France is a veritable feast of different scenery, beaches, cities and culture. You could literally visit France every year for the rest of your life and still come nowhere near to seeing everything this fascinating country has to offer.
Each area of France has its own characteristics, architectural styles and cuisine, and even its own dialect. From the rugged coastline of Brittany in the north to the azure waters of St Tropez and the French Riviera in the south there’s certainly no shortage of places to enjoy the sea. Add to that the rolling hills of Provence, the gorges of the Pyrenees, the valleys of the Dordogne and the icy peaks of the Alps and you've got the perfect recipe for a vacation to remember.
The industrial age came along quite late to France, and many of its inhabitants still regard it as a rural country with a history to cherish, despite its modern, vibrant cities. Indeed, you won’t fail to notice the sheer amount of space in the French countryside, interspersed with beautiful towns and villages miles from anywhere. Undeveloped land without a building in sight has barely changed over the centuries, where traditional houses and streets remain intact. With some unique cuisines on offer and wine by the barrel, your trip to France will provide some amazing memories to last a lifetime.
5 Things You Need to Know About France
Here are five things you may not have known about France, which you’ll want to make note of before packing your bags:
Time Difference: UTC +2 hours
Currency: Euro
Native Language: French
Weather: The climate of France is generally cold in winter and mild in summer, but mild winters and hot summers are usual along the Mediterranean sea (French Riviera) and in the South West of France. Along the Rhône Valley an occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind blows known as the mistral.
Sales Tax: 20%
Flying to France from Australia
Here’s everything you’ll need to know about flying to France from Australia, including flight times and entry requirements.
Flight Times
Flights from Australia to France generally take around 22 hours. Currently there are no routes which fly non-stop, however there are many one-stop options from Melbourne, Sydney, Alice Springs, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Entry Requirements
If you're travelling for reasons other than tourism, or for more than 90 days, you will need to get a visa from French authorities in Australia before you arrive in France. You can't change your visa status once inside French territory (for example, from a tourist visa to a student or resident visa). You also need a valid passport.
Airlines That Fly to France
The following airlines offer one-stop flights from Australia to France:
- Emirates
- Air France
- Lufthansa
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Etihad
- Qatar Airways
10 France Must-Dos
If you’ve never visited France before and are wondering what the ‘must-see’ sights and attractions are, here are our top ten:
- Walt Disney Studios Park
- Futuroscope
- Palace of Versailles
- Musee d'Orsay
- Promenade des Anglais
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Luxembourg Gardens
- Arc de Triomphe
Book Cheap Flights to France with Globehunters
If you’re searching for your once in a lifetime trip to France, then look no further than Globehunters. You’ll find the best deals on flights, hotels and car hire with us, and every booking is protected by ATOL and IATA for extra peace of mind.