How To Get To Bali From France: Your Complete Travel Guide
Bali is a dream destination for many French travelers, thanks to its serene temples, lush rice terraces, surf-friendly beaches, vibrant reefs, waterfalls, and welcoming culture.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a surfing holiday, or a luxury retreat, the island offers the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Bali from France, including flight options, travel times, visas, arrival tips, and practical advice to help you start your journey smoothly.
Best Ways to Get to Bali from France
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Before choosing routes or airlines, it’s helpful to understand where your journey will begin. While there are no direct flights from France to Bali, several major French airports offer convenient one-stop connections, making the trip smooth and flexible for travelers across the country.
Major Departure Airports in France
When planning how to get to Bali from France, most travelers choose to fly from major international airports, with Paris being the most popular starting point.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) offer the widest range of airlines and flight options, often giving the best prices and most convenient connections.
If you live outside the capital, you still have great departure choices. Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) provides strong links to Southeast Asia through major airline hubs.
Travelers from the south of France frequently depart from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is practical and well-connected.
Those based along the French Riviera often fly from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), making travel to Bali convenient without having to transit through Paris first.
While Paris naturally offers the most flight options, competitive fares can also be found from Lyon, Marseille, and Nice — especially if you are flexible with travel dates and willing to consider one-stop or mixed-carrier routes.
Airlines Serving Bali from France
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Top-rated airlines for this route include:
- Emirates (via Dubai)
- Qatar Airways (via Doha)
- Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)
- KLM (via Amsterdam)
- Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi)
- Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
- Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur)
All are reputable carriers with modern fleets and comfortable long-haul cabins. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines are especially favored for excellent service and seamless transit.
Typical Layovers
When figuring out how to get to Bali from France, note that there are no direct flights, so you’ll almost always transit through a major international hub.
Popular layover airports include Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Amsterdam (KLM, especially from northern France).
These airports offer smooth connections, great lounges, dining, and shops—making long layovers comfortable and helping you arrive in Bali refreshed.
Travel Time from France to Bali
The journey from France to Bali can vary depending on your flight route and layover duration. The fastest one-stop routes—usually via major hubs like Dubai, Doha, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur—take around 16 to 18 hours in total.
Most travelers, however, experience a more typical travel time of 18 to 22 hours, especially if connections require longer waits between flights.
If your itinerary includes two layovers, expect the journey to extend to 22 to 30 hours, depending on airline schedules and transfer airports.
Tip: Aim for a 2–4-hour layover for smooth transit without rushing.
Comfort Tips for Long-Haul Flights
- Book overnight flights to rest naturally
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a neck pillow, earplugs, eye mask
- Stay hydrated (avoid too much alcohol)
- Stretch and walk during the flight
Knowing these details helps you smoothly plan how to get to Bali from France without stress or confusion.
Booking Tips for Flights from France to Bali
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Best Time to Book
For the lowest fares:
- Book 2–4 months before travel
- Avoid booking last-minute during holidays (prices skyrocket)
- Travel mid-week rather than on weekends
Best Seasons to Visit Bali
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Timing is key for a Bali holiday, which features a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season, from April to October, is the most popular for beach activities, surfing, and hiking Mount Batur, with vibrant cultural events.
The shoulder months—April, May, September, and October—offer good weather and fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing.
From November to March, the rainy season brings brief showers, lush landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for yoga retreats and cultural exploration at lower costs.
Tip: If you’re optimizing how to get to Bali from France affordably, aim for the shoulder season. You’ll enjoy sunny weather, fewer crowds, and better flight and hotel deals.
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Airline Cabin Tips
When planning how to get to Bali from France, the cabin class you choose greatly impacts your comfort and travel experience.
Economy class is budget-friendly, providing meals, entertainment, and checked baggage—ideal for those looking to save money for experiences in Bali.
Premium Economy offers a step up in comfort with wider seats and more legroom, making it a good option for long-haul flights.
If comfort is key, Business Class features lie-flat seats, priority boarding, and gourmet dining, turning your flight into a restful experience.
A smart strategy when deciding how to get to Bali from France is to mix cabin classes—book Economy for daytime flights and upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class for overnight flights, so you can enjoy both comfort and value.
Visa & Entry Requirements for French Travelers
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Visa-Free Entry (30 Days)
French passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days for tourism. Perfect for short trips.
Requirements:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Return or onward ticket
- One blank passport page
Note: Cannot be extended.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) — 60-Day Stay
For longer stays, choose a Visa on Arrival:
- Cost: approx. €35
- Valid 30 days
- Extendable once (total 60 days)
You can pay on arrival or apply online (e-VOA) before departure.
Long-Stay Options
For stays >60 days or work-related visits:
- Social-Cultural Visa (180 days)
- Business Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa (B211A or future long-stay permits)
Tip: Check the Indonesian Embassy or official immigration site for updates before traveling.
Arrival Guide: What Happens When You Land in Bali
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Welcome to paradise! Upon arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, go through immigration, collect your luggage, and pass customs.
In the arrival hall, you will find money changers, SIM card counters, and transport options.
For phone and internet, local SIM cards from providers like Telkomsel or XL Axiata are available for €5–€10. ATMs usually offer better rates than currency exchanges, so inform your bank about your travels.
To reach your hotel, use airport taxis with fixed rates or ride-hailing services like Grab or Gojek.
Travel times vary: Kuta is 15–20 minutes away, Seminyak 30–50 minutes, Canggu 45–90 minutes, and Ubud and Uluwatu are around 60–90 minutes and 40–60 minutes, respectively.
READ ALSO: Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport – A Gateway To Paradise
Tip: For a stress-free arrival, arrange a private car pickup before you fly. You can walk out, find your driver holding your name sign, and start your Bali adventure right away.
Practical Travel Tips for French Visitors
Preparing for cultural differences and knowing a few basic habits can make your trip to Bali much more enjoyable and stress-free, especially after the long journey from France.
Language and Communication
English is widely spoken in major tourist areas like Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu, so communication is generally easy for visitors. However, learning a few simple Bahasa Indonesia phrases is a great way to show respect and connect with locals:
- Terima kasih — thank you
- Permisi — excuse me
- Tolong — please / help
These small efforts are always appreciated and can make interactions friendlier.
Time Difference & Jet Lag
Bali is on GMT+8, making it 6–7 hours ahead of France, depending on the season. To reduce jet lag, adjust your sleep schedule before leaving and stay hydrated during the flight.
If you arrive in the morning, staying active and getting sunlight will help reset your body clock.
Health & Wellness Tips
- Always drink bottled or filtered water, as tap water is not safe to drink.
- Bali’s sun can be strong, so use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the island’s marine environment.
- Mosquitoes can be common in some areas, especially near rice fields or at sunset — bring repellent, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
- Make sure you have adequate travel insurance, as medical treatment or emergency transport abroad can be costly.
Safety, Customs & Local Etiquette
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Bali is safe and welcoming, but a bit of awareness helps:
- Always wear a helmet and drive cautiously when renting a scooter, as traffic can be busy.
- Keep valuables secure in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.
- Dress respectfully at temples by covering shoulders and knees; sarongs are usually available at entrances.
- Avoid stepping on canang sari, the daily offerings on sidewalks, as they are significant to locals.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy a smoother and more respectful experience in Bali. Embrace the warm hospitality and vibrant traditions!
Closing
Now you know exactly how to get to Bali from France — from choosing flights and booking smartly, to understanding visas, navigating arrival, and estimating costs.
Once you land, Bali rewards you with spiritual charm, natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.
With the right planning, your journey will be smooth, comfortable, and exciting from start to finish.
Bon voyage — selamat jalan!