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France Travel Guide
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France Climate and Weather
The south of France has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Strong winds, known as la Mistral, can occur in the Cote d'Azur, Provence and in the Rhone valley particularly over the winter and spring. Northern France, including Paris, has a temperate climate similar to southern England with warm summers, cold winters and rainfall throughout the year. The western coast, from the Loire valley to the Pyrenees, is milder and summer days are generally very hot. During the second half of July and August most French take their five-week vacation to the coasts and mountains, and empty cities tend to shut down accordingly.France Currency
Money: The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels, though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques, particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not accepted.Currency Exchange Rates | |||||||
| EUR 1 = | US$ 1.45 | £ 0.69 | C$ 1.37 | A$ 1.56 | R 9.46 | EUR 1.00 | NZ$ 1.88 |
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
France Health Overview
French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.France Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.Entry requirements for UK nationals:British nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for endorsed British Citizen passport holders. Visa exemption is for three months for passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or 'holder is entitled to readmission into the UK', or 'holder has the right of abode in UK'. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians must hold a valid passport for entry to France. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans must have a valid passport and a Schengen visa for travel to France.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals must have a valid passport, but no visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note:Visitors are advised to hold a return or onward ticket and proof of financial means. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in principal, to travel freely within the borders of all.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
France Basics
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.
Language: French is the official language.
Health: French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.
Tipping: Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15% service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another 2-3% is customary if the service has been good. If service is not included then 15% is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10-15% of the fare and hairdressers 10%. Hotel staff generally receive EUR1.50 a day and tips of EUR1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped.
Safety: Following the London and Madrid bombings, security has been heightened particularly in the transport sector. A group called the AZF claim to have a number of explosives on railway tracks timed to detonate at future dates, and although the authorities have asked the public to be vigilant, they have issued no further warnings against using public transport. Unattended luggage left in public places will be removed or destroyed by security staff. While generally safe, visitors to France are advised to take precautions against petty theft and to ensure their personal safety. Thieves and pickpockets operate on the metro and around airports. Theft from cars is prevalent, particularly in the south, around Marseilles, and in Corsica. A Corsican nationalist group FLNC have been responsible for a series of bomb attacks on public buildings and holiday homes in Corsica and visitors should take care, particularly in Ajaccio the capital, and other town centres. Several recent cases of burglary have been reported while visitors were asleep in their caravans or motorhomes and motorists are asked to avoid parking in isolated or darkened areas of camping sites or parking lots. Tourists are advised to conceal bags and purses even when driving, and to never leave valuables unattended in the car. Bag snatching is also common, particularly on public transport and in shopping centres, and visitors should also be vigilant of luggage while loading bags into and out of hire cars at airports. Clashes between youths and police occurred in October/November 2005, with renewed violence in 2006, which included attacks on public transport and caused numerous injuries to civilians. Visitors should be cautious if travelling to Paris around the time of the anniversary of these riots, as further violence is possible.
Customs: French culture is of paramount importance to the French and in an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to protect it. It is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of French; they do not respond well to being shouted at in English. While the food is second to none, Americans will find the service in many restaurants sloppy; waiters can appear rude (particularly in Paris) and take their time. This is just the way they are. Traditional games such as pétanque (similar to lawn bowling but played on gravel) are popular in village squares, but the national sports are soccer, rugby and cycling. From February 2007, smoking in public places will be banned and heavy fines will be imposed.
Business: Business etiquette is important in France. A smart, fashionable, sense of dress is common as the nation prides itself on haut couture. Punctuality is not always observed though and the 'fashionably late' tactic may be applied. A handshake is the common form of greeting for men and women upon first introductions. Titles are important and the person is to be referred to as 'monsieur' (Mr.), 'madame' (Mrs.), or 'mademoiselle' (Ms.). Meetings usually occur over lunches, and the French are known to enjoy food. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for France is +33. The outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on (e.g. 00 for France Telecom), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Other codes are used if using different networks. The area code for Paris is (0)1. Most public telephones accept phone cards, which are available in newsagents. Most hotels add a surcharge to calls, which can be very expensive; the cheapest way to call abroad is often with a phone card from a public telephone or at a post office. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Internet cafes are available in towns throughout France.
Duty Free: Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years entering France can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content 22% and over, or 2 litres of dessert wine or sparkling wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume, and 2 litres of table wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; gold jewellery not exceeding 500g; 500g coffee; 100g tea; and other goods to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years.
France Airports
Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport
Location: The airport is 14 miles (23km) north east of Paris.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)1 48 62 2280.
Transfer between terminals: The three terminals are linked by free shuttle buses.
Transfer to the city: There is a good train service (RER B) that serves the airport with connections to the Paris Metro. Taxis are available on arrival at each terminal. Buses are also available to the city centre and major train stations.
Car rental: All major car rental companies are represented.
Facilities: There are ATMs, banks and bureaux de change in all terminals as well as a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Terminal 1 also has a hairdresser and a business facility that includes meeting rooms, fax and photocopier. Internet facilities and wireless Internet access are also available. Mobile phones can be rented at the airport. Disabled passengers are well catered for at the airport.
Departure tax: None.
Paris Orly Airport
Location: The airport is nine miles (14km) south of Paris.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +01 48 62 22 80.
