Entry requirements
Depending on your nationality, the duration and the reason for your stay in France, it may be necessary for you to obtain a visa before leaving. In this case, you should apply to the French consulate in your country. For citizens of European Union countries, a current valid identity card is sufficient. However, if you are a citizen of an other country, a passport is obligatory, with a visa for certain countries.
Minors travelling alone must carry authorization for travelling signed by their parents.No vaccinations are required for entering France.
Climate
France has the benefit of a temperate, rather agreeable climate. Continental France is divided into four climatic zones:
- Oceanic and humid climate with cooler summers to the west of a line from Bayonne to Lille;
- Semi-continental climate with harsh winters and hot summers in Alsace, Lorraine, along the Rhone corridor and in the mountainous massifs (Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central);
- Intermediate climate with cold winters and hot summers in the north, and in the Paris and central regions;
- Mediterranean climate with mild winters and very hot summers in the south of France.
Currency - money
Money
As of January 1, 2002, the euro (€) replaced the national currency of 12 countries within the European Union. You can exchange currency at any bank branch. Automatic cash machines can be found in most commercial centers.
Overseas departments and territories
The French Caribbean islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe), French Guyana, Mayotte, Saint Pierre et Miquelon and La Réunion have changed their currency to Euro. The French territories will keep the Francs (CFP). French territories are: French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Terres Australes et Antartiques Francaises.
Bank Opening Hours
Banking hours in Paris are usually from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Throughout the rest of France, banks are usually open from 10am to 1pm, and 3pm to 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday.
Currency exchange
Currency exchange can be carried out at all bank branches and Post Offices. Bureaux de change can also be found in large department stores, railway stations, airports and near to tourist sites. Please note: although the exchange rate is fixed, commission rates are not.
These must be clearly displayed.
For information: 1€ = 6.55957 FF
1€ = 0.67 GBP
1 GBP = 1.47 €
Credit Cards
They are accepted in a large number of shops, hotels and restaurants. Shopkeepers often state a minimum amount required to be spent.
Language
The national language of France is French. Most French people who work in the tourism industry and in related fields speak English. Many speak other foreign languages, but as a general rule, there will always be someone who understands you!
France in Figures
Total area: 551,000km2, 3,120km of coastline (taking into account all the twists and curves).
According to the 2004 and 2005 census, the population of France is 61,044,684.
Maximum distances: North-south (Dunkirk to Prats-de-Mollo) 973km; east-west (Lauterbourg to Pointe de Corsen) 945.5km; north-west - south-east (Pointe de Corsen to Menton) 1,082km.
Electricity
220 volt (50 to 60 Htz) electricity is generally available (including on graded camp sites). 2 pin plugs are widely used in France (or occasionally 3 round pin plugs). Adaptors are available from most electrical shops in UK.
Metrication
1 kilo (1000 grs) = 2.2 Lbs.
1 litre = 13/4 pints ; 1 gallon = 4.54 litres
1 mile = 1.609 km (8 km = 5 miles or 10 km = 6 miles)
Fº = roughly (Cº x 2) + 30
1 hectare = roughly 2.5 acres
1 foot = 30 cm
