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Travel Tips

Wherever you go, and whatever you do, it’s always useful to have a few tips.

It’s so simple to get to France, it’s often easy to forget that there are certain things which are essential. Border knowledge is a reminder of dos and don’ts and some tips on getting the most from the trip.

Driving in France lists all the essentials. Read them carefully as French law is very different to that in the UK and failure to comply could lead to a hefty fine.

Everyone loves the food and drink in France – but there are a few things you should know. And of course a list of a few essentials to make sure nothing important is left behind.

 Border knowledge
Passport
  • You must have a valid passport to travel to France
  • Get a passport for your pet
  • Duty free abolished – check what’s allowed
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...more about Border knowledge
 Essentials
Pharmacy
  • Get an E111 from the post office in case of medical problems
  • 220 volts in UK – buy an adaptor before travelling
  • Hypermarkets closed on Sundays and public holidays
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...more about Essentials
 Driving in France
Never leave valuables on show
  • The essentials for hassle-free driving
  • What you must take with you
  • Basic rules and regulations to avoid trouble
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...more about Driving in France
 Money
French Coins
  • You may have to produce your passport if the cost by card is over €150
  • Check your card will work in cash machines in France before travelling
  • Keep a note of emergency numbers in case of loss
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...more about Money
 Food & Drink
Charentais melons
  • Tap water is usually safe to drink – bottled water is about 10p a litre
  • Most regions produce specialist liqueurs or wines
  • Check the correct cooking terms
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...more about Food & Drink
 Getting about
Metro
  • The métro and bus networks in Paris are fast and efficient
  • Car hire can be expensive so shop around
  • Autoroutes are fast – but can be expensive
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...more about Getting about
Destination Guides

To view the Destination Guide for a particular region, just select one from the map or list below.
National Map Centre Ile-de-France Burgundy Franche-Comté Champagne-Ardenne Lorraine Alsace Picardy Nord/Pas-de-Calais Normandy Pays-de-la-Loire Brittany Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Limousin Poitou-Charentes Aquitaine Midi-Pyrénées Languedoc-Roussillon Provence-Alpes/Côte d'Azur Corsica




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