• Introduction
• Reports (247)
• Useful information

  Identity card

  Know before you go

  Driving in France

  Practical A to Z

  Sport and leisure activities

• History and culture

  France Today

  History

  Nature


• Eating out
• Electricity
• Embassies and consulates
• Money
• Public holidays
• Health
• Telephone

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Eating out

Most restaurants are open between midday and 2-2.30pm for lunch and from 7-10.30pm for dinner. Many establishments offer a set menu or daily special at a fixed price. Drinks are rarely included in the price. The quality of restaurants is however very varied and while the fare is sadly often “mass-produced” in the more touristy areas, it can be far more authentic in smaller, less prepossessing establishments.

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Electricity

The voltage in France is 220V, but plugs are standard two-pin continental plugs, so you will probably need an adaptor.

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Embassies and consulates

British Embassy –35 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, 75008 Paris – t 01 44 51 31 00 – http://ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en

Irish Embassy – 12 Avenue Foch, 75116 Paris – t 01 44 17 67 00 – http://www.embassyofireland.fr

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Money

The currency of France is the Euro. Traveller’s cheques and the major international credit cards are accepted in practically all shops, hotels, restaurants and ATMs.

Euro zone residents should note that bank charges for withdrawals and payments are identical to those in their country of origin.

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Public holidays

1 January

Easter Monday

1 May

8 May – Victory in Europe Day

Ascension Day – Moveable feast

Whit Monday

14 July – National Holiday

15 August – Assumption Day

1 ^er November – All Saints Day

11 November – Remembrance Day (1914-18 War)

25 December

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Health

Also see Know before you go.

Emergencies

Universal European emergency number: t 112.

Medical emergencies: t 15. Police: t 17. Fire brigade: t 18.

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Telephone

Calling France from abroad

00 + 33 (country code for France) + area code without the 0 + number of the person.

Calling home from France

00 + country code. For the United Kingdom: 44; for Ireland: 353.

National calls

Whether calling another region in France or a number in the same region, always dial the full 10-digit number.