France is the country that gave us Champagne, La Vie En Rose, the Eiffel Tower, Tour de France, de Beauvoir and Debussy. No wonder it has a charm of the old world while keeping up with the modernism of world trends.

And when taking your French vacation, there are some tips to know and customs to follow. So, experience Douce France (Sweet France) and all it has to offer.

When To Go

The best time to go to France is Spring as it offers the best weather to visitors and perfect time to hit the beach. Temperatures aren’t too bad in autumn either. Winter means playing in the snow in the French Alps and Pyrenees.

Social Conventions

Handshaking and, more familiarly, kissing both cheeks, are the usual forms of greeting. The personal address is simply Monsieur or Madame without a surname and it may take time to get on first-name terms. At more formal dinners, the most important guest or host will give the signal to start eating.

Mealtimes are often a long, leisurely experience. Casual wear is common but the French are renowned for their stylish sportswear and dress sense. Social functions, some clubs, casinos and exclusive restaurants warrant more formal attire.

French Currency

Euro Bills

France uses Euro notes, which come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is often difficult to get change for a €500.00 note.

One euro is divided into 100 cents or centimes. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 centimes are copper-coloured; coins of 10, 20 and 50 centimes are gold-coloured; 1 and 2 euro coins are gold-and-silver. Keep a supply of various coins for parking meters, laundrettes, tolls etc.

Credit Cards, ATMs, Banks

Major international credit cards are widely used, Visa is the most readily accepted. Withdrawals in euros can be made from bank and post office automatic machines. Banks usually open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (some close for lunch), some are open on Saturdays.

Money Changer

Post offices exchange travellers cheques with a good rate. Major train stations and fancy hotels also have exchange facilities which usually operate in the evening, weekends and during holidays, but the rates are generally poor. The cheapest and most convenient way to change money in France is via ATMs (known as DABs in French); they accept all the major international credit and bank cards. You get the best exchange rate by using a credit card for purchases and a debit card for cash.

Tipping

A 12 to 15 per cent service charge is normally added to the bill in hotels, restaurants and bars, so it is not necessary to give a tip. But it is customary to leave small change if the service is satisfactory. Washroom attendants, beauticians, hairdressers and cinema ushers expect tips. Taxi drivers expect 10 to 15 per cent of the meter fare.

Getting Around

France Riviera Monaco Station

France cities and country roads are perfect for cycling. The cheapest way to get around is by bicycle. For long travels France has a fast and efficient rail system, they are never late and connections are good, so you can plan ahead, make reservation through Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com)and depend on arriving on time.

Buses are slower and less comfortable than trains, but they are cheaper, especially if you qualify for the 10% discount available to people under 26 or over 60 or hunt around for discount fares.

If you prefer to drive, car rentals. can be found at all major airports and cities, or you can book with any one of them on-line before you leave.

Business Hours

Standard opening hours for shops are 8am or 9am - 7pm or 8pm. Smaller shops and businesses often close for lunch, usually between 12.30pm-2.00pm. Major supermarkets remain open all day until 9pm. Businesses are closed on Sunday, except for local grocery stores and boulangeries, which open until noon.

Emergency numbers

Ambulance service - 15
Police (Gendames) - 17
Fire service - 18

Time

France is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and uses the 24-hour system (eg. 20h for 8pm).