Everything about France for tourists. Self-guided route around France by car. Traveling around France

Paris is one of the most popular cities in the world among tourists. People are ready to stand in lines for hours to climb the Eiffel Tower, go down to the mysterious Catacombs or see world masterpieces in the Louvre. Of course, such a crowd of enchanted people with money in their pockets attracts scammers of all stripes. We will tell you about several common deception schemes in the French capital.

Bracelet for scammer

This type of “divorce” can be encountered at the foot of the magnificent Sacre Coeur - the usual place of deployment of strong guys (“Afro-French”), quickly surrounding a crowd of a person who wants to climb to the cathedral. They offer to weave a bracelet from threads on your hand.

This company looks quite arrogant and threatening; not everyone would risk refusing. It is best to pass by them when joining a large tourist group. If you can’t do this, then it’s better to politely but clearly refuse the offer and move on without hesitation.

What happens to those who fall for deception? After the thread, the price of which is 3 kopecks, is tied, the tourist is required to pay for the souvenir. Usually 10 euros. They will try to get you to talk by making compliments, trying to chat in a language you know, or in some other way - in all these cases, if you want to keep your money and property to yourself, ignore and pass by.

Gypsies are everywhere

There are many gypsies in Paris, especially in the most crowded tourist spots. Of course, not all representatives of this people are involved in crime. But you are unlikely to enjoy close communication with most of them.

At the Eiffel Tower, at Notre Dame Cathedral, at Montmartre - in almost all famous places of the city you can notice groups of young women with strange folders in their hands. They approach all foreigners passing by, pestering them with the same phrase: “speak English?” As soon as a gullible tourist makes contact and tries to understand what is being offered to him, a simple scam begins.

Gypsies try to disguise themselves as ordinary Parisians, preferring jeans, T-shirts and sneakers to long skirts and massive jewelry. But gait, facial features, dark skin color, hair length and many other details still reveal nationality. An attentive person will immediately notice that these ladies are holding plastic tablets for paper, with a bunch of signatures on the sheet. As soon as you give the gypsy a positive answer to her hackneyed question, she will immediately begin asking you to sign a certain petition, supposedly related to charity.

Of course, all this is an ordinary “scam”. You will be asked to pay a few euros (5-10 euros) to contribute to a noble cause. It is quite possible that while you are delving into the offer, someone else’s hands will already be in your bag. If you start to brush it off, they will argue with you, because you just signed “on the document.”

The most amazing thing about this story is that all this is happening in front of the Parisian law enforcement agencies. Local law enforcement officers usually do not pay any attention to groups of these cunning ladies.

Giving alms is also not worth it. Especially when gypsies sit on the street with small children in their arms. With children who are often completely different from their mothers even in skin color, but that’s another story...

By the way, it is necessary to say separately about another category of gypsies who steal in fashionable places. They disguise themselves as wealthy women (you wouldn’t even think that these are ordinary scammers), enter expensive cafes, shopping centers and quietly rob tourists while having a delicious dinner or shopping. That's why, for example, in some restaurants, waiters will ask you every five minutes to keep your purse on your lap. Yes, it’s inconvenient, but you’ll have to endure it.

“Free” toilets

It often happens that at the entrance to free public toilets near attractions there are people brazenly extorting money for entry. Some scammers just say: “Pay as much as you don’t mind!” This is especially common, for example, in the same Sacré-Coeur.

Is it worth conflicting and fighting a vicious system? The question is complex. Most likely, you don’t need a showdown with local outcasts; it’s better to move on and use the toilet in another place if you are not going to pay scammers.

Souvenir Attack

Like annoying flies, guys walk around tourist spots with bundles of Eiffel towers and other souvenirs. There is nothing wrong with people wanting to make money. The bad thing is that at some point the intrusiveness and number of sellers begins to get on your nerves. Especially if, instead of calmly enjoying the beautiful views, you have to worry about the safety of your property. In addition, often the same souvenirs can be bought in other places for much less.

Dubious acquaintances

This point is also very important. You don’t need to trust new acquaintances too much, be on your guard. This especially applies to women. Perhaps, while you are picturing in your head the wonderful prospects of marrying a foreigner and emigrating to your favorite country, your chosen one is already looking at your jewelry and thinking about the contents of your wallet.

Elegant and beautiful France is a holiday with charm: a rich excursion, relaxation on the sophisticated Cote d'Azur, famous museums, gastronomic provinces and castles of the Loire. Cuisine, wine and ski resorts - all about France: tours, prices, hotels and attractions.

