France Travel Advice & Information

Time Difference

France is an hour ahead of GMT but, as with most European nations, it observes daylight saving so is two hours ahead of GMT during that period.

Money

France adopted the Euro in 2002. Currency exchange can be done in certain banks, which are generally open from 10:00 to 17:00 during the week in Paris, and from Tuesday to Saturday in the provinces. Many are closed over lunch between 13:00 and 14:00. Some banks also open on Saturday mornings. Please note, the day before public holidays banks often close earlier. ATMs are widely available in department stores, railway stations, airports and near tourist sites or post offices.

Electricity and Plugs

220 volts; European plug so make sure you take an adapter for any UK appliances.

Local Amenities

In large cities, bakeries and food shops open very early in the morning and close around 19:00 or 20:00 (or even later in Paris). They usually close on Sunday afternoon and one day in the week. Most other businesses open between 09.00 and 10.00, and close between 19:00 and 20:00 hours. In the provinces, they often close at lunch time from 13:00 to 14:00 and are open from Tuesday to Saturday (except holidays).

Large supermarkets are often open until 21:00 or 22:00. Each city or provincial town/village also has its weekly market; you will find many regional products, while enjoying a very different atmosphere from that of the capital.

Media

English newspapers are widely available in Paris and there are several news websites in English such as France24, the Local and Connexion France, which is an expat newspaper.

Post

The French postal system is fairly efficient. You’ll find the yellow post boxes on the street in front of each post office. Mailboxes, yellow, are in the street and in front of each post office. International post will likely take about a week to reach the recipient. You will find stamps at post offices and tobacco shops.

Phone

To phone France from the UK, append 00 33 to the front of the number you’re dialling (removing the first zero from the number you’re dialling). To call the UK from France, use 00 44 before dialling the number (again, without the first zero).