France: Discover the Ultimate Travel Destination in Europe
France is, quite simply, the world’s leading tourist destination. This is the country that inspired Monet’s reinvention of colour and the haunting harmonies of Claude Debussy. It has tantalised the taste buds with foie gras and Beef Bourguignon, and captured the imagination of the world’s jet-set with the resorts of St Tropez and Port Grimaud.
France emerged as a power following the Hundred Years’ War. The country flourished as a centre of culture in the renaissance period and became a dominant European force during the reign of King Louis XIV and later Napoleon. This long and storied history has left a huge cultural legacy for visitors to enjoy.
History has seen the rise of castles, Gothic churches, walled towns, modern skyscrapers, and iconic structures such as the Pont du Gard and Eiffel Tower. There are 1200 museums housing the works of Picasso, Degas and Van Gogh. Magnificent concert halls carry the sounds of French composers. Market stalls, Parisian bistros and Michelin star restaurants offer up unique French fare, accompanied by Champage and Bordeaux wine. Flagship fashion edifices carrying ‘haute couture’ line the cobbles of the Champs Elysees.
From the cliffs and sand dunes of the north to the castles of the Loire valley, the majestic peaks of the Alps and the Pyrenees, the endless Mediterranean coastline of the Cote d’Azur, the oak forests on Corsica, and the Vineyards of Burgundy, France is an endless labyrinth of treasures. Millions arrive each year to rediscover the meaning of joie de vivre.
Key Facts
- Language:
- French is the official language.
- Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Additionally, travellers must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay in France, and proof of repatriation (a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination). Note that Schengen visas, if required, are also valid for French Guiana and French West Indies and Reunion, provided that the Schengen visa is endorsed “Also valid for French territories being in observation of the respective French territories”. We recommend that passports always be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
- Currency:
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels, though visitors will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not accepted.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.
Overview
Naturally, most visitors start their holiday in the French capital, Paris, where the Eiffel Tower offers spectacular views over the city. Shopping at Galeries Lafayette or on the Champs Elysees is a unique experience, as is taking in the exhibitions at the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, or relishing the delights of the Moulin Rouge. Day trips take guests to the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland.
South of Paris lies the Loire Valley, known as the ‘Garden of France’ for its abundance of vineyards and fruit orchards. The imposing chȃteaux spread across the valley are cultural monuments to the ideals of the Renaissance period. Less well known but equally stunning is Provence. Tourists can stroll through the markets of Aix-en-Provence, visit the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, buy fresh seafood in Marseille, and visit the rural wetlands of the Camargue, home to the fabled white horses.
There are ancient gems in every direction. The coast of Normandy hosts the magical island of Mont-Saint-Michel, topped by a medieval monastery. To the south lies the historic fortified city of Carcassonne.
The Alps are a playground for skiing in the winter, and hiking or cycling in the summer. The Pyrenees offer a view of the wilder side of France. Travellers can take a cable car ride to the summit of Pic du Midi, or experience the famous pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The ultimate jet-set lifestyle awaits on the Cote d’Azur, where visitors are treated to 71 miles (115km) of Mediterranean coastline and beaches, more than 60 golf courses, 47 ski resorts, thousands of restaurants and an abundance of sunny weather. Travellers who visit in May can catch a glimpse of Hollywood’s finest at the Cannes Film Festival.
Climate in France
France is big, spanning a range of different climatic regions. The south of France has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Strong winds, known as ‘le Mistral’, can occur in the Cote d’Azur, Provence and in the Rhone Valley, particularly over the winter and spring. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year and some snow is expected in winter. 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. The mountainous areas are cooler and get heavy snowfall in winter.
During summer most French residents take their five-week vacation to the coast and mountains, and empty cities tend to shut down accordingly. The peak tourist season in France is in the summer months of July and August, when the French themselves tend to take their vacations, but as this period is expensive and crowded the best time to visit France is actually in the spring (March and April) and autumn (September and October) when the weather is mild. Of course, the ski resorts boom in the winter and, for those who don’t mind the cold, a winter holiday in cities such as Paris has a charm of its own.
Health Notes when travelling to France
No particular vaccinations or medications are required for travel to France. The prevalence of certain tick-borne infections, such as lyme disease, tularemia, tick-borne encephalitis, and rickettsial diseases, mean that travellers should take precautions against ticks if they are travelling in rural or forested areas in warm weather. French hospitals and health facilities are first class. Visitors from other EU countries are entitled to discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Otherwise, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, so medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to France
While violent crime against tourists is rare and holidays in France are generally trouble-free, visitors should be mindful that security has been heightened following a series of terrorist attacks in recent years, particularly in the transport sector. 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. 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.
Customs in France
French culture is of paramount importance to the French people. In an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to protect it, and it is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of French. Locals do not respond well to being shouted at in English. While the food is second to none, foreigners may 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 football, rugby and cycling. Smoking in public places is not allowed and will incur heavy fines.
Duty Free in France
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years of age entering France can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco. Four litres of wine and 16 litres of beer and one litre of spirits over 22 percent or two litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent. Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers, and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €175 for children under 15 years of age).
Doing Business in France
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.
Communication in France
The international access code for France is +33. It is often cheaper to get a local sim card than to pay international roaming costs. Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.
Tipping in France
Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15 percent service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another two to three percent is customary if the service has been good. If service is not included then 15 percent is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10 to 15 percent of the fare, and hairdressers about 10 percent. Hotel staff generally receive about €1.50 a day and tips of about €1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Additionally, travellers must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay in France, and proof of repatriation (a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination). Note that Schengen visas, if required, are also valid for French Guiana and French West Indies and Reunion, provided that the Schengen visa is endorsed “Also valid for French territories being in observation of the respective French territories”. We recommend that passports always be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter France. Note that entry and transit will be refused to holders of Temporary passports.
Tourist Offices
Maison de la France (Tourist Information Agency), Paris: http://www.france.fr/fr
France Embassies
- In the United States:
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 6195.
- In Canada:
French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795.
- In the United Kingdom:
French Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073 1000.
- In Australia:
French Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6216 0100.
- In Ireland:
French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 277 5000.
- In New Zealand:
French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 384 2555.
- In South Africa:
French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 1600.
Foreign Embassies in France
- American Embassy
US Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4417 6700.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4501 4343.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
