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Before You Go
French Entry Requirements for US Citizens:
Valid Passport. Contact: Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road,
NW. Washington, DC. 20007. (202) 944-6000, or consulate in Boston, Chicago,
Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, LAX,
Miami, New Orleans, NYC, SFO
or San Juan. For Monaco, contact Consulate General Monaco at 565 -
5th Av. NYC, NY. 10017, (212) 759-5227. Dual Nationality: US citizens
considered to have acquired French citizenship subject to compulsory military
service & other aspects of French law. Ask embassy or consulate. Dual nationality
may hamper US efforts to provide protection.
French Entry Requirements for EU Citizens:
Valid Passport or Identity Card.
No visa requirement.
French Government Tourist
Office in the UK.
178 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9AL
Tel: 0906 8244 123 (calls cost aprox.60 pence per minute)
Fax: 020 7493 6594
Or visit their website
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth
Office updated travel advisory for visitors to France. Updated 9th
January 2003.
TERRORISM
Sporadic bomb attacks on public buildings by the Corsican nationalist group
(FLNC) continue to occur throughout Corsica.
While there is no specific threat to British tourists, visitors to the island
should take care, particularly in the town centres and near public buildings,
and be wary of unattended packages.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Cars with foreign number plates may be targeted by thieves. Conceal bags and
purses when driving and never leave valuables in a vehicle, even for a short
time or when you are nearby. The last two digits on a French car's number plate
indicate the département in which the car is registered. Many hire cars are
registered in Marne departement (51) and cars with registration numbers ending
in 51 attract the attention of thieves.
Visitors to Calais should be aware that British registered cars may be targeted
by thieves, both while parked and on the move (e.g. by thieves flagging down drivers
for a lift or indicating that the vehicle has a flat tyre). Valuables should not
be left in parked cars and should be kept out of sight at all times. Pedestrians
should beware of bag snatchers operating both on foot and from motorcycles. In
the South of France, particularly in the Marseille to Menton area, drivers are
advised to keep car doors locked when driving. It is common for bags to be snatched
from the front passenger seat, often when the vehicle is stationary at traffic
lights and usually by individuals on motorbikes. Visitors are advised not to leave
bags in full view when sitting on café terraces to avoid attracting the attention
of thieves. It is also recommended that valuables are not left unattended on the
beach. In Corsica tourists are advised to avoid leaving their vehicles unattended
by the roadside especially on coastal/beach roads, as thefts are frequent. Armed
robbery can occur but such incidents are rare. There has been a number of mugging
incidents at the more isolated rest areas (those without petrol stations and cafeterias)
on some French motorways, particularly on the A10 between Paris and Bordeaux.
There have been several cases of burglary during the night whilst travellers have
been asleep in their caravans or mobile homes in France; try to avoid parking
in isolated or dark areas of camping grounds or car parks; consider installing
an alarm to your caravan or mobile home.
Be vigilant when travelling on sleepers/night trains. At night, thieves often
take the opportunity to rob sleeping travellers. Be aware too of possible theft
on trains during the day, and do not leave bags containing valuables unattended.
Travellers arriving at Paris (Charles de Gaulle) airport or by rail at Gare
du Nord should guard their baggage against theft and beware of pickpockets.
Thieves and pickpockets operate on Paris metro and RER lines especially RER
line B, which serves Charles de Gaulle airport, Orly airport and Gare du Nord.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Almost all roads in Corsica are mountainous and narrow, with numerous bends. Drivers
should be extra vigilant and beware of wandering animals. The majority of road
accidents occur during the tourist season.
ROAD TRAVEL
Drivers in France must be of the age required for the category of licence in
question under French law. The minimum age for driving a car in France is 18
years old. 17 year-old British drivers with valid British licences are not
permitted to drive a car in France. Anyone who contravenes this law can face
a fine of up to Euros 1,500 and the impounding of the vehicle.
