France uses the euro (EUR). For UK travellers on ferries, Eurostar, short breaks in Paris or long summers in the Dordogne, the same rule applies: order some euros before you fly or sail, then top up sensibly abroad.
Cash versus card
Contactless is standard in supermarkets, chains and most cafés. Rural markets, small village boulangeries and beach car parks still like notes and coins. Keep a mixed wallet: a competitive debit or credit card for most spend, plus €50–€150 in small denominations for frictionless days out.
Avoiding poor airport deals
Changing everything at the UK airport is rarely competitive. Use our holiday money comparison a few days ahead, then collect or take delivery. If you need a small bundle at the terminal, treat it as taxi-and-coffee money only.
Tipping
Service is often included (service compris). Rounding up or leaving small change in cafés is appreciated; in restaurants a few euros on top is enough when service was excellent — not the double-digit percentages UK diners associate with the US.
Before you go
Skim our euro currency guide and check your departure notes in our UK airport guides so you are not buying euros at the worst possible counter.