About Travel in France
France is perpetually one of the most visited countries of Europe. It's not hard to list reasons why: great food, great wine, varied landscapes to explore, one of the world's most compelling cities to visit in Paris, and a fine transportation system. Below are essentials to consider before going to France, especially if you're going for the first time.
Planning a Trip to France
If you like, you can take a look at How I Plan a Trip to France. France has a variety of lodging and transportation options, as you'll find discussed below.
Accommodations in France
France has a wide range of accommodations. In general, French hotels tend to be more inexpensive than those in bordering Italy, Switzerland and Germany. There are usually hotels near train stations, some budget, a few seedy. You may inspect a room before committing to it. You can also fine cheap motel lodging outside of major tourist destinations.
Hotels in France are classified by stars according to their facilities and not necessarily their charm. For more on the hotel rating system, see our article: Hotels and their Star Ratings.
For hotels in France rated by folks who've actually stayed in those hotels, I book them direct at Venere - France Hotels. When I'm looking for efficiency but don't care about charm, I check out Accor Hotels.
Category: General France Lodging
France: Currency
France uses the Euro--Symbol €. At the time the Euro came into use, its value was set at 6.55957 French Francs. [ more on the Euro]
Language in France
The language spoken in France is French. However, there are various dialects and regional languages spoken. To learn about them, the About French Language site has links to the most common Regional Languages in France.
Foreign Languages for the Tourist gives a list of resources for learning just enough language to get along. Page two of that article is an account of going to language school in Perugia, Italy. I recommend undertaking such an experience in France if you're interested in the French language and people.
There is a good list of French Language Schools around the world here.
Weather in France
France is a large country with many different climate zones. Northern France weather is influenced by the Atlantic, and tends to be cooler and more humid than southern France, which enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The center of France, Paris and Lyon, have a climate more like that found in West Germany.
BBC Weather has a detailed discussion of the climate in various zones of France.
For more detailed discussion of historic climate for travel planning, see France Travel Weather for the current weather in various tourist destinations in France plus their average monthly high and low temperatures and precipitation.
Eating in France: French Restaurants
Lunch in France is generally served between 12 and 2pm. It may be difficult to find restaurants open in the afternoon. Dinner is served from 7-9pm.
Set menus, like the menu du jour, the menu of the day, are usually good values.
A bistro may offer a better value than a restaurant. A brasserie (meaning brewery--designating beer is served) is also a less formal experience than a restaurant.
France has wonderful cheeses. An inexpensive meal can be had by buying cheeses, olives and bread from an open air market (you can also fine roast chicken in many markets).
Despite all the butter and cheese and heavy sauces, France has the lowest rates of overweight and obesity in Europe--25 percent--according to the International Obesity Task Force. The United States, by contrast, suffers with a 64 percent obesity rate.
Tipping in France
Meals include a 15% service charge by law, so tipping in a restaurant is not necessary unless you've received special service. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10-15%, porters, concierges and hairdressers 10%.
France Map and Destination Resources
Our France Travel Map also shows and links to some of the best travel destinations within France. Also see our France Travel Directory for the best of France on About.com and the web.
More Information about France
Try About's France for Visitors, a site focused on tourism in France hosted by Kelby Carr.
For Information on Transportation within France, click next to go to page two for rail, car rental, busses, and other France transportation options.
