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France
About France: Contrasting landscapes, traditions galore, a variety of dialects. 40,000 monuments including 10,000 châteaux, abbeys and manor houses, 6,000 museums and 1,000 festivals: in France it is diversity that holds sway and the great wealth of its heritage provides remarkable evidence of this. From museums filled with major works of art to historic monuments emblematic of France's history, from historic routes to interactive centres using the latest multimedia technology - a host of adventures to tell you about France. The French Republic comprises: Metropolitan France (continental France and Corsica), 4 Overseas Departments (Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique and Réunion), each equally making up one region since the law of 31.12.1982, 4 Overseas Territories (Wallis and Fortuna Isles, New Caledonia and Dependencies, French Polynesia, and the French Southern and Antarctic Territories) having special status, and 2 Autonomous Regions (Mayotte and Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon). Climate: France has the benefit of a temperate, rather agreeable climate. Continental France is divided into four climatic zones namely Oceanic and humid climate with often cool 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 Rhône 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 and Mediterranean climate with mild winters and very hot summers in the south of France.
Time Zone:
From the end of March until the
end of October,
Communications & Telephones: 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! All telephone numbers in France are composed of 10 digits. To call somewhere in France when in France, dial the 10 digit number which starts with a 0. From France to a foreign country: dial 00 + the country number + the number of the person you are calling. You will find all telephone cards (for phone boxes, recharges for mobile phones, pre-paid cards.) available at Post Offices, tobacconist's, souvenir shops. France is very well covered by the 3 French mobile phone operators. You can choose a mobile network according to your choice for using your mobile phone in France. In France, mail/post boxes are coloured yellow and can be found along street and in every Post Office. Mail collection time is displayed on them. Due to the increase in internet and e-mail use, Internet Cafes are becoming common place and can be found in most towns throughout France. Rates may vary, but you will be charged according to the amount of time spent using the computer. To find an Internet Cafe ask the local tourist office.
Taxis can be taken from
taxi ranks
Trains: Trains are a great
way to get around in France.
Currency: Official currency is Euro (1 Euro (€) = Rs. 55, 2108 Indian Rupees (INR)) 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. Credit cards are accepted in a large number of shops, hotels and restaurants. Shopkeepers often state a minimum amount required to be spent.
VAT Refunds: In France, a sales tax of 19.6% (the Value Added Tax) is tacked on to almost every purchase. However, if you spend more than 175€ or more at any one participating store, you can get the VAT amount refunded. Here's how -- after making a minimum purchase of 175€, ask the store for your detaxe papers. Make sure on the paperwork you request that your refund be applied to one of your credit cards (this can be done even if you made the purchase in cash). Fill out the forms before you arrive at the airport for departure. Be sure to have the forms stamped at the clearly indicated airport customs desks. The customs official may ask to see your purchases so it's best to have them in your carry-on bag. Mail the stamped forms at the airport (the store provides an envelope) and the refund process has begun (note - this is only if France is your final point of departure back to your home country). Important reminder: The VAT can be refunded for goods, but not services.
Shopping:
If you live outside the European
Union, you are entitled to a 12%
reduction in duty on certain
articles, provided that the amount
of your purchases should be higher
than or equal to €175 including
tax, and that these purchases are
made on the same day in the same
shop. Check the terms and
conditions before making your
purchases. Shops open at 9.00am or
10.00am and close between 7.00pm
and 8.00pm. In the regions, they
often close between 1.00pm and
2.00pm. They are usually open from
Tuesday to Saturday (except public
holidays). Large supermarkets are
usually open until 9.00pm or
10.00pm. For bargain hunters, two
large flea markets are held
outside central Paris: Porte de
Vanves and Porte de Saint-Ouen
(the largest of all). In the regions, the town centre often has a number of clothes shops which are just as good as those in Paris. Some towns have second-hand clothes shops with keen prices or very trendy shops. Every town or village in the regions also have their weekly market; here you will find lots of regional products, whilst making the most of a completely different atmosphere to that of the capital.
Tipping:
Almost all restaurants include tax
and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a
meal or service has been
particularly good, leaving another
€1.50 (or 2-3%) is customary, as
is leaving the waiter the small
change from your bill if you pay
in cash. If service is not
included (service non compris) a
15% tip is appropriate. In hotels,
tip porters €1.50 for each bag and
chambermaids €1.50 a day. Taxi
drivers should be given 10-15% of
the metered fare. Tip hairdressers
10%, assistant 5%. Small tips of
around €1 are reasonable for
cloakroom and washroom attendants,
ushers and museum tour guide. It
is standard practice to tip tour
guides and bus drivers after an
excursion, generally €1.50-€3,
depending on the level of the
satisfaction.
Sightseeing places and Attractions:
Shows (cinema, concerts,
theatre.) or other activities
(festivals, flea markets,
exhibitions.) are listed in
specialist guides on sale at
newspaper kiosks or in the local
press, especially in the weekend
editions. Tourist Offices also
have available lists of events in
the town and surrounding area.
Rates
are 1 day pass €12.19 ; 3 days:
€24.39 & 5 days: €36.58
Theatre: In Paris and in the
regions, theatres are numerous and
offer a wide variety of shows
(from great classics to light
comedy, from one-man shows to
cabaret.). Note: Alcohol abuse is damaging to health. Consume in moderation. Concept Voyages' Recommendation: An interesting and healthy way to enjoy France is by cycling or rollerblading. Paris has put a lot of emphasis on pedestrianised streets and has laid out paths reserved for cyclists and rollerbladers: widened bus lanes (used by RATP buses and taxis), safe cycle tracks are appearing nearly everywhere, especially on the major roads. On Sundays the roads by the side of the Seine are completely reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers. (except for pre-arranged cancellations). We advise taking out insurance before leaving. French towns are actively promoting the use of bicycles. Already, Rennes, Strasbourg and Nantes have increased the number of cycle paths (120 kms in Rennes), created or equipped parking space for bicycles, cycle shelters next to bus shelters, cycle hire points in car parks. Go on explore Paris healthy way! get away, your way! destination guide |
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