Top Ten Tips 

Thinking of France Fancy a French fling? 

Our closest neighbour, France is just across the English Channel. Yet as nations we couldn’t be more different – and for the millions of visitors who head south annually on vacation it is a case of vive la difference. 

With so many options available, we enlisted the help of travel writer and photographer Peter Ellegard, whose father was born in France, for ideas on how to plan and enjoy a French holiday. 

Here are his Top Ten Tips and reasons to visit France, to help you with the planning process. 

Forget the clichés of the French loving to hate the English. My France is a country of warm, friendly and welcoming people where village life goes on much as it has done for decades and where the pace of its cities may be frenetic, but is maintained with a certain panache. My France is also a landscape of incomparable beauty and contrast, punctuated with chateaux, vineyards and all the other aspects that make it so unique. 

1. Cities: 

Paris epitomises France. It oozes Gallic spirit and charm from its iconic attractions such the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame to the street artists of Monmartre and the cafes and bars of Monparnasse. Also check out monument-filled Lyons, France’s largest seaport, Marseilles, and Nice – grande dame of the Cote d’Azur. 

2. Nightlife: 

The French are night owls. They eat late and the nightlife often doesn’t get going until many other nations would be putting up the shutters. Even shopping malls stay open until well into the night, and there many night markets. 

3. Food: 

France’s gastronomy is a national treasure. It is the standard by which all other country’s cuisines are judged, culminating in the much-coveted Michelin stars for those who attain the highest levels. Even we Brits no longer joke about frog’s legs as we try to beef up our own cooking. Try searching out local food markets, wherever you are. 

4. Wine: 

What better to wash down the best dishes with some of the world’s best wines? Its Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux wines are peerless, as are the products of many other wine regions - despite growing global competition. Take a leisurely tour of a vineyard, and savour the nectar. 

5. Art: 

With the Louvre France’s biggest cultural attraction, it is no surprise that the French take art to their hearts. After all, cave paintings date back to Palaeolithic times, while the Impressionism movement was initiated in France after Monet painted Le Havre in the mist. 

6. Nature: 

France has the most diverse natural environment of any country in Europe. It has six national parks, four of which are in Provence plus the Pyrenees and one in Languedoc, and 43 regional parks including the Auvergne volcanoes. 

7. Beaches: 

A coastline of 2,000 miles bordering the English Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean means that France has beaches on three sides. While many of its most famous ones along the Cote d’Azur are actually more shingle than sand, there are long stretches of glorious, sandy beaches in Normandy and Brittany, in the Vendee, along the Aquitaine coast and in Languedoc. 

8. History: 

France’s chequered history has left it positively littered with vestiges of the past, going back to Roman times. The 30-plus UNESCO-listed world heritage sites include the historic centre of Avignon with the Palace of the Popes and the bridge from the song, with other treasures including Gothic cathedrals in the north and ornate chateaux the Loire and beyond. 

9. Shopping: 

As the capital of haute couture, it goes without saying that Paris is also a shopper’s heaven. Its most famous department store is Galaries Lafayette. Head to Lille’s Christmas market by Eurostar for some pre-Christmas gifts and local produce. 

10. Touring: 

France is close enough to take your own car over by ferry or the Channel Tunnel and hit the roads. Popular touring areas include Brittany, the Loire, Normandy and Provence. 

Lifestyle/Lifestage Suitability 

Couples: 

A gastronomic break in an imposing chateau would be hard to beat – even better if it was set in its own vineyard. 

Families: 

Disneyland Paris is France’s most visited attraction and is easy to reach by Eurostar. Other popular theme parks include Parc Asterix, Futuroscope and volcano theme park Vulcania. 

Honeymooners: 

What could be more romantic for newlyweds than a cruise along the Seine followed by a kiss and cuddle on the banks of the river? You can even declare your love to the world from the top of the Eiffel Tower. 

Under-30s: 

Chic, sophisticated Paris is as uber-cool as it gets. But for those who want to be even more cool, try hitting the slopes of alpine ski resorts such as Chamonix. 

Over-50s: 

Tours of wine regions such as the Burgundy are popular for more mature visitors, although just about anywhere would fit the bill because it is so close. 

Essentials to Know before you go: 

Visas & Passports - British nationals must have a passport. A visa is not required for endorsed British Citizen passport holders. Visa exemption is for three months for passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen and British Subject with the right of abode in UK.Language - French is the official language. 

Contacts - French Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073 1000.                 British Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4451 3100. 

Other Useful Information to know before you go 

Climate - The south of France has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Strong winds, known as la Mistral, can occur in the Cote d'Azur, Provence and in the Rhone valley particularly over the winter and spring. Northern France, including Paris, has a temperate climate similar to southern England with warm summers, cold winters and rainfall throughout the year. The western coast, from the Loire valley to the Pyrenees, is milder and summer days are generally very hot. During the second half of July and August most French take their five-week vacation to the coasts and mountains, and empty cities tend to shut down accordingly. 

