Emergency
In case of emergencies, dial 112 (Europe-wide) or 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police, and 18 for firefighters for immediate help.
In case of emergencies, dial 112 (Europe-wide) or 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police, and 18 for firefighters for immediate help.
It's polite to greet people with a "bonjour" before asking for anything. It shows respect and makes your experience more pleasant!
The next public holiday in France is New Year's Day (Jour de l'An) on January 1, 2025, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and traditional customs.
Tap water is generally safe to drink here, and it's quite common to order it in restaurants. By law, restaurants must provide tap water to customers for free.
A popular local platform for short-term rentals in France is Abritel by HomeAway, offering vacation homes, apartments, and charming countryside cottages.
Toilet paper can usually be flushed, but in older buildings or rural areas, it's often recommended to dispose of it in a bin instead.
It is generally safe for tourists, with efficient law enforcement and a focus on safety. Visitors should stay cautious in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and festivals.
French cuisine is a rich blend of fresh ingredients, featuring dishes like coq au vin, baguettes, and crème brûlée, with an emphasis on butter, herbs, and regional flavors.
How do you know if someone is a tourist in Paris?
They’re the ones who ask, "Where's the Eiffel Tower?" — while standing right next to it!
The Navigo card (or Navigo Easy for short-term users) offers unlimited access to public transport in Paris, including metro, buses, RER, and trams. Contactless Payment is accepted for travel.
Navigo CardThe two main intercity bus operators in France are FlixBus (the more popular one), known for its extensive network, and Ouibus, part of SNCF, offering reliable connections across Europe.
FlixbusFrance's train network is renowned for its efficiency, with the TGV (high-speed trains) connecting major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Operated by SNCF, it offers fast travel across the country.
SNCFThe Louvre is the world’s most-visited museum: It attracts over 7 million visitors annually to admire its collection, including Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
The Eiffel Tower changes height: In summer, due to heat, it can expand by up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) as the iron expands.
The French national motto is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" (Liberté, égalité, fraternité), a principle that emerged from the French Revolution.
French farmers are increasingly adopting organic farming practices, with organic farming growing by over 15% in recent years.
Café culture is an important part of French life, with Parisians often sitting for hours at cafés, sipping coffee and observing life around them.
It's common to greet with a kiss on both cheeks, even if you don’t know the person well. Just be prepared for a friendly "la bise".