France: The world's benchmark for gastronomy, wine and heritage

The language

French is the main administrative language in France, and very few locals do not speak it. Depending on the region, only the accents are slightly different, which goes hand in hand with a few local expressions, sometimes unknown a few hundred kilometres away. It is not uncommon for town entrance and exit signs to display both the French name and that of the local dialect (this is particularly true in Brittany, Alsace and the French Basque Country).

Documents required

To enter France, residents of the European Union and nationals of the Schengen area do not need to take any particular steps. All you need is a valid identity card or passport to travel freely within the country. All other countries require a short-stay visa (type C) for visits of less than 3 months. Only Canadians are exempt from this requirement and can use their passport for this period only.

Currency

The French unit of currency is the euro (EUR), as in most European countries. Most ATMs accept international cards, although cash is no longer the norm in hotels, restaurants and shops, most of which accept a large number of credit cards.

Health

No special vaccinations are required for travel to France, except during exceptional pandemic periods. However, it is advisable to enquire on a case-by-case basis about any health requirements, depending on the country of origin.

The pace of life

The opening hours of French shops are fairly standardised, reflecting the typical pace of life in France. Bakeries open fairly early, at around 7am, while the majority of other shops close their doors around 9am/10am. Smaller shops generally close for one or two hours during the middle of the day, before lowering their curtains between 7pm and 8pm, in the same way as larger shops. In larger towns, such as Paris, local supermarkets and some boutiques extend sales into the evening, or even 24 hours a day in some rare cases. Restaurant opening times are much more varied, depending on what's on offer. A restaurant with two services at lunchtime and two services in the evening opens more or less between 12pm and 2.30pm, then 7pm and 10.30pm, depending on the local food scene.

Tourist tax

In addition to the rate charged by the accommodation provider for spending a night in France, a tourist tax applies to tourists (whether foreign or not). Depending on the commune and the type of accommodation, the amount varies between €0.20 and €4.20 per night and per person.

For more information, use the French government's simulator: http://taxesejour.impots.gouv.fr/DTS_WEB/FR/?utm_source=easyvoyage

Getting around

It's very easy to get around France, with excellent road and rail networks. In France's major cities, public transport - bus, tram or metro - will get you around easily.

Ideal time of year

You can visit France in any season, as the climate is generally temperate but can vary from region to region. In winter, the ski resorts of the Pyrenees and the Alps open their doors to you for a sporting holiday with your feet in the snow. In summer, the seaside resorts of all the French coasts take over, attracting tourists from all over the world. Spring is the ideal time to visit the towns and countryside, which blossom with the return of fine weather. Autumn is also a great time to enjoy these enchanting walks, but the days are getting shorter and the weather cooler, even on the Côte d'Azur.

Traditions

French culture has always been synonymous with refinement and elegance, and combines art and cuisine. France's long and complex history has given rise to a rich, varied and ancient tradition that recreates the link with the past through regional nuances. Most French traditions are inspired by the Christian religion, such as the galette des rois eaten on Epiphany, the presents given on Christmas Day or the crêpes at Chandeleur. Some traditions, on the other hand, have secular origins: playing pranks on 1 April or dressing up for Mardi Gras, for example. It's worth noting that in France, much more than in the rest of the world, it's customary to say hello with a kiss, even if you don't know each other very well. Otherwise, the handshake, mostly in a professional context or between men, is often adopted.

What to bring back

Obviously, some specialities seem obvious to bring back from your French escapade: cheeses, wines, foie gras, spirits (cognac or armagnac) or champagne. Some other folkloric specialities can be fun gifts for your loved ones, such as a beret or espadrilles. In fact, every regional speciality in France can make a wonderful souvenir. However, for shopaholics, Paris is one of the world's fashion capitals: luxury boutiques, ready-to-wear ateliers, chain shops, small original boutiques, it's all within easy reach. From the small fair-trade shops in the 11th arrondissement, to the luxury boutiques on Avenue Montaigne, to the big international chains on Rue de Rivoli and Les Halles, fashion lovers will have no trouble using their credit cards!