France Travel Warning

TRAVEL WARNING

Current information

According to softwareleverage, France has been the target of several serious terrorist attacks since the beginning of 2015: attack on the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo in January 2015, attacks in Paris in November 2015 and in Nice on July 14, 2016.

The state of emergency in force since November 2015 was extended to mid-July 2017. In this context, special security measures have been taken, including increased checks on persons in public.

The following measures can be expected:

• Random checks in the underground stations and train stations · Increased military presence at the train stations · Police presence in the underground trains and on the streets · Access controls at the airports and to Thalys

You are strongly advised to follow the instructions of the French security forces and to keep yourself informed about the development of the situation via the media and this travel advice.

In addition, controls will take place up to and including July 15, 2017 at the internal borders of France with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain as well as at the air and sea borders. There may therefore be temporary restrictions in travel. Long waiting times must be expected, especially when entering from Great Britain. Travelers should always carry an identification document (ID card, passport) with them (see also entry requirements for German citizens).

When traveling by air to and from France, the website of the airline concerned should be checked for possible short-term information on delays or cancellations.

Country-specific safety information

Terrorism

In France, the “Vigipirate” plan applies to counter terrorist threats and provides for various measures to protect the population depending on the threat situation. There is currently an increased level of protection across the country.

Increased controls and security measures in travel are to be expected. At train stations, airports, trains and subways, there are increased baggage and personal controls. There may also be handbag controls at entrances (e.g. museums). Rail travelers should ensure that their luggage is marked with their name and address. In many train stations there is no longer any possibility of storing luggage.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels

There are numerous hotels with an attached restaurant; Single rooms are not very common. As a rule, an additional bed is placed in double rooms for a surcharge of 30%; the large hotel chains do not charge a surcharge for children under 12 years of age. When staying longer than three days, guests are usually offered full board. Half-board (demi-pension) is usually available in the off-season.

Logis de France are small or medium-sized hotels, often family businesses, that offer cheap, good and comfortable accommodation. All have their own restaurant. Their addresses can be found in one of the Logis de Francepublished hotel guide, from which the respective equipment and extras can be seen. Logis de France, 83 Avenue d’Italie, F-75013 Paris. (Tel: (01) 45 84 83 84. Internet: www.logis-de-france.fr). Relais-Châteaux are castles converted into hotels. Information can also be obtained from the hotel association: Union des Métiers et des Industries Hôtelières, 22 Rue d’Anjou, F-75008 Paris. (Tel: (01) 44 94 19 94. Internet: www.umih.fr).

Paris: Bookings can be made at the tourist offices in the train stations or at the central information office: Office de Tourisme e des Congrès, 25 rue des Pyramides, F-75001 Paris. (Tel: (08) 92 68 30 00. Internet:www.parisinfo.com).

Camping

There are 7000 campsites in all regions of the country. Some rent out caravans and tents. The prices depend on the region, season and the availability of additional facilities such as leisure rooms, etc. All official tent sites have running water, toilets and washrooms.

Caravans can be brought into France for a maximum of 6 months. The Tourist Office has a full list of all tour operators offering vacation travel of all kinds, including camping and active holidays.

The French Camping Association can be reached at: Fédération de Camping et Caravaning, 78 Rue de Rivoli, F-75004 Paris. (Tel: (01) 42 72 84 08. Internet: www.ffcc.fr).

Other accommodation options

There are hundreds of hostels that offer basic accommodations. The length of stay is usually limited to 3-4 nights, in Paris to one week. The hostels are open to members of the national youth hostel organizations on presentation of the youth hostel card.

Youth hostel guides and address lists are available from the national youth hostel associations. Further information is available from the Fédération Unie des Auberges de Jeunesse (FUAJ), 27 Rue Pajol, F-75018 Paris. (Tel: (01) 44 89 87 27. (Internet: www.fuaj.org) available.