France

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. Millions discover its wonders each year with a holiday in France, and rediscover the meaning of joie de vivre.

Climate

The south of France has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Strong winds, known as 'le 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.

Money

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.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, travellers must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay in France, and proof of repatriation (a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination). Note that Schengen visas, if required, are also valid for French Guiana, French West Indies and Reunion, provided that the Schengen visa is endorsed "Also valid for French territories being in observation of the respective French territories".

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. Passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of the USA, but ONLY when travelling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for stays of up to three months for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. Passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of Canada, but ONLY when travelling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter France. Note that entry and transit will be refused to holders of Temporary passports.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Health

French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

Embassy Consulates

• French Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 6000.
• French Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073 1000.
• French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795.
• French Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6216 0100.
• French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 1600.
• French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 277 5000.
• French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 384 2555.

Foreign Embassies

• US Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
• British Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
• Canadian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
• Australian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
• South African Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
• Irish Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4417 6700.
• New Zealand Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4501 4343.