Essential travel information - France by Locals Travel Agency

Currency & Payments

Currency: Euro (€)
Credit Cards: Widely accepted, though small businesses and rural areas may prefer cash 💳.
ATMs: 🏧 Found in most towns and cities. Let your bank know if you’ll be using your card internationally.

Language: French 🇫🇷 is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas, but it’s always appreciated if you learn a few phrases.
- Basic Phrases:
  - Bonjour (Hello) 👋
  - Merci (Thank you) 🙏
  - S’il vous plaît (Please) 🙇
  - Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?) 💬

Pharmacies: Available throughout France for minor health concerns.
Travel Insurance: 🛡️ Highly recommended. France has great healthcare, but costs can be high for non-EU travelers.
EHIC: European Health Insurance Card for EU citizens to access medical care.

Trains: Use the TGV 🚄 for fast travel between major cities (e.g., Paris to Lyon in 2 hours).
Buses: 🚌 Regional buses are a good option in rural areas. For long-distance travel, check FlixBus or Ouibus.
Metro: Paris, Lyon, and Marseille all have excellent metro systems 🚇.

Driver’s License: Some non-EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit.
Speed Limits: 130 km/h on highways, 80-90 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in towns.
Tolls: Toll roads (autoroutes) are common. Pay at « péages » with cash or card 💳.
Parking: Look for « P » signs for parking garages 🅿️, or blue zones for free parking with time limits.
Fuel: Fill up at « stations-service » ⛽. Most rural stations offer unleaded and diesel.

Buy local products 🎨 with a « Made in France » label to support artisans and reduce your carbon footprint.

Take the train 🚄 between regions for a more eco-friendly journey. France offers many scenic and high-speed rail routes.
Opt for eco-labeled hotels or eco-lodges 🏡 for your stay.

Stick to marked trails when hiking in nature 🌳 to protect fragile ecosystems.
Reduce waste by using reusable water bottles 🥤 and avoiding single-use plastics 🌍.

Farmers’ Markets: Visit local markets for fresh produce 🥕 and regional specialties 🧀.
Shopping Hours: Most stores are open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM 🕖, with closures during lunch and on Sundays.

SIM Cards: Available from Orange, SFR, or Bouygues at airports or shops.
Wi-Fi: Found in most cafes ☕, hotels 🏨, and public areas, though rural coverage may be limited.
Voltage & Plug Type: France uses 230V with Type C or E plugs ⚡. Bring an adapter if needed 🔌.

Breakfast: Typically 7:30-10:00 AM (usually just coffee ☕ and a croissant 🥐).
Lunch: 12:00-2:00 PM (the main meal of the day) 🍽️.
Dinner: 7:00-9:30 PM, often a multi-course affair 🍷.

Tipping: Service is generally included (« service compris »), but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated 💶.
Reservations: Recommended for popular or upscale restaurants 📅.
Local Specialties: Try dishes like Bouillabaisse 🐟 in Provence, Cassoulet 🥘 in the southwest, or Crêpes 🥞 in Brittany.

High Season (June-August): Ideal for beach trips 🏖️, but expect larger crowds.
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Fewer tourists, mild weather 🌤️.
Low Season (November-March): Best for budget travelers and winter sports ⛷️.

Greetings: A handshake 🤝 is common. In more familiar settings, expect « la bise » (cheek kisses) 😘.
Dress Code: Casual yet stylish 👗👖. Dress well, especially when dining out.
Public Behavior: Keep conversations at a low volume in public places like trains 🚉 and restaurants.