France
France, with its splendid beauty is the most popular tourist destination in the world. There are about 80 million tourists who visit France each year- some of them are first timers awaiting to be captivated by its allure but most of them are people who fall in love with France all over again.
The country has everything that a wanderlust would want. France owns some of the most charming cities in the world. Paris, often called the City of Romance and the country's capital city offers countless attractions with the breathtaking Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The Louvre Museum and the Picasso Museums showcase the masterpieces of legendary artists Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso. Lyon and Marseille are equally delightful with the world renowned French architecture. On the other hand, Cannes, Nice and St. Tropez are where some of the fantastic beaches can be found.
Also, experience the delightful French countryside with its distinct culture and spectacular scenery- the towering Alpine peak of Mont Blanc, and the sea cliffs of the Atlantic coasts.
France is truly the home of wines and cheeses. The popular Petit Swiss (little swiss cheese) of Gervais are originally from Normandy, France and not from Switzerland. There are 400 varieties of cheese and 450 kinds of wine produced in the country. France also produces most of the world's favorite spirits like Grand Marnier, Cognac and Mandarine Napoleon.
There are a hundred and more reasons why France remains to be a favorite tourist destination to most travelers. It might be a city, a mountain range, cathedrals, museums, chateaux or simply the charme Francais (French charm). Go and discover more of the French mystique. Appréciez votre sejour!
Country Description
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Country Description
France is a popular destination for millions of tourists for its charming atmosphere....
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Passport and Visa
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Passport and Visa
A passport is required to enter France. A visa may be required for foreign visitors to France depending on your nationality, the length of your stay and the purpose of your trip. A Schengen visa gives travelers the opportunity to travel freely t...
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Geography and Climate
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Geography and Climate
More than half of France is compose mainly of vast plains. France is the largest country in Western Europe. Mont Blanc which is Western Europe's highest point can be found in The Alps in Southern France. Mainland France is hexagonal in shape giv...
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Health and Safety
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Insurance
The french insurance industry has earned the reputation as the fifth largest insurance sector in the world. The insurance industry provides an estimate of 197, 200 jobs in France. Life Insurance and Business in Property insurance continue to grow ...
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Vaccination
There is no special vaccination required for travelers to France. However, tourists are advised to go to rural and heavily forested areas during the warm seasons only. Below are the recommended vaccinations when traveling to France: Measles- mumps...
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Crime
A system known as
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Medical Facilities
Medical standards in France is high. Their medical facilities are comparable to the United States and other developed countries in Europe. The cost in public hospitals per day in the country averages from USD1,350- USD3, 350. Cost may vary dependi...
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Studying
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Studying in France
French education is one of the best in the world. The French Ministry of Education offers a high standard curriculum across the country. An American who wishes to stay for 3 months in France to study can obtain a student
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Interning
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Interning in France
Internship in France is called
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Volunteering
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Volunteering in France
Although France is not very popular for charity works, there are a number of French organizations which are involved in charity works especially during the winter. One of the problems that France faces especially during the cold season is the incr...
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Learning a Language
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Learning the French Language
It is very important for tourists to learn the French language. A tourist needs the skills to speak French to be able to communicate with the local people. Your trip to French will be more productive and enjoyable if you are able to relate to the ...
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Teaching or Working
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Working and Teaching in France
There are a number opportunities for foreigners who want to work or teach in France. Seasonal jobs are available for people who are planning to work in France while on holiday. These seasonal jobs include opportunities in hotels and restaurants, m...
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Culture Shock
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Culture Shock in France
Because of cultural differences, a traveler may experience culture shock in France, that is one may have a hard time adjusting to a culture totally different from what he was used to. Below are some practices and customs which may appear unusual o...
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People and Culture
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French People
Most of the French people nowadays are combinations of German, Latin, Celtic and Slavic origins. It is difficult to distinguish the ethnic origins of people in France since they have adapted well with the French society. There is an estimate of ar...
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The French Language
The French language is the official language of France and also spoken in other countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, Monaco, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon and Switzerland. It is controlled by Academie francaise and the Office quebecois de la la...
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Religion in France
France is a secular country. According to law, the church and the state are separated. There are however 5 major religion in France: Catholicism which is the traditional religion of France, Protestantism, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. The French go...
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Holidays and Festivals in France
France is one of the countries in Europe with the richest festivals and holidays. The French observe 10 national jours feries or holidays yearly. An average French employee also enjoys 5 weeks of paid holiday annually. Public Holidays: January 1 N...
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The French Cuisine
France is known for its bonne nourriture et bon vin (good food and good wine). French cuisine is considered as one of the world's most sophisticated food. French regions have their particular style of cooking. North- West France is known for using...
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Tipping in France
In French restaurants, a 15% tip (servis compris) is already included in the check. This is required by the French government since tips are also gauged in taxation. Because of this, a tip is no longer necessary. However, giving a tip is still up ...
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Music in France
French music is one of the most famous in the world. France is known as the center for European music. The country is known for folk as well as French techno/ funk, and pop music. France folk music is popular for hurdy gurdy or vielle-a-roue. This...
