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Welcome to France

General Information

Capital:Paris

Time:
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Tel. Code: 00 33 .

Official Language:
French is the official language, but there are many regional dialects. Basque is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton by some in Brittany. Many people, particularly those connected with tourism in the major areas, will speak at least some English.

Currency:
The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including France). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the French Franc was still in circulation until 17 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (�) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of �500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of �2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Electricity:
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used; adaptors recommended.

Religion:
Approximately 77 per cent Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority.

Climate

Climate: A temperate climate in the north; northeastern areas have a more continental climate with warm summers and colder winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with some snow likely in winter. The Jura Mountains have an alpine climate. Lorraine, sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate. Mediterranean climate in the south; mountains are cooler with heavy snow in winter. The Atlantic influences the climate of the western coastal areas from the Loire to the Basque region; the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall distributed throughout the year. Summers can be very hot and sunny. Inland areas are also mild and the French slopes of the Pyr�n�es are reputed for their sunshine record. Mediterranean climate exists on the Riviera, and in Provence and Roussillon. Weather in the French Alps is variable. Continental weather is present in Auvergne, Burgundy and the Rh�ne Valley. Very strong winds (such as the mistral) can occur throughout the entire region.
Required clothing: : European, according to season

Airports

Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), also known as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, is 23km (14 miles) northeast of the city (travel time � 40 minutes). There are coaches to the city at least every 20 minutes.
Paris-Orly (ORY) is 14km (9 miles) south of the city. Coaches and buses run to the city every 12 minutes (travel time � 25 minutes) from outside Orly Ouest.
Bordeaux (BOD) (Merignac) is 12km (8 miles) west of the city. There are coaches, buses and taxis to the city.
Lille (LIL) (Lesquin) is 12km (8 miles) southeast of the city. Coaches and taxis are available to the city.
Lyon (LYS) (Lyon-Saint-Exup�ry) is 25km (15 miles) east of the city. Coaches or taxis are available to the city.
Marseille (MRS) (Marseille-Marignane) is 30km (19 miles) northwest of the city. A coach service departs to the city and taxis are available.
Nice (NCE) (Nice-C�te d�Azur) is 6km (4 miles) west of the city. Buses depart every 20 minutes. Taxis to the city are available.
Nantes (NTE) is 15km (9 miles) south of the city. Trains and buses depart frequently to the city.
Strasbourg (SXB) is 16km (10 miles) southwest of the city (travel time � 15-30 minutes). Trams and taxis are available to the city.
Toulouse (TLS) (Blagnac) is 10km (6 miles) northwest of the city. Buses to the city depart every 20 minutes.

Departure tax: None.

Internal Travel

Air, River/Sea, Rail and Road are the modes of transportation used within France.

Public Holidays 2005

Public Holidays 2005:
Jan 1 New Year�s Day.
Mar 28 Easter Monday.
May 1 Labour Day.
May 5 Ascension.
May 8 1945 Victory Day.
May 16 Whit Monday.
Jul 14 Bastille Day.
Aug 15 Assumption.
Nov 1 All Saints� Day.
Nov 11 Remembrance Day. .
Dec 25 Christmas.