How We Research Our Content
A transparent look at how we create reliable travel guides for France
We take the accuracy and reliability of our travel content seriously. France is one of the world's most popular travel destinations, and travelers deserve information they can trust when planning their trip. Here is a transparent look at how we research, write, and maintain the information on Go2France.
On-the-Ground Experience
Our editorial team includes people who live in France and contributors who travel there frequently. This on-the-ground presence is irreplaceable -- it allows us to verify information first-hand, discover changes before they appear in official sources, and provide the kind of practical, street-level advice that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one.
We have team members based in Paris, Lyon, and the south of France. They regularly visit restaurants, test transport routes, check museum hours and prices, and explore neighborhoods to ensure our content reflects the current reality on the ground.
That said, we are transparent about the fact that no team can personally visit every venue and verify every detail in a country as rich and varied as France. Where we have not personally verified something, we rely on the most authoritative available sources and clearly indicate when information may be subject to change.
Local Expert Consultation
For specialized topics, we consult local experts who bring deep knowledge in their respective fields:
- Gastronomy: Chefs, sommeliers, and food writers who understand French culinary traditions, regional specialties, and the current dining scene from Michelin-starred restaurants to neighbourhood bistros.
- Wine regions: Local guides and wine professionals in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Loire Valley, and other wine-producing regions.
- Art and architecture: Art historians and cultural guides who provide context on France's extraordinary museum collections, Gothic cathedrals, and architectural heritage.
- Outdoor activities: Hiking guides, cycling experts, and adventure travel specialists familiar with the Alps, Pyrenees, Corsica, and France's long-distance trails (GR paths).
Government & Official Sources
For visa, entry requirements, and practical travel information, we rely on official government sources:
Visa & Entry Requirements
Sourced from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (france-visas.gouv.fr), the European Commission's Schengen Area documentation, and individual French consulate websites. We track ETIAS implementation timelines and Schengen visa policy changes.
Transport Data
Rail information comes from SNCF (sncf-connect.com), including TGV schedules, regional train networks, and pricing structures. Paris Metro and bus data is sourced from RATP. Airport information comes from Aeroports de Paris and regional airport authorities.
Tourism Data
Official statistics and destination information from Atout France (the national tourism development agency), France.fr, and regional tourism boards (CRT) across all 13 metropolitan regions.
Weather & Climate
Climate data is based on historical records from Meteo-France, the national meteorological service, supplemented by long-term averages from international weather databases.
Content Types & Their Research
City & Destination Guides
Our destination guides combine official tourism information with practical traveler insights. We research attractions (including current admission fees and hours), accommodation options across budget ranges, dining recommendations from local knowledge, and local transport to provide comprehensive guides. Each city guide is structured to help both first-time and returning visitors.
Visa & Practical Information
All visa and entry requirement information is sourced from official French government and EU websites. We update these guides whenever policy changes are announced. The Schengen visa process, ETIAS requirements, and specific documentation needs are checked regularly against the most current official guidance.
Food & Drink Guides
Our food and wine content draws from France's extraordinary culinary traditions, regional specialty research, and established gastronomy publications. We describe dishes accurately, provide cultural and regional context, note typical price ranges, and highlight regional variations. Wine region guides are developed with input from local industry professionals.
Transport & Weather
Transport information is sourced from official carrier websites (SNCF, RATP, regional networks) and verified through current schedules and pricing. We cover TGV high-speed routes, regional trains, buses, and domestic flights with practical booking advice. Weather data is based on historical climate records from Meteo-France.
Price Verification
Prices mentioned in our guides (admission fees, transport costs, restaurant price ranges, accommodation rates) are verified against official sources at the time of writing and reviewed periodically. We note the date of last verification and indicate when prices are approximate or subject to seasonal variation.
All prices are typically given in euros. We always recommend checking current prices directly with venues and service providers before your trip, as prices in France can change without notice, particularly for museum admissions and transport fares.
Annual Content Audits
In addition to ongoing updates, we conduct annual comprehensive content audits. During these audits, we:
- Review all visa and entry requirement pages against current government sources
- Verify prices and opening hours for major attractions and museums
- Update transport schedules, routes, and pricing
- Check that restaurant and hotel recommendations are still current (open, maintaining quality)
- Refresh weather and seasonal information with the latest climate data
- Incorporate reader feedback and corrections received during the year
Limitations
While we strive for accuracy, travel information changes frequently. France has 13 metropolitan regions, 96 departments, and thousands of municipalities, each with their own local regulations and offerings. Prices, visa policies, transport schedules, and operating hours can change without notice.
We always recommend verifying critical details -- especially visa requirements, entry regulations, and safety advisories -- with official French government sources and your own country's foreign affairs ministry before traveling.
Report an Issue
Found something inaccurate or outdated? Please contact us with the specific page and issue. We appreciate all corrections and typically update content within 48 hours.
Learn more about our full editorial standards on our Editorial Policy page.