Last minute tours To France

“Nothing has yet been invented better than France” - this impudent, if not harsher, phrase of de Gaulle begs for a stern refutation, at least on a European scale. Surely the neighboring countries will have something to feed the arrogant frogmen! Take, for example, the famous half-timbered houses in Germany. What? Are they the same in Alsace? Um, really. Okay, let's look at neighboring Belgium with its special charm of a well-kept village, authentic French fries and “wine” beer... What? Can all this be found in Nord-Pas-de-Calais? Damn, it really is. Well, okay, but the purely British features - fogs from the Gulf Stream, red telephone booths, climbing roses on the large stone walls of village houses and heather heaths with gigantic pebbles of boulders rolled in by glaciers - are there really nowhere for them to come from in France? And again, by: in Brittany, not as famous as Paris or Nice, but dear to the hearts of many travelers, there is almost more of all this than in England. If we talk about the southern neighbors, then fans of Italy will feel at home in sunny Provence, and fans of Spain - in the Pyrenees mountains and on the dry plains of Languedoc.

And there is no way to remain silent about a thousand other things that make France France. About the roar of the tide at the foot of the “eighth wonder of the world” of Mount Saint-Michel, about the castles of the Loire - elegant, like carved boxes from the Renaissance. About the ingenious bad taste of the Eiffel Tower and the colored highlights of the medieval stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle. About the gargoyles of Notre Dame, piercing a stone gaze into the glass faces of La Défense, about the humpbacked alleys of Montmartre, the vast halls of the Louvre, the crisp air of Mont Blanc and the warm aromas of pastries and coffee from the Parisian boulevards... Charles, you, of course, are an impudent type, but to cover - nothing!

Regions and resorts of France

To fit a description of France into a couple of paragraphs is not only a difficult task, but also quite offensive for the country itself. What kind of “France in general” is this, you ask? A selection from the excursion and gastronomic Ile-de-France with Paris in the center, the skiing French Alps and the beach Cote d'Azur? To say this is bad manners and an unforgivable simplification! If only because if you leave beaches and snowy slopes behind the scenes, then every French town or town will definitely have something to see and what to try. So we will do the following: on the page “Cities and resorts of France” we will publish a short, just a couple of screens, story about the regions of the country, giving some idea about their main tourist “interests”. If you are just starting to get acquainted with the country, be sure to read it.

And here, reluctantly, we will only write that, very conditionally, France can be divided into “excursion” - Ile-de-France almost entirely, the famous Loire Valley and many historical cities in various parts of the country (Orleans, Chartres, Strasbourg, Rouen , Le Havre ... dozens of them!), the “resort” - although the Côte d’Azur, Corsica and the French Atlantic are three not just big, but huge differences, and, finally, the “ski” - first of all, the “Three Valleys” and Port du Soleil.

Time difference from Moscow

− 1 hour in winter −2 hours

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from Severo-Kurilsk

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Climate

French customs is considered one of the most problem-free in the European Union, but this does not mean that you are completely guaranteed from trouble. A few simple tips will help you save nerves and money.

Import

Amounts of money exceeding EUR 10,000 are subject to mandatory declaration (this includes cash, traveler's checks, bills of exchange and even nominated securities).
You can import up to 1 liter of strong alcohol (stronger than 22%) or up to 2 liters of wine or beer duty free.
Smokers can bring in no more than 200 cigarettes per adult traveler.
No animal can be imported without a veterinary certificate (the import of fighting breed dogs is prohibited).
Since 2009, the import of any products containing meat and/or milk into the EU has been prohibited - from stewed meat to chocolates. You can take with you a bar or two of your favorite chocolate - but only black! The composition of the product on the packaging must be indicated in English; customs will not deal with the Cyrillic alphabet.
If you are traveling with a child, you have the right to import milk baby food (no more than 2 kg and only in sealed packaging)
The import of medicines into France is permitted, including drugs containing narcotic, psychotropic substances or anabolic steroids (but in this case a prescription and a doctor’s certificate are required). There are quantity restrictions - based on daily consumption for a maximum of 3 months.
The import of caviar is allowed up to 250 g, but is not duty-free - the customs officer has the right to force you to pay even for one jar.
The import into the country of items made from endangered species of plants and animals is prohibited.

