Climate and wearing apparel:  France generally enjoys a temperate climate with distinct, mild seasons, though conditions vary by region—from rainy coastal areas in the west to sunny Mediterranean stretches in the south. Spring brings warm days and blossoming countryside, with average temperatures rising from 45°F–65°F. Summer is warm to hot, averaging 60°F–80°F, though heatwaves frequently push southern regions like Provence past 85°F. Fall experiences cool, crisp weather alongside increased rain, with temps dropping from 50°F–65°F. Winter turns cold and damp inland—averaging 35°F–45°F—while bringing heavy snowfall to the Alps and Pyrenees, yet remaining notably mild along the French Riviera. In spring and fall, we suggest medium weight apparel, with warm sweaters and jackets for early morning and evening.  In summer, you may wish to pack light weight apparel, keeping in mind that shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting religious sites.  In winter, we suggest heavier weight apparel, with warm sweaters and coats.  It would be wise to pack a travel umbrella for an occasional shower that may occur.

Cuisine: French cuisine has been influenced over the centuries by the many surrounding cultures of Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium, in addition to the food traditions of the regions and colonies of France.  Cheese and wine are a major part of the cuisine. They play different roles regionally and nationally, with many variations and appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) (regulated appellation) laws. You may wish to try the famous Quiche Lorraine (filled with bacon, onion, swiss cheese, and eggs), the Crepe Suzette or if you’re brave enough, the Escargot (snails). Your average full meal runs from $20 to $50, per person, depending on the choice of menu and wine.

Currency:  The local currency is the Euro (€).  You will find coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, €1, €2, and paper bills of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. For the current exchange rate, please visit Bloomberg.com.  Our recommendation to obtain cash quickly and at a competitive rate is directly from an ATM, once your reach your first destination.  Credit cards are accepted, at the hotels and some stores/restaurants, although many facilities do not accept American Express.  If you intend using your bank card, consult your bank before departure to ensure that your ATM card is internationally compatible.

Dress code:  Casual and comfortable are key words especially in footwear as there will be a lot of walking to do.

Hair dryers/Irons:  Please note that the hotels are equipped with hair dryers.  Irons/ironing boards are not provided.

Itinerary:  Exact departure times can be found on the bulletin board that your tour leader will post each day, at your hotel.

Flights:  Enclosed with your final documents, you will find a detailed flight itinerary.  Check-in time varies from carrier to carrier.  We suggest check-in at least two hours prior to departure.

Hotels:  You will find the name/address/phone/fax numbers of your hotels, following your tour itinerary, in your final documents.  Hotel rooms are usually available for check-in after 2:00 pm.  Check-out time is usually 12 noon.

Insurance:  France has a socialized medicine system.  Anyone requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization will be accepted in public hospitals.  We suggest checking personal insurance coverage, while traveling abroad.

Language: The national language in France is French, even though English is commonly spoken in hotels, some restaurants and stores.  Useful words to know are “bonjour” (good morning), “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you).

Linen:  General bed and bath linen are provided in your hotels.  However, you will not find washcloths, as it is not customary.

Luggage:  For convenience and faster handling during your trip, the baggage handling on tour is limited to one piece per person.  Please refer to the airline’s website for specific baggage allowance regulations.

Medical:  No special vaccinations are required for travel to Europe.  Anyone taking prescription medicine should be careful to bring an adequate supply for the entire trip and should remember not to pack it in check-in luggage.

Passport and Visa:  All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport, with an expiration date of no less than six months from the date of return.  A visa is not required to enter France for U.S. citizens.  Non U.S. citizens must check requirements with their respective consulate.

Phones:  It is possible to make calls from all of your hotels with a service charge.  Remember when you call the States to dial 001 followed by the area code and phone number you are trying to reach.  We suggest checking if your carrier offers an internation call & data plan.

Time difference:  France is typically 6, 7, 8 and 9 hours ahead of Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific Time, respectively.

Tips:  General tips to porters at the hotel and waiters at the restaurants are included.  It is customary to leave small change for restroom attendants, during your en route stops, and also at the café’s when consuming a beverage or snack.  What is not included is the tip to guides, tour escort and driver.  You may find the suggested tipping guidelines on this pamphlet, under “Not included”.

Transportation:  When taking public transportation, please be sure to put anything valuable in a safe place, out of reach of pick pockets that thrive in any large, tourist filled city.  You may wish to make a copy of your passport to have with you and leave the original at the hotel.  If taking a taxi, take only the official ones bearing the sign “taxi” on top and meters that should be turned on, as you enter the cab.

Voltage: In France, the voltage is 230 volts (in comparison to the USA which is 110 volts). Please make sure that your electronic devices can be used with higher voltage without being damaged, or please buy a voltage converter before you go on your trip. Furthermore, the sockets in Europe are different than in the United States. In France, you will need one with two round prongs. Please make sure you buy an adapter which will fit the foreign sockets to be able to use your electronic devices.