Visitors should take particular care when driving in France as driving regulations
and customs are different from those in the UK. Visitors should consult the RAC
or AA for advice on special requirements for driving in France. There is further
advice, in English, on safety and on potential traffic black spots during the
holiday seasons on the French Government-run Website: www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr/
Many drivers undertake long journeys in, or through, France.
Care should be taken to plan journeys and take sufficient breaks; a minimum
break of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended. Roads in
France, particularly motorways, are of an excellent standard. Speed limits are
higher than in the UK; but the accident rate is also much higher.
Motorists driving to France should be aware that radar detectors
are illegal in France, whether in use or not. If caught, drivers are liable
to both a fine and confiscation of the device (and possibly confiscation of
the car if unable to pay the fine). Drivers should therefore ensure radar detectors
are removed from their vehicle before commencing any journey to France.
Road users intending to travel between France and Italy should be
aware that the Mont Blanc tunnel has been re-opened for all vehicles, except
those with more than 4 axles, those carrying dangerous goods, and those which
came into circulation before 1 October 1993 and do not meet the Euro 1 and 2
pollution standards. There are new speed limits and vehicle distance limits
in place in the Tunnel; details are sign-posted at the entrance and exit. Vehicles
which are forbidden from using the Mont Blanc Tunnel should use routes along
the Mediterranean coast or through the Frejus tunnel; there are however some
restriction on HGVs using the Frejus tunnel. Full details of these and alternative
routes are available on the French Government-run Website: www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr
British road hauliers should be aware that French authorities are
imposing fines on hauliers who have differing sets of documents aboard the vehicle.
Road hauliers should contact the Road Hauliers Association for further information.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
UK nationals need a valid passport to enter France. Visitors intending to work
or remain in France for more than three months should apply for a residence
permit (carte de séjour) at the local Préfecture.
HEALTH
Visitors to France should obtain an E111 form
from their local post office or social security office in the UK prior to departure.
This will cover part of the cost of emergency health care at State hospitals
in France during their stay. However, an E111 does not cover all medical fees,
or medical repatriation, or on-going medical treatment of a non-urgent nature.
The FCO therefore recommends that all visitors to France obtain comprehensive
travel and medical insurance.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND WINTER SPORTS
Alpine travellers should take out complementary
insurance to cover extra medical costs, repatriation or, in Savoie and Haute-Savoie
departements, possible transfer to Switzerland for hospital treatment. For sports
activities such as skiing, potholing and mountaineering, travel insurance must
include mountain rescue services and helicopter costs. Travellers should be
aware of the risks involved in the more hazardous sports activities. They should
be aware of weather forecasts and conditions, be well equipped, not undertake
the activity alone, study the itinerary and inform someone of their plans. Off-piste
skiers should follow the advice given by local authorities and guides - to ignore
such advice could put themselves and other mountain users in danger. Information
on snow and avalanche risks is available, in French, on www.anena.org.
GENERAL
Following the withdrawal of duty free facilities
within the European Union, customs authorities in all member countries have
introduced guidance levels for the import of tobacco, alcohol and other products
bought by visitors for their own use. These levels should be checked with HM
Customs. Travellers who buy more than the amount specified must be able to satisfy
Customs Officers at both the point of departure and arrival that the goods are
for their personal use. Heavy Goods Vehicle operators should be aware of the
revised seizure policy being operated by HM Customs and Excise against any vehicles
detected with illicit alcohol or tobacco.
Travellers carrying or transporting valuables
(including works of art and antiques) or large amounts of cash (above Euros
7,600) should check French customs regulations before they enter France (see
Website http://douanes.ambafrance.org.uk).
For current updates visit
The UK Foreign
and Commonwealth Office website.
Health: US medical insurance not always valid
outside USA. Supplemental medical insurance
with specific overseas coverage, including coverage for medical evacuation, recommended.
In emergencies, call: SOS Médecin (4 93 85 01 01), Médecins de Garde (4 93 53
03 03) or Nice Médecins (4 93 52 42 42). Pharmacies open from 9 am. - 7 pm.
