If you are an international student preparing to study in France, this guide will help you book your flights with confidence.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- How to find the best flight deals
- When to book your flight tickets to France
- Major airports in France
- Helpful tips to book your flight tickets with confidence
Key Takeaways
- Choose a weekday arrival time between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Try to arrive 1 to 2 weeks before your classes start. Booking too early can be risky.
- Look for cancellation insurance and free rescheduling options to protect yourself if your plans change unexpectedly.
- Choose the airport that is closest to where you will be studying.
- Get your health and travel insurance after you book your flight.
When to book my flight ticket?
The timing of when to buy your ticket is entirely up to you.
Some students like to book their flight as early as they can to get a good price, while others wait until their visa is approved.
If you have flexible travel dates, try using tools like Google Flights to find the cheapest days to fly. Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often less expensive than those on weekends.
How to get the best price?
It’s usually best to book a few months in advance to get the best prices. Traveling during less busy seasons can also help you save money and avoid crowds.
France is usually busier in summer and winter, while spring and fall are quieter. Set up price alerts on sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to get updates when prices drop for your route.
If you are staying for a short time or know exactly when your program ends and do not plan to stay longer, consider booking a round-trip ticket from the start. This is usually cheaper than buying two separate flights.
Best Time to Arrive in France
We suggest students pick a weekday landing date between 8:00 and 18:00.
Try to avoid arriving on national holidays or weekends. If you arrive on these days, moving into your new place could be delayed, and many stores may be closed, making it hard to run errands.
Which airport should I fly into in France?
France has many major airports, each serving different regions and cities. Choose the airport that is closest to where you will be studying.
Here’s a list of the key airports for international students in France:
| Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): This is the largest airport in France and a main hub for international flights. It’s a good choice for students going to Paris, Lyon, or other cities in the north. |
| Paris Orly (ORY): This airport is smaller than CDG but also has international flights. It’s convenient for students heading to southern Paris or nearby areas. |
| Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS): This is a major airport for students going to Lyon and nearby areas. It offers both international and domestic flights. |
| Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE): This airport is great for students going to Nice or other places along the French Riviera. It has good connections to major European cities. |
| Marseille Provence (MRS): This airport is ideal for students heading to Marseille and the Provence region. It offers many international and domestic flights. |
| Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD): This airport serves the Bordeaux area and has a good range of international and domestic flights. |
| Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS): This airport is convenient for students going to Toulouse and the Occitanie region. It has good connections to several international destinations. |
| Biarritz Pays Basque (BIQ): This airport is best for students heading to Biarritz or the Basque region. It mainly serves European destinations, with some seasonal international flights. |
| Montpellier-Méditerranée (MPL): This airport is suitable for students going to Montpellier. It offers several domestic flights and some international ones. |
Cancellation Insurance
When you book your flight, look for options that include cancellation insurance and free rescheduling.
These features give you flexibility if your visa or travel plans change, so you can adjust or cancel your flight without major penalties. For international students, this peace of mind is important because there can be delays with paperwork or visas.
Health & Travel Insurance for International Students
After you book your flight, we recommend buying your travel insurance.
Health insurance is required for students studying in France (requirements may change depending on your visa type; you can learn more here). Travel insurance is also helpful if your baggage is lost or damaged.
At Go! Go! France, we recommend WorldTrips (part of the Envisage Global Insurance Group) as a reliable insurance broker. Their package covers both medical and travel expenses, including loss or theft of baggage.
After you sign up for WorldTrips Insurance and pay your premium, you will get your documents by email.
For more information, check their brochure or contact them by email.