This is a very important point, do not neglect it. Carefully check your luggage and wardrobe, because a handbag or wallet (for example, made of crocodile skin) that is quite harmless in our opinion can cause a large fine, and in the worst case, the cancellation of a visa, and not necessarily a French one - border guards at any point of entry into the EU have the right to cancel any Schengen visa.

Export

There are practically no problems with exporting goods from France. In Russia, the picture is slightly different: without declaration, no more than 3 liters of any alcohol (no matter cognac or beer) is allowed to be imported, and more than 5 liters is prohibited at all. If more than three identical goods are found in your suitcases, they may be considered a commercial shipment. In this case, a serious fine is the least you face.

Tax free in France

The VAT refund procedure for a tourist seems relatively simple. Unfortunately, it is not without pitfalls:

You cannot count on Tax free if you made a purchase in a store that does not participate in the system (look for the special logo at the entrance).
Tax free is not possible if your purchase amount is less than 175.01 EUR.
The money will not be refunded if, upon purchase, you were not issued an invoice on a special form; a foreign passport will be required for registration (a driver’s license or other documents will not be suitable).
Tax free may be denied if customs officers have doubts about your purchases, so do not tear off price tags and labels from goods, leave the store packaging.
Tax free may also be denied if you are flying in transit through another EU state (in this case, the stamp must be placed at the customs office of the country through which you are leaving the European Union).

How to get to France

The simplest and most obvious way is by air.

Car enthusiasts can get to France by car, their own or rented. Flights to Barcelona, Milan or Brussels are inexpensive compared to Paris, and the option of flying plus a rental car is often a good deal, plus it gives you the opportunity to see several countries. A road trip from Russia in your own car is also quite feasible: the distance between Moscow and Paris is about 2850 km, a hardy driver can easily cover it in two days. If there is nowhere to rush, a trip to France can be turned into a full-fledged eurotour with all its pros and cons: the opportunity not to depend on flight schedules, excess luggage and inconveniences associated with getting used to an unfamiliar car, as well as wasting valuable vacation days, queues at the Belarusian the Polish border, the wear and tear of your favorite car, the costs of “extra” overnight stays and expensive European gasoline.

Search for flights to France

Transport France

The most popular and convenient type of intercity transport is trains. The French railway system is quite complex, but is controlled by just one company - the National Society of Railways (SNCF). This is convenient for tourists because any tickets can be booked on one website.

It makes sense to cover long distances on TGV trains - the average speed of 250 km/h allows them to compete on equal terms with airplanes. Thalys, Eurostar and Lyria use the same rolling stock and connect France with surrounding countries from Belgium to Italy. It is worth purchasing tickets for all TGV trains in advance: for example, a trip from Paris to Lyon, paid for three months in advance, will cost about 29 EUR, and at the station it is already three times more expensive.

If you are lazy looking for information bit by bit, then this site is dedicated exclusively to the French transport system, contains a huge database and can do the lion's share of the work for you.

Taxi

If the thought of jostling on the subway or bus disgusts you, then there is a way out - and more than one.

Firstly, you can use a taxi. Often this option is irreplaceable if you need to get your things to a hotel or airport. This is the most convenient, but also the most expensive way: in addition to the inhumane price per kilometer (from 1.04 to 1.60 EUR depending on the tariff period), you will have to pay the cost of landing (from 3.80 EUR), each additional piece of luggage (as usually equal to the cost of a kilometer) and the passage of an additional passenger if there are four of you (and in this case the taxi driver has the right to refuse the trip). If the car is stuck in a traffic jam, a time tariff is applied (from 0.50 EUR per minute). A couple more troubles: ordering a taxi by phone is paid (so you should ask the hotel receptionist about this service), and the taxi driver will turn on the meter not upon arrival at the place, but at the time of receiving the order.

According to the rules of the Russian language, we “get into” transport. The French “take” the bus, train, metro and taxi. Now you know what language the expression “take a taxi” comes from.

Renting cars, bicycles and electric vehicles

If you have an international driving license, you can rent a car. The intricacies of this process are discussed, so here are only a couple of nuances: in modern France, cars with a diesel engine have fallen into disgrace, there are fewer and fewer of them in rental car fleets, so it is better to book such cars in advance. The same applies to cars with an automatic transmission: they are not popular among the French, require additional tax, and are therefore rare and expensive to rent.

Supporters of a healthy lifestyle should take advantage of bicycle rental - for just 1.70 EUR you can get access to the service for a day (you will need credit card details and a security deposit of 150 EUR). Similar services are available in all major cities of the country.

