France Visitor Information
Climate
France has a predominantly temperate climate, with mild winters (except in mountain areas and the northeast). The Atlantic has a profound impact on the northwest, where the weather is characterized by high humidity and lots of rain. France's northeast has a classic continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The aris basin boasts the nation's lowest annual precipitation. The southern coastal plains are subject to a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The south is also the region of the mistral, a cold, dry wind that blows down the Rhône Valley for about 100 days a year.
Communications
Mobile phone network coverage is good in most parts of the country. If you want to use your mobile phone, check with your phone provider in advance as to whether it will work in France, and what the call charges are. Pre-paid phone cards (cartes à codes) can be purchased at tabacs and newsagents. They can be used with both public and private telephones for making calls abroad. In major cities and tourist centres, you can check emails at Internet cafés and at post offices.
Culture
The majority of people in France are of Celtic and Latin heritage with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese and Basque minorities.
Economy
France is in the midst of transition, from a well-to-do modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The government has privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers. It retains controlling stakes in several leading firms including Air France, France Telecom, Renault and Thales, and is dominant in some sectors (particularly power, public transport, and defense industries). The major industries are: oil refining, steel, cement, aluminium, agricultural products & foodstuffs (wheat, barley, maize, cheese), luxury goods, chemicals, motor manufacturing, energy products and tourism.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. The European plug (with two circular metal pins) is used.
Geography & Population
France is one of the largest countries in Western Europe, covering a total area of 547,030 km2. The English Channel lies to the northwest and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Spain lies across the Pyrenees to the south, the Mediterranean (including Corsica) is to the southeast, and over the eastern Alps and Jura ranges lie Switzerland and Italy. France's relatively flat northeastern borders abut Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. France has a population of 60,400,000 (2000) of which 2,150,000 million are located in Paris, the country's capital. The highest mountain is Mont Blanc at 4,807 metres.
Getting Around France
With the most extensive train network in Western Europe, France is a great country in which to travel by rail. The nationally owned French train company, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer) runs fast, modern trains. The private bus services that supplement SNCF services are often confusing and uncoordinated.
Air travel is more expensive than rail and unexpected delays are more frequent. However, while the high speed train connections, like that between Paris and Lyon, can offer comparable travelling times, air links are by far quicker for travelling from one end of the country to the other. Air France operates the most routes within the country, while an ever-decreasing number of smaller air companies offer provincial inter-city links. Aside from Corsica (which can also be reached by air), France's islands are serviced only by ferries, some of which are seasonal and not all of which are equipped to carry vehicles.
Language
French is the official language and spoken by everyone. There are rapidly declining regional dialects and languages: Flemish, Alsacian, Breton, Basque, Catalan, Provençal and Corsican as well. Most people who work in tourism speak English.
Newspapers
There are several daily French newspapers, but they will be of little interest if you are not a reader (or speaker) of French. International editions of British and American newspapers are available in the major cities and tourist centres.
Opening Hours
It is difficult to generalize when talking about opening hours in a country of this size but in the bigger towns and cities most stores open between 9.00 and 10.00 and close at 18.00 or 19.00pm. Others open from 8.00 to 21.00. In smaller stores and more remote areas you should be aware that the lunch break, which usually begins at 13.00, can last up to three hours. Office hours are usually between 9.00 and 17.00 from Monday to Friday.
Politics
France is more correctly known as the French Republic. The President is the Chief of State. France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations.
Religion
Roman Catholics account for approximately 86% of the French population. The rest of the French population is Muslim, Protestant, Jewish or profess to have no religion.
Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Tipping
Leaving a pourboire (tip) is done at your discretion - restaurants and accommodations add a 10-15% service charge to every bill, but most people leave a few coins if the service is satisfactory. If service is not included (service non compris) a 15% tip is appropriate. If you catch a taxi, tipping is about 10% to 15% of the metered charge.
Travel Formalities
Citizens of European Union (EU) countries can travel freely in France. Citizens from Australia, Canada, the United States and New Zealand do not need a visa if the visit is less than 3 months. However, the situation can change and it's advisable to check with your nearest French embassy or consulate before departure. You must carry a valid passport at all times.
Value Added Tax
If you live outside the European Union you may be able to claim the VAT (or TVA in French) on purchases of 175 € or more at any single store. The discount ranges from 10% to 22%. You can combine purchases at a department store. Documentation filled out at the store must be processed at the airport custom counter before you check any luggage and you must be prepared to show the merchandise. Refunds take a few weeks or can be credited on your credit card.