Mon - Sat, & closed Sundays. At night & on weekends, duty pharmacies
stay open. See notice on door to all pharmacies.
Crime& Security: Relatively
low violent crime. Pick pocketing, theft of unattended baggage & from rental
cars with non-local license plates daily occurrences. Criminals frequent tourist
attractions, museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels & beaches, trains,
train stations, airports & subways. Be particularly alert to pickpockets
in train stations and subways. Carry limited cash & credit cards, leaving
extra cash, credit cards, passports & personal documents at home or in hotel
safe. Infrequently, labour protests or routine demonstrations deteriorate
into violent confrontations between demonstrators & police. Avoid street
demonstrations. Bombings result in increased police presence at places where
public congregates. Basque Separatists (ETA) & National Front for Liberation
of Corsica (FLNC) operate in south, & occasionally bomb local government
institutions, banks, travel agencies, etc.
Money: The French Franc is no longer! The Euro
is now the only legal tender in France. Major credit cards & travellers
checks widely accepted. Check Universal Currency
Converter
for current rate. Banks generally open from 9am to 4pm, or sometimes 5pm. In
smaller towns & cities banks may close from 12noon to 2pm. On eve of public
holidays, banks often close early. ATMs (guichets automatiques) available
everywhere in France, & often offer best exchange rates. Virtually all ATMs
in France take Visa & MasterCard, & many linked to Cirrus & Plus
systems. Amex ATMs in major cities as well. Most French ATM keyboards have numbers
only, so if PIN contains letters, make note of number equivalents prior to leaving
home. Only 4-digit PINs acceptable, so if more than 4, change it before leaving.
Remember PIN; you will often be asked for it when paying at hotels, restaurants,
shops, etc. With Plastichange card, CCF Change bank helps you change money
by offering sealed envelope containing French currency worth fixed amount of
foreign currency, & receipt for transaction.
Weather: Coldest month: Jan.avg. low 34F (1C),
while warmest month, July avg. high 76F (25C). Most of year, the Riviera is
mild & sunny. In winter, rarely freezes, through it can rain quite a lot
in March-April & Oct-Nov. Link to French weather forecasts
Advice & Tips For France:
Traffic Safety: Traffic patterns & driving habits pose special dangers.
Generally, lane markings & sign placements not clear. Be prepared to make
last minute manoeuvres, as most drivers do. French drivers aggressive &
fast. Extreme speed differentials on freeways where nominal speed limit is 81
mph. for cars & 55 mph. for trucks. Speed in built-up areas: 31mph (50kmh),
outside towns: 56mph (90kmh), priority roads & toll free motorways: 68mph
(110kmh). Be aware of right of way law - drivers entering intersections from
right have priority over those on left (unless specifically indicated otherwise),
even when entering relatively large boulevards from relatively small side streets.
Blood alcohol limit
50mg - barely 1 unit of alcohol. Flashes headlights generally indicates driver
has priority - give way. Stopping at pedestrian crossing finable offence
for holding up traffic. Do not overtake tram when stationary with passengers
alighting or boarding. Traffic lights don't show amber after red. Flashing amber
means continue with caution. Seat belts compulsory for all passengers. Children
must be properly protected up to age of 10 (car cots for small babies, &
baby or child seats). Crash helmets obligatory for all forms of motorbike/moped
travel. The Bison futé system set up to prevent traffic-jams. A Bison
futé map proposes alternative (& often more scenic) routes. Indicated
by green & yellow panels & word bis, & help you avoid main
traffic arteries. Service stations offer gas, 24-hr restaurants (good!), shops,
playgrounds, baby-stops, bureaux de change & tourist information
etc. Radio station, Autoroute FM 107.7, provides traffic information.
Electricity & Voltage:
To use US electric powered equipment, bring converter
and adapter.
National Holidays: Jan 01; Apr 13; May 01; May 08 & 21; Jun 01; Jul 14; Aug
15; Nov 01 & 11; Dec 25.
