Officially as the French Republic, France is a country in Western Europe and the largest country in the EU by land area. It borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra, and has coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, English Channel, and Mediterranean Sea. France is well-known for its rich history, culture, art, cuisine, and significant global influence. It is one of the world’s most visited countries and plays a major role in international affairs as a founding member of the European Union and the United Nations. The nation has diverse landscapes from the beaches of the French Riviera and the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, to the Alpine peaks and historic towns, and its capital, Paris (known as "The City of Light"), is home to some of the most iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe.
UTC+1 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Floods, heat waves, forest fires and storms, alongside avalanches, landslides, droughts, earthquakes and volcano activity.
On‑the‑spot payment is common for public transport fines (often in cash), but you can also pay later online. Many fines can escalate (speeding tickets start at ~€90, can rise to €375 if unpaid within 45 days). Unpaid fines may be chased via debt collectors or even legal action, with possible asset seizure or registration blocks. Fines over €2,000 can result in jail time. Some tourists report being fined for obscure infractions like ~€60 for placing a foot on a seat ledge. Inspectors frequently enforce zero-tolerance.
The Eiffel Tower’s night-time light show is protected by copyright; sharing photos of it, especially for commercial use, might expose you to legal issues (though enforcement remains rare).
Vehicles drive on the right in France. The minimum age to drive in France is 18, but for rentals, the age is typically 21. However, some companies may have higher age requirements or impose surcharges for drivers under 25. Many cities (including Paris, Lyon and Grenoble) require a Crit’Air (Clean air zone) emissions sticker to enter low-emission zones. Apply in advance (cost ~€3–5) to avoid fines.
Autoroutes (motorways) are typically toll roads ('péages'). Cost varies, but you can pay via card or cash, or use electronic tags like Liber‑T for faster passage. Also, at intersections, give way to vehicles approaching from the right ('priorité à droite') unless otherwise signposted, on roundabouts, priority goes to vehicles already circulating, and for parking, watch out for alternating-side rules and ‘Blue Zones’ where you must display a parking disc. Failure to do so may result in fines.
Unleaded 95 & 98 (sans plomb) and diesel (gazole) are available; red‑diesel (for agriculture) is prohibited for road vehicles. Fuel is often cheaper in supermarkets away from motorways, so fill up in towns when you can.
Speed limits in France vary on the type of driver, let alone the type of road:
Speed cameras are common; radar detectors are illegal and can lead to fines up to €1,500.
Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for standard drivers (0.02% for new drivers). Severe penalties apply for violations.
Mandatory for all occupants.
Children under 10 must sit in the back with appropriate restraint.
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