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TRAVEL
TIPS
Medical
InsuranceNo vaccinations are necessary for EU or for British citizens.
If you are passing through other countries, you should again check for
requirements at your nearest consulate.
You
are strongly recommended to take up personal medical insurance
especially when camping/caravanning or on a self catering holiday in
France
. EU
citizens may be able to benefit from some free medical treatment on
production of form E111 or latest equivalent. We strongly recommend
you do not rely exclusively on this, as you may not be covered in the
event of a road accident.
Tips
for Driving in
France
You
need to carry your full driving license with you at all times. If your
license is less than one year old, you are restricted
to 90KMH (56mph) in
France
. You must also carry your vehicle registration documents and valid
insurance certificate with you at all times. An International Motor
Insurance Certificate or Green Card, whilst not essential, is
advisable. Contact your insurance company for further advice. Not
all road junctions are marked. Always be ready to give way to traffic
emerging on your right, especially in built-up areas, unless road
markings clearly indicate who has priority. The
minimum age for drivers is 18. Seat belts are compulsory at all times,
and children under 10 are not allowed to sit in front seats in
France
.
A
first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, torch, warning triangle and spare
bulbs, fuses and a fan belt are advisable.
An
appropriate country of origin plate must be displayed (i.e. GB for
Great Britain
). It
is also a good idea to take a high-visibility vest with you in case of
a breakdown. This is not law in
France
(yet) but it is in many other parts of Europe, such as
Spain
. You should have a vest for each of the passengers and they should be
stored inside your vehicle, not in the boot. Insurance
cover against the risk of breakdown or accident is highly recommended.
All the major companies provide cover abroad.
Toll
booths are found on the majority of French motorways. They accept most
credit cards. Many petrol stations in
France
are closed on Sunday on the minor roads. However, 24-hour services can
be found on the motorways.
You
should also consult your insurance company for your insurance
requirements of your caravans and camping cars when camping or
caravanning in
France
.
Money
The currency in
France
is the Euro (€), and as such all cash transactions must be in Euros.
Please remember that you will need Euros for motorway toll-booths and
other travel expenses. Credit
cards are widely accepted in
France
and valid for use in most cash machines (ensure you know your PIN
before travelling). You may wish to consult your bank for further
details. The bigger retailers such as supermarkets and petrol stations
now use the new chip-and-pin system whereas the smaller retailers may
not accept any card other than the French "Carte Bleu".
Ask the shop-keeper or look for notices on the shop window or door
before attempting to pay.
Electricity
The voltage in
France
is 220v - 230v and compatible with most British appliances. However,
you will need a plug adaptor.
Pets
If you are travelling
with your pets, they should be micro-chipped and insured.
Also
remember that your pet may be required to stay in quarantine after
returning to the
UK
. A system called PETS exists which prevents this from happening.
Check with your veterinary for further advice before going on your
camping/caravanning or self-catering holiday to
France
.
Eurotunnel
and some ferry companies need to be told about your pets before
travelling, and there is also may be an extra charge.
Opening
Hours
The majority of shops found in smaller town and villages in
France
are closed for lunch between 12.00pm and 14.00pm. They tend to re-open
until 19.00pm after lunch. Most, if not all retailers close on Sundays
but small grocery shops, butchers and bakers shops can be found open
on a Sunday morning.
Public
Holidays The French have rather more public holidays (jours
fériés) than the English, and are always taken on the days on which
they fall. Almost everything is closed, but supermarkets and banks are
often open. These dates are Jan 1; Apr 8 & 9; May 1, 8, 17
& 28; July
14; Aug 15; November 1 & 11; December 25. |
