France travel tips

France is known worldwide for its sumptuous food, stylish culture and romantic ambience, and the country draws scores of travellers each year. Like most Western European countries, France is an expensive holiday destination, but it has the advantages of top-notch medical facilities and few serious health risks. Most travellers to France experience problem-free visits, but tourists are a major target for pickpockets and travellers should keep a close watch on their belongings.

• If you hire a car in France, don’t fill up on the motorway. Wait until you reach an exit to a town or city, and take a detour. The petrol stations situated on the motorway can be as much as 20 per cent more expensive than those in urban centres.

• Try and learn at least a few words of French. The locals will appreciate the effort and it may drastically alter the kind of response you get from many people. Do at least try to say 'Bonjour madame/monsieur' as a greeting and 'Au revoir' (goodbye).

• Take advantage of the superb cuisine for which France is known worldwide, but don’t be surprised if waitrons appear rude or disinterested – this is quite common in France.

• The French are extremely fashion conscious, and shorts are reserved for the beach, hiking and other exercise activities. Wearing shorts in the cities will make you a very obvious tourist.

• Pickpockets tend to target tourists, so try to avoid congregating in large groups in tourist areas, and if you do, be acutely aware of your belongings and what is happening around you.

• Don’t shout or speak loudly in public. The French are generally soft-spoken and don’t take well to raucousness.

• Visit local open-air markets for superb cheese, pastries and wine, and to soak up the atmosphere.

Useful travel tips resources

Footprint Guides - France
Site offering basic information and travel tips.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

Bugbog
Travel site with useful advice and information about destinations worldwide.
http://www.bugbog.com/european_countries/france_travel_guide/france_travel_guide.html

Iexplore
Information about French customs, culture and taboos.
http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/France/Do's+and+Don'ts

More topics on this site…
France travel information
France health and safety
France maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: EU citizens, and citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel do not need visa for visits of up to 90 days.
Season: March – June, September - October
Money: Euro
Language: French
Emergency #: Police - 17; Fire - 18; Ambulance - 15

France