KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
FRANCE
Fast Facts
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Capital: Paris
Population: 66 900 000 million
Form of Government: Republic
Official language: French
Life expectancy: 79.4 years (men), 85.4 years (women)
Monetary unit: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone: GMT –6:00 hours
Major Mountain Ranges: Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central
Major Rivers: Seine, Loire, and Rhône
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FLUCTUAT NEC MERGITUR
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France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in nearly all aspects of culture, including cuisine, wine-making, politics, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature, and sports. France seduces travellers with its unfalteringly familiar culture, woven around cafe terraces, village-square markets and lace-curtained bistros with their plat du jour chalked on the board.
France has not escaped economic crisis, terrorism and the unexpected rise of the far right in Europe. But this ancient country of Gallic pride and tradition has weathered greater storms and it’s far from sunk. Wine tourism is on the up, politicians have redrawn the local-government map and across the board, French people are turning to grass-roots culture and gastronomy for strength and inspiration.
Fluctuat nec mergitur (tossed but not sunk) has been the motto of the French capital since 1853 when Baron Haussmann etched it for eternity onto the city coat of arms. And since the fatal terrorist attacks on Paris in November 2015, it has become the rallying cry of French people countrywide who stand in complete solidarity with Parisians; who tenaciously cling more than ever to their grass-roots culture that sees the French shop for food at the weekly market and chit-chat in all weathers over coffee or an apéro on cafe pavement terraces. Little wonder that a love for local, seasonal and organic – ‘locavore’ is the new buzz word in French foodie circles – is taking off at such a terrific pace.
There are so many components of frenchness that it is difficult to explain it but to put it briefly, it is the magic of the different attitude to life there. With more public holidays than most other European countries, France recognizes the importance of enjoying the best of life. This is clearly demonstrated by shops closing for lunch so workers can focus their attention on a good meal. France even has a government department dedicated to protecting the language through the disapproval of the introduction of English words, celebrations and other pollution of French culture.
The difference between France and much of the rest of the world is that they take the work-life balance to almost sacred levels of seriousness. Case in point: Back in 2000, the French passed a legislation to officially reduce the workweek to 35 hours. The legislation also reveals a key nature of French working culture: Spend a little less time in the office, yet make the most of it. The takeaway? When the day is done, the best practice for everyone is to leave work at work. In fact, the latest French labor law allows workers to completely opt out of checking work-related emails during their personal time.
Living like the French means life literally revolves around meals. Rather than snacking and eating on the go, they make a point of eating three meals a day, and they rarely eat alone. (Long lunches with colleagues is part of daily life.) Dining is a time to unwind and bond, not just to quickly refuel. Lunch and dinner are almost always accompanied by wine. But don’t go overboard: Wine is considered just another element of the meal and not a means of overindulging to the point of inebriation (unless the occasion calls for celebration, of course).
While it’s a long tradition in North America to hit the gym to blast calories, fitness centers are a relatively new phenomenon to our friends in France. Instead, they tend to take up physical activities that they truly enjoy, like a few sets of tennis, cycling around the city, and la rondonnée (a.k.a. hiking), all of which are popular pastimes throughout the entire country. Or, you know, just go for a walk along the banks of the Seine.
FIVE GOLDEN RULES OF EATING IN FRANCE
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- Eat seasonally. For the most part, you won’t have any choice in the matter because by and large, chefs in France wouldn’t be caught dead serving something out of season. In fact, if you see a lot of off-season dishes on a restaurant menu, don’t eat there.
- Eat when the French eat. You’ll have a better dining experience if you eat lunch between 12 and 1 p.m., and between 8 and 9 p.m. I know you’re on vacation, but scheduling at least part of your day is totally worth it.
- Eat from the “menu” (prix-fixe meal) if it’s offered. A menu is a “carte,” while a “menu” is a set price for at least two courses. First of all, it will be easier on your wallet – even pricey restaurants have pretty good menu deals. But moreover, you’ll get the entire culinary experience as the restaurant has meant you to enjoy it.
- Have an apéro before dinner. Everyone else does. It’s just such a French thing to do, and makes your meal more of an experience. You can visit a bar of cafe, or have one at the restaurant. Either way, it starts the evening off right.
- Be brave. Yes, I know you can list at least a dozen French foods you think are gross. But I won’t let you say that until you’ve tried it at a real French restaurant in France.
