Travelling to France from Canada: 4 Things to Sort Out

Entry rules, winter non-stop flights, flights on points and the card to pack: the four things to sort out before flying to France from Canada.

Marseille's Old Port with its sailboats, overlooked by the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica
C. Marchand

Before a trip to France, four things need sorting out while you are still in Canada: your entry requirements, your flights, the credit card you pack and where you will sleep. Your passport is still all you need to get in, and a card with no foreign transaction fees, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, saves you the 2.5% charged on every purchase in euros.

In this guide, we give you this winter's non-stop flights, what a ticket costs in points and what changes in France from November to March: Christmas markets, sales and skiing. We also show you how your Scene+, Membership Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy points can cover your hotel nights.

Do You Need Authorization to Enter France?

Not yet. With a Canadian passport, you can enter France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Your passport must remain valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave Europe. The ETIAS travel authorization is still not in operation, and the European Union has set no launch date, according to its official website.

What has changed is the border check itself. Since April 10, 2026, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) records four fingerprints and a photo of your face the first time you cross, and replaces the stamp in your passport. Children under 12 are not fingerprinted. Once ETIAS comes into force, it will cost €20 and remain valid for three years, or until your passport expires.

The Government of Canada also recommends travel insurance that covers hospital stays and medical evacuation, and border officers may ask for proof of health insurance, according to its travel advice for France. So check what your credit card covers before you leave, especially after age 65.

Which Credit Card Should You Take to France?

You can pay by card almost everywhere in France, usually contactless. Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere, while American Express is less common at small businesses, so make a Visa or Mastercard your main card.

Most Canadian cards add about 2.5% in foreign transaction fees to every purchase in euros. To avoid them, we recommend one of the cards with no foreign transaction fees, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.

On $3,000 spent in euros during your trip, those fees come to about $75. Run the numbers for your own trip with our no-FX fee calculator. The Passport card also gives you six airport lounge visits a year through the Visa Airport Companion program.

Book With One Card, Pay With the Other

The most rewarding combination: book your flight with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard for its insurance, then pay on the ground with a card that has no foreign transaction fees. According to its insurance certificate, it covers trip cancellation up to $2,500 per person and trip interruption up to $5,000. Charge at least part of your trip costs to the card for the coverage to apply.

Its emergency medical coverage applies to trips of up to 60 days under age 55, 31 days from 55 to 64 and 15 days from 65 to 75. Through Milesopedia, its $150 annual fee is refunded in the first year for applications made by November 4, 2026.

Once in France, you have two options with no foreign transaction fees. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card suits you if you collect Scene+ points: 15,000 points after $3,000 in purchases in three months, then 20,000 more points after $10,000 in purchases in six months, for an account opened between November 2, 2026 and January 3, 2027. The Wealthsimple Visa Infinite+ Card suits you if you prefer 2% cash back on all your purchases, including in euros: on $3,000 spent in France, it gives you back $60, on top of the $75 in fees you avoid. Its $240 annual fee is waived if you hold $100,000 in assets at Wealthsimple or deposit your paycheque there.

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual feeAnnual fee rebated in the first year$150 $0Annual fee rebated in the first yearFirst year freeWelcome offer+ First-year annual fee refundedUp to 15,000 points from net purchases, plus 10,000 with payment insurance for 90 days and 10,000 with a first eligible chequing account. Conditions apply.
Up to 35,000 points+ First-year annual fee refundedUp to 15,000 points from net purchases, plus 10,000 with payment insurance for 90 days and 10,000 with a first eligible chequing account. Conditions apply.Ends Mar 31, 2027
Apply Now
Annual fee$150Welcome offer15,000 points after $3,000 in 3 months and 20,000 more after $10,000 total in 6 months. Eligible accounts must be opened by January 3, 2027.
Up to 35,000 points15,000 points after $3,000 in 3 months and 20,000 more after $10,000 total in 6 months. Eligible accounts must be opened by January 3, 2027.Ends Jan 3, 2027
Apply Now
Annual fee$240Welcome offerBy invitation for new Wealthsimple clients. Earn 3% extra (5% total) on up to $10,000 in net purchases in the 35 days after approval. Keep the card open and active for 180 days after the offer period.
Up to $500 cash backBy invitation for new Wealthsimple clients. Earn 3% extra (5% total) on up to $10,000 in net purchases in the 35 days after approval. Keep the card open and active for 180 days after the offer period.
Apply Now

Which Non-Stop Flights to France in Winter?

In winter, you can fly non-stop to Paris every day from Toronto and Montreal, and from Montreal to Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille and Nantes. Nice is a summer-only route: Air Canada resumes flights on May 1, 2027.

