Information about France
Romantic wineries, romantic dinners and romantic towns. France is a delight for both the eye and the palate. Enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine and a piece of cheese in a beautiful wine castle. Pamper yourself with colorful macaroons and chocolate-filled croissants while soaking up the very special atmosphere of Paris.
Here you will find practical information and facts about France.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING IN FRANCE
Weather and best time to travel
France is a large country with a varied climate. Most of the country has a temperate climate, which means that there is precipitation all year round, but that the temperatures are neither extremely high nor low. France is therefore excellent to visit all year round, as long as you are prepared for changes in the weather and remember the sunglasses in the summer, the umbrella in the autumn and a hat in the winter. Only in the Alps can you expect low temperatures and snow. If, on the other hand, you want to secure sun and heat during the summer, you should choose the southern parts of the country, which with their subtropical Mediterranean climate offer high temperatures and a lot of sun.
Money
In France, euros (EUR) are used. Credit cards work in many places, but charge a little extra cash as not all restaurants in the countryside accept cards. There are plenty of ATMs in the cities.
Transport
Train:
France’s state-owned railway is called SNCF and is known for its high-speed trains TGV and which at a speed of 320 km / h are some of the fastest trains in the world. If you want to cross the border into the UK, take the Eurostar that runs in the underground Eurotunnel to London.
Bus:
If you prefer a bus, there are long-distance buses to the larger French cities that also cross the border into the surrounding larger European cities.
Tip
In most countries, tips are part of the salaries of employees in the service industry. Therefore, it is good practice (and sometimes directly necessary) to give tips to, for example, cleaning staff, waiters, guides, drivers, etc. depending on the country you are visiting. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much is normally given in tips and to whom before you embark on your journey. Find information on tips in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks.
FACTS
CAPITAL: PARIS
LANGUAGE: FRENCH
CLIMATE: TEMPERATE CLIMATE AND SUBTROPICAL IN THE SOUTHERN PARTS
RELIGION: THE MAJORITY ARE CATHOLICS
INFORMATION ABOUT FRANCE
The proud country in the south of
France is a country with a great personality. Here is a proud culture, here sounds a beautiful language and here is exciting history with kings and queens, revolutions and wars. In fact, France is so special that there is a special word to describe the one who loves France; francophile. But like all other big countries, there is a big difference in what French identity really means, much depending on where in the country you are.
Romance and wine regions
Everywhere the vines grow in straight rows. Covered with green leaves and in the autumn to be weighed down by large, purple bunches of grapes bursting with the juice that will soon turn into the tastiest red wine. In the summer, the sun gasps over vineyards and winding roads and depending on which wine district you visit, you drive through flat, open landscapes or soft hills with evergreen trees. Enjoy wine tastings, watch the sunset from a wine castle, go on a cycling holiday or try it all at once during a summer holiday in France’s romantic wine district.
Romantic Paris
Drive on a wide avenue or narrow rue between old apartment complexes, croissant-filled cafés and historical monuments. Enjoy the sunset in Montmartre, stroll along the river Seine in the pale spring sun and breathe in the romance. The culture and history are special in this city and you can hardly avoid being seduced by the special atmosphere of Paris.
Riviera’s holiday paradise
France has beaches both on the west coast and to the southeast. On the latter is the famous, beautiful French Riviera. Here you will find tall palm trees, expensive yachts, well-stocked promenades and charming waiters. Visit the cities of Nice, Cannes or Saint-Tropez and get a taste of the seductive holiday feeling here on the Riviera.
Frog thighs and baguettes
French cuisine is known for its slightly peculiar dishes foie gras, snails and frog legs. But here is also something for the more discerning. You can enjoy the most delicious, butter-baked croissants or pain au chocolat for coffee throughout the holiday. For lunch you buy a freshly baked baguette. On the dessert front, the French cuisine is well equipped with crêpes, crème brûlée and chocolate soufflé. And we must not forget the French’s great love for good cheese and locally produced wine.