Apr 18 2009
Preparing Holiday to France
- Clothing: In winter, if the trip is going to make it to the north, center and east of the country must be prepared with sweaters, gloves, warm clothes and socks. However, if we are to visit the Mediterranean area have enough clothes halftime. In summer, light cotton clothing, and those who will be visiting Paris, do not forget the umbrella. We always recommend a good comfortable shoes.
- Time of year to travel Recommended: The temperate climate of France is that makes almost any time of year is good for travel, but possibly the months of June and September are especially enjoyable.
- First Aid and cautions: You always carry a basic medical kit with painkillers and something for stomach problems.
- Hospitals: If there is any incident, we attended in the emergency department of any hospital or medical center, carrying the European Health Insurance Card.
- Appliances: Most of the outlets of the hotels are like ours, with two rounded prongs.
- Mobile: The operators Orange France, SFR and Bouygues Telecom have roaming agreements with major telephone operators in Spain. When you turn on the cellphone to get to France, we connect directly to one of them.
Mobile phone use
- Method of drive: drive on the right and the network of roads and highways is good. The French government applies the principle of zero tolerance with regard to traffic offenses, so it is important to know that if you exceed the speed limits, not only can have fines in excess of € 15,000, but also imprisonment .
- Security: According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is advisable to avoid visiting the outlying suburbs of major cities such as Paris, Marseilles, Toulouse. Also in Paris, discourages visits to towns such as Saint Denis, Bobigny and Clichysous Bois, north of the capital. There is also a sort of minor crime consisting of theft of cars, radios and pulling of bags, so we must be vigilant.
- Business hours: Department stores and shopping centers in major cities, usually open on the 9 or 9.30 h. and close at 18 or 19 h. Moreover, small shops open a little earlier, about 8 o’clock in the morning and then closed on 8 pm, with a lunch break between 13 and 16 h. During the summer, many shops are closed during the afternoon. Post offices are open from 8 to 19 h. Monday through Friday and noon on Saturdays.
Poster hours
- Drugs: France has strengthened in recent years to fight illegal trafficking of narcotics, being French justice very strict with anyone who commits such crimes.
- Money: As a member of the EEC, its currency is the euro. Cards are also accepted as Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club.
- Shopping: If you visit the Loire Valley you can buy wicker products, ceramic and sweet marzipan, plum, chocolate, etc.. In Britain, we will find leather goods, wood carvings, puppets, jewelry, embroidered fabrics, lace, silk painting and glass. The north will give us a very good champagne, and burgundy wine a little expensive, but exquisite. The area of Provence is known for his clay figures, as well as their dresses, shawls and tablecloths. The Riviera, apart from the most exclusive products of large firms, will delight us with their olive oil. Toulouse and the Pyrenees, we will bring a good foie gras. In Paris you can buy all sorts of quality products, wines, cheeses, sausages, lingerie, perfume, etc.
- Tipping: Generally in most restaurants, the tip is included in the bill, but in those establishments in which it is not (service compris), do not leave any tips if you are not satisfied with the service received. If you are dissatisfied with proper consideration is 10% of the bill, being 15% if you are very happy with the care received.
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