Washington, D.C. for the intimate («District of Columbia»), named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, is the federal capital of the United States of America, but is not part of any of the US Federated States (its original territory was taken to the neighbouring states of Virginia and Maryland).Less hectic than New York, less historic than Boston, Washington still has more than one trick in its bag to seduce the visitor. What strikes at first glance is its aerated and sans aspect; it has wide avenues and wide green spaces, as is the emblematic National Mall. The different parts of Washington are walking around, and moving from one to the other is a very easy way to go by subway or taxi. The French Pierre Charles The Child by drawing the plans, imposing wide avenues, limiting the height of the 13-storey buildings and securing important green spaces. The work started in 1791.Visiting Washington is also an opportunity to plunge into the history of the country. Significant monuments and memorials align with the 3 km of the Mall between Lincoln Memorial and Capitol. This huge lawn, which the imposing Washington Monument embodies the centre, is a place of relaxation and popular walks of the inhabitants. In the spring, when the cherry trees of Japan bloom on the Mall, thousands of visitors affluent to watch this spectacle of all beauty. A festival was even created for the occasion, the National Cherry Blossom Festival.In addition to the Mall, Washington has residential and lively neighbourhoods in the evening, such as Adams Morgan and the very Afro-American U Street, and more distinctive neighbourhoods such as Georgetown, where Kennedy owned a home when John Fitzgerald was still at the helm of the country.In Washington, nature is not the case; Visitors will enjoy the Dumbarton Oaks Park and Rock Creek Park, or Potomac's edge where residents go shopping.

What to visit Washington, D.c.?

When to go to Washington, D.c.?

When to go? Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, year-round city that is great to live in and visit in all four seasons, especially in the spring when the cherry trees along the famous National Mall, which stretches from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol, are in bloom. The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the city every year in March and April. It is a must for anyone visiting Washington in the spring.

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Weather all year round

Washington City's climate is humid subtropical, that is, temperate, with no dry season and a hot summer. Spring and fall are warm to moderate with daily temperatures around 20°C. In winter, the warm subtropical climate becomes cold continental with low temperatures (on average 2 °C in January) and snow. Summer tends to be very hot and humid, even scorching, with temperatures around 32 °C and occasional thunderstorms. Washington's weather is therefore quite marked in both summer and winter.

Budget

If you book in advance, you can find a hotel in Washington for US$90-100, in any season. Be careful, during the high tourist season, in July and August, prices can be multiplied by three. You can eat well for less than 20 US$. On the other hand, public transportation is more expensive than in France (around US$ 2.50 per ticket). Entrance to museums in Washington is about 12 US$. And as they are numerous, your museum budget is to be considered!

Procedures

France is still part of the Visa Waiver Pilot program which allows French nationals to enter the United States without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days. To stay in Washington, all you need is a valid biometric passport, a non-refundable round-trip ticket to the United States and no intention of extending your stay. You must also fill out the ESTA form on the Internet at least 72 hours before departure and pay the US$14 fee that accompanies the form (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov). For a stay of more than 90 days, the visitor must have a visa. Several types of visas exist (student, work, etc.), but they are all quite difficult to obtain. Consult the website of the U.S. Embassy in France.

Health

There are no particular health problems in the United States, even less if your stay is limited to Washington. The capital is well provided with hospitals. The only problem will be the very high fees charged. In case of emergency, call 911 from any phone, even cell phones that have no units left will work in this case. You will be taken care of more quickly if you show proof of credit (credit card or insurance). No vaccination certificate is required to enter the United States. Persons undergoing medical treatment will need a prescription to prove that they are not importing illegal drugs.

How to go to Washington, D.c.? Our advice & tips

You can choose a stay in Washington combining flight and hotel, or flight, hotel and visits to monuments, museums and main points of interest, or a tour including Washington, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, the two neighboring states. Tour operators offer several attractive packages in this region.

There are direct flights to Washington. Once there, it is very easy to be autonomous, Washington is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. The locals are very welcoming and will not fail to guide you in your visits. The only thing you need to do in advance is to make hotel reservations to ensure that you get the right rate.

Like New York or San Francisco, Washington is very well served by public transportation. Don't overlook the distances from one neighborhood to another, the city is large. The subway is very efficient. It is interesting to take a weekly pass if you are staying for a long time and moving around a lot, which you will certainly do. It is forbidden to eat or drink on the trains and in the subway stations.

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Statue du Mémorial Lincoln à Washington. Diane DIEDERICH - iStockphoto
Monument Iwo Jima. Apollon - Iconotec

Discover Washington, D.c.

When to travel?

When to go? Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, year-round city that is great to live in and visit in all four seasons, es...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Washington City's climate is humid subtropical, that is, temperate, with no dry season and a hot summer. Spring and f...
Read more about it

Budget

If you book in advance, you can find a hotel in Washington for US$90-100, in any season. Be careful, during the high...
Read more about it

Formalities

France is still part of the Visa Waiver Pilot program which allows French nationals to enter the United States withou...
Read more about it

Health

There are no particular health problems in the United States, even less if your stay is limited to Washington. The ca...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

There are direct flights to Washington. Once there, it is very easy to be autonomous, Washington is easily accessible...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

You can choose a stay in Washington combining flight and hotel, or flight, hotel and visits to monuments, museums and...
Read more about it

Getting around

Like New York or San Francisco, Washington is very well served by public transportation. Don't overlook the distances...
Read more about it

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