National Committee for Mobility
of the Disabled sells guide to Paris & its surroundings (Le guide de
Paris -Ile-de-France for FF60): 53 80 66 63. SNCF & Paris Airport Authority
publish guides for people with reduced mobility.
Airports
For Information on all French
Airports visit THIS site
Paris, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle
By Taxi:
Fare approx. 50 Euros. Ride time 40 mins.
By Car: 23 miles northeast of Paris near village of Roissy-en-France.
By AF Bus: Every 15-20 mins between 5h40 - 23h to/from Porte Maillot,
Etoile/Place Charles de Gaulle, or Gare Montparnasse. Ride 25 mins if traffic
clear; hour or more during rush hours. Cost 8 Euros. Also direct bus to ORY.
By RoissyBus: Every 15 mins between Roissy Terminal 2 & Opéra between
545 am - 11 pm. Ride 45 mins. Cost 6 Euros.
By Rail:
RER/TGV station serves CDG directly.
Every 15 mins between 530 am - 1130 pm to down- town. Ride 35 mins to Gare du
Nord. Fare 8 Euros.
Info Tel #: (148)
62 2280
Terminal 1: For most foreign airlines inc. AA, BA, BD, CO, DL, FI, KL,
LH, SK, TP, TAT, TW, UA, US.
Terminal 2A: AF (partial), NYC & Concorde: & other airlines.
Terminal 2B: AF to Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Italy,
Romania, Slovenia, UK, Yugoslavia, Air Inter Europe. AZ, JAL, JAT, Malev,
Tarom, SR.
Terminal 2C: Asia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Pacific, South America, Sudan,
Syria, USA except NYC & Concorde.
Terminal 2D: AF & SN to Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland.
Inter-Terminal: Free
Bus
Amenities: The
Usual
Paris,
Orly Airport By Car: South
of Paris (14 kms) near town of Orly.
By AF Bus: Every 15-20 mins 540 am - 11 pm between Gare d'Austerlitz,
Gare Montparnasse, or Gare St-Michel. Ride about 25 mins. Fare 9 Euros. Also
direct bus to CDG.
By Orlybus: To/from Denfert-Rochereau Métro/RER stop (bus next to RER stop).
Every 12-15 mins; Ride about 25-45 mins. Fare 8 Euros. From 630 am- 11 pm
By JetBus; To/from Villejuif Louis Aragon Métro stop. Ride 45 mins. Fare
6 Euros.
By Rail: Orly Val - Frequent connex to Antony RER stop. Conductorless train
most expensive way into Paris from Orly. Combined Orlyval/RER/métro fare
12 Euros. From 6 am to 11.30 pm daily except 7 am to 11 pm on Sunday. Ride time
to Châtelet 30 mins.
Info Tel #: (149)
75 1515
Terminal Ouest (West):
for AF & IT Europe.
Terminal Sud (South): for AA & BA.
Inter-Terminal: Free
Bus
Nice, Cote d'Azur Airport
Location: 7 kms from town center. Directly linked to RN98, RN7, RN202 &
A8 motorway. 22 kms from Monaco.
By Taxi: To downtown approx. 30 Euros.
By Bus: To/from downtown 4 Euros. regular bus service operated to resorts
by Stanca. Ticket Desk near Luggage Claim. Sample RT fares - Antibes 15
Euros, Cannes 16 Euros, Juan-les-Pins 15 Euros, MonteCarlo 20 Euros, Villefranche
10 Euros.
Train Connections:
· Gare St Laurent du Var - Airport: Bus #
23. Ride time - 7 mins Every 30 mins.
· Gare Nice Ville - Airport; Bus # 23 Sun
Bus, Ride time - 7 mins Every 30 mins.
Helicopters: Year-round
connections to Monaco, Cannes & Saint Tropez. For other contact helicopter
transport companies. Rates: Approx. 70 Euros per person for Cannes, 60 Euros
for Monaco, 150 Euros for Saint Tropez.
Terminal 1: Most airlines.
Terminal 2: Air Littoral & TAT.
