France

Based on Paris, the one city I’ve visited so far, no. The Métro’s 16 lines cover the entire city, RER trains handle regional trips like Versailles or the airport, and Vélib' bike-share is available for shorter rides. Paris is also very walkable — most central neighborhoods are within 30 minutes of each other on foot.

France scores 7/10 for GF friendliness, helped by strong EU allergen labeling laws and gluten-free sections at supermarket chains like Monoprix and Carrefour. In Paris, the one city I’ve visited so far, that translated into real options — dedicated GF restaurants like Little Nonna, Tasca, Chambelland, Copains, Noglu, Kapunka, Riz Riz, and Maison Plume, plus an 8/10 city-level score. Traditional French cuisine relies heavily on wheat (baguettes, croissants, crêpes), so those dedicated kitchens make a meaningful difference over trying to adapt standard menus.

I visited Paris in May, which fell right in the ideal window — the data for the city points to April through June and September through October as the best months, avoiding both the winter cold and the peak summer crowds and heat. Spring worked well for me weather-wise, with mornings cool enough that I was glad I’d packed layers.