Country Overview - Wherever you choose to begin or end a sojourn in Europe's largest country, and however long you spend exploring you'll simply be scratching the surface of this vast and varied land. France's geography stretches from rugged coastline to seemingly infinite beaches, from bustling cities to quaint countryside villages and from a sun-drenched isle to luxury mountain ski resorts. A civilisation dating back to 50,000 BC and a history spanning Roman and Frankish invasion, wars of power and religion, a wealthy and powerful monarchy ultimately crushed by revolution, the rise of Napoleon and a new battle between monarchy and republic, and two world wars, has left the country brimming with a rich heritage. Cave paintings, castles, cathedrals and battle scars are scattered across the land, yet much of the French countryside remains untouched, and traditional rural life still flourishes. 

This is a country that has inspired Monet's reinvention of colour, Toulouse Lautrec's dark underbelly of Paris society, and the haunting harmonies of Debussy. It has tantalised our taste buds with foie gras and frogs' legs, and captured the imagination of the world's jet-set with the resorts of St Tropez and Port Grimaud. Discover France, and rediscover the meaning of 'joie de vivre' 

Time - Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October). 

Electricity - Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard. 

Currency - The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels, though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques, particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not accepted. 

Tipping - Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15% service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another 2-3% is customary if the service has been good. If service is not included then 15% is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10-15% of the fare and hairdressers 10%. Hotel staff generally receive EUR1.50 a day and tips of EUR1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped. 

Culture & Customs - French culture is of paramount importance to the French and in an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to protect it. It is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of French; they do not respond well to being shouted at in English. While the food is second to none, Americans will find the service in many restaurants sloppy; waiters can appear rude (particularly in Paris) and take their time. This is just the way they are. Traditional games such as pétanque (similar to lawn bowling but played on gravel) are popular in village squares, but the national sports are soccer, rugby and cycling. Smoking in public places is not allowed and will incur heavy fines. 

Capital - Paris - Overview - It is impossible not to fall in love with Paris. The city's people are stylish and flirtatious, its architecture seductive, its restaurants and nightlife devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and its streets are scattered with dreams. 

There is no 'best time' to visit Paris; in every season the city is always alive. Summer days are spent lazing on the banks of the Seine, sipping coffee at a sidewalk café, or idling in one of the city's many gardens or forests. In autumn afternoons the brisk walk from the Eiffel Tower through the Parc du Champ de Mars and up to the glittering Champs Elysées is accompanied with a carpet of leaves crunching underfoot. Winter nights induce a warm glow ice-skating in the outdoor rink at the Hotel de Ville, and in spring the passions of performers fill the air outside the Pompidou Centre and the nose is tickled with the subtle scents of flowering gardens. 

There is an otherworldliness to this city, where beauty and elegance are favoured over purpose and practicality. Centuries of urban development have the appearance of having being mastered by a single hand with a strong sense of balance, contrast and aesthetics. The views from the Eiffel Tower or Sacré Coeur reveal hundreds of iconic attractions for the snapshot visitor, but the best way to see this city is by tucking your map back in your pocket and allowing yourself to get lost on its streets and avenues, discovering the city for yourself. 

However long you spend in Paris, on departure you will know you are sure to return. 

Getting around - Paris has an excellent public transport system. It is divided into five zones radiating out from the centre and ticket prices vary according to the number of zones required. Public transport consists of buses, an underground metro and express trains (RER). Taxis are also available. The easiest way to get around is on the metro and the subways are generally safe at all times. It is possible to transfer between the metro and the RER trains at no extra cost. The bus system is also extensive, but is slower, less frequent and best used for getting to destinations the metro does not cover. Various passes are available for public transport and can be good value if staying for a longer period. 

The Paris Visites pass is valid for one, two, three or five days and also allows discounts at certain museums, shops and restaurants, but will not necessarily save money, depending on how much one travels. There is also the cheaper weekly or monthly Carte Orange (passport photo required), but this is technically only available for Ile de France residents. Both allow unlimited travel in the chosen zones on the metro, RER, buses and the funicular to Montmartre. The cheapest option if only in town for a day or two is the Carte Mobilis, which allows unlimited travel for a day in Zones 1 and 2. From May to September a passenger boat, the Batobus, offers sightseeing trips on the Seine stopping at the main attractions, and from April to September a Balabus bus service loops around most of the major sights in Paris every Sunday and on public holidays. A nightbus service, Noctambus, covers the city between 1am and 5.30am. Only think about renting a car if planning excursions from the city as aggressive driving, confusing one-way streets and impossible parking can be testing for visitors. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed or caught at taxi ranks. 

Climate info - Paris lies in the midst of the Ile de France region, which has France's lowest rainfall, however the city is known for its unexpected rain showers which can occur at any time of year. Summer temperatures are mild to warm, with occasional heat waves, while winters are very chilly with temperatures hovering around freezing point.