Medical centre: Tue, Wed & Thurs 8h30 to 10h30, without appointment.
Terminal 1, opposite car park P2, at foot of control tower. Tel : (33) 04.93.21.38.81
Now You’re There
Regions and Cities
France
offers spectacular variety of scenery, from mountain ranges of Alps & Pyrénées
to attractive river valleys of Loire, Rhône & Dordogne & flatter countryside
in Normandy & on Atlantic coast. Read more about France.
Eating Out.
France has more varied & developed cuisine than any other
country - with possible exception of China. Almost complete unanimity of opinion
that French food is best in Western world. Vegetables, cheese, butter and fruit
eaten in a French restaurant usually fresh, although with mushrooming of cafeterias
& fast-food establishments, quality is no longer always reliable.
Simple, delicious cooking
for which France is famous found in old-fashioned bistro & restaurant. 2
distinct styles of eating. ‘Gastronomy’ (haute cuisine). Plus family-style
cooking, often just as delicious - style of cooking experienced daily by majority
of French.
Almost all restaurants offer
2 types of meal: à la carte (extensive choice for each course & more expensive)
& le menu (set meal at fixed price with dishes selected from full à la carte
menu). At simple restaurants, same cutlery used for all courses.
Many restaurants close for
month during summer, & one day a week. Check restaurant open, particularly
on Sunday.
Costs not necessarily high.
Generally speaking, mealtimes strictly observed. Lunch served from noon to 1.30
pm, dinner usually from 8 pm-9.30 pm, but larger the city, later the dining
hour
Entertainment
Paris nightclubs
& discos often have no entry fee although drinks more expensive. Alternatively,
entrance price sometimes includes price of one drink. As alternative to a nightclub,
many late night bars.
Tourist offices publish annual
& monthly diary of events available free. Several guides with information
about entertainments & sightseeing in Paris. Best are Pariscope,
7 à Paris, Officiel des Spectacles & English language Passion.
In provinces the French generally
spend night eating & drinking, although in more popular tourist areas there
will be discos & dances.
All weekend festivals in summer
in rural areas good form of evening entertainment. Over 130 public casinos
around country.
Shopping in France
French 'Good Buys'
include lace, crystal glass, cheeses, coffee and, of course, wines, spirits
and liqueurs.
Arques, home of Crystal D’Arques between St Omer and Calais,
en route to most southern destinations.
Lille, main town of French Flanders, known
for textiles, particularly fine lace.
Shopping
in Nice,
& Biarritz
Local crafts mainly
found in town centres & around Provençal street-markets - Antibes, Grasse,
Cannes & Nice have permanent markets proposing fruit & vegetables, flowers
& local crafts. Most villages have at least 1 market a day (Vence, Sospel,
Vallauris, Cagnes-sur-Mer etc.).
Markets: Most towns have fruit & vegetable
markets on Saturday. Hyper- markets sell everything from foodstuffs & clothes
to hi-fi equipment & furniture, widespread in France. Tend to be just outside
town with parking facilities.
Shopping Hours: Open Mons - Sats between 8 & 10
am, shut at about 7 pm, closing between 12 noon & 2 pm in provinces. Smaller
shops sometimes closed on Mondays. On Sunday mornings some food shops open,
& many towns hold markets.
Credit Cards: Shops will often display minimum purchase
amount of 10 or 15 Euros.
Sale of precious metals,
jewels, works of art,
collector's items & antiques subject to 7% tax (7.5% in case of precious
metals). You may be asked to pay this tax when you leave, unless you can prove
with invoice that you have purchased goods from professional dealer or that
dealer has paid tax.
Paris' Shopping Districts:
Victoires/Etienne Marcel
(haute couture & jewellery)
Les Halles (vintage
& 2nd-hand)
Le Marais (trendy, party-goers)
Saint Germain (classic)
Haussmann/Saint Honoré/Madeleine
(major brands)
Champs-Elysées (well-known
French & American)
La Bastille (trendy
& young
Have you been to France and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
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