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Global Guide Traveler. France guide for traveler.

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.

France is a country located in Western Europe. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south of France, with the Principality of Monaco forming a small enclave. To the west, France has a long Atlantic Ocean coastline, while to the north lies the English Channel, across which lies the last of France's neighbors, England.

France is one of the most popular destinations for smart travelers in Europe, boasting dozens of major travelers attractions. The country is renowned for its gastronomy (particularly wines and cheeses), history, culture and fashion.

Major France Cities & Destinations

France has numerous cities and towns of interest to smart travelers.

The major cities in France are:  Paris (the "City of Light", capital of France), Bordeaux, Cannes (host of the annual Cannes Film Festival), Lyon (France's second city, with a history from Roman times to the Resistance), Marseille (big harbor, heart of Provence), Nice (major resort on the French Riviera), Strasbourg (European capital - EU parliament and European Council)

Famous destinations in France : Bayeux (first French town to be liberated after the D-Day landings in 1944), Fontainebleau (site of a magnificent palace), Fontevrault, Moissac (Centre of Romanesque Art), Mont Saint Michel, Versailles (the vast royal palace and magnificent estate of Louis XIV, the Sun King).

Getting In

Get in France by Plain: The main international airport, Roissy - Charles de Gaulle (CDG) near Paris, is likely to be your port of entry if you fly into France from outside Europe. Other airports also have international destinations. Two airports, Bâle-Mulhouse and Geneva, are shared by France and Switzerland and can allow entry into either country. Low-cost airlines fly to Beauvais airport situated about 80 km northwest of Paris. Buses to Paris are provided by the airlines.

Get in France by Train: The French rail company, SNCF, provides direct service from most European countries using regular trains. French train tickets can be purchased directly from Raileurope a subsidiary of the SNCF. The Eurostar uses high-speed service to connect Lille and Paris with London, the later via the Calais-Dover channel tunnel. Plan your train trip to France with Raileurope.

Get in France by car: Driving in and out of France from neighbouring European countries is straightforward, as border controls have been eliminated with most (the exceptions being Switzerland and Andorra). The main toll highways follow, offering the fastest access to France - other roads can, of course, be used but with greater expenditure of time. Rent budget car for visiting the France.

Sleep

France has many fine hotels where travelers can stay. E.g. rate for a 3star hotel listed in a reliable guidebook falls between 70 EUR - 110 EUR for a double without breakfast. All hotels, by law, must have their rates posted outside. Bargaining is not the norm but you can always ask for a discount. Hotels located in city centers or near train stations are often very small (15 to 30 rooms) which means that you should book ahead. The newer hotels, business oriented, are found in the outskirts of cities and are sometimes larger structures (100 rooms or more) however they may not be easy to reach with public transportation. Read reviews of hotels in France Click Here

Camping is very common in France with a large proportion of campers at any site being French. Most campsite are a little way out of the city centre but most have places for not just tents but Camper Vans/Caravans also. Some campsites have additional facilities to shower/toilet blocks, such as self-service laundries or bicycle hire.

Getting Around   back to top ↑

Trains: Trains are a great way to get around in France. You can get pretty much from anywhere to anywhere else by train. For long distances, use the TGV. But, if you have time, take the slow train and enjoy the scenery. The French national railway network is managed by the SNCF. Rail tickets & railpasses are avialable online from Raileurope. If you are younger than 26 & be doing more 2 return journeys in France, getting a Youthpass will save you money as giving a high reduction on ticket prices. The ticket must be punched by an automatic machine before getting in a train to be valid. Failure to do so may entitle you to fine even if you are a foreigner.

Cars: Drive on the left. Speed limit is 130 km/h on motorways, 110 on divided highways & in city areas 50 km/h. Drink driving is a very serious offense. The tolerated limit is 0.50g/L in blood. All passengers are required to wear their seat belt and children under 10 must use the back seat. France has a well-developed system of highways. Most of the freeway links are toll roads. Some have toll station giving you access to a section, others have entrance and exit toll stations. Don't lose your entrance ticket or you will be charged for the longest distance. All toll stations accept major credit cards but you can use the automatic booth only if your card is equipped with a chip. Budget car rentals in France.

Respect - sensitive points in France back to top ↑

Very few French people will wear short pants in the city. Nobody will tell you anything, but you will be labeled as a traveler. Generally speaking, business casual dress code is sufficient in cities and in all but the most formal occasions. Some restaurants will frown if you come in dressed for trekking but very few will insist upon a jacket and tie Beaches and swimming pools (in hotels) are used for getting a tan. Taking off your bra will not usually create a stir. Taking off the bottom part is reserved to designated nude beaches. People on beaches are usually not offended by a young boy or girl dressed or undressed without covering. Most resort cities insist on your wearing a shirt when leaving the beach area.

People who do not know each other well use their first name to introduce themselves. Refrain from using somebody's first name unless you are invited to do so or if you are with people used to dealing with foreigners.

Quick Facts    back to top ↑

Read more about France. Sources: Wikipedia, CIA