Non-stop flights between Canada and France, winter 2026-2027. Sources: Air Canada Vacations, Air Transat, French bee.
RouteAirlinesThis winter
Toronto – Paris-CDGAir Canada, Air France, Air TransatDaily with Air Canada; 4 flights a week with Air Transat
Montreal – Paris-CDGAir Canada, Air France, Air TransatDaily with Air Canada
Montreal – Paris-OrlyFrench beeUp to 4 flights a week, October 24, 2026 to March 27, 2027
Montreal – LyonAir Canada, Air Transat3 to 4 flights a week with Air Canada
Montreal – ToulouseAir Canada4 to 5 flights a week
Montreal – MarseilleAir TransatAll winter
Montreal – NantesAir TransatAll winter
Quebec City – NantesAir Transat1 flight a week, December 23, 2026 to January 13, 2027

It is also the cheapest season. On its route pages, Air Canada shows Toronto–Paris and Montreal–Paris economy return fares around $750 from November to April, compared with over $1,000 in July and over $1,300 in August. These prices change daily, so use them as a benchmark.

Over the holidays, Air Canada adds flights to Paris, from December 18 to January 10 from Toronto and from December 16 to January 4 from Montreal. Prices climb during that period, though, so book in the fall.

Once you are there, the train takes over: we compare train, coach and plane on five routes from Paris in our guide to getting around France.

Paying for Your Flight to Paris With Points

With Aeroplan, a one-way flight on Air France costs a fixed number of points, according to the Aeroplan reward chart:

  • Toronto–Paris or Montreal–Paris: 32,500 points in economy, 60,000 in business class
  • Vancouver–Paris: 42,500 points in economy, 75,000 in business class

On Air Canada flights, prices vary with demand, starting from the same amounts. Add a $39 partner booking fee plus taxes.

Your American Express Membership Rewards points transfer 1:1 to both Aeroplan and Flying Blue, Air France's program. With Flying Blue, reward prices vary by date, and carrier surcharges are added to taxes.

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card uses a fixed chart: 65,000 Avion points cover a return flight to Europe up to $1,300, according to RBC. Its welcome offer reaches 70,000 points: 35,000 on approval, 20,000 after $5,000 in purchases in six months and 15,000 on the first anniversary. It applies to applications received by November 25, 2026.

This chart pays off most when the ticket is expensive. Over the holidays, a $1,300 return ticket paid with 65,000 points gets you 2¢ per point; in November, a $750 ticket gets you only 1.15¢. So save your points for the pricey dates.

Prefer to book with any airline? With the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, 200 TD Rewards points are worth $1 on travel booked through Expedia for TD. Its offer reaches 160,000 points, worth $800 in travel, after $7,500 in purchases within 180 days. In addition, TD rebates the $139 annual fee in the first year.

Both cards charge 2.5% on purchases in euros, though. We therefore recommend booking the flight with one of them, then paying on the ground with a card that has no foreign transaction fees.

Welcome offer
Up to 160,000 pointsAfter $7,500 in 6 months
Up to 70,000 points35,000 points after approval; 20,000 after $5,000 in eligible transactions within 6 months; 15,000 credited 12–16 weeks after the first account anniversary. Eligible account must remain open and in good standing; offer terms and posting times apply.Ends Nov 25, 2026
Our valuation
$939First-year valueWelcome bonus$800Annual fee rebated$139Total$939Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$935First-year valueWelcome bonus$935Total$935$255 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Annual fee
$139 $0First Year Annual Fee RebateFirst year free
$120

Travelling to France in Fall or Winter

From November to March, you enjoy the low season, with shorter days: in Paris, the sun sets around 4:55 p.m. near December 21, according to the IMCCE. So plan your outdoor visits for the morning.

Christmas markets in France open as early as late November. Here are the 2026 dates published by the cities:

  • Colmar: November 23 to December 29, 2026
  • Mulhouse: November 20 to December 27, 2026
  • Reims: November 25 to December 27, 2026
  • Lyon Festival of Lights: December 5 to 8, 2026
  • Strasbourg: 2026 dates not yet published by the city
Christmas market chalets and a large decorated tree on Place Masséna in Nice
The Christmas market on Place Masséna in Nice. — Milesopedia

If you plan to shop, winter sales in France run from Wednesday, January 6 to Tuesday, February 2, 2027 in most regions, under the rule set by decree. Paid with a card that has no foreign transaction fees, $1,000 in purchases costs you $25 less.

To ski in the Alps, Lyon is the closest airport with non-stop flights from Canada: Air Canada flies there four times a week this winter, according to Lyon airport, and Air Transat year-round. Once there, winter TGV INOUI trains serve Chambéry, Albertville and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, among others, according to SNCF.

