The Eiffel Tower may be the most iconic symbol of a country famed for its fine dining and sophisticated culture, but while Paris may be world-renowned there is far more to France than that. There are over twenty world heritage sites, the world’s best vineyards, an array of medieval forts and cathedrals, not to mention sun-kissed beaches and picture-perfect mountains.
The French also have a reputation for being rude, though in truth most have impeccable manners. They are however a proud people who still begrudge the status of English as the global lingua franca. Visitors who make little effort to speak French are often given short shrift. Learning some of the lingo and apologising for linguistic deficiencies can go a long way to improving relations.
When business is over, tour the country on the first class train network. In the north, Mont St Michel is a modern wonder of the West. A wine pilgrimage to Bordeaux is a guaranteed gastronomic delight. Take in the gentle, rolling beauty of the Burgundy region or walk through history at the site of the Normandy D-Day landings. There are some great museums – such as the Toulouse-Lautrec – and some fantastic cathedrals – like the Notre Dame de Chartes. Or if it’s thrills you’re after, try a ski-run at Chamonix or take an ice climbing course.
Getting there
There are several international airports in France and budget flights are available from most of Europe. Rail services provide links to every country on the continent. Ferries are also available from the UK, Scandinavia and various Mediterranean ports.
Getting around
The rail network is one of the best in the world and reaches almost every part of the country. It also has the densest highway network in Europe. Inter-regional bus services are limited.
Local information
Language(s): French.
Time: UTC+1
Climate: Temperate/Mediterranean; warm summers and cold winters, rainfall all year round. Temperature (Paris): Max 24°C (July), Min 0°C (January). Rainfall (Paris): Max 55mm (August), Min 30mm (March).
Currency: Euro
Business etiquette: Dress conservatively. Handshakes are a common form of greeting; between friends or relatives a light kiss on each cheek. Greetings are important, as are goodbyes. It is considered impolite to start conversing in French before reverting to English.
Tipping: Restaurants are required by law to add 15 percent service charge to bills.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of spirits or 2l of beers, wines or cider; 50g of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee; 100g of tea; medication for personal use.
Safety: Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, is common, particularly in larger cities.
Laws: Carry identification at all times. Failure to help ‘a person in danger’ is illegal – for example, failing to stop at the scene of a motor accident.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.
Socket type: Type E.
