France Travel & Packing Guide 2026: Complete Checklist

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Table of Contents

• Visa Requirements & Travel Documents
• Best Time to Visit France
• Seasonal Packing Guide
• City-Specific Packing Tips
• Cultural Etiquette & Dress Codes
• Transportation in France
• Food & Drink Tips
• Budget Breakdown
• Essential Apps
• Complete Packing Checklist

Visa Requirements & Travel Documents

France is part of the Schengen Area in the European Union, making it straightforward for citizens from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada to visit. New travel regulations came into effect in 2025 for all travelers.

Exploring more of Europe? See our Europe packing list.

For US Citizens

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
• ETIAS Registration: Mandatory starting 2025. Cost: $7 USD, valid for 3 years. Register at etias.cbp.eu before departure (takes 5-10 minutes)
• Visa-free entry: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended ($25-50 USD for week-long trip)
• Copies of documents: Digital copies in email, cloud storage, and one printed copy in your luggage

For UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. Ensure your passport was issued within the last 10 years
• ETIAS Registration: Mandatory. Same fee and process as US citizens
• Visa-free entry: Up to 90 days within 180 days
• No Customs Declarations: Personal goods travel duty-free
• Travel insurance: Important as NHS coverage doesn't extend to France

For Australian & Canadian Citizens

• Passport: Valid for 6+ months beyond departure
• ETIAS: Required ($7 USD equivalent)
• Visa-free period: 90 days within 180 days
• Travel insurance: Essential; reciprocal healthcare agreements don't apply
• International Driving Permit: Required if planning to rent a car. Get from your country's automobile association ($20-25 USD)

Best Time to Visit France in 2026

Spring (April-May)

Temperature: 55-72°F (13-22°C)

Why go: Perfect weather, cherry blossoms and wildflowers, fewer crowds than summer. Markets vibrant with fresh produce

Packing: Light layers, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, umbrella

Price: Mid-range ($100-180/night hotels)

Summer (June-August)

Temperature: 70-82°F (21-28°C), occasionally reaching 86°F+ in southern regions

Why go: Warmest, longest days, perfect for Provence and Mediterranean coast, all attractions fully open

Drawbacks: Peak crowds (museums and Paris busy), highest prices, some regions very hot

Packing: Lightweight clothing, hat, sunglasses, swimwear for southern France, light cover-up

Price: Premium ($180-300+/night hotels)

Fall (September-October)

Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)

Why go: Warm weather persists, fewer tourists after mid-September, wine harvest season, beautiful foliage

Packing: Light layers, light jacket, comfortable shoes, light scarf, umbrella

Price: Mid-range ($90-160/night)

Winter (November-March)

Temperature: 37-50°F (3-10°C) in Paris, warmer in Provence/south

Why go: Minimal crowds, lowest prices, Christmas markets in Paris and Strasbourg, winter charm

Drawbacks: Cold (especially north), frequent rain, some attractions have reduced hours

Packing: Warm coat, layers, waterproof jacket, closed-toe shoes, scarf, gloves

Price: Budget ($60-100/night), premium during holidays

Seasonal Packing Guide for France

Spring (April-May)

• Clothing: Mix of short-sleeves and long-sleeves, light cardigan or denim jacket, lightweight pants and shorts, 1-2 dresses
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes (essential for cobblestone streets and museum days), flat sandals, light sneakers
• Layers: Lightweight scarf, cotton wrap
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Accessories: Compact umbrella (April showers common), small crossbody bag for daily exploration

Summer (June-August)

• Clothing: Lightweight dresses, shorts, t-shirts in breathable fabrics (cotton, linen), minimal layers but bring light wrap for evenings and cooler regions
• Critical sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), sunglasses UV 400, lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
• Footwear: Broken-in walking sandals, water shoes for coastal areas, flip-flops for casual evenings
• Beach/water: Swimwear (2+), quick-dry cover-up, waterproof phone case (for Provence lakes and Mediterranean)
• For churches/formal sites: Light wrap to cover shoulders (many churches require modest dress)

Fall (September-October)

• Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, lightweight sweater or cardigan, lightweight pants and jeans, 1-2 dresses, closed-toe shoes
• Layers: Light jacket, scarf, wrap
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes (essential), casual shoes for evenings
• Weather prep: Lightweight rain jacket (fall can be rainy), umbrella, waterproof bag for valuables
• Sun: Still wear SPF 20-30, hat for daytime walking

Winter (November-March)

• Warm clothing: Insulated coat or heavy jacket, multiple layers (thermal base, sweater), warm pants, jeans, tights
• Cold weather gear: Gloves, warm scarf, beanie (not in churches—remove before entering)
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes with good grip (icy streets), closed-toe shoes, boots
• Rain gear: Waterproof jacket, umbrella (essential), waterproof bag for electronics and documents
• Other: Thermal socks, hand warmers for northern regions

City-Specific Packing & Travel Tips

Paris

Distance walked daily: 10,000-18,000+ steps (wear your most comfortable shoes; Paris has hills and many cobblestone streets)

Dreaming of a honeymoon? Check our honeymoon packing list.

• Must-have: Broken-in walking shoes, hat, sunscreen
• Efficient sightseeing: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame have long queues. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to save hours. Bring water, a book, phone charger
• Best neighborhoods: Marais, Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Le Bon Marché (walkable, vibrant, good dining)
• Church etiquette: Dress modestly for religious sites; covered shoulders required in some basilicas like Sacré-Cœur
• Summer strategy: Paris gets crowded July-August. Go early (before 9 AM) for major attractions to avoid heat and queues
• Museums: Many close Mondays or Tuesdays. Check hours before visiting. Many offer free entry first Sunday of month
• Language: English less common in Paris than tourist expect. Learn basic phrases: "Bonjour," "S'il vous plaît," "Merci"

Nice & French Riviera

Coastal paradise: Mediterranean beaches, art deco architecture, glamorous seaside culture

• Essential: Swimwear (multiple), water shoes, waterproof phone case, SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Beach culture: More casual dress code than Paris. Swimwear visible in public acceptable; women topless common on beaches
• Pebble beaches: Nice's beach is pebbles, not sand. Water shoes essential for comfort
• Promenade des Anglais: Scenic beachfront walkway. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the full 4-mile stretch
• Day trips: Cannes, Monaco, Antibes nearby. Light daypack, refillable water bottle essential
• Evening wear: Nice is more upscale than northern France. Casual-smart dress for dinner (no swimwear in restaurants)
• Budget: French Riviera is the priciest region; budget 30-40% more than Paris. Nice is cheaper than Cannes/Monaco

Provence & Lavender Region

Rural charm: Historic villages, lavender fields, outdoor markets, Mediterranean food

• Hiking essential: Many charming villages require hiking or long walking. Wear proper walking shoes with ankle support
• Sun protection critical: Provence has intense Mediterranean sun. SPF 50+, hat, long-sleeve hiking shirt recommended
• Lavender season: July-August is peak; fields incredibly beautiful. Bring camera, light long sleeves for sun protection while walking fields
• Markets: Weekly outdoor markets (especially Tuesdays and Saturdays). Early morning (8-11 AM) best. Bring reusable bag
• Dress code: Casual and relaxed. Sandals acceptable everywhere except serious dining
• Car rental recommended: Villages spread out. Easy car rental from Avignon; scenic drives through countryside
• Wine tasting: Many vineyards offer tastings. Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard tours

Lyon

Gastronomic capital: World-famous food scene, historic old town, silk heritage, Renaissance architecture

• Walking crucial: Lyon's old town (Vieux Lyon) sits on steep hillside. Wear shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets
• Basilica hike: Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is perched on hilltop. Either take funicular or hike 400+ steps; bring water
• Weather: Can be cool even in summer due to location at river confluence. Bring light jacket year-round
• Food-focused travel: World-class restaurants. Casual-smart dress (no shorts at dinner) for better dining experiences
• Budget: Slightly cheaper than Paris but still expensive. Food prices are premium but worth it
• Museums: Excellent textile museum (silk history). Museum passes available for unlimited entry

