Before You Go: Practical Info for Nigerians
- Visa & Application
- Nigerians need a Schengen short-stay visa (for tourism) to visit France. (France-Visas)
- Submit your documents through TLSContact in Lagos or Abuja. (Businessday NG)
- Apply at least one month in advance for short stays; long stays require more time. (Businessday NG)
- Make sure all documents are in English or French, translated if required. Proof of funds, itinerary, accommodation, etc., will be needed. (Businessday NG)
- When to Travel
- To avoid crowds and high cost, travel in the shoulder seasons: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Paris is more pleasant than. (Condé Nast Traveler)
- For the French Riviera, late April-early May or September to early October are ideal: good weather, beaches mostly open, fewer tourists. (Guide to Europe)
- For Mont Saint-Michel, spring and early summer are good; avoid peak summer if possible. (visitmontsaintmichel.com)
- Cost Considerations
- France (especially Paris and Riviera) can be expensive: accommodation, dining, and transport. Plan the budget accordingly.
- Use public transport, stay in smaller towns or outskirts, and eat local (boulangeries, cafes) for savings.
- What to Pack & Be Aware Of
- Weather varies: even in summer, it can be cool, especially in evenings or at coastal/mountainous areas; bring layers.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential — many cobbled streets, stairs, uneven terrain, especially in older towns, Provence, Mont Saint-Michel.
- Culture & Safety
- Learning a few French phrases (Bonjour, Merci, etc.) goes a long way. Parisians particularly appreciate polite greetings. (Paris Insiders Guide)
- Beware of tourist scams: pickpockets near busy landmarks, vendors selling “friendship bracelets,” etc. (Voyeglobal)
- Keep passports and travel documents safe; use copies.
Top Regions & What to See
Here are some of the best places, what makes them special, and tips tailored for African or Nigerian travellers.
1. Paris
Must-see & Experiences:
- Louvre, Musée d’Orsay — top art museums.
- Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur: iconic landmarks.
- Seine river walks / cruises — great at sunset.
- Cafés in neighbourhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- Shopping: luxury (Champs-Élysées, Galeries Lafayette), boutique shops, flea markets.
Tips:
- Buy a Paris Museum Pass to save time and money if visiting many museums. (ETIAS)
- Use the metro / public transport. Avoid peak hours to be more comfortable. (Klook Travel)
- Book tickets in advance for major sites to avoid long queues. (ETIAS)
- For food: try local bakeries, small cafes; don’t always go for expensive tourist restaurants.
2. French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
Places: Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, etc.
What to Enjoy:
- Beaches with Mediterranean vibes, glamorous coastlines.
- Yacht watching, upscale resorts, nightlife, festivals (Cannes, etc.).
- Coastal walks, scenic views, markets (fish, produce).
When & How:
- Best: summer for beach weather, but very crowded and costly. Shoulder seasons (late spring, early autumn) give a good balance. (Guide to Europe)
- Book accommodation early if traveling in summer.
3. Provence
What to See & Do:
- Lavender fields (around Valensole etc.), sunflowers, olive groves — especially in mid-summer.
- Historic towns: Avignon (Palais des Papes, Pont d’Avignon), Aix-en-Provence. (francetravelguide.com)
- Roman ruins, villages: Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence. (francetravelguide.com)
- Natural beauty: Gorges du Verdon, hilltop villages. Hiking, views.
Tips:
- Rent a car if possible for the countryside; public transport is less frequent between small villages.
- Go to markets early (morning) for the freshest produce, fewer crowds. (Only Provence)
- Stay in smaller towns or quaint villages; many have charming Airbnbs or small guesthouses.
4. Loire Valley
What Makes It Special:
- Châteaux: Château de Blois, Chenonceau, Chambord etc. History and architecture. (DFDS A/S)
- Gardens, riverside scenery. Wine regions (white, sparkling wines). (Financial Times)
- Peaceful landscapes, smaller towns, more relaxed pace than Paris or Rivera.
Tips:
- If you enjoy wine, arrange for vineyard tours (some need booking).
- Using Loire as a base, you can pick 2-3 castles, explore local villages.
- Travel by train or drive, depending on your schedule; driving gives more flexibility.
5. Mont Saint-Michel (Normandy)
What to Experience:
- The medieval village, narrow streets, and the abbey perched at the top. (Manche Tourism | Manche Tourism)
- Unique tidal phenomenon: when tides are high, Mont becomes an island. Must check tides. (visitmontsaintmichel.com)
- Bay walks (with guides), views from ramparts at dawn or dusk.
Tips:
- Visit early morning or late in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. (Normandy Tourism, France)
- Stay overnight near or on Mont if possible—you’ll experience the place more peacefully. (Lodestar Travel Guide)
- Footpaths, stairs—be in good walking shape.
Sample Itinerary Suggestion (10-14 Days)
Here’s how you might plan a trip combining several regions, assuming you fly into Paris:
| Day(s) | Main Locations | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Paris | Museums (Louvre, Orsay), landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame), Seine cruise, café culture, shopping |
| 4-5 | Mont Saint-Michel / Normandy | Travel to Mont Saint-Michel, stay overnight, explore the bay, abbey, and enjoy the evening quiet |
| 6-8 | Loire Valley | Stay in a château or nearby town, visit 2-3 castles, relax by riverside, enjoy wine & local food |
| 9-11 | Provence | Explore Avignon, lavender/sunflower fields, hilltop villages, and drive around the countryside |
| 12-14 | French Riviera | Nice / Cannes / Saint-Tropez: beach days, scenic walks, markets, possibly luxury shops, or relaxation |
You can shorten or extend depending on time & budget; some parts can overlap (e.g. Provence → Cannes by road/train).
Budget & Money Tips
- Use ATMs in France to withdraw euros; airport exchange counters are expensive. (France Hotel Guide)
- Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash, especially for small villages, markets.
- Accommodation: look for small hotels, guesthouses, Airbnbs, particularly outside big tourist centres.
- Transport: trains connect many places (Paris ↔ Loire Valley, Paris ↔ Normandy). For rural areas (Provence, smaller towns), car rental is helpful.
What Nigerians Should Especially Know
- Be prepared to show clear ties to Nigeria (job, property, family) when applying visa — don’t leave anything vague.
- Travel insurance can help in case of health/emergencies.
- Be aware of the cost of mobile roaming; consider getting an e-SIM or a local SIM in France.
- Safety: while most parts are safe, crowded tourist spots have usual risks (pickpockets, etc.). Keep valuables safe.
Experience & Culture Highlights
- French food is more than just fancy; local markets, bakeries, cheese, olive oil, and herbs offer rich flavours.
- Take time just to sit in a café, watch people, and relax. That’s part of the joy.
- The ambiance varies widely: glamour on the Riviera, serenity in Provence, history in loire castles, spiritual mystery at Mont Saint-Michel.