Art, Culture and cuisine… France is
the dynamic hub of age-old refinement and contemporary "chic".
From cosmopolitan and frenetic Paris, to the land of the Normans,
to the lyrical vinelands of the Rhone, Burgundy, Champagne
or Bordeaux.
France is also the Basque domain; its charming
medieval towns with gaunt greystone fortifications and ancient
monuments Fast Facts
| Area: |
551,000 sq km (214,890 sq mi) |
| Capital City: |
Paris |
| Languages: |
French (also Flemish, Alsacian, Breton, Basque, Catalan,
Provencal & Corsican) |
| Religion: |
90% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, 1% Muslim, 1% Jewish, 6%
unaffiliated |
| Time: |
GMT/UTC plus one hour |
| Electricity: |
220V, 50Hz |
| Currency: |
Franc; Symbol: F; Subdivision: 100 |
| Government: |
Democracy |
France is the Pyreneean mountain chain reached via hairpin bends
with verdant vistas. France is the cradle of impressionistic art
and maters like Matisse, Cheret and Chagall. Down south, France is the Riviera, the genuine
playland of international sunbelt habitués…-the gemstone
in the Mediterranean bracelet. France is the alpine scenery travellers
crave, offering the combination of superb winter skiing and summer
hiking from its many famous resorts. Move westward to the winningly bizzare St. Tropez
and into the wildly romantic Camargue where reedy Mediterranean
bayous cloak herds of wild horses and flocks of exotic flamingos
and marsh fowl. France is legendary cuisine which serves delightful
landmarks in each day. France is the capital of gastronomy Seasons to Visit: Spring
offers the best weather to visitors, with beach tourism picking
up in May. Temperatures aren't too bad in Autumn, although the short
days mean limited sunlight and the cold starts to make itself felt
towards the end of the season, even along the Cote d'Azur. Winter
means playing in the snow in France's Alps and Pyrenees, though
the Christmas school holidays send hordes of tadpoles in uniform
scurrying for the slopes. Mid-July through the end of August is
when most city dwellers take their annual five weeks' vacation to
the coasts and mountains, and the half-desolate cities tend to shut
down a bit accordingly. Likewise during February and March. Entry Requirements: Nationals of the EU,
the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Israel do not require
visas to visit France as tourists for up to three months. Except
for people from a handful of other European countries, everyone
else must have a visa. Food/ Restaurants: There is a wide range
of restaurants offering menus to suit all budgets in France, and
food is usually of a high standard. Many restaurants offer set menus,
which offer good value for money, although vegetarian and ethnic
food is not as widely available as in the UK. The menu or bill will
state whether or not service is included. If service is "compris",
which is usual, it is included and it is customary to leave a few
coins. If service is "non-compris" a tip of 15% is customary.
Shopping: Special purchases include laces,
crystal glass, haute couture, perfumes, cheese, coffee, and of course,
locally produced beverages. Most towns have fruit and vegetable
markets on Saturdays. Hypermarkets (enormous supermarkets) which
sell everything from foodstuffs and clothes to hi-fi equipment and
furniture, are widespread in France. They tend to be situated just
outside a town and all have parking facilities. Transportation: The main international airport
is Charles de Gaulle, which is 30km outside Paris. The second airport
in Paris is Orly, 15km south of the city. Other main international
airports are in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseilles, Nice and Toulouse.
France has an excellent internal rail system, especially the TGV
intercity service. Eurostar is a cheap and fast alternative, particularly
for travellers from London and the South, and trains regularly depart
from London Waterloo station or Ashford, Kent for Paris and Lille
main train stations. The fastest way of getting from Charles de Gaulle
into Paris is by RER train, which runs right into the centre of
Paris. Cost is approx. FF50. There is also a bus service. A taxi
will cost approx. FF200. You can use metro tickets on the buses
but you must validate them in the machines provided on board the
bus. The Paris underground system (the Metro) is quick and efficient,
with a comprehensible underground map. Health risks: Your main risks are likely
to be sunburn, foot blisters, insect bites and upset stomachs from
overeating and drinking. [top] |