To the south of Brittany, the sandy shores of the Bay of Biscay stretch for 600 km. Unlike the Normandy and Breton beaches, the beaches of La Rochelle, Biarritz and Arcachon “look” to the west - even winds from the open ocean beat down the scorching heat and create ideal conditions for windsurfing.

The French themselves consider the Atlantic resorts to be the best, and the subtropical climate of the Cote d'Azur as “too rough.”

If the Mediterranean is dear to you, but you don’t want to fight for sun loungers on the Cote d’Azur, your choice is Languedoc - Roussillon. French families with small children have long appreciated the beaches there for their warm, calm water and shallow depths off the coast.

Skiing

Skiers are spoiled people. Resorts from a good dozen countries from Russia to Canada are fighting for their favor (and wallets, of course). But even in the conditions of fierce competition, French stations de ski attract most fans of downhill skiing. There are several reasons for this:

Highest quality trails. France is lucky: the highest European mountains are located on its territory, and the French are making full use of this competitive advantage. Thanks to the large differences in altitude, it was possible to organize hundreds of tracks - from “green” slopes for beginners to “black” puzzling tracks on which Olympic champions train.
Reference level of service. The history of resorts such as Chamonix dates back to before the Napoleonic Wars, and the French take full advantage of the experience gained over centuries of serving tourists. French apres-ski is the best in Europe, and you'll always have something to do after hitting the steep slopes.
Truly Gallic rationalism in everything. The French believe that the basis of a ski resort should be the piste, and all related services must adapt to it - not the other way around! Therefore, the terms ski-in and ski-out, dear to the heart of any skier, at most French resorts are not an empty sound, but a norm of life: as a rule, from a hotel or rented chalet to the nearest slope is tens, in extreme cases hundreds of meters.
Democratic. Yes, yes, she is the one. The high cost of French ski resorts is a myth! Of course, if you are ready to spend an amount with 5-6 zeros, the French in Courchevel will be happy to meet you halfway, but in general, in the mountain stations the general French principle of “everything for everyone” is observed - even in the most fashionable places you can find budget options.
A stunning wealth of options. In France, there is not one, not two, but four mountain ranges with resorts and ski stations - there is plenty to choose from! And if the Alps (with the exception of some resorts) are more suitable for experienced skiers, then the Pyrenees are always at the service of beginners, and the Massif Central with the gentle slopes of extinct volcanoes is more suitable for quiet family skiing. If you are tired of crowds of noisy foreigners, then pay attention to the Vosges and especially to the resort of La Bresse - it is not for nothing that the French themselves give it a place in the top ten.

The high altitude of resorts such as Les Deux Alpes or Val Thorens is another bonus for skiers. It allows you to indulge in your favorite hobby almost all year round. The only advice: watch your health, not everyone can endure a two-three-kilometer altitude without harm to their health.

And finally, ski France is appreciated for being France! Whatever resort you choose, you will definitely have the opportunity to join not only the sports of this wonderful country, but also its culture: nearby you will find Roman amphitheaters and medieval cities, Romanesque monasteries and Gothic cathedrals, quiet nature reserves and noisy parks entertainment.

An invaluable advantage of French ski resorts is the opportunity to save on hotels. Travelers have a huge selection of residences, apartments and chalets at their disposal - if you are vacationing with a large group or family, alternative ways of spending the night can reduce the cost of living several times, and the presence of a kitchen will allow you to avoid costly trips to restaurants.

Education in France

If you have more money than time, the luxurious designer boutiques on the Champs-Elysees, the famous Printemps and Galeries Lafayette department stores will gladly help you out. Clothes from youth brands are a little cheaper - you should look for them in the Marais quarter and on Rivoli Street.

If you are not ready to overpay for proximity to the Eiffel Tower, it makes sense to carve out a separate day to visit the outlets. They are located outside of Paris, but they compare favorably with the capital's boutiques in both prices and assortment: for example, the most famous French outlet La Vallee Village is a decorative village of 120 elegant pavilion houses located near Disneyland, each of which presents its own brand. Another famous outlet is Usines Center Paris Nord. The word “usines” will tell those who know French that the goods here are sold at factory prices, but the word “Paris” will deceive, since the outlet is located outside the city, near Charles de Gaulle airport.