Renting a car? From November 1 to March 31, winter tyres or chains are mandatory in some mountain areas, notes travel.gc.ca. So ask the rental agency for them when you book.

Finally, strikes regularly affect transport in France. Check SNCF Connect traffic info before each trip: SNCF publishes its transport plans the day before, from 5 p.m., and you can exchange your ticket free of charge in case of disruption.

How Can You Pay for Your Stay With Points?

If you prefer an apartment, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card lets you apply your Scene+ points to travel purchases charged to the card, including an Airbnb booking. Our guide to saving on Airbnb walks you through the steps.

For hotels, your American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy at a 5:6 ratio, or 1,200 Bonvoy points for 1,000 Membership Rewards points, and to Hilton Honors at 1:1, according to American Express.

Here are the Marriott Bonvoy hotels in France we have stayed at, each linked to our review:

How many points does each of these hotels cost this winter, and when should you pay cash instead? Our comparison of Marriott hotels in Paris on points gives you the answer, hotel by hotel.

Guest room at the Renaissance Paris Vendôme, with a king bed, blue armchairs and balcony windows
A guest room at the Renaissance Paris Vendôme, bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points.

On the Hilton Honors side, your transferred points also work in France, from the Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre to the DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo and the Maison Astor Paris, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Travelling to France: Key Takeaways

For now, your passport is enough: ETIAS is not in operation. If you are leaving this winter, book early for the holidays, save your points for the priciest dates and pay on the ground with a card that has no foreign transaction fees. To plan the rest, visiting Paris and getting around France complete this guide.

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Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card

4.5 / 5Our rating reflects the opinion of our editors. It is not influenced by the card issuer.
ScotiabankVisaScene+
Annual fee
$150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$350
Welcome offer15,000 points after $3,000 in 3 months and 20,000 more after $10,000 total in 6 months. Eligible accounts must be opened by January 3, 2027.
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Jan 3, 2027
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card for eligible accounts opened by January 3, 2027, you can earn up to 35,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points:

  • 15,000 Scene+ points after charging $3,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months
  • An additional 20,000 Scene+ points after charging $10,000 in purchases to your account within the first six months

Annual bonus. Earn 10,000 Scene+ points each year you make $40,000 in eligible purchases over 12 months. Earn 2,000 additional points for each further $10,000 in eligible purchases in that same year.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

It also includes a new convenient benefit for travellers: enjoy 10 GB of free GigSky global mobile data for 15 days, as well as access to Travel Essentials to use essential apps like messaging, maps, and email while on the go. Cardholders also continue to receive 1 GB of free GigSky mobile data per year, plus a 20% discount on future GigSky purchases.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 3xWith the partner brand
  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$704
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canadians need a visa to travel to France?

No. With a Canadian passport, you can stay in France without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Your passport must remain valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.

When will ETIAS come into force and how much will it cost?

The European Union has not yet set a launch date and will announce ETIAS several months in advance. The authorization will cost €20 and remain valid for three years, or until your passport expires. Until then, there is nothing for you to apply for or pay.

What does the EES change when you arrive in France?

Since April 10, 2026, the European Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and a photo of your face the first time you cross the border. It replaces the stamp in your passport. Allow a few extra minutes at the border the first time.

Which non-stop flights go to France in winter?

Paris is served daily from Toronto and Montreal by Air Canada, and also by Air France and Air Transat. From Montreal, you can also fly to Lyon and Toulouse with Air Canada, and to Marseille, Lyon and Nantes with Air Transat. Nice is served in summer only.

How much do foreign transaction fees cost on a Canadian card in France?

Most Canadian cards charge about 2.5% on every purchase in euros, or about $75 on $3,000 spent during your trip. A card with no foreign transaction fees saves you those fees: the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card if you collect Scene+ points, or the Wealthsimple Visa Infinite+ Card, which also gives you 2% cash back on your purchases in euros.

How many Aeroplan points for a flight from Toronto to Paris?

A one-way Toronto–Paris or Montreal–Paris flight on Air France costs 32,500 Aeroplan points in economy and 60,000 in business class, plus a $39 booking fee and taxes. From Vancouver, economy costs 42,500 points. Your American Express Membership Rewards points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan.

How do you get a mobile plan in France?

You can buy a prepaid SIM card once you arrive, at Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom or Free stores, and at some tobacconists and supermarkets. Easier still, an eSIM can be installed before you leave and works as soon as you land, as long as your phone is unlocked and compatible.

How do you get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris?

The RER B connects the airport to central Paris in about 40 minutes, as far as Châtelet station. The Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket costs €14 at full fare and €7 at the reduced fare. Our tips for the rest of your stay are in our guide to visiting Paris.

For your next Hilton stay, see the Hilton Honors American Express® Card available in Canada and the terms of its current offer.

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