United States

Why the United States on an organized circuit?

The United States is a continent in itself: between Los Angeles and New York, there is as much distance as between Paris and Baghdad. The diversity of landscapes is unparalleled, from the red sandstone canyons of Utah to the illuminated skylines of Manhattan, from the giant sequoias of Yosemite to the art deco of Miami Beach.

The organized tour makes sense in a country where distances are excessive, right-hand driving is sometimes confusing for a European, and where a local guide makes the difference between a visit to the Grand Canyon and a real immersion in Navajo geology and culture. It's the ideal formula to cover the essentials without sacrificing experience.

Note: the climate data in this guide is based on Las Vegas, the reference city of the dominant American Western circuit. The East Coast (New York, Washington) is cooler in summer (25-30°C in July) and rainier in spring. Miami experiences a wet season from June to October. These variants are reported in the monthly tips below.

When to go to the United States?

The best times for the American West are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October): ideal temperatures in the national parks, moderate crowds, reasonable prices. July-August are to be avoided for the canyons (up to 40°C in Las Vegas) but remain pleasant on the East Coast and in San Francisco.

For the East Coast, October is the month of Foliage: the forests of New England are adorned with red and gold, a spectacle that the French often discover with amazement.

Budget: How much does a tour cost in the United States?

The United States is one of the long-haul destinations with a high budget. A meal in a decent restaurant costs 15-25 EUR per person without drinks. Accommodation in a double room in a motel in the national parks starts at 80-120 EUR. Entrance fees to national parks are covered by the America the Beautiful Pass (80 USD, valid for 1 year in all federal parks). Don't forget to add gratuities (15-20% at the restaurant) to your budget.

The essential steps

The American West concentrates the most spectacular circuits: Los Angeles for the Californian introduction, Las Vegas as a base for the canyons, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, and San Francisco for the beautiful close. The East Coast offers a different register: New York in the lead, Washington for history, Niagara Falls for breathless.

Photo gallery

Typical itineraries

These routes are educational examples to give you an idea of what is possible. They are not for a specific product. Use the questionnaire to find the tour that suits you.

Practical advice

Entry requirements

French nationals do not need a classic visa, but the ESTA is mandatory. Apply for it on the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov (40.27 USD in 2026), at least 72 hours before boarding. The ESTA is valid for 2 years. An electronic or biometric passport is essential. No vaccinations are mandatory, but travel medical coverage is strongly recommended: care is very expensive in the United States.

Getting around

For the American West, car rental is essential. National parks are not served by public transport. The French license is valid. Please note: the minimum age for rental is often 25 years old. For the East Coast (New York, Washington), the subway and Amtrak trains are sufficient. Taxis and VTCs (Uber, Lyft) are well developed in the big cities.

Culture and uses

Tipping is a social convention, not optional: 18 to 20% in restaurants, $1 to $2 per drink at the bar, $2 to $5 per night in the room for maids. Sales tax is always added to the posted prices, from 6 to 10% depending on the state. English is the only language needed. Americans are generally very welcoming to French visitors.

Jet lag

The American West (Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco) is 9 hours less than Paris in French summer time, 8 hours in winter time. The East Coast (New York, Washington) is 6 hours less in French summer time. Allow 2 to 3 days to recover from the outward delay.

Frequently asked questions