From Paris
From England
We also suggest you our shuttle service to meet you in Paris, in Calais or any other cities convenient for you.
Before you go, make sure you have the following: full International driving license if you wish to rent a car, current insurance certificate, country sticker, spare set of bulbs & fuses, red warning triangle and a first aid kit.
Speed Limits: in towns - 50 kph, on main roads - 90 kph, on dual carriageways - 110 kph, on motorways 130 kph. When it is raining or bad weather the speeds in town reduce by 10 kph and on the motorways the new limit is 110kph.
Seat Belts: front and rear seat belts must be worn at all times. Children under 10 may not travel in the front seat.
Drinking and driving: the blood alcohol limit is 0.05% alcohol, breath tests are frequent
One of the most economical ways to use your money in France is by using ATM machines to get cash directly from your bank account or to use your credit cards to get cash advances from ATMs or banks.
"ATM" machines (guichets automatiques) are available everywhere in France, and they often offer the best exchange rates. Virtually all ATMs in France take Visa and MasterCard, and many are linked to the Cirrus and Plus systems. American Express now has ATMs in major cities as well. Be sure to remember your PIN number, you will often be asked for it when paying at hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.
Important Reminder - Most French ATM code pads or keyboards are numeric. If you know your PIN number in letters only, use a telephone dial pad in the U.S. or France to help translate the PIN into digits.
Generally, direct withdrawals from U.S. banks and cash advances on credit cards are billed at a competitive exchange rate, frequently lower than foreign currency exchange services offered at hotels, airports and at currency exchange offices near major tourist sites. You should check with your local bank or credit card company before visiting France for details on rates and services.
Using credit cards for purchases is easy and reliable throughout France. Visa is the most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard. American Express is more often accepted in premium establishments. Most establishments post signs indicating the cards they accept. If you intend to use credit cards in smaller shops and restaurants, it is a good idea to ask what cards they take before ordering.
Most shops in the main towns open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 7pm. Shops out of town often shut at lunchtime from noon until 2pm and banks are either open Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday midday. Almost all shops are closed on Sundays with the exception of the bakeries that usually open for a few hours in the morning, some shops can also be closed on Mondays.
In French restaurants, the service charge is included in the bill, but it is customary to leave a few coins for the waiter (around 1,50 € for a moderately priced meal) if you are satisfied with the service. The coatroom attendant should likewise receive 1,50 €. In a hotel, tip the bellboy, the porter and concierge (if especially helpful) about 2 € per luggage item or service performed. Tip a taxicab driver no more than 10%-15% of the fare. An attendant in a public restroom expects, or will charge, approximately 0,30 €.
Breakfast: is served between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Continental breakfast usually includes coffee, tea or chocolate accompanied by the traditional croissant, bread, butter and jam.
Lunch: is the largest meal of the day; it is served between noon and 2:00pm.
Dinner: is served between 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Restaurants are busier in the evening than at lunch time ; it is best to book a table in advance.
Most public telephones no longer accept coins but "télécartes": The "télécarte" is a telephone card which enables you to phone from any telephone booth. There are two types of cards: 50 units or 120 units. They can be purchased in post offices, "cafés/tabacs" or in any Paris metro station. For one shot usage only, you will though note that more and more public telephones also accept regular cerdit cards as mean of payment. The charge is then rather higher than with a telecarte. To call outside France dial 00 + country code.
Units of capacity
Units of weight
Units of distance
Current in France is 220 volts AC and current alternates at 50 cycles, not the 60 in use in the U.S.
If you are bring electrical appliances, you will need a voltage transformer and a plug adaptor.