France

Good to know

1. 1Paris has been the capital for many centuries, and the country is still strongly centred on it. Many of the main roads and rail lines fan out from the city.
2. 2France is famous for its regional food and wine, and each area is proud of its own specialities. Burgundy, Alsace, Provence and Brittany all taste quite different from one another.
3. 3French is the national language, and a few words of greeting go a long way. Starting a conversation with a simple bonjour is considered basic politeness in shops, cafes and restaurants.
4. 4The country uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted. A little cash still helps in small markets and village bakeries.
5. 5Lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day, and many restaurants serve a set menu at midday. Kitchens often close for a break between lunch and dinner.
6. 6France has a long coastline on the Atlantic, the Channel and the Mediterranean, plus the Alps and the Pyrenees. That means beaches, skiing and hiking are all possible in one country.

Tips for a first visit

• Greet people with bonjour when you walk into a shop or restaurant, and say au revoir when you leave. It makes a real difference to how you are received.
• Travel between big cities by train when you can, since the high-speed network is fast and comfortable. Book ahead for popular routes and remember to validate your ticket if the station asks you to.
• Dinner is usually eaten later than in many countries, and many restaurants do not open until evening. If you are hungry in the afternoon, a bakery or cafe is the easiest option.
• Try the local speciality wherever you are, whether that is crepes in Brittany, cassoulet in the southwest or a simple cheese from a market. Ask the person serving you what they would pick.
• Do not expect everything to be open on Sundays, especially in smaller towns, and many shops close for a long lunch. Plan your shopping and errands accordingly.
• Rent a car if you want to explore villages and countryside, as public transport thins out away from the main towns. In big cities a car is more trouble than it is worth.

When to go

Spring and early autumn are comfortable for most of the country, with mild weather and fewer crowds than midsummer. Summer is warm and busy, especially along the Mediterranean coast, and many Parisians leave the city in August. Winter is cold and grey in the north but good for the Alps and Pyrenees, and for Christmas markets in places like Alsace.

Getting around

The train is the most popular way to travel between cities, with fast TGV lines linking Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and many others. Regional trains and buses reach smaller towns, though less often. Domestic flights exist but the train is usually easier on the main routes, and a car is useful for the countryside.