Bonjour!
- Welcome to France!
The largest country in Western Europe and home to 58.3
million people, France stretches from the rolling plains of
the north to the jagged ridges of the Pyrenees, and from the
untamed Brittany coastline to the clear, blue lakes and
snowy heights of the Alps. No matter how many times you
visit, France offers something new and exciting each time. France is divided
into 22 regions which are also divided into a total of 96
"departements". Some you may recognise such
as - Alsace, Aquitaine, Bretagne, Ile-de-France,
Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. All of
these regions are are easily
accessible by car, train, boat or plane.
Paris is a spectacular capital city, with lots to offer the
visitor, stroll its pleasant streets and enjoy architecture,
art, music, fashion and much more on every corner. Visit
museums, galleries and castles throughout the country, and
don't forget the wine! Bordeaux and Champagne are just two
regions of France which have exceptional vineyards and can
be easily accessed if you hire
your own car and
enjoy the stunning French landscape on the way!
Before
you go
Nationals of the EU, the
USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Israel do not
require visas to visit France as tourists for up to three
months. Except for people from a handful of other European
countries, everyone else must have a visa.
Always
carry your valid identity papers on your person. Your papers
can be checked in the street or while you're driving. In
order to drive in France you must have your EU driver's
permit (or an international driver's license), the
registration papers of the vehicle (carte grise) and proof
of insurance coverage. If you plan to stay less than 6
months, you are free to travel in France without
restriction.
Banking
and Communications
Currency
& Banks: The Euro is the official curreny
throughout France. Banks are open from 10:00 to 17:00,
Monday through Friday in the Paris area and Tuesday through
Saturday elsewhere (closed between 13:00 and 15:00) some are
open on Saturday morning. This may vary in rural areas.
Most post offices in Paris are open Monday through Friday
from 8am to 7pm and Saturday from 8am to noon.You can
exchange money at post offices. Many hotels sell stamps, as
do local post offices and cafes displaying a red tabac sign
outside.
Telephone-You'll find public phones in Métro
stations, post offices, airports, train stations, and on the
street. Pay phones accept coins and télécarte, a
phone debit card, which you can purchase at rail stations,
post offices, and other places. The télécarte is available
in units of 50 or 120 and cost approximately €6.25 and
€14.90 respectively
In
case of Emergency -Dial 17 for the police or
tel. 18 for the fire department (pompiers).
People
and Culture
The people of France, some
regard, vary from region to region. In the south of France
the atmosphere is very welcoming and warm, where as like
most modern cities the capital is more "
reserved". However, what ever part of France you visit
you will not be disappointed by its love of all things good,
great food, wine, an appreciation of the finer things in
life - art, history, music.
From a country steeped in history and with a capital
renowned to be the most romantic in Europe how could you
escape?
Enjoy sipping a "cafe au lait" at a parisian
streetside café, or why not picnic in the lavender fields
of Provence, take in the magnificent castles of the Loire
Valley, or ski the Alps. Enjoy sumptuous food country wide
including ...foie gras, truffles, Roquefort cheese, an
abundance of shellfish and seafood..anyone for snails or
frogs legs??? and do not forget, cherries, fruits, and a
fantastic selection of french wines and champagnes..Ummm..
delicious!
Driving
in France
Check out our links on Driving in France, rules of the road
and lots more transport information here
Weather in France
Find out the best time to go, and the average weather in
France here
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Go2-Travel Limited 2003
