France Travel Guide
Territories – between the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Rhine and Alps over 540,000 km² and is inhabited by almost 64 million people. Together with the USA and Spain, France is one of the top 3 tourist destinations worldwide. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter F.
Entry
France belongs to the Schengen area. A valid passport or identity card is sufficient for entry.
Climate
Due to the balancing influence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the French climate is comparatively mild all year round. However, there are relatively large differences within the country – due to geography and topography: in the north and west it is fresher and wetter, in central France with the Paris Basin and the Loire Valley there is on average less rainfall than on the Atlantic coast, but it is comparative often cloudy. The Alps and Pyrenees have a mountainous climate with very cold winters and relatively mild summers, and the regions of the French Riveria and Corsica are dominated by the Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Food and drink
The phrase “Live like God in France” sums it up: French cuisine is often considered the benchmark for culinary art. Haute cuisine – the high cuisine – has influenced the continent’s culinary art like no other European cuisine: from soups to soufflés and sauces to the creams for desserts… Diverse regional influences and a high level of creativity in dealing with first-class ingredients characterize good French cuisine out. Eating well in France starts with the crispy baguette and is part of French culture that also includes a good sip of wine. No wonder that some of the best wines also come from France. Not to mention the champagne.
Medical advice
No special vaccinations are required to travel to France. The health system is considered to be very good. However, it is recommended that you take a personal first-aid kit with you.
Cultural behaviors
Your French does not have to be enough for intellectual debates about French philosophy, literature or film art, but you should master a few bits of the national language as a matter of decency in order not to offend the national pride of the self-confident cultural nation. Otherwise, do the same as the French and look for pleasure: Take your time for dinner – which in restaurants has to include at least two courses in order to be served at all – and coffee or a stroll through museums and shopping streets. At table you should show your best manners; and as in Italy, great importance is attached to a well-groomed appearance in France.
Security
In 2014, France increased its security measures to prevent terrorist attacks. This can lead to waiting times at travel hubs due to personal or luggage checks. Thieves are also in high season: it is advisable to keep an eye on your valuables, especially in places with high tourist traffic – in Paris, but also on the Côte d’Azur, for example. It is best to only have a small amount of cash with you and leave the rest in the hotel safe. Valuables should never be left visible in cars either.
Special provisions
Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places – and also in restaurants. Violations against this are punished with fines.
Climate and travel time
Due to the balancing influence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the French climate is comparatively mild all year round. However, there are relatively large differences within the country – due to geography and topography: in the north and west it is fresher and wetter, in central France with the Paris Basin and the Loire Valley there is on average less rainfall than on the Atlantic coast, but it is comparative often cloudy. The Alps and Pyrenees have a mountainous climate with very cold winters and relatively mild summers, and the regions of the French Riveria and Corsica are dominated by the Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
All about money
The legal tender is the euro (EUR)
Money
You can easily withdraw money and pay by card anywhere. Pay attention to the international fees that may apply to your card.
Tip
In France, tips (pourboire) are already included in the bill in restaurants at 15%, which is usually noted at the bottom of the bill. You can also leave a few euros on the table when leaving the bar or café.
Other essential information
Electricity
The electrical voltage in France is 230 volts. The sockets and plugs are two-pole as in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. You therefore do not need an adapter to use your electronic devices.
