France - Info & Facts

Suggested length of stay

The suggested length of stay in France depends on your travel plans and interests. If you want to explore the main cities and attractions, 5-7 days will give you enough time to see the highlights. However, if you’re interested in experiencing the local culture, and outdoor activities, and visiting some of the smaller towns and villages, a longer stay of 10-14 days would be ideal.

Modes of transport

Road
Driving in France can be a great way to explore the country at your own pace. The road network is generally well-maintained and signposted, and there are plenty of scenic routes to take. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure you have the right documents, including a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and proof of ownership or rental agreement for the vehicle. You’ll also need to make sure your vehicle complies with French road regulations, including having the necessary safety equipment like warning triangles and reflective jackets. Additionally, it’s worth noting that driving in major cities like Paris can be challenging due to traffic congestion and limited parking. If you do plan to drive in the city, it’s best to park outside of the city center and use public transportation to get around. Finally, be aware of speed limits and other road rules, as traffic enforcement is strict in France and fines can be steep.

Rail
France has an extensive rail network that is operated by the state-owned company SNCF. The network covers most of the country and includes high-speed trains, regional trains, and local trains. The high-speed trains, known as TGVs, can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h and connect major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. The regional trains, known as TERs, are slower but offer more frequent services and connect smaller towns and villages. The local trains, known as Transilien and RER, operate within the Paris region and provide connections between the city and its suburbs. Overall, the rail network in France is efficient, reliable, and affordable, making it a popular choice for both domestic and international travellers.

Air
Domestic air travel in France is served by a number of airlines, including Air France, EasyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea among others. These airlines offer flights between major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice as well as smaller regional airports. Domestic air travel is a convenient option for travelers who want to cover long distances quickly and efficiently.

Ferry
France has a developed ferry network that connects the country with a number of international destinations, including the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and North Africa. The main ferry ports in France include Calais, Dunkirk, Cherbourg, Roscoff, and Saint-Malo, among others. Ferry services are operated by a number of companies, including Brittany Ferries, DFDS Seaways, and P&O Ferries. The services offered vary depending on the route and operator, but generally include standard passenger and vehicle ferries as well as high-speed ferries and luxury cruise ferries. Ferry travel can be a convenient and scenic way to travel to and from France, especially for those who prefer to bring their own vehicle or avoid air travel. However, it’s worth noting that ferry travel can be affected by weather conditions, so it’s important to check for any updates or delays before embarking on your journey. Additionally, fares can vary depending on the season and demand, so it’s best to book in advance to secure the best deals.

Food

French cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its sophistication, rich flavors, and diverse regional specialties. Some of the most famous French dishes include escargots (snails cooked in garlic butter), coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), bouillabaisse (fish stew), ratatouille (vegetable stew), and beef bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine). French cuisine is also known for its cheeses, with over 400 varieties to choose from, including brie, camembert, and roquefort. For dessert, French cuisine is famous for its patisseries, which offer a wide range of pastries, cakes, and sweets, including croissants, macarons, eclairs, and tarte tatin. French wine is also among the best in the world, with regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne producing some of the most famous varieties. Overall, French cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, attention to detail, and emphasis on taste and presentation.

Drinking water

France’s tap water is safe to drink.

Visas

France is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter France without a visa in some cases.

Money

France’s currency is the euro.

Inoculations & health precautions

Health risks in France are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Embassy Contacts for France

Australian Embassy, France
4 Rue Jean Rey,
75015 Paris, France
Phone: (+33 1) 4059 3300
E-mail: consular.paris@dfat.gov.au
Website: france.embassy.gov.au

Electricity

Type C has two round pins and type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin1. The voltage in France is 230 V and the voltage frequency is 50 Hz.

Getting there

The best way to get to France from Australia is by flying. There are no direct flights from Australia to France, but many airlines offer connecting flights with one or two stopovers. Some of the major airlines that operate flights to France from Australia include Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Air France. The most popular airports to fly into in France are Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport, but many other airports throughout France receive international flights.

Time Zone

Central European Summer Time UTC+2