Cuisine and restaurants

French cuisine, with its ability to exquisitely combine the incongruous and discern gastronomic “material” in the most inappropriate products, definitely deserves close attention. Each region of the country has made a feasible contribution to the overall culinary treasury: the Rhône-Alpes region, for example, is famous for its casserole of thin slices of potatoes called gratin dauphinois, and in the central Alps they prepare fondue like nowhere else. A plate of bouillabaisse, a Marseille “multi-fish” soup that has taken root well in the snowy north, will help you regain your strength after a busy ski day.

As a rule, lunch time in restaurants is from 12:00 to 15:00, dinner - from 19:00 to 23:00. The rest of the time they usually offer cold snacks.

France is not only a country of haute cuisine with corresponding numbers on the menu. Numerous brasseries and bistros (approximate analogues of our cafes), creperies (a type of pancake house) and small small Lebanese, Algerian, and Chinese restaurants will make sure that you do not go hungry. In such establishments, the price tag for a full meal starts from 12-15 EUR per person, the further from the center the lower.

In cafes and bars, special boards at the entrance usually indicate two prices: au comptoir (at the counter) and a salle (at the table). The first, of course, is always lower. The cheapest time to eat is around noon - where restaurants and cafes are open at that time. You can also save a lot of money by choosing Menu du jour when ordering - an analogue of our set lunch (with the difference that French establishments offer two or three dish options to choose from.

They are not counted in hundreds or even thousands - rather in tens and hundreds of thousands (there are 40 thousand castles in the country alone, but France is famous not only and not so much for castles). How not to get lost in this diversity?

Although everyone in France can easily find places that will fall on their hearts, it is worth highlighting those objects that have no analogues in the world or at least in Europe. There are many more of them than it might seem: in addition to the well-known Louvre, Versailles, Loire castles, the Eiffel Tower and Mount Saint-Michel, there will be dozens of unique, albeit lesser-known, attractions. Here are just a few of them:

The Normandy Bridge is located at the mouth of the Seine near Le Havre. This is the largest and longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. Don’t skimp on the 5.40 EUR to travel across the bridge - you will be able to appreciate the view of the seaside Seine from a height of 215 m (and if you have free time, visit the “Garden of Engineers” - a museum right next to the bridge). In Western Europe, the bridge is so famous that its image even adorned the 500 EUR banknote - the maximum denomination to date.

The French are not Americans and do not specifically chase records: the enormous size and height of the Normandy Bridge are explained quite utilitarianly - according to the technical specifications, the bridge should have allowed any ship in the world, if necessary, to enter the mouth of the Seine.

The pink granite coast is located in the north-west of Brittany. This whimsical pile of boulders of the most bizarre sizes and shapes is a real workshop of nature! You can spend more than one hour looking at the miraculous sculptures and guessing in them the outlines of strange animals and mythical creatures. It is better to do this on a sunny day - thanks to the stones, the seaside landscape will turn into all shades of pink.

In the historical region of Périgord there are unique monuments of the Paleolithic era - the Cro-Magnon caves (it was the cave that “christened” the race of modern people Cro-Magnon), Lascaux and Rouffignac. And if you can’t see the famous Lascaux cave paintings in person, the Rouffignac cave (also known as the “cave of a thousand mammoths”) is open to the public.

In the Languedoc-Roussillon region there is the city of Carcassonne - it is famous for the largest fortress in Europe (the modern Moscow Kremlin is larger, but has never performed military functions). In addition to the size of the structure, it impresses with its venerable age: the fortress stood in Roman times, and you can still see antique masonry near the foundation. The history of Carcassonne also adds authenticity, because it is inextricably linked with purely French events - the Albigensian wars.

Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of the Auvergne region, is home to an amazing cathedral. It is famous not for its architecture (this is a fairly typical example of French Gothic), but for the material from which it is made: black volcanic tuff, common in those places, was used for construction. The combination of sharp Gothic lines and dark stones creates an unforgettable impression - especially at dusk, when the lights come on in the lancet windows. Against the backdrop of a crimson sunset, the cathedral more closely resembles the tower of Sauron from “The Lord of the Rings” than a Christian temple.

Russian tourists rarely get to Burgundy - but in vain! In addition to outstanding Romanesque monuments (for example, the Benedictine abbeys of Cluny and Vézelay are located there - perhaps the most famous architectural complexes of the Romanesque era in the world), the region is famous for its special, “Burgundian” style of architecture - even an amateur can easily distinguish it by its “gingerbread” roofs made of elegant multi-colored tiles forming regular geometric patterns.

