France

Whether it’s cookery eminence, cultural distinction, or arty enterprise you’re thinking of, there’s no uncertainty that France travel is still the best choice among the top of other European destinations for a grand and unforgettable holiday.

France has popularized and given the world camembert, champagne, and casseroles. This country is not just known for its cooking, there are a lot of places in your France travel that you can enjoy sightseeing. Moreover, France still has a lot of captivating things to offer other than just a place to drink and take pleasure in cutting-edge cuisines.

While you spend some time preparing for your France travel holiday, you should know something first about the country, so you will have a perfect vacation. Listed are just some helpful facts to remember as you go around France:

1. Language – many of the people that you may encounter on your France travel, do not speak English, and you may want to bring along a language dictionary so there’ll be no problem when you need something.

Although there are people who are likely to understand English well enough, in popular tourist spots such as in Riviera and Paris. Also, service personnel in hotels or inns are apt to speak English to give better service to tourists and travelers around the world.

2. French Business Hours – Business hours in France are unpredictable. Commonly, offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Most museums are closed one day a week.

Tuesday and they are normally closed on national holidays. Most of the banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Regular hours are from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Cafés, delis, and other shops open at 8 am and close at 8 in the evening.

3. In case of emergencies – In some emergency situations, when you’re in a hotel, you can simply contact the front desk. Most staff and personnel are taught how to deal with crises and will do whatsoever is needed. If in case, the emergency is about something like lost property or a stolen wallet, then you have to go to the police station personally.

4. Rules on liquor – Although France is famous for its champagne and wines, it is very strict about drunk-driving laws. You’re likely to be slapped with a stiff fine or a prison term that could last up to two years.

In contrast, you could find alcoholic beverages in cafés, grocery stores, and supermarkets all throughout the year. Individuals should be 16 to be allowed to drink, otherwise, anyone younger should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

5. On tipping – tipping is a very common practice in restaurants, hotels, and any other establishments that offer a service, in France, there’s a law wherein tip/s should already be included in the total bill.

6. When you lose something while on your France travel. Before you start your trip, remember to jot down important numbers and make sure to photocopy credit cards and passports, so, in case they went missing, you could replace them swiftly.

It would be much better if, you leave this information to someone you can trust back home so it will be easier to transmit a copy to you via fax and begin the process of a replacement immediately. With regards, to credit cards contact the company that issues you the card at once. And most importantly, report the loss to the nearest police.

7. Restrooms – Public places around France usually have public restrooms. But when you suddenly need to go to the restrooms while touring, you can drop by brasserie or cafés to use the lavatory, but it is customary that you make a small purchase.