(Last updated: 10 Oct 2011)

Visas

Australian passport holders, travelling on holiday or business for stays of up to 90 days, do not require a visa. The 90 days begins from the date of crossing the Schengen frontier. For more information, visit the website of the French Embassy in Australia.

Climate

France has a varied, temperate climate. From November to March the weather is cool. In comparison to the north, winters are mild in the south but the winds can be quite powerful.

Most city-dwellers take holidays either in July or August, the hottest months, so beaches in the south are usually busy at this time of year.

For weather details in France, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Air France buses leave every 30 minutes from both terminals at Roissy CGD (6.00am-10.00pm). One service stops at Porte Maillot and Place de l'Etoile (Arc de Triomphe), the other at Montparnasse and Gare de Lyon. Cost is between €15 and €16.50 one-way. Buy tickets on the bus.

The Roissybus leaves every 15-20 minutes (5.45am-11.00pm) from the airport to rue Scribe (just near the American Express building in l’Opéra). Buy tickets on the bus.

Air France buses leave every 20 minutes from Orly (6.00am-11.20pm) to Invalides, Place de l'Etoile and Gare Montparnasse. Buy tickets on the bus (single is €11.50).

The Orlybus leaves every 25 minutes for Denfert-Rochereau where it connects with the RER B and the Paris metro. Buy tickets on the bus.

The RER B line runs from Roissy CDG to central Paris (Gare du Nord, Châtelet, St-Michel) and is accessed directly from Terminal 2 Charles de Gaulles Airport or via a free shuttle bus from Terminal 1. The RER takes approximately 45 minutes and a one way ticket costs €8.20.

The RER B line also runs to Orly connecting with the Orlyval, an automatic train, at Antony. The Orlyval runs every 4-7 minutes.

The RER C line connects with a shuttle bus that goes to Orly.

Information on flight arrivals and departures at Roissy Charles de Gaulle is available in French and English. Aéroports de Paris has information on:

• Airlines
• Flight schedules
• Parking access
• Freight
• Airlines
• Facilities at Roissy Charles De Gaulle and Orly airports

Ground transport

Public transport in Paris is fast, safe and relatively inexpensive. Morning peak hour is from 8.00am–10.00am, and from 5.00pm–7.30pm in the evening. It can be uncomfortably crowded at these times. Métro lines are colour-coded, numbered and cover central Paris. Some useful tips:

• The same tickets are valid for the metro and the bus.
• A single ticket costs €1.70; however, if you are planning to use the metro on multiple occasions then it is best to buy a ‘carnet’ of 10 for €12.50.
• A ‘carte orange’ or ‘pass navigo’ allows unlimited travel on public transport within stated zones. A weekly two zones (Paris) ticket costs €18.85, and monthly €62.00. These can be purchased at RATP offices which are located around Paris.
• The regional express trains (RER) travels between Paris and the Ile-de-France, eg. Versailles and the airports. Zone 3 begins as soon as you leave central Paris.

The Paris Public Transport website (RATP) has a map of the Paris metro, a route finder and other information on getting around.

Taxis

From Roissy Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport (North) to the centre of Paris can take between 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic. Roissy CDG is 23km from Paris. Taxis charge extra for luggage and often take only three people. Cost is approximately €45-60 (depending on traffic).

From Orly airport (South) to Paris centre can take 20-60 minutes depending on traffic. Orly is 14km from Paris. Cost is approximately €25-35 (depending on traffic).

Contact details of taxi companies:

• Les Taxi Bleus
• Taxis G7
• Artaxi

Trains

The French state railway (SNCF) covers almost all of France and operates the very fast trains (TGV) on major routes. Trains are punctual.

The Eurostar leaves from Gare du Nord for London12 times a day with a travelling time of two and a half hours.

The Thalys high-speed train from Gare du Nord leaves for Brussels 24 times a day with a travelling time of one hour and 17 minutes.

When travelling by train in France, remember to validate (‘composter’) your ticket in one of the slim orange boxes at the front of the platform before you board the train. You risk a fine if the ticket isn’t validated.

The regional express trains (RER) service Paris and its outer regions (the Métro caters to Paris city only).

Car hire

Major rental car companies operate throughout France including Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. France has a dense road network allowing quick and easy access to all parts of the country. However, there are tolls on most motorways that can make for an expensive trip.

French drivers drive on the right hand side of the road, meaning that you give way to any vehicle joining the traffic from the right. On-the-spot fines (for speeding, traffic infringements, not carrying the appropriate documents) may be imposed on visitors.

All major hire car companies have offices at the airports. Rates are usually cheaper if you book them in Australia. Limousine services also operate from both airports.