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French Gestures
It is very important to learn and comprehend French gestures (Les gestes francais) when traveling to France. Familiarizing one's self with at least the common gestures that French people do will prevent miscommunication. Below are some basic gestu...
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Continued from People and Culture
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French Etiquette
French people observe formal etiquette. They are very particular with manners and they put this into practice in all situations. Making an impression when meeting people. The handshake is the most common act the French do when they meet people for...
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Sports in France
Sports in France play an important social role. It brings people together and allow French people to socialize. Common sports like football, cycling, basketball, skiing, swimming, sailing, hockey and tennis are popular among active French individu...
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Dances
Dance Culture and geography have big impact on French traditional dancing. It is similar to the hypnotic circle dance of Brittany and the wild Fandangos of the Basque country. French dance is divided into 4 cultural and regional categories: 1. Ce...
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Where to Go and What to See
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Museums in France
There are around 1, 200 museums in France which welcome an estimate of 70 million visitors annually. The Louvre, Chateau de Versailles and the Musee d'Orsay have around 15 million of visitors yearly. These museums are protected by the Ministry of ...
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National Parks
French people love the leisure of having a walk in parks, jog, eat their lunch or to simply relax with their wine and cheese. There are numerous parks and gardens in France to visit and meet people. Below is a list of some popular parks and garden...
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French Tourists Offices
Please contact the French Tourism Office through: Maison de la France 8 avenue de l'Opera 75001 Paris Telephone: (1) 42 96 10 23 Office de Tourism de Paris 127 Champs- Elysees 75008 Paris Telephone: (1) 49 52 53 54 Fax: (1) 49 52 53 00 The French ...
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Night Life
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Night Life in France
French are fun- loving people and night life in France is very alive. There are nightclubs in cities like Paris and Marsailles that do not charge entrance payments. For clubs and bars that have entrance fees, the price of entrance fee usually incl...
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Transportation
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The Metro - Subway
The Paris metro is one of the fastest and most efficient subways in the world. It is inexpensive and easy to use. You can buy a carnet of 10 tickets, or buy a Mobilis or a Paris visite card for unlimited travel on the subway and bus lines for a ...
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Buses
Most towns in France have bus systems, and Angers is no exception. Bus tickets or cards are needed when in Angers. You can buy individual bus tickets, but if you plan to ride the bus often, it is advisable to buy a bus pass. Bus service is gene...
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Rail
France has a very extensive and efficient network of trains. It is the easiest and most economical way to travel within and outside of France. Most have first and second class, and their tariffs are reasonable. Eurail passes and Youth passes ar...
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International Airports in France (how to get to and from there)
France, being one of the most visited countries in the world has international airports at all of its big cities and regional airports in almost all parts of the country. Charles De Gaulle Paris International Airport is located at around 14.5 mil...
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Communication and Technology
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Electricity
France provides you the ease of choosing your power level. Power supply can be upgraded or downgraded depending on the size of your house, the number of appliances you have, the heater available in your home and the peak time consumption...
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Telephone Services
Below are basic information that a foreign traveler needs to know to avail of telephone services in France: International Telephone Codes: 00 54 Argentina 00 61 Australia 00 86 China 00 45...
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Postal Service in France
Bureaux de poste or post offices are open from 9 in the morning to 7 o'clock in the evening and half day during weekends. In Paris, the post office is open for 24 hours. La Poste is the mail service of France. Its postage stamps are valid to use f...
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Internet Availability
The use of the internet in France is now a popular means of socialization and communication. Over 16.4 million French people surf the web once a month. Internet is very accessible in France. However, if you are to use your laptop, make sure that i...
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Internet Cafe
Internet cafes are available everywhere in French cities and in most towns. Some cyber cafes in France however have keyboards with a different set- up of keys which may take time in familiarizing. If you intend to stay long in France, it is advisa...
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Money Issues
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Local Currency in France
The official local currency in France is Euro. It was introduced to world financial markets as an accounting currency in 1999 and was set as coins and banknotes in 2002 replacing the French franc.
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Currency Exchange Information
You can exchange Euro (EUR) at banks, bureaux de change and in hotels. Credit cards and travelers cheques are also accepted in France.
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Women and Travel
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Women and Travel
There are a lot of coffee shops, boutiques, cosmetic stores, chocolate shops, bars, french restaurants and other establishments that are sure to satiate a traveling woman's passion for shopping and recreation. France is generally safe for women tr...
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Minorities and Travel
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Minorities and Travel
France has a revolutionary ideal and has no solid law against discrimination. The French government does not acknowledge the reality of ethnic minority. There are about 3.3 million immigrants living in France which makes up 6 percent of the French...
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Traveling with Disabilities
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Travelling With Disabilities in France
Travelers to France with disabilities should consult their local embassy for advice and assistance in traveling to France. There is an organization called Association des Paralyses de France that can give assistance , documentation and travel tips...
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Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual
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Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual
France is considered as one of Western Europe's most unprejudiced country on LGBT(gay,lesbian, bisexual, transgender). Lesbians, gays and Bisexuals are free to exercise their rights as member of the LGBT community. It is one of the best destinatio...
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