THINGS YOU SHOULD TRY IN FRANCE
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LANGUAGE
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Until the early twentieth century, French was the language of diplomacy, and one of the two main languages of international negotiation; today it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and one of the two official languages, with English, of the International Postal Union, of the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross, and other organisations. It is also an official language in the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey.
It is an official or a main second language in 55 countries worldwide, and is reputed to be the foreign language which is most widely used in international communications, after English. Almost 300 million people speak French as their native language or as a second language.
HELPFUL PHRASES
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Thank you – Merci.
Thank you very much – Merci beaucoup.
You’re welcome – De rien.
Please – S’il vous plaît.
Yes – Oui
No – Non
Excuse me – Excusez-moi.
Pardon me – Pardon.
Sorry – Excusez-moi!
I don’t understand – Je ne comprends pas.
I don’t speak French – Je ne parle pas français.
I don’t speak French very well – Je ne parle pas très bien français.
Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais?
Could you speak more slowly, please? – Pourriez-vous parler plus lentement, s’il vous plaît?
Could you repeat (that), please? – Pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?
What’s your name? – Comment vous appelez-vous?
How are you? – Comment allez-vous?
Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais?
Where is the subway? – Où est le métro?
Is the tip included? – Est-ce que le service est compris?
How much does that cost? – Combien ça coûte?
Is there a public phone here? – Y a-t-il un téléphone public ici?
Can I get on the internet? – Puis-je me connecter à l’Internet?
Can you help me, please? – Pouvez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît?
Where is the bathroom? – Où sont les toilettes?
WEATHER
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France is divided into 26 different regions – amongst these the weather conditions vary significantly. As you travel from north to south, from east to west you will find your self experiencing a smorgasbord of weather conditions – ranging from Continental to Oceanic, from Semi Continental to Mediterranean and Alpine.
Check the weather in France when you will be travelling:
It might be the cradle of haute couture, but Paris sports a mixed bag of styles. To avoid standing out from the urban crowd, smart-casual is the way to go. The further south you are, the more relaxed fashion becomes. Even so, no bikini tops or bare male chests s’il vous plaît, unless you’re on the beach.
Countrywide, dress up rather than down in nicer midrange restaurants, clubs and bars – no jeans and sneakers, unless you’re at the local village bar (though black or ‘smarter’ jeans will probably be OK).
If hitting the coastline in summer, bear in mind that some municipalities in Corsica and the Côte d’Azur have had (contested) burkini bans in place – check the local rules.
To know what time it is no matter where you are, this is a great site that can help you keep track!
For up-to-date details on visa requirements, see the website of the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères and click ‘Coming to France’.
Entering France from other parts of the EU is usually a breeze – no border checkpoints and no customs – thanks to the Schengen Agreement, signed by all of France’s neighbours except the UK, the Channel Islands and Andorra. For these three entities, old-fashioned document and customs checks are still the norm, at least when exiting France (when entering France in the case of Andorra).
Generally not required for stays of up to 90 days (or at all for EU nationals); some nationalities need a Schengen visa.
- Citizens of all nations are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end date of their trip.
- Citizens of Australia, the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and many Latin American countries do not need visas to visit France as tourists for up to 90 days. For long stays of more than 90 days, contact your nearest French embassy or consulate and begin your application well in advance, as it can take months.
- Tourist visas cannot be extended except in emergencies (such as medical problems). When your visa expires you’ll need to leave and reapply from outside France.
SAFETY FIRST
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Travelling in France is generally safe: it is ranked 58th out of 162 on the safest and most dangerous countries ranking. Burglary and property crime is a serious problem, but violent crime is rare; the main threats facing travelers are pickpockets, bag snatchers and scam artists.
Recent terrorist attacks and threats have occurred in France (and other countries such as Denmark or Belgium); and while tourists should raise their level of caution, the police presence has been greatly increased in large cities to deter further attacks.
Be especially vigilant for bag and phone thieves at transport hubs like train stations, airports, restaurants, outdoor cafes, beaches and on public transport. Car-jacking and mugging when cars are stopped at red lights is sometimes a problem, especially in Marseille and Nice. Its it best to lock your car doors and roll up the windows when in these cities. Protect your personal belongings at all times, especially your ID and passport. Petty crime, like bag snatching and pick pocketing, is a serious problem around touristic areas and on public transport. For more details, see city specific advice or take a look at our travel articles.
