Language: French is the official language. There are many regional dialects, including Basque, which is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton, which is spoken by some in Brittany.
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European Standard Time = GMT+1, Central European Summer Time = GMT+2
Tipping: Tips are not compulsory and in France there are no generally established rules, although it is common practice to leave a sum amounting to around 10% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service you have received.
Fronting the Channel in Northern France lies the region of Normandy, dotted with charming harbours, beautiful parks, chateaux and gardens and linked to a handful of world-important creations: Monet's paintings, the Bayeaux tapestry and, of course, Camembert cheese.
A plethora of coach holidays to Normandy explore the region's finest, from pretty Honfleur, Normandy's best-preserved old port with its yacht dockside and slate fronted, shoulder-to-shoulder houses, or Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny, recognisable in many of his paintings. The imposing, UNSECO listed Mont St Michel - one of France's most recognisable landscapes - is also in the region, doing its bit for tourism by attracting more than 3 million visitors each year.
As well as visiting historic Rouen, you can also stop at the village of Camembert to try its finest namesake cheese or roam the Chateau de Vascoeuil with its classic manor house, landscaped gardens and tempting tearooms.
The much documented D-Day landing beaches make up a large portion of Normandy coach tours. Pieces of shrapnel can still be found here, where 100,000 soldiers lost their lives in World War II. Dedicated battlefield-themed tours cover the poignant story of what unfolded here in 1944, and come with a specialised battlefields guide as well as trips to the British, American and Canadian sectors. Stops are made at key points like Pegasus Bridge, Merville Gun Battery and the Airborne Museum in Ste. Mère Église, as well as Pointe du Hoc and the war cemeteries.
As the capital is only about 90 minutes away by coach, some Normandy trips are also combined with Paris. All breaks include return coach travel, accommodation and excursions where listed. Normandy's close proximity to England also make it an ideal option for day trips, with trips available from selected regional operators.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in France, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
Local Laws and Customs
Entry Requirements
Tourist Office
Health and Travel Insurance
When visiting France you should always ensure you have a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before travelling. The GHIC isn't a substitute for travel and medical insurance, however it does entitle you to state-provided medical treatment should it become necessary during your trip. Any treatment is on the same terms as the French nationals. You should always make sure you have adequate travel insurance in addition to the GHIC and also access to funds which can cover the cost of any medical treatments and also repatriation.
Local Laws and Customs
You must be able to prove your identity either by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Identity documents can be a passport, a photo driving licence or other documentation provided by a government body.
In France concealing your face in public places is illegal, which includes full veils, balaclavas or any other mask or garment that conceals the face. Failure to comply with this ban can incur a maximum fine of €150. The law doesn't provide any exemption for tourists and visitors.
Entry Requirements
If you are planning to visit France, you must meet the following passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.
Visas
You can travel to France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.
Passport stamping
Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through France as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.
Any other nationality looking to visit France must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.
Tourist offices
To find out more about visiting France, check out the official French tourism website at uk.franceguide.com
Normandy is a diverse region with a lot to see and do whilst staying here. Some of the hot-spots include:
Honfleur
This picturesque and well preserved port town is full of charm and history and possibly one of the prettiest towns in Normandy. As an inspiration to many artists, make sure you check out their works in one of the many galleries or studios, visit the old town and admire its timber framed houses or relax in one of the cafes lining the dockside.
Deauville
Deauville is the playground of the rich and famous in Normandy. Designer shops, a Grand Casino and miles of beach means this is not just any old seaside resort. This glamorous resort is a great place to people watch especially around the marina or at the race course. Known its famous boardwalk the Promenade des Planches, make sure you take time to do some star spotting!
Rouen
Infamous for the demise of Joan of Arc, this great city is also home to Impressionism art. In the old town you can visit the cathedral, admire the Great Clock and take in the cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to food, with fantastic restaurants to sample the local delicacies.
Bayeux
This historic town doesn't need any formal introductions as home to the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the events leading up to the famous battle of Hastings. What you may not realise is this town is also home to an impressive cathedral (Cathedrale Notre Dame), as well as number of medieval houses. It's also here where the largest British war cemetery can be found in Normandy, a beautifully maintained area to pay your respects.