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  • The retirement havens expats love most
  • Strong healthcare, infrastructure, and lifestyle
  • Climate, culture, and daily life insights
  • Monthly budgets from about $1,400–$3,000

France Facts & Figures

Facts About France


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Facts About France

Panoramic view at morning Mont Saint-Michel
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Key Takeaways: France Facts And Figures in 2026
  • France has a population of approximately 64.8 million.
  • Visa applicants generally do not need to prove language proficiency.
  • The Louvre Museum is a world-renowned cultural attraction.
  • Inheritance tax ranges from 0% to 60%.

France has a lot to offer visitors. There are stunning beaches, mountain ranges, ancient ruins, majestic castles, historic cities and villages, and modern cities with the best shopping in the world. Not to mention that France has some of the finest, and most delicious cuisine in the world.

There are a ton of attractions in France worth visiting, but you should definitely start by crossing some of these off of your travel list.

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Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

Reviewed By Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

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Facts About France: Great Tourist Attractions

male hand holding LE Monde French newspaper
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Paris

Paris by itself has a wide range of attractions that draw in visitors from all over the world every year.
  • Eiff el Tower – Probably the most well-known tourist attraction in France, the Eiffel Tower was built by Gustav Eiffel in 1887. It stands 324 meters high and offers a breathtaking view of Paris.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral – The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the longest-standing symbols of Paris. It is one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic architecture and is well-known for the statues and gargoyles that adorn its roof.
  • Louvre Museum – This museum is said to be the most visited museum in the world and is divided into eight departments; Egyptian antiquities, paintings, graphic arts, Sculptures of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Modern Times, Islamic Art, Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, Objects of art and Oriental antiquities.

Lascaux Caves

Located near the village of Montignac, Lascaux is a complex of caves that feature some of the oldest cave paintings discovered. The rock paintings are said to be around 17,000 years old.

French Alps

The portion of the Alps that is within France is known as the French alps. This is a great spot for sports such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding.

Provence

This region is known for its charming historic towns and its romantic lavender fields. Photographers travel to this area often to get pictures of the stunning fields of flowers.

French Riviera

Also known as the Côte d’Azur, this is the Mediterranean coast in Southeast France. This area is famous for its glamorous beaches, stunning views and picture-perfect water.

 
Information Type France Data
Population 64,881,830 people (2024)
Gross Domestic Product PPP (GDP) US$3.6 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP Per Capita US$39,088 (2024)
Inflation Rate 2.8% (2024)
Currency Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar 0.94 euro per U.S. dollar (April 2024)
Language French
Capital Paris
Population of Capital City 11.3 million (metropolitan area, 2024)
Time Zone GMT plus 1
International Dialing Code 33
Electricity 230V / 50 Hz. Plug Type: E
System of Government Republic
Current Leader President Emmanuel Macron (since May 14, 2017)
Inheritance Tax 0% to 60%
Transfer Tax 3% to 5.09%
Sales Tax 20%
Restrictions on Foreign
Ownership of Property
None
Local Chamber of Commerce 46-48, Avenue de la Grande Armee.
CS 50071 75858
Paris Cedex 17
Tel: 33-0-1-4069-3700
American Chamber of Commerce AmCham France
77, Rue de Miromesnil
75008 Paris
Tel: 33-0-1-5643-4567
Primary Exports Machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, iron, steel, beverages.
National Airline Air France
Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

Reviewed By Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

Start Your New Overseas Life Today

A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 12 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2026

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Table of Contents

France Facts & Figures- FAQs

There are no visa requirements for France that include speaking French. Whether you are visiting for a short time or staying longer as a student, worker, tourist, or spouse of a French citizen, you do not need to show your French language skills when applying for your visa.

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