Ultimate Guide to Visiting France
A trip to France is a top destination for many people. While most would love to experience Paris, there is much more to see in France than just the city of lights. Let this guide to visiting France help you know what to expect.
What You Should Know Before Visiting France
First off, France is one of those countries that is divided into regions and your experiences will largely be determined by what part of France you choose to visit.
The French Riviera offers beaches and crystal blue water, the Alps give you the chance to enjoy the mountain air, the wine region is a paradise for those wanting to explore different types of wines.
Paris as well as Provence are the places to go for museums, art, and architecture.
Then there are the storybook towns nestled between Germany and France, which offer a glimpse back into the Medieval era. The list goes on & on.
Luckily, France has some of the best public transportation systems in Europe and you will find it easy to get from one part of the country to the other.
Bathrooms are not always readily available. When needing to find a bathroom, say où sont les toilettes .
You will have to pay to use the public bathroom. There will either be an attendant or a coin-controlled turn-style machine.
Most cafes have bathrooms and you can use them for free if you make a purchase. Most of the time the cup of coffee is the same price as the public bathroom.
Find Out Whether you Need an ETIAS Travel Authorization
The rules of travel to Europe have changed.
Starting six months after EES, most people will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to enter most European countries even for a short-term stay.
There are also countries that aren’t part of the EU but participate in the Schengen Agreement. This includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
While it is possible that you could be exempt, more than likely you will need to make sure that you have this done prior to visiting.
This visa-waiver form costs around €7 ($7.25) and can be paid online.
What Currency Does France Use?
The currency in France is the Euro. Euros are issued in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and tiny 1c coins. Banknotes are issued in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 domination.
You should always carry some Euros with you even though many places will accept credit cards.
What is Traditional French Food and Drink?
The French are known for their pastries and baked goods and you will want to eat as many as you can while you are in France.
You’ll be doing plenty of walking so the calories don’t count, right?
The crepe is one of the most popular food items in France and it is easy to see why.
It can be savory or sweet and can be eaten on the go.
What is the one thing you probably won’t want to eat, that all the French adore? Escargot.
The French enjoy their dining experience and will often spend hours dining. If you want your check, you will need to ask for it (L’addition, s’il vous plait.)
French law requires a 15% charge added to all table meals to serve as gratuity, so no need to tip unless you had exemplary service.
Do the French Speak English?
While many European countries will speak English, the French are not so willing. It is best if you learn a few things in French before you go.
The ones we used most were Bonjour (hello), S’il vous plait (please), Oui (Yes) Merci (Thanks), Au Revoir (goodbye).
It was also helpful to know the numbers un (one), duex (two), trois (three) and quatre (four) when picking out pastries!
Adapters for Europe
European outlets come in different types, including Type C, E, F, and L.
European outlets typically take two round prongs where as American plugs have two flat prongs.
In order to get your device to charge or work, you will need the right converter.
France uses both C & F. You will probably use a C for most items.
If you are someone who travels with your hair dryer or straightener, you will need a separate voltage converter that can handle the wattage that it takes for heated appliances.
We usually purchase at least one universal adapter that has ability to work for multiple countries outlets. That is because if you have a layover and need to charge your device, you will want to have one you can use in any airport.
