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

  • 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?) 💬

Emergency Numbers

  • General Emergency: 112 (Europe-wide) 📞
  • Police: 17 👮
  • Fire: 18 🚒
  • Medical Emergency (SAMU): 15 🚑
  • Pharmacies: Look for green crosses 💊; many cities offer 24-hour service.

Healthcare

  • 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.

Public Transport 

  • 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 🚇.

Driving in France

  • 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.
visit-north-of-france-young-woman-tourist-sitting-back-with-french-flag-beautiful-landscape-background-with-river-towers-old-town-strassbourg-city-france

Sustainable Tourism

A. Supporting Local 🛍️

  • Buy local products 🎨 with a “Made in France” label to support artisans and reduce your carbon footprint.

B. Green Travel Options 🚆

  • 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.

C. Responsible Travel ♻️

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

Must-See Attractions

  • Paris: Eiffel Tower 🗼, Louvre Museum 🖼️, Montmartre 🎨.
  • Provence: Lavender fields 💜, Avignon 🏰.
  • Loire Valley: Château de Chambord 🏰, vineyards 🍇.
  • Alsace: Strasbourg’s old town 🏡, wine route 🍷.
  • Brittany: Mont Saint-Michel 🏝️, coastal trails 🚶‍♂️.

9. Local Markets & Shopping

  • 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.
saint-emilion-wine-tasting

Communication & Connectivity 📱💻

  • 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 🔌.

Dining in France 🍷🍴🥖

A. Meal Times

  • 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 🍷.

B. Restaurant Etiquette

  • 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.

Regional Information 🌍

A. Climate 🌦️☀️❄️

  • Northern France: Cool winters, mild summers (Paris, Normandy, Brittany).
  • Southern France: Hot summers, mild winters (Provence, Côte d’Azur).
  • Mountainous Regions: Cold winters with snow in the Alps 🏔️.

B. Best Times to Visit 🗓️

  • 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 ⛷️.

Cultural Etiquette & Customs 🗝️

  • 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.