WHAT TO PACK
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Electronics
It is always tricky to know exactly which electronics will work while travelling. Luckily, most modern electronic devices have a voltage converter built right in to prevent any unfortunate accidents. However, for things like hair dryers and curlers/straighteners (if you are travelling with your own), this may not be the case.
Here is a great website that you can use to check if the plugs will fit and what the voltage is.
Finding an adapter that works best isn’t always easy since there is a lot of choice. Here is a great article on the Top 5 Travel Adapters that suit different needs.
- Conversation Use the formal vous when speaking to anyone unknown or older than you; the informal tu is reserved for close friends, family and children.
- Churches Dress modestly (cover shoulders).
- Drinks Asking for une carafe d’eau (free jug of tap water) in restaurants is acceptable. Never end a meal with a cappuccino or cup of tea. Play French and order un café (espresso).
- French kissing Exchange bisous (cheek-skimming kisses) – at least two, but in some parts of France it can be up to four – with casual acquaintances and friends.
Country code for France: +33
To call France from Canada or the US, dial 011 + 33 followed by the eight-digit local number.
Currency: EuroThese days, it is so easy to have access to up-to-date currency converters online or you can even download smartphone apps to use offline while you travel. A couple that we love are:
XE – The World’s Trusted Currency Authority
ATMs at every airport, most train stations and on every second street corner in towns and cities. Visa, MasterCard and Amex widely accepted.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) – known as distributeurs automatiques de billets (DAB) or points d’argent in French – are the cheapest and most convenient way to get money. ATMs connected to international networks are situated in all cities and towns and usually offer an excellent exchange rate.
Cash
You always get a better exchange rate in-country but it is a good idea to arrive in France with enough euros to take a taxi to a hotel if you have to.
Tipping
By law, restaurant and bar prices are service compris (ie they include a 15% service charge), so there is no need to leave a pourboire (tip). If you were extremely satisfied with the service, however, you can – as many locals do – show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip for your waiter or waitress.
- Restaurants Your bill at many restaurants will usually include a 10% service charge. If not, you might leave a small tip to show your appreciation, but it is not required.
- Hotels It is customary to tip the bellhop/porter (€1-2 per bag)
- Taxis Customary Tip 10-15%
- Guides On guided tours, tip the guide €5 to €15 per person per day. Tip the tour driver about half of what you tip the guide. Naturally, tips depend upon quality of service.
- Credit and debit cards, accepted almost everywhere in France, are convenient, relatively secure and usually offer a better exchange rate than travellers cheques or cash exchanges.
- Credit cards issued in France have embedded chips – you have to type in a PIN to make a purchase.
- Visa, MasterCard and Amex can be used in shops and supermarkets and for train travel, car hire and motorway tolls.
- Don’t assume that you can pay for a meal or a budget hotel with a credit card – enquire first.
- Cash advances are a supremely convenient way to stay stocked up with euros, but getting cash with a credit card involves both fees (sometimes US$10 or more) and interest – ask your credit-card issuer for details. Debit-card fees are usually much less.
- Commercial banks charge up to €5 per foreign-currency transaction – if they even bother to offer exchange services any more.
- In Paris and major cities, bureaux de change (exchange bureaus) are faster and easier, open longer hours and often give better rates than banks.
- Some post-office branches exchange travellers cheques and banknotes in a variety of currencies but charge a commission for cash; most won’t take US$100 bills.
Travellers with credit cards issued in the US, be aware that you might well find yourself occasionally stuck when it comes to paying with your card: certain places in France – notably, Vélib in Paris and bike-share schemes in other cities, self-service toll booths on the autoroute (highway), and garages with self-service petrol (gas) pumps – only accept credit cards with chips and PINs. There is no solution to this bar ensuring you always have an emergency stash of cash on you.
TRIP CANCELATION INSURANCE
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You never know what’s going to happen, and as a result, we always highly recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance, particularly during these uncertain times.
In large part, we view trip cancellation insurance as covering you if you have to cancel due to health reasons, for you or your immediate family – for example, if you break an ankle or have an elderly parent – or catch covid and cannot travel. Coverage will also kick-in should you need to quarantine in location due to catching covid on your trip.
We would be happy to arrange trip cancellation insurance for you – please get in touch with us if you have any questions about insurance, or to get a quote.