Holidays and Events

Few would argue that the most famous holiday in France is Bastille Day. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Paris to see with their own eyes the dapper French military, to appreciate the brilliant training of pilots performing aerobatic maneuvers over the Champs de Mars, and to feel a sense of unity with the Parisians during the fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower.

It makes sense to come not for the holiday itself, but a couple of days before it: Parisians traditionally consider July 13 as Freedom of Speech Day, and on the streets you can see crowds of demonstrators gathered for various reasons - from serious to funny. The evening ends with a celebration called the “firemen's ball” - the only people in uniform who enjoy universal respect in France.

But France would not be France if it did not always offer tourists the opportunity to choose. Even within the country, not everyone is happy about Bastille Day: for example, if on this day you prefer Brittany to Paris, you will be able to attend medieval festivals dedicated to the times when Brittany was independent - on this day you will not see a single French tricolor, unless specifically you won’t turn up at the city hall.

Even if July 14 is celebrated differently in France, what can we say about other dates? It is best to spend Christmas and the September harvest festival in Alsace, and Mardi Gras in the north. New Year in France is a time of guests and social parties, it is worth celebrating in Paris, and Easter - in the same Brittany, which is still famous for its zealous adherence to Catholicism... But no matter what region you choose, no matter what date you choose - you won't be bored.

In France, communications are good. Pay phones can be found even in remote villages. If you intend to use this type of communication, then stock up on a card in advance, for example, with a face value of 10 euros at any kiosk or store.

If you use mobile communications, you should choose the SFR mobile operator, as it is considered the best in terms of coverage area. You will be provided with communication even while in the mountains, which is very important for skiers. A SIM card will cost approximately 30 euros. The average cost of a call to Russia is 1.5 euros per minute.

Most likely you will decide to use the mobile Internet, including for calls. Therefore, it will be more profitable to immediately purchase a SIM card for 10 euros, pay 30 euros for unlimited Internet and use all the possibilities - communications, the Internet, and applications on your phone, for example, Google maps.

Free Wi-Fi in France is also quite good. It is provided in many public places: hotels, bars, restaurants, museums, parks, and of course, McDonald's.

Language and communication

All French people are united by an incredible love not only for their country, but also for their language. Therefore, even a Frenchman who knows English may refuse to speak it. Since speaking English does not always help communication here, knowing at least the basic phrases necessary for communication in French is a must!

Features of the French mentality

The French are crazy patriots in everything! They prefer French food and drinks, want to communicate only in French, drive cars from the French automobile industry, listen to songs performed by French singers, and despite everything, they idolize Napoleon Bonaparte!

For the most part, the French are very smiling, polite and sociable, which is a little unusual for us. The norms of behavior and morality are the words “please” and “I beg your pardon.” If they look at you, it is not customary to look away. You need to smile back, otherwise you will be considered rude. French kisses are sacred: even if you don’t know someone well, be prepared to be kissed on both cheeks twice: when you meet and when you say goodbye.

Shopping in France

It is profitable to go to France for shopping during the sales season. But even at this time, lovers of low prices will be disappointed. After all, you need to come here not for discounts, but for originality, quality and genuine brands. Basically, tourists buy French cosmetics and perfumes, branded clothing and accessories, world-famous delicacies, especially cheese and wine.

You can easily find Paris's high-end boutiques as they are concentrated in the city center. If you are interested in more affordable clothing brands, it is worth visiting Haussmann Boulevard and Rivoli Street, where Naf-Naf, Zara, Marks & Spencer's and others are located. They, of course, have retail chains in Russia, but their assortment differs radically.

There are a huge number of outlets in France, where you can shop all year round with discounts of up to 70%; their addresses can be easily found on the Internet.

It's worth visiting the flea market at least once. Here you will find original items made of antique silver, paintings, decorative items, dishes or even furniture.

Important! In Paris, some goods are much more expensive than in the provinces. You usually cannot exchange or return an item purchased on sale. On purchases (at least 175 euros in one check), you can return VAT (TVA) equal to 12% of the cost, for which you must issue a tax-free check before payment.

Kitchen. Where and what to eat in France?

Food in France is a real cult. The French love it very much, and most importantly, they know how to cook. They know how to combine foods and tastes that are completely incompatible for us, for example, meat with berries, cheese with chocolate, spicy with sweet. In the preparation of many dishes, regardless of whether it is a first course, a second course or a dessert, chefs use alcohol, which, in their opinion, gives the dishes a special taste.