Companies include:

• Europcar
• Elite Limousines

Hotels

A range of hotel accommodation is available throughout France with prices reflecting hotel standards and location. Expect daily tariffs in Paris of around €110 for a good three-star hotel and €160 for a four-star hotel. Descriptions and information on individual hotels is available from The Paris Tourist Office, Time Out and Paris Avenue.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to France. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Following the bombings in London in July 2005, the French Government heightened security measures across a range of public venues including airports, train stations, local public transport systems, government ministries, popular tourist sites and foreign embassies and consulates across the country. The French police are also conducting random identity checks, particularly at border crossings. Personal identification (eg. passport) must be carried at all times in France. Some simple safety tips include:

• Avoid walking around alone late at night – especially in out of the way places.
• Don’t carry all your valuables with you.
• Don’t leave your money or credit cards lying around on a table, on a bar or in a hire car.
• Keep your bags within sight.
• Beware of pick-pockets and bag thieves on crowded trains or buses, and in heavy tourist areas, especially in central Paris and the other big cities.

Health

The tap water in France is safe to drink and no special vaccinations are required.

In case of an emergency:

• Dial 15 for medical assistance
• Dial 18 in case of fire
• Dial 17 for the police office closest to your location

The American Hospital of Paris has an emergency department and English-speaking staff. Doctors’ consultation fees must be paid immediately after the visit and are typically in the range of €30-70.

Chemists are identified by a green neon cross and a serpent sign – pharmacists are trained and can legally sell medicine that would require a prescription in other countries. The Pharmacie des Champs is open 24-hours and has English-speaking staff.

Contact details:

American Hospital of Paris
63, Boulevard Victor Hugo
922000 Neuilly-sur-Seine
Tel: 01 46 41 25 25

Pharmacie des Champs
84, avenue des Champs-Elysées
75008 Paris
Tel: 01 45 62 02 41

It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers to France take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.

It is also recommended for Australian travelers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread in France as in other countries. A 12 to 15 per cent service charge is added to all restaurant and café bills. Even so, waiters do appreciate a small tip in appreciation of their service. As a guide, leave €2-€3 after a meal, or €10-20 in expensive restaurants if service has been very good.

Time zones and time differences

France is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Paris, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

France's country code is 33.

For calls to France from Australia dial: 0011 + 33 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from France to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Offices are generally open from 9.00am–6.00pm with a one-hour lunch break.

Banks operate from 9.30am–5.30pm, Monday to Friday and some are open 9.30am–4.30pm, Saturdays.

Shops are open from 10.00am–7.00pm, Monday to Saturday. Most shops outside of Paris will close for lunch.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day
May 1 – Labour Day
May 8 – Victory Day 1945
July 14 – Bastille Day
August 15 – Assumption
November 1 – All Saint's Day
November 11 – Armistice 1918
December 25-26 – Christmas

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Euro (€) is the official currency for all transactions. One Euro is made up of 100 cents. Euro notes are common to all Euro zone countries, while the coins are customised with the national symbol on one face. Both Euro notes and coins can be used in any Euro zone country.

ATMs can be found all over cities, towns and in some large villages. They are usually marked with a hand holding a card above them.

Visa cards, Mastercards and Amex are commonly accepted in shops, restaurants and bars in major towns. Keep in mind that most of the time your PIN number will be required for payments in shops and cash withdrawals.

Travellers’ cheques are mostly accepted. However, in some cases, you may need to cash them at the post office. Amex now has a fee-free cashing arrangement at most post offices.

Electricity and water

France’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Smoking is still widely accepted in France. It is banned in many places (on public transport, some restaurants, bars and cafes) but you’ll find that people regularly disregard the rules.

Restaurants usually serve lunch from midday to 2.00pm and dinner from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, and in Paris most locals dine after 8.00pm. Brasseries usually keep later hours, until midnight or 1.00am. Most restaurants offer set menus (‘formule’ or ‘prix fixe’) comprising three courses and the prices are generally much lower than ordering à la carte. Snacks and sandwiches are available throughout the day in cafes.

Prestigious restaurants can be booked out months in advance so make a booking as soon as you can. It’s often easier to get in at lunch time and cheaper, too. For most other restaurants it’s always a good idea to book in advance, a day or even an hour. The welcome is often better if you have a booking. Be punctual or you might find your table has been reallocated.

Food guides include Michelin, Gault Millau guide, Time Out and The Zagat guide.

Tourist attractions

Tourism plays a substantial role for France’s economy by accounting for six per cent of the country’s income. For a detailed account of information on tourism, please see www.francetourism.com.