Marseille & Mediterranean Coast

Vibrant port city: Historic harbor, bouillabaisse fish soup, diverse culture, gateway to Provence

• Calanques hiking: Dramatic limestone cliffs with hidden beaches. Hiking boots essential; bring 2+ liters water, sun protection
• Beach culture: More relaxed than Nice. Swimwear and casual dress normal everywhere
• Water activities: Kayaking and boat tours popular. Bring quick-dry clothes, waterproof bag for belongings
• Harbor walks: Vieux Port (old harbor) is scenic for evening strolls. Comfortable shoes for walking along waterfront
• Less touristy: Fewer crowds than Côte d'Azur; good budget option for Mediterranean coast

Strasbourg & Alsace

Half-timbered villages: Charming medieval towns, Christmas markets (best in Europe), wine region

• Winter specialty: Strasbourg's Christmas markets (November-December) are world-famous. Bring warm coat, gloves, scarf
• Walking city: Old town pedestrian-only. Comfortable walking shoes essential for exploring narrow medieval streets
• Wine tastings: Alsatian wine region nearby. Light, mineral white wines. Comfortable shoes for vineyard tours
• Colder climate: Northern France is noticeably colder than south. Layer well even in summer; bring warmer coat for evenings
• German influence: Architecture and food reflect German heritage. Half-timbered houses, pretzels, sauerkraut common

Loire Valley

Château country: Over 300 châteaux, rural countryside, wine region, history

• Driving recommended: Châteaux spread out across countryside. Car rental from Tours or Blois; scenic drives between sites
• Château exploration: Multiple châteaux worth visiting. Bring walking shoes for exploring interiors, grounds
• Cycling popular: Many organized bike tours available. Bring padded shorts, cycling gloves if cycling for multiple days
• Wine region: Excellent local wines. Comfortable shoes for vineyard tastings and tours
• Budget-friendly: Loire Valley is cheaper than Paris or Provence. Good value for food and wine

Cultural Etiquette & Dress Codes

Religious Sites (Churches, Cathedrals, Basilicas)

Moderate to strict dress code at major sites

Also visiting Spain? Check our Spain packing guide.

• Women: Covered shoulders and knees recommended (strictly enforced at some sites like Sacré-Cœur). Sleeveless not recommended
• Men: Shirts with sleeves required at major sites. Shorts often not permitted
• No swimwear: Never wear beach clothes to churches, even if traveling from a beach
• Hat etiquette: Remove hats when entering churches (including baseball caps). Veils not required
• Footwear: No specific requirements, but closed-toe shoes show more respect
• Photography: Many churches prohibit photos in certain areas (especially during services). Ask before photographing

General French Etiquette

• Greetings: Handshakes for business; close acquaintances exchange cheek kisses (la bise). Greeting people with "Bonjour" before any interaction is important
• Meals: Lunch (déjeuner) is typically 12-2 PM and is substantial. Dinner (dîner) is 8-10 PM. Many restaurants close 3-7 PM between service
• Tipping: Not mandatory. Rounding up to nearest euro or 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated, not expected. Service is already included
• Dress code: French dress style is classic and understated. Avoid overly casual wear in restaurants or cultural venues. Neat appearance valued
• Public behavior: French appreciate quiet in public spaces. Loud tourists frowned upon on public transit. Keep voice low in restaurants
• Smoking: Banned in public indoor spaces but common outdoors. Outdoor café smoking widespread
• Language: Learning basic French phrases goes a long way. French appreciate effort even if English-speaking. Key phrases: "Excusez-moi," "S'il vous plaît," "Au revoir"
• Café culture: Sitting at a café and lingering for hours is normal and valued. Coffee consumption is leisure activity, not rushed

Getting Around France: Trains, Buses & Rental Cars

Trains (SNCF - French National Railways)

Best option for intercity travel. Reliable, comfortable, extensive network, scenic routes.

