France

France

France has long been the world’s favourite tourist destination, and it doesn’t take a much imagination to understand why. It has some of the highest mountains, the most dynamic cities, the best beaches and a treasure trove of the some of the world’s most famous artistic, cultural and historical artifacts. The wide open spaces and impressive mountain ranges of the French countryside allow for a vast scope of outdoor activities to thrill even the most adventurous traveller. Those seeking more of an urban adventure won’t be disappointed by the vast range of clubs, shops, fashion and music provided by France’s cities in abundance. Combine all of these riches with the most sumptuous culinary scene in the world, and you may be planning your next trip to France before you even head back home.

Read More: France

Fast Facts

Travel Styles:


Regions


  • Aix-en-Provence
  • Nice
  • Paris

Travel Information


General

Language:French is the official language. There are many regional dialects, but these are rapidly declining, with the exception of Basque, which is spoken…

Electricity

Plug Type: Type C, Type E Voltage (V): 230V Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz *Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending…

Banking

Currency Local currency: Euro Symbol: € ISO code: EUR Subunit: Cent Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 Coins:…

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: Yes Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat: Yes Street food: Yes Local…

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region Average temperature: 12°C Summer: Average highs: 25°C Average lows: 15°C Winter: Average…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: Air France International Airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris), Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Domestic Airports: Orly…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters,…

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has…

Safety

France is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit…

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.


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General

Language:French is the official language. There are many regional dialects, but these are rapidly declining, with the exception of Basque, which is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton, which is spoken by some in Brittany. Many people speak at least some English.National Emergency Numbers:General Emergency 112Medical Emergency 15Police 17Fire Service 18Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan 01 New Year’s Day (Jour de l'An)Day after Easter Easter Monday1st Mon. in May Labour Day (Fête du Travail)May 08 VE Day - WWII Victory Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945)May- Pentecost Whit SundayMay- Day after Pentecost Whit MondayJuly 14 Bastille Day (Fête nationale)Aug 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption)Nov 01 All Saints' Day (Toussaint)Nov 11 Armistice Day (Armistice 1918)Dec 25 Christmas DayTime Zone:The France is on Central European Time and is 6 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.TIPPING SUGGESTIONSGratuities are left to your discretion and always appreciated. It is our recommendation that the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity. We are pleased to provide you with the following guidelines. Please feel free to offer more if you receive superlative service.Driver GuidesAbout €50 - €120 per day.Biking guides would be at the higher end of this scaleDrivers & One Day GuidesAbout €35 - €50 per day.The driver guide or driver will normally remove himself at meal times. However this time can be awkward for both guides and clients so if the clients would like to invite the guide or driver to join them they should make it very clear and would be expected to pay for the meal.HotelsService is always included and in general no tips are expected but they are welcome nonetheless. For excellent or unusual services a few Euros (the classic "fiver", a €5 note) are appropriate left for the housemaid or the porter who brings your bags up.RestaurantsGenerally there are three options, outlined on the menu.· A Service Charge of x % will apply" - this means what it says, your final bill will be subject to an additional charge; no further tips are necessary.· "Service included" - this means that the prices are a flat rate, no tips are required and the prices are final. Again if the server has been attentive a €5 or €10 left on the table will always be appreciated.· If none of these apply servers will usually expect a tip of around 10-15%TransfersFor a short Airport Transfer €5-10 is sufficient. For longer transfers €10-30.US EMBASSYMailing Address: 2 avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, FranceTel: +33 (1)431 22222Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/

Electricity

Plug Type: Type C, Type E 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: French cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its sophistication and diversity. From classic dishes like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon to delicate pastries like croissants and macarons, French culinary traditions offer a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. Notable local drinks include wine, champagne, and pastis. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 12°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 7°C 
Average lows: 2°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit France is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and tourist crowds are thinner. 

Transport

Air: 

Main airlines: Air France 
International Airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris), Nice Côte d'Azur Airport 
Domestic Airports: Orly Airport (Paris), Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Dress

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Ticks

Precautions should be taken against tick bites. For anyone planning to spend long periods of time in forested areas, carrying a pair of tick tweezers is advised, and immunization against tick-borne encephalitis is also a possible precaution.

Safety

France is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.