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are linked by a free shuttle bus.
Transfer to the city: RER trains leave regularly from both terminals and connect to the metro and SNCF train stations. A number of bus services also operate from both terminals. Taxis can also be hired from outside the Arrivals area.
Car rental: All the major car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Facilities: There are a number of shops, bars and restaurants throughout the airport and both terminals have ATMs, banks and currency exchange services. Other facilities include information desks, an art gallery, left luggage, and a medical centre offering vaccinations. Internet access points and wireless Internet access is available, and a business centre offers a venue and equipment for business needs. Disabled passengers are well catered for; passengers with special needs are advised to inform their airline in advance.
Departure tax: None.
Bordeaux Airport
Location: The airport is located eight miles (13km) west of Bordeaux.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)5 5634 5050.
Transfer between terminals: A short covered walkway links the two terminals/halls.
Transfer to the city: There are regular bus services to the city centre from Terminal B taking about 30-45 minutes. Trains from the Arrivals halls transport passengers to the city centre. Taxis are available outside the airport.
Car rental: Car hire firms Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz, among others, operate from the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a number of bars, shops and restaurants, as well as travel agencies and tour operators. ATMs and bureaux de change are also available. Internet facilities are available in Departures. The airport has good facilities for disabled passengers; those with special needs are advised to let their airline know in advance.
Departure tax: None.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Location: The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) east of Lyon.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)4 426 007 007.
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus.
Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for Lyon and the other main towns and cities in the Rhône-Alpes area. Taxis are available outside Terminal 1 Arrivals. There is a TGV train station within walking distance of the airport with regular services to France's main cities, details on the airport website.
Car rental: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National Citer and Sixt are represented at the airport.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include left luggage, a post office, bars, restaurants, shops, a travel agency and a business centre with meeting rooms and secretarial services. ATMs and bureaux de change are available throughout the airport. Disabled facilities are good; passengers with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking: Plenty of car parking is available; the further away areas are connected to the terminal building by a free shuttle service every 10 minutes.
Departure tax: None.
Marseille Provence Airport
Location: The airport is located 15 miles (24km) north of Marseille and 16 miles (26km) south of Aix-en-Provence.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)4 4214 1414.
Transfer to the city: Shuttle buses leave every 20 minutes for Marseille Saint-Charles Rail Station, where connections can be made to other destinations; buses also connect the airport with Aix-en-Provence bus station and Aix-TGV rail station. Metered taxis are available outside the terminal.
Car rental: Avis, Budget, Europcar and Sixt are represented at the airport; desks are located on the ground floor of Hall 4.
Facilities: Facilities include a variety of retail outlets and duty free shopping; bars, restaurants and cafes, Internet cafés, a Business Centre, and banks, ATMs and bureaux de change.
Departure tax: None.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Location: The airport is situated four miles (6km) west of Nice.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)4 898 898 28.
Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals, which are also within walking distance.
Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for hundreds of destinations between Marseilles and Genoa; details on the airport website. Trains go to Nice and Cannes and most other main towns and cities. Metered taxis are available outside both terminals.
Car rental: All major car rental companies are represented opposite Terminal 2.
Facilities: There are a number of restaurants, bars and shops, banks and foreign exchange in both terminals. Other facilities include a post office and business centre with meeting rooms, fax, photocopier and Internet facilities and Wi-Fi access. Disabled facilities are good, passengers with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking: Plenty of short and long-term parking is available at both terminals.
Departure tax: None.
Strasbourg International Airport
Location: The airport is nine miles (14km) southwest of Strasbourg.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)3 88 64 67 67.
Transfer to the city: There is a regular shuttle bus to Baggersee station where trams can be taken to the city centre. Entzheim train station is a five-minute walk from the airport terminal from where trains connect to the city of Strasbourg. Alternatively taxis are available outside Arrivals.
Car rental: All major car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shops and duty free shopping, bars, restaurants, ATMs, bureau de change and a business centre. Disabled facilities are good; passengers with special needs should ideally advise their airline in advance.
Departure tax: None.
Toulouse Blagnac International Airport
Location: The airport is located five miles (8km) northwest of Toulouse.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)5 61 42 44 00.
Transfer to the city: Buses leave every 20 minutes for Toulouse from outside Arrivals. Taxis are also available.
Car rental: All major car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Facilities: There are bars, shops and a restaurant in the terminal. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, Internet access, travel agencies and a business centre. Disabled facilities are good; passengers with special needs should ideally contact their airline in advance.
Parking: Long and short-term parking is available.
Departure tax: None.
Lille Airport
Location: The airport is situated about six miles (10km) from Lille close to the Belgian border.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)3 2049 6868.
Transfer to the city: The Navette airport shuttle service operates between the arrivals hall and the Euralille shopping centre in the city centre, hourly each day from 5.30am (later on weekends). A return fare costs EUR7.60. Several taxi companies serve the airport.
Car rental: Four car rental companies have desks in the Arrivals hall: Avis, National Citer, Europcar and Hertz.
Facilities: The airport has a bank, ATM, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, a duty free shop, newsagent, post office, tourist help desk and business centre.
Parking: There is an open-air car park and a covered car-park, the Car Hotel, with direct access to the terminal, both offering long and short-stay parking at various prices.
Departure tax: None.
