FRANCE | Travel | Cultural information

The train

Prices of transport tickets vary depending on the comfort level (1st or 2nd class), reservation date and on reduction cards. The tickets can be purchased from ticket desks or SNCF offices or from distributors. In some high speed trains and long distance trains, it is mandatory to reserve a seat. Do not forget to stamp the ticket to validate it before getting on the train - if you have forgotten it, try to contact the ticket checker immediately. There are several interesting offers and reduction cards:

  • The "Carte 12-25" pass is very attractive for frequent and long distance travelling. You can avail several levels of reduction up to -60% depending on the reservation date.
  • The "Carte Escapades" pass (for people aged between 26 to 69 years). The card offers reductions up to -40%.
  • There are also other beneficial schemes that exist throughout Europe including France: Inter-Rail, Rail Plus, rates for the under 26 etc.

Driving by car

In France, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and speed limitations are 130 km/h on the auto-routes (110 km/h during rain), 110km/h or 90km/h beyond the city limits (motorways) and 50 km/h or 30km/h within the city. One has to pay for using most of the auto-routes, tunnels and bridges, which is indicated by the board "péage" (toll) on the access route to the road. You pay at automats and toll stations. A green arrow above the station means that the desk is covered by an employee. To avoid paying toll, several alternatives are possible; using other highways that rather go through small cities and villages of the countryside. You are advised to comply with the speed limitations as well as the traffic regulations since radar checks are very widespread in France. The used fuels are unleaded petrol 95 and 98 and diesel. The service-stations on the motorways are open until late or even 24/7 with automatic machines operating at night (payment credit card or sometimes cash).

Using a bicycle

Using a bicycle in the city instead of public transport is not as widespread in France as it is in some other countries. Using a bicycle, you are advised to take the side roads, to follow traffic regulations carefully, to pay attention to the traffic and especially look out for cars. However, there are several bike paths by which you can discover the country.

The bus, tram and the metro

Several types of tickets and passes exist in the public transport network of large cities. Ticket prices vary depending on the destination (zone) or on the time (validity for 30 to 120 minutes/1 day). Some attractive offers can be purchased at ticket desks or from machines: set of tickets, ticket for under 26, 7-day pass, monthly pass, annual pass, leisure package etc. Some tickets have to be stamped before starting the journey in order to print the current date (orange terminals located at railway stations). Public transport also runs at night in large cities: To find out the night timetables and the stops, get information at ticket desks or at the Tourism Office.

Taxi

Taxi stands are located near airports, railway stations and hotels. Parisians usually take taxis at night time. The prices differ depending on the rate zones and the time. Be careful with taxis that are available at the airports to get to the city - the rates can be quite high.

Official holidays

There are some fixed public holidays in France which are days off work. However, some public holidays are not enforced all over the country and you must check the holiday dates for the region.

  • New Year                                         January 1
  • Easter Monday                                as per calendar
  • Ascension                                        as per calendar
  • Labour Day                                      as per calendar
  • WWII Victory Day                            May 8
  • World Music Day                             as per calendar
  • Pentecost Monday                          as per calendar
  • 14 July - National Day                    July 14
  • Assumption                                      as per calendar
  • All Saints Day                                  as per calendar
  • Armistice Day                                  as per calendar
  • Christmas                                         25 December         

http://www.jours-feries.com Public holidays

 

Food & Drinks

France is known for its wide variety of wines and cheeses and the French are very proud of their cuisine culture that can be considered as culinary art.

 

The most sophisticated and substantial meal is always the dinner especially in company or when one goes out to a restaurant. In general dinner is eaten very late and the last orders are taken at 11 p.m. in the evening. A standard dinner would normally include three dishes: appetizer, main course and dessert. Most of the restaurants offer a fixed meal that costs less. A Water carafe and bread are always included in the price. Service is included and tips are more common in large cities and good restaurants: A few coins are left along with the bill when leaving the restaurant.

 

The principal wine producing regions are: Alsace and Lorraine, Bourgogne and Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Champagne, Cotes de Provence and Corse, Jura Savoie Bugey, Languedoc and Roussillon, Vallée de la Loire, Sud-Ouest, Vallée du Rhone and Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados.

 

Last Modification: 30.07.2024 - Contact Person: Webmaster