Traveling to France? Want to make the best use of your time exploring this beautiful country? Then here are 8 useful free apps for exploring France that you must download!
1. RATP
A must-have app if you are visiting Paris. The app will guide you on how to move easily around Paris, how to make the best use of the public transportation systems of Paris, in order to go from one location to another.
Image by Hannes Wolf on Unsplash
The app provides you with information on various means of transport around you, bus and train times, routes, metro schedules, walking time, arrival time etc.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
2. The Culture Trip App
An amazing app that will help you plan your trip. Use the app to uncover the hidden treasures of any city in the world. Learn about the art, culture, history of the city that you want to visit. With this app, you can discover the best restaurants, bars, places to see, interesting things to do in the city.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
3. Citymapper
Citymapper app guides you on the best way to move around in a city, to go from location A to B. The app provides information on various modes of transport available in the city (Buses, metro, bikes, taxi, RER, tramway, trains).
A useful app particularly if you are planning to visit the two French cities- Paris and Lyon. You can use this app in many other cities as well.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
4. Google translate
If you are traveling to France and you don’t speak French, then this translation app is essential for you. The app can help you out in difficult situations like when you cannot make sense of the menu or communicate with your taxi driver.
Simply type in the text in one language and get it translated into another language through this app. So you can enter English words and phrases and get them translated into French or vice versa. A great feature of this app is that it can not only translate text, but also photos and speech.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
5. WordReference Dictionary
Another excellent app to download before traveling to France is this online dictionary app for English-French and French-English translations.
You can use the app to find the meaning of any unfamiliar word or phrase in any language. The app is quite easy to use and is considered a reliable app for travelers and learners of any foreign language.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
If you want to learn a few basic French travel phrases before your trip, then check out this article. 30 essential French Words and Phrases
6. Heetch
Heetch is a French ride-hailing app currently available in France (Paris, Lille, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Marseille), Belgium, and in Africa.
Professional drivers are available 24/7 and the best thing about this app is that you can pay both with cash and by credit card.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
7. Paris Aéroport
If you are flying through the two main airports of Paris (Charles de Gaulle or Orly), you will find this app very useful.
Download this free app to get important information regarding flight schedules, airlines, delays and other information. The app provides other services as well such as reservation of flights, hotels etc.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
8. TheFork (or LaFourchette in French)
Hungry? Looking for a restaurant near you? Then TheFork app will not only help you locate the restaurants near you but will also let you easily book a table there.
The app gives you information on the best deals and discounts the restaurants are offering, along with the reviews from other users to guide you in your selection.
The app also has a loyalty program and when you book with this app, you also get a discount on your bill in participating restaurants.
To download the app on iPhone, click here.
To download the app on Android, click here.
What are your favorite apps for exploring France? Let me know about them in the comments section below!
For some useful French phrases, check out French Vocabulary Bank, a bilingual book ideal for French learners and travelers. By the end of this book, you will know more than 600 essential French phrases, to be used in everyday situations to manage well in a francophone country.
By Anchal / Last updated: November 29, 2023