• TGV Trains: High-speed trains connecting major cities. Very comfortable, frequent service. Paris-Nice: 5.5 hours; Paris-Lyon: 2 hours
• Booking: Buy tickets on SNCF.com, through travel apps, or at train stations. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for discounts (Prem's fares)
• Luggage: Free on trains. Reasonable size limits but more generous than airlines
• Sample prices: Paris to Nice = €50-150 ($54-162 USD) depending on train type and timing. Regional trains cheaper than TGV
• Rail passes: Eurail passes available for non-EU citizens ($260-450 USD for 7-day passes)
• Tips: Trains depart exactly on time; arrive 15 minutes early. Validation not always required but check your ticket

Buses (FlixBus, Ouibus, Regional)

Cheapest option for certain routes; slower than trains but budget-friendly

• Coverage: FlixBus covers most of France. Good for smaller cities and rural areas trains don't reach
• Luggage: Typically 1 free suitcase + 1 carry-on. Extra bags incur €5-10 fee
• Comfort: Less comfortable than trains but significantly cheaper. Budget for medium journeys
• Booking: Online at Flixbus.com; book 1-2 weeks ahead for best prices
• Travel time: Paris to Nice by bus takes 18+ hours vs. 5.5 hours by train; not recommended for long distances

Metro, Trams & Buses (Paris, Lyon, Marseille)

Efficient for city exploration

• Paris metro: Modern, clean, efficient. Single ticket €2.15 USD; carnet (10 tickets) €16 USD. Day pass €8.45 USD. Download Navigo Easy or RATP app
• Regional transit: Most cities have metro, trams, or buses. Single tickets €1.50-2 USD; day passes €5-8 USD
• Pass cards: Rechargeable cards available for all cities; better value for multi-day stays
• Safety: Public transit generally safe but watch for pickpockets in crowded cars during rush hour

Car Rentals

Recommended for Provence, Loire Valley, Alsace, and rural regions. Avoid city driving.

• Age requirement: Minimum 18-21 (varies by company); under 25 may incur surcharges ($15-25/day)
• Driving license: US/UK/AU/CA license valid + International Driving Permit recommended ($20-25 USD)
• Insurance: Mandatory. Basic included in rental (~$20-30/day). Full coverage recommended (additional $12-20/day)
• Driving side: Drive on RIGHT side of road. Different from UK/AU but same as US/CA
• Avoid: City driving in Paris, Lyon, Marseille. City centers congested; parking expensive and complicated
• Parking: In cities €2-5 USD per hour, €15-30/day in lots. Village parking usually free
• Fuel: Diesel (gazole) cheaper than petrol. Budget €1.40-1.60/liter (~$6-7/gallon equivalent). Many rental cars are diesel
• Tolls: Major highways have tolls; automatic toll collection on rental cars. Budget €50-100+ for cross-country driving
• Sample rental: Compact car ~$40-60 USD/day, plus fuel, tolls, and insurance
• Roads: Generally well-maintained. Rural roads scenic; speed limits strictly enforced
• Driving in Provence: Scenic but winding roads. Take your time; drives longer than expected

Bicycles & E-Bikes

• Bike rental: Available in most cities; €10-20/day. E-bikes €20-40/day. Paris has Vélib' bike-sharing system
• Cycling routes: Loire Valley especially bike-friendly. Many organized cycling tours available
• Flat areas: Better for cycling. Provence and Loire Valley ideal; mountainous regions challenging

Food & Drink Tips for France

Dining Culture

• Meal times: Breakfast (petit-déjeuner) 7-9 AM—coffee + croissant/pain au chocolat at café, €2-3 USD. Lunch (déjeuner) 12-2 PM—main meal. Dinner (dîner) 8-10 PM
• Restaurant types: Restaurant (formal), Bistro (casual, great food), Brasserie (beer hall, casual), Café (light meals), Boulangerie (bakery)
• Costs (USD): Budget meal €8-15 ($9-16), Mid-range €20-35 ($22-38), Upscale €50+ ($54+). Paris 40-50% pricier than provincial cities
• Tipping: Not mandatory. Service charge included in bill. Rounding up or 5% for excellent service appreciated, not expected
• Prix fixe menus: Set-price lunch menus €12-25 USD; excellent value. Usually 2-3 courses with wine option