Baguette&croissant. Traditional French food. You will be captivated by French baguettes and croissants, even if you thought that you were absolutely indifferent to baking.

Wine&cheese. The choice is incredible! More than 400 types of cheeses for every taste are officially registered in France alone. It is believed that the stronger the cheese smells, the better it is! Every good restaurant will offer you both a wine list and a cheese list. In France, you definitely won’t be served bad wine; in addition, in different regions of the country you will have the opportunity to taste wines characteristic of that particular area and find your own taste and aroma.

Frog legs, oysters, foie gras, snails. These delicacies are relatively expensive. But this is haute French cuisine, and it's worth trying. By the way, the opinion that frog legs can be ordered in any restaurant is wrong! They are not prepared everywhere, and, by the way, not every Frenchman can boast that he knows what they taste like.

Dessert. France has simply luxurious desserts. Fruit cakes, pies, creme brulee, soufflé, waffles, gingerbread, pastries, cookies and, of course, macaroons and profiteroles! Forget about dieting during your trip and enjoy!

Each of the 20 regions has its own gastronomic characteristics. So, in Champagne- tasting real champagne, Burgundy- Burgundy wines, Dijon mustard, snails and cassis - blackcurrant liqueur. Alsace cuisine has largely absorbed German culinary traditions. The main dishes here are warm sauerkraut with pork knuckle, a variety of sausages, Munster cheese, Kugelhopf cake, and white wines. The culinary mecca of France - Aquitaine region. Here are the famous Bordeaux wines, Périgord truffles, oysters from Arcachon, and foie gras. To Normandy we go for Calvados and cheeses, the most famous of them are Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l’Evêque, Neuchatel. Well and to Brittany— for the freshest seafood, buckwheat pancakes and cider.

And most importantly: try to eat where the locals eat!

Holidays and Events

Cannes International Film Festival

The festival is a prestigious and widely publicized event in the artistic world. For 10 days, stars, film professionals and big screen lovers from all over the world gather in Cannes: 10,000 accredited professionals, about 4,000 journalists. It was the Cannes Festival that made Cannes what it is - not just a fashionable resort, but also a center of social life for the whole world. The city attracts megastars for just two weeks in mid-May, but the famous festival's trail of glitter stretches throughout the year.

Bastille Day

The French call this day the National Holiday. Celebrations are held on a grand scale throughout the country, but it is celebrated especially enchantingly in Carcassonne.

Every year on July 14 at 22:30 an unforgettable show takes place here - a grand fireworks display that annually attracts up to 1 million spectators. 25 minutes of a wonderful pyrotechnic show over the castle, a real storm of blooming colorful fiery flowers!

Carnival in Nice

The Nice Carnival is the most beautiful and noisy festival on the French Riviera and one of the three largest in the world. This is two weeks of concerts, night and day processions of giant dolls, flower battles, when millions of roses, cyclamen, mimosas, violets and carnations, as well as confetti, fall from huge baskets onto the heads of spectators.

The procession of dolls is always led by the King of the Carnival, as tall as a six-story building. He is carried on a large platform, on which smaller dolls dance and make faces. And behind the platform the whole royal army smoothly floats - “four-story” mermaids and “three-story” knights, “five-story” Harry Potter and “two-story” Snow White. Dragons the size of a locomotive, swans, fish, bats crawl.

Third Thursday of November. Bojo and all of France

"Beaujolais nouveau" celebration of new wine

Wine lovers from all over the world look forward to this holiday and even call it the Wine New Year. Once finished, hundreds of thousands of bottles must be immediately sent to different parts of the world, because Beaujolais has a shelf life of 4 to 5 months! This wine is produced exclusively in Burgundy, and is distinguished by tart cherry and currant notes in its taste.

First weekend of September. Lille

Annual flea market

Every year for two days, Lille turns into a huge colorful bazaar - the streets are literally teeming with merchants of all stripes, selling both really cute little things and completely unbelievable rubbish. The Lille flea market is the largest in Europe. It has more than 100 km of stands! Every year, about 10,000 sellers take part in it, among whom there are professionals and more than 2 million buyers both from France itself and from other countries.

Safety

In France, like other European countries, pickpockets operate: in airports, train stations, subways, on the streets, especially in popular tourist areas.

You need to be wary of motorcyclists who can snatch your bag and instantly disappear in an unknown direction.

