Azur
Absolutely crucial for the French Riviera!
Personal experience: It took an entire day to understand Nice’s transportation system without the app.
Makes navigating between Nice and Villefranche-sur-mer straightforward.
Purchase tickets directly through the app to avoid confusion with local machines.
Food & Dining Apps
The Fork (La Fourchette)
Offers incredible discounts at restaurants across France.
We often use it to eat at our favourite indian restaurant in Toulouse, as it gets us 30-40% off just by booking through the app.
Use my promo code 83CF8B85 for additional savings!
Uber Eats / Deliveroo
In case you don’t already know them, these apps help you order food delivery from restaurants that usually don’t offer their own delivery service (especially convenient in France).
Both Uber Eats and Deliveroo are available in France.
Deliveroo tends to be slightly cheaper than Uber Eats with lower delivery fees and service charges. For example: A meal from the same restaurant often costs 2-3€ less on Deliveroo when you factor in all the fees! They also have better restaurant selection in city centers and focus on higher-quality establishments.
Uber Eats makes a reliable backup option when Deliveroo doesn’t cover your area. They have broader coverage in suburban areas and smaller cities, plus faster delivery times during busy periods, but typically with higher fees and service charges.
Happy Cow
Essential for vegetarians and vegans!
French cuisine is heavily meat-based, especially in traditional regions.
This app helps locate plant-based options in even the most carnivorous areas.
Too Good To Go
This app helps you rescue surplus food from bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores at heavily discounted prices – typically around 70% off!
You buy “surprise bags” without knowing exactly what you’ll get, but it’s a great way to discover local pastries, fresh bread, and restaurant meals while reducing food waste.
Perfect for trying that expensive bakery down the street without breaking the bank!
Language & Communication Apps
Google Translate + Google lens
Download the French language pack for offline use – essential when you don’t have data or WiFi.
The camera translation feature is a lifesaver for restaurant menus (even with the app, they are hard to understand!!) and street signs that aren’t in English.
With Google Lens you can point your camera at any text for instant translation overlay.
Particularly useful for understanding product labels at the grocery store, medication instructions at the pharmacy, and those confusing French administrative documents.
Works even better when combined with Google Translate for more accurate context.
Primary communication method with chambre d’hôte hosts and local accommodation providers.
Most French hosts prefer WhatsApp over email for quick coordination about check-in times, directions, and local recommendations.
Much more reliable than trying to call international numbers, and you can easily share photos of your location if you get lost!
Convenience & Utilities Apps
Météo France
Most accurate local weather forecasts for France, especially important in regions with variable weather like Normandy or the Alps.
Although here in France we joke about it never being on point – you’ll still find yourself caught in unexpected rain even after checking the app!
Still beats international weather apps that often miss the microclimates and sudden changes typical of French weather.
Ici Toilettes & Flush
Essential for locating public restrooms when you’re out exploring French cities.
Public toilets can be surprisingly hard to find, especially clean ones! Flush works offline – download the maps before your trip so you’re not frantically searching for WiFi when nature calls.
Both apps show ratings and accessibility info, which is incredibly helpful.
Entertainment & Attractions Apps
Disneyland Paris APP
Absolutely essential for park visits!
Real experience: We completed all major rides in one day, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain twice, by strategically using the app to monitor wait times and plan our route efficiently! And this was during Christmas time!
Features:
- Real-time wait times for all attractions
- Show schedules and times
- Restaurant reservations (book early!)
- Interactive park map with your location
- Ride status updates (closures, maintenance)
Game-changer for avoiding crowds and maximizing your expensive park ticket!
Time Out
Find current events and activities in major French cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.
Perfect for discovering what’s happening locally – from pop-up markets and art exhibitions to concerts and food festivals.
Much better than generic tourist sites since it focuses on what locals are actually doing right now, not just the typical tourist traps.
Monument Tracker
Discover historical sites and monuments near you with detailed information and audio guides.
Perfect for those spontaneous “what’s that building?” moments while wandering French cities.
Much more comprehensive than basic tourist maps, and the audio guides give you proper historical context without needing to join expensive tours or carry guidebooks around.
Rick Steves Audio Europe
Free walking tours and museum guides that work offline once downloaded.
Perfect for self-guided exploration of major French cities and attractions without paying for expensive guided tours.
The commentary is informative without being overly touristy, and you can go at your own pace.
Great for places like the Louvre, Versailles, or historic city centers where context really enhances the experience.
Conclusion
Having these apps on your phone will make your French adventure significantly smoother and more enjoyable.
From navigating public transport to finding the perfect restaurant and translating menus, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any situation.
Remember to download offline maps and translations before your trip, and always check your data plan to avoid roaming charges.
Bon voyage!
author page / EDITORIAL POLICY PAGE
Hi, I’m Ersilia
Toulouse, France
Originally from Romania
English & French Content
As a Romanian expat living in the heart of southern France, I guide English speakers to discover authentic French experiences without the language barrier. My unique perspective as both a local and an expat allows me to share insider tips, cultural insights, and practical advice that you won’t find in typical guidebooks.
My Expertise:
- French life and culture navigation
- Hidden gems across French regions
- Eastern vs Western European perspectives
- Local insights and practical travel tips
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