Touching Down in France: How to Master the Long-Haul Flight

The anticipation of a trip to France—the promise of fresh baguettes, morning markets, and historic streets—is one of life's great joys. But let’s be honest: getting there can be the most challenging part of the journey. Whether you are flying across the Atlantic from the US for a Parisian buying trip or heading to Provence on one of our retreats, arriving in France feeling refreshed requires a bit of strategy.

Here is how to make your next international flight to France as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Master Your Pre-Flight Checklist

Before you even head to the airport, ensure your administrative homework is done so you can cruise through border control.

• Stay Informed on Entry Requirements: As we move through 2026, keep in mind that new digital border systems are being rolled out. Always check the official France-Visas website or your airline's requirements before you leave.

• Digital Documentation: Don't rely solely on paper. Keep a France Travel folder on your phone containing PDFs of your accommodation bookings, your return flight, and your passport scan. Having these easily accessible (and saved for offline viewing) is a massive stress-reducer.

Dress for the Destination (and the Cabin)

The travel-day uniform is an art form. The goal is comfort, but it’s helpful to feel put-together upon arrival.

• The Layering Strategy: Aircraft cabins are notoriously chilly. Opt for breathable layers—think a soft cotton base, a cashmere or wool sweater, and a scarf that can double as a light blanket or a chic accessory once you land.

• Compression is Key: Don't skip the compression socks. They are your best defense against swelling and fatigue on long-haul legs, and they’ll make your legs feel significantly lighter when you finally step off the plane in Paris.

Sync Your Internal Clock Early

The biggest hurdle to enjoying your first day in France is often jet lag. I always recommend that my guests arrive 1-2 days prior to our retreat start days. This allows you to get acclimated to the new time zone as well and get that jet lag feeling our of your body.

• Reset on Board: As soon as you board the airplane, set your watch and phone to French time. If it’s daytime in France, do your best to stay awake; if it’s nighttime, put on your eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and settle in.

• Hydrate Strategically: Cabin air is incredibly dry. Skip the extra glass of wine or caffeine, as both will dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep. Bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and keep it filled throughout the flight. Oh, and don't forget to drink the water!

• Stay Awake: That first day upon arrival, try to stay up as long as possible....at least by 10pm. After that its lights out and you will wake up refreshed the next day.

Navigating the Arrival

Arrival at an airport like Charles de Gaulle (CDG) can be busy.

• Use the Facilities Before Landing: Use the restroom on the plane about 45 minutes before landing. Immigration lines can be long, and you’ll want to be ready to move once the doors open.

• Master the "Bonjour" Rule: When you reach the passport officer, start the interaction with a polite "Bonjour." It is a small gesture, but in France, it is the fundamental key to a respectful and smooth interaction.

Pack a Refresh Kit

You don't need a massive bag of toiletries, but a small, TSA-compliant pouch can make you feel human again after 8+ hours in the air.

• The Essentials: Include a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, a hydrating facial mist, high-quality lip balm and hand creme.

• The Pro-Tip: A quick freshen up in the restroom right before descent—brushing your teeth and changing into a clean, comfortable shirt—will make you feel brand new before you ever step out into the French air.

Embrace the Curated Experience

Don’t leave your entertainment to chance. Download your favorite podcasts, a few movies, or that book you’ve been dying to read. Check our the book we are reading from our Francophile Book Club to get a little French fix before your flight. Assume the airplane Wi-Fi will be spotty, and treat your downtime as a planned, relaxing part of your trip rather than something to get through.

The Golden Rule: Treat the flight as the first chapter of your vacation, not a barrier to it. Once you land, take a deep breath, head for that first café crème, and let the rhythm of France take over.

Do you have a favorite ritual for settling into a long flight? I’d love to hear what makes your travel day feel special!