Must-Try Foods by Region

• Paris: Croissants (butter, almond, chocolate), Pain au chocolat, Crêpes (Nutella, jam, ice cream), Macarons, French onion soup, Steak frites
• Provence: Bouillabaisse (Mediterranean fish stew), Ratatouille, Salade Niçoise, Tapenade (olive paste), Herbes de Provence (seasoning)
• Lyon: Quenelles (light dumplings), Saucisson (cured sausage), Andouillette (tripe sausage), Coq au vin
• Normandy/Brittany: Crêpes (sweet and savory), Fresh seafood, Camembert cheese, Calvados (apple brandy)
• Burgundy: Coq au vin (chicken in wine), Beef Bourguignon, Escargots, Crème Brûlée
• Loire Valley: Fresh salmon, Goat cheese, Mushroom dishes, White wine specialties
• Alsace: Pretzels, Sauerkraut, Flammekuchen (Alsatian pizza), Sausages, Riesling wine
• Everywhere: Baguettes, Camembert, Gruyère, Pâté, Wine, Cheese boards

Beverages

• Coffee: Espresso (un café) €1-2 USD standing at bar. Sit-down costs 2-3x more. Café au lait (coffee with hot milk) breakfast favorite
• Wine: France's pride. Quality bottles: €8-20 USD in stores, €6-15 USD per glass in restaurants. Every region has local specialties
• Regional wines: Burgundy (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet blends), Loire (Sauvignon Blanc), Alsace (Riesling), Provence (Rosé)
• Champagne: From Champagne region. Non-champagne sparkling is "Crémant." Tourist Champagne expensive; local Crémant good value
• Beer: Local beers less prominent than wine but Kronenbourg and Guinness available. Craft beer growing
• Aperitifs: Pastis (anise spirit, especially southern France), Kir (white wine + blackcurrant liqueur)
• Water: Tap water safe and excellent. Refill reusable bottle at public fountains. Restaurants serve water upon request

What to Pack: Food & Beverage Items

• Water bottle: Reusable is essential. Tap water is drinkable and safe; public fountains everywhere
• Snacks: Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit for long museum days or train rides
• Croissants & pastries: Available everywhere; indulge guilt-free. Boulangeries have best quality

France Budget Breakdown (in USD)

Per Day Costs

Major Expenses

• Flight from US: $650-1300 USD roundtrip (book 6-8 weeks ahead)
• Flight from UK/AU/CA: $800-1800 USD roundtrip
• ETIAS registration: $7 USD
• Travel insurance: $30-60 USD (week-long trip)
• Museum entries: €10-18 ($11-19 USD) each. Paris Museum Pass ($65 USD for 4 days) includes major museums + free transit
• Train passes: Eurail 7-day pass €260-450 USD for non-EU citizens
• Château entries: €10-16 ($11-17 USD) each in Loire Valley

How to Save Money

• Eat where locals eat: Skip "tourist" restaurants (laminated menus with pictures). Walk blocks off main streets for authentic bistros
• Prix fixe lunch menus: Set-price lunch offers 2-3 courses for €12-25 USD; huge value compared to dinner pricing
• Visit free attractions: Many museums free first Sunday of month. Churches (though donations appreciated), parks, market walking tours
• City passes: Paris Museum Pass, Lyon City Card offer combo deals; check before paying per-entry
• Stay outside city centers: Prices 30-50% lower in residential neighborhoods; transit-accessible via metro/bus
• Take regional trains: Slower but significantly cheaper than TGV high-speed trains
• Travel in shoulder seasons: April-May or September-October offer best value (fewer crowds, lower prices)
• Buy from boulangeries: Fresh croissants and pastries from bakeries €0.70-1.50 vs. €3-5 at cafes
• Picnics: Grab ingredients from markets and parks; much cheaper than restaurants

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Essential Apps for France Travel

