France Visas for Indians: All The Information You Need

France is one of the popular destinations for Indians. People visit the country on family vacations and especially on their honeymoon. After all, Paris is the most romantic city in the world. France is the dream destination for lakhs of Indians. If you want to take a trip to France and explore it, with friends, family, or your partner, the most important thing you are going to need is a French visa. Getting a France visa for Indians is when you know the process and the documents you would need to submit for it. You can get a tourist visa for France from India or a business visa, depending on your need. The best part is that when you get the visa for France, you can visit 26 other countries in Europe without worrying about custom controls, border points, custom controls, and without applying for a separate visa for different countries. Countries part of the European Union (EU) has a common visa called Schengen Visa, under which you can visit any country that’s part of the EU. Let’s dig deeper to find the how you can apply for this visa.

Types of French Visa

There are currently 3 types of France visas for Indians that can be applied for depending on their reason of visit: -

1. Tourist Visa

The most popular tourist visa for France from India is the tourist visa. After you have got yourself a visa, you can easily book a France tour package and start exploring the best places in the country. The cost of the France tourist visa fee from India is Rs 7199. The validity of this visa is 6 months and is applicable for single and multiple entries. Under this visa, you can stay in France for up to 90 days. The tourist visa requirements of France for Indians include:

1. Original passport with the validity of a minimum of 3 months after the trip and 2 blank pages.
2. Filled application form
3. 2 recent passport-size photos. Photos should not be older than 6 months.
4. Travel itinerary
5. Bank statement of last 6 months
6. Income Tax Returns/Form 16 for the last 3 years
7. Confirmed hotel booking
8. Confirmed return ticket
9. Name and address of the resident, if visiting a friend or family
10. Travel insurance of minimum 30,000 Euros

2. Business Visa

Another one of the reasons for Indians to visit France is their work. This can be to join a new place of work or your office is sending you to France for work. The fee for a work visa in France for Indians is the same as the tourist visa, i.e. Rs 7199. The work visa requirements of France for Indians are the same as the tourist visa with some additions. The documents required are the same as mentioned from a) to j) in the previous point. In addition, you will be asked to submit:

• The offer letter from the company one is to join

3. Student Visa

The third reason why people visit France is to study. France is home to some of the best universities in the world. There are 2 types of student visas offered by the Government of France, depending on the duration of the course. If the duration of the course is 90 days or lesser, a short-stay student visa is to be applied for. If the duration of the course is more than 90 days, a long-stay student visa is to be applied for. The fee for long-stay a student visa is dependent on the duration of your stay. In addition, the processing time for France student visa in India is roughly 5-15 days. The documents required for the visa are the same as a) to j) in the first point. In addition, you will be asked to submit:

• Offer letter from the university

Places to Visit in France

Whether you visit France on a student or work visa, you will obviously not spend time scooped in your accommodation. You would want to make your trip to France worth it by exploring the place. So here are some places that you must visit while you are in France.

1. Eiffel Tower

The first place anyone thinks of when they think of France is the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair, it is the most popular destination of France. When it was created, the 320-m high tower was hated by most people, but since then it has become an integral part of France. Now it’s impossible to separate the Eiffel Tower from France. What’s truly great about this monument is that despite being monumental in size and having bulky architecture, it is still. Tourists are allowed to travel as high as 276 metres in the tower. From that spot, you can see Paris as far as 70km on a clear day. It’s truly a sight to behold.

2. Château de Versailles

The monument symbolises the grandeur of the monarchy in France prior to the fall of the old regime due to the French Revolution. Initially, this was merely a hunting lodge for the father of King Louis XIV. However, in 1661, King Louis XIV transformed the château into the royal manor that it is today and set the standards of what a princely court should be like in Europe. The royal palace has baroque interiors and the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall of Mirrors is the place where courtiers waited for an audience with His Majesty. Outside, you can also the ever-beautiful Les Jardins. These are the formal French gardens with perfectly trimmed shrubbery and a pool. From the moment you enter the palace area, it’s a beauty to behold.

3. Musée de Louvre

Also known as the Louvre Museum in English, it is one of the best museums in the world for fine arts collections. Western civilisation’s work popular artworks throughout history are present here, including 1^st century BC sculpture Venus de Milo, Wedding Feast of Cana by Veronese, and Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. The collection has been made possible by the enormous contributions of French kings who lived here. At present, the Louvre Museum houses nearly 35,000 pieces of art. It is obviously impossible to watch them all in just 1 visit. This is a place you will love to visit again and again. There’s always something new to be found in this museum.

4. Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel

Located on an islet off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO-listed monument and is a major landmark in France. Otherwise known as the Pyramid of the Sea, the fort is surrounded by defensive and imposing walls. The monument is a popular tourist attraction because of its gothic architecture and spires. Its serene beauty can never be captured on a camera. If you want to see the true beauty of this place, the only way to do is by visiting it. It was built in the 11^th Century its Abbey Church has been an important pilgrimage for Christians. It is also known as the Heavenly Jerusalem, many pilgrims are still inspired by Mont Saint-Michel and cross the bay barefoot.

5. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartes

Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady in Chartes (or Chartres Cathedral for short), is popular for its medieval gothic architecture. The cathedral is especially known for its stained-glass windows that allow colourful light to enter, creating an ethereal effect. These stained-glass windows show the craftsmanship and artwork telling various biblical stories. It is a place whose beauty will take your breath away.

France is a country that will embrace you with its beauty. Once you’re here, you would never want to leave. The places to visit in France are endless, each more beautiful than the other. Book the right tour package and start exploring.