You should be careful when visiting some of the districts of Paris and the so-called ethnic quarters (areas located near the Western and Northern stations). Not only a robbery can occur there, but also fraud, which can result in getting caught by the police. Of course, it's better not to appear here. Especially in the evening and at night, and especially alone.

5 tips that you will definitely need when traveling around the country

1. Perhaps the main advice is to be friendly, polite and smiling. Learn from the French to enjoy life and not rush anywhere!

2. In France, you must say hello to the staff in a hotel, store, restaurant - everywhere! Etiquette is a sacred thing for native French people, and those who do not observe it will not receive decent service.

3. Keep your metro entrance tickets throughout your trip, as the French metro has ticket inspectors. The fine for traveling without a ticket is 50 euros.

4. The fine for smoking in the wrong place in France is 450 euros! Usually police officers limit themselves to warnings and explanations, but is it worth the risk?!

5. Do not take large bills of 200, and especially 500 euros. They are extremely difficult to exchange due to the lack of change.

In Vladivostok we met French tourists who, in 50 days, traveled by bus from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean with the main goal of seeing as many Russian cities as possible, getting to know the culture and traditions of their inhabitants.

Vladivostok greeted tourists with foggy and cool weather. However, for many of them this is a familiar climate. They came from Brest - a small French town, which is also located on the ocean, only the Atlantic, reports.

“I live on the seashore. But here the sea smells stronger of iodine. Here in France it doesn’t smell like that,” said tourist Jacques Poisson.

27 Frenchmen left their business at home and went on the “Journey of the Century” - a bus tour from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. And most of the route is in Russia.

“Since childhood, my husband dreamed of getting to the Pacific Ocean. We thought for a long time how to do it. He wanted to go by car with friends, but it didn’t work out. And now, the dream has come true. We are very happy,” said tourist Manik Shotae.

16 thousand 300 kilometers of road - for Jean-Pierre Laban this is the longest journey in his entire 35-year driving career. This is the second time he has decided to undertake such a tour. In 2014, he also took a group from Brest, France to Russia. He says that in two years the roads have become much better.

“After this trip, I realized that 50 days behind the wheel is the maximum for me. Well, in general, I’m very glad that everything ended well,” said bus driver Jean-Pierre Laban.

This is a unique opportunity for Europeans to see not only Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tourists visited more than 26 Russian cities. In Novosibirsk, the French were told how to brew tea in a samovar, had a picnic on the shore of Lake Baikal and were treated to local hot-smoked omul. In Vladivostok, tourists were greeted with a sailors' dance and a loaf of bread.

“I tried a lot of Russian cuisine and even gained weight. I liked your soups and how you prepare meat,” noted tourist Zhonik Shoseru.

Michel Salin has been to Russia 98 times. But, I only got to Ulan-Ude, and then by train. Connecting two oceans and seeing all of Russia is his idea.

“You could make such a trip by plane, but you can’t see anything from the plane, by train, but you won’t see much either, the best option is by bus to see your wonderful country,” said Michel Salen.

The Ministry of Culture declared this year the year of cross-tourism between Russia and France. The “Journey of the Century” route is also scheduled for 2017. The French are already making reservations. It is planned that the bus will not leave Russia empty, but with a group of our tourists.

Vladivostok is the final point on the “Journey of the Century” route. Here tourists will be introduced to the eastern culture of Russia. They will not go home by bus, but by plane.

Olga Skripnikova, Sergey Drobyshev. Far Eastern Bureau of TV Center. Vladivostok.

General information about France
Capital: Paris is one of the most attractive cities for shopping and entertainment.
Square: 551500 sq. km.
Population: 59 million, these numbers have been constant for many years, the younger generation does not strive to leave their homes in search of work.
Currency unit: Euro.
Religion: Catholicism.
Official language: French.
Big cities: Nantes, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse.
According to its political system France is a republic, and one of the oldest in Europe. The role of parliament in governing the country is enormous, but the president is also vested with significant powers.

Geographical location and climate
The location of the state's territory is the most suitable for recreation and living. In the northwestern part, the shores are washed by the English Channel, which is the water border with Great Britain. In the west, the state is washed by the Atlantic Ocean; from the northern part you can get directly to Luxembourg and Belgium; in the east, Germany and Switzerland spread their possessions.
The wide variety of landscape zones makes the country extraordinary: most of the area is occupied by the flat part, 1/3 is occupied by the French