Navigation & Transportation

• Google Maps: Works well offline. Download maps before arrival. Shows transit options and walking times
• RATP (Paris transit): Official Paris metro/bus app. Shows real-time schedules and trip planning
• SNCF Connect: Book and manage train tickets. Shows TGV schedules and prices for all routes
• FlixBus: Compare and book intercity buses. Good for budget travel between cities
• Citymapper: Alternative transit navigation for major cities

Money & Payments

• OANDA XE Currency Converter: Real-time EUR to USD conversion. Essential for understanding prices
• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Low-fee international transfers. Much better rates than banks for exchanging money
• PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay: Many French businesses accept contactless payment
• Revolut or N26: Digital banks with good ATM access and currency exchange rates

Food & Dining

• TripAdvisor & Google Maps Reviews: Find authentic restaurants. Filter by ratings and read recent reviews
• LaFourchette (The Fork): Restaurant reservation app with discounts (10-50% off many restaurants)
• Michelin Guide: Official guide to French restaurants. Search by city and star rating (1-3 stars)

Communication & Utilities

• WhatsApp: Free messaging over WiFi. Most Europeans use instead of SMS
• Yesim eSIM: Local data without SIM card switching ($3-8 for several GB)
• Orange or SFR prepaid: French telecom SIM cards; good rates for local calls and data

Tourism & Culture

• Google Arts & Culture: Virtual museum tours, historical info on sights
• Duolingo: Learn basic French phrases before traveling
• Rick Steves' Europe: Detailed destination guides, videos, walking tours for major cities

Complete France Packing Checklist

Clothing Essentials (Adjust for Season)

Essential Accessories

• Hat or visor (sun protection)
• Sunglasses (UV 400 protection)
• Light scarf (sun protection, warmth, church visits)
• Crossbody bag or small daypack (hands-free for walking)
• Crossbody money bag (security on public transit)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30-50+)
• Reusable water bottle
• Compact umbrella (lightweight, easy to carry)

Electronics & Documents

• Passport (6+ month validity)
• ETIAS registration confirmation
• Travel insurance documents (digital + printed copy)
• Flight bookings and hotel confirmations
• Phone and charging cable
• Portable power bank (20,000+ mAh)
• Universal power adapter (EU style: Type C/E two round pins)
• Headphones or earbuds
• Camera (optional but recommended)

Toiletries (Travel Size)

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or bar soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Face wash and moisturizer
• Medications (prescriptions + pain relievers, antihistamines)
• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
• Nail clippers and grooming items
• Lip balm with SPF

Health & Safety

• Travel insurance card (digital + printed)
• Prescription medications in original bottles
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Antihistamines and allergy medication
• Antacid tablets
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Blister treatment and athletic tape
• Thermometer
• First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic wipes)

Miscellaneous

• Lightweight packable backpack for day trips
• Ziplock bags (wet clothes, organization)
• Small notebook and pen
• Copies of documents in separate envelope
• Travel-size laundry detergent
• Packing cubes (organization)
• Earplugs (for noise on transit or accommodation)

Pro Tips for France Travel

• Break in shoes before departure: You'll walk 10,000-15,000 steps daily. Wear your walking shoes for 2-3 weeks before travel
• Dress code matters: French value neat, classic dress. Avoid overly casual wear in better restaurants and cultural venues
• Learn basic French phrases: "Bonjour," "Merci," "S'il vous plaît," "Excusez-moi" go far. Effort appreciated even if speaking English after
• Arrive at museums/attractions early: Mid-morning brings tourist crowds. 9 AM start beats noon lines by hours
• Embrace café culture: Lingering at a café for hours is normal and valued. Coffee culture is leisurely, not rushed
• Cobblestone streets: Wear shoes with good grip. Many streets uneven and slippery in rain, especially Paris
• Pick-pocketing in crowded areas: Keep valuables close in Paris metro, crowded buses, and major attractions
• Meal timing: French eat lunch 12-2 PM, dinner 8-10 PM. Many restaurants close between services. Plan accordingly
• Regional exploration: Don't spend entire trip in Paris. France's regions (Provence, Loire, Côte d'Azur) are equally beautiful and less crowded
• Wine appreciation: Try local wines by region. Wine quality high even at budget prices; ordering house wine is not shameful