France Magazine - Travel Guide & Information

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France Travel Guide and Information

In this section you will find advice on all aspects of travelling to France and information regarding regional and department information.

Guide to French Departments and Regions
Ferry, Rail and Flight Information
Market Days in French Towns
Twin Towns in France
French Accommodation Information in France
Consular Information in France
Travel Words and Phrases
Shopping and Dining Out in France
French Law for Travellers

Ferry, Rail and Flight Information

Our interactive map and travel information page shows you all the transport routes from the UK and Ireland to France and company contact information for each method of travel.

Find Ferry, Rail and Flight Information now.

Regions and Departments of France

France is made up of 22 regions, these are then divided into 96 departments. For further information on the French region or department click on the links below:

British and French Twin Towns in France

For information on which UK town is twinned with which French town visit our section - British and French Twin Towns in France.

When in France...

Whilst much about France is very similar to the UK and the US, there are great differences culturally. But if some aspects seem unfathomable, take heart... sometimes even French nationals have difficulty knowing how many kisses a greeting warrants in different parts of their country!

Appropriate (un)dress
It is acceptable for women to sunbathe topless on virtually any beach (the French tourist authorities use the term 'tolerated'). However, if you wish to go naked, you should visit one of the many naturist facilities in France.

Country life
To fully enjoy the French countryside and, in return, do it no harm, it is important to be aware of the following guidelines.

Forest fires
In several areas of France, wild fires pose a real threat throughout the summer. Pay strict attention to warning signs and light fires or BBQs only where it is clearly signed that it is permitted.

Mushrooms
The French eat a variety of fungi, most of which are familiar but not all. If you do pick mushrooms, take them to a chemist's shop (pharmacie) and they will sort the edible from the non-edible for you.

Hunters
Many rural French hunt, and hikers risk getting shot at! If you are going into wooded areas, off the beaten track, wear bright colours so you are easily identifiable.

Caravans, RVs and campervans
Ecological balance can be delicate, so please don't empty chemical toilets into streams, rivers etc - use designated facilities.

Voltage
French domestic supply is at 220 volts, the UK at 240v. Most UK appliances will work on 220v, but you still need adaptors as the pins on the power points and plugs are different.

Television
French TV operates on the SECAM system. Your UK PAL system TV or VCR will not work unless they are compatible with European systems.

French time and public holidays
Paris is one hour ahead of London, and six hours ahead of New York.

Daylight Saving Time
Summer time officially begins at 2am on the last Sunday of March and ends at 3am on the last Sunday of October.

Driving in Paris becomes decidedly easier between the 1st and 31st August, but popular resorts (and the routes around them) can become very busy between the 1st and 31st August, when almost all of the Parisian civil service goes on annual leave.

During this time France is also alive with festivals and special events. If you are driving, check with the tourist offices to determine whether your route will be affected (France can be a hot place to be stuck in a jam!).

Public toilets
It is true that there are still the 'squat over', hole-in-the-ground type WCs (toilettes turques) around, but they are becoming rare. The majority are the same as their UK and US counterparts, and often better maintained. It is necessary to tip the attendant (usually by placing coins in a saucer).

The most noticeable difference is that in many facilities you'll find only one room, with enclosed toilets, for both sexes.

â€¢ If there are no public toilets nearby, ask in a cafÃ© or bar, but leave a tip or buy a coffee.
â€¢ In out-of-town areas (e.g. the beach) carry toilet paper as some WCs will be without.
â€¢ The famous kiosk urinals in cities have been replaced by modern, unisex versions. Inserting a coin opens the door, but always go in alone - the entire cubicle is cleaned automatically when one leaves! Lights indicate occupancy (green for unoccupied and red for occupied).

Religion
France is predominantly a Catholic country, and Islam is the second most widely practised religion. There are also Protestant and Jewish communities.

France Travel Guide and Information

Ferry, Rail and Flight Information

Regions and Departments of France

Alsace

Aquitaine

Auvergne

Brittany

Burgundy

Centre

Champagne

Corsica

Franche-Comte

Languedoc-Roussillon

Limousin

Lorraine

Midi-PyrÃ©nÃ©es

Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Normandy

Paris & ÃŽle-de-France

Pays de la Loire

Picardy

Poitou-Charentes

Provence-Alpes-CÃ´te-d'Azur

RhÃ´ne-Alpes

British and French Twin Towns in France

When in France...

Property

Holidays

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