Country: France

OVERVIEW

The land perfumed with fine food and good wines as well as high fashion and relaxed lifestyle, France is a dramatic region for a romantic sojourn. 

With France and particularly Paris having long been associated with romance this country, there is nothing quite like sitting in Paris café with a bottle of superior wine, watching the bustle of Paris that pass you by.

-- Bienvenue à la France - Welcome to France --

The Third-largest European nation after Russia and Ukraine, France is the center of a large overseas administration and an independent nation in Western Europe.

In ancient times, France was part of the Celtic territory known as Gaul or Gallia. During the 5th century, its present name, meaning  "Country of the Franks,"  is derived from the Latin Francia, a Germanic people who conquered the area at the time of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.  And in the 9th century, it became a separate country.  

France has played a major role in European and world events since the 17th century.  Later in the 20th century, it has experienced numerous crises which included the devastation of two world wars, political and social upheavals, and the loss of a large empire in Indochina, Algeria, as well as West and Equatorial Africa.  

However, France has survived and emerged from the ruins of World War II to become an important world supplier of agricultural and industrial products and a major partner in the European Community.

BASIC FACTS

TRAVEL TIPS IN FRANCE

Be advised to learn a few phrases before visiting France, and you will be surprised at how well the little expression, such as "merci, madame/monsieur" (thank you, sir/madame), "s'il vous plait" (please), or "bonjour, madame/monsieur" (good morning, sir/madame), can be rewarded.  

Imagine the reverse - suppose you are the owner of a store in London, say if someone walks in and immediately speaks to you in fast French, - for sure you would be surprised, actually a little put off, or even feel insulted.  Yet, that is what many French people have to bear with when foreigners arrive in their country, blurting out English without any recognition of French culture.

Tipping Advice:

Almost all restaurant include tax and a 15%service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another 1.50€ (or 2-3%) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non compris), a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters 1.50€  for each bag and chambermaids 1.50€ a day. Taxi drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare. Tip hairdressers 10%, assistant 5%. Small tips of around 1.00€ are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guide. It is standard practice to tip tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion, generally 1.50-3.00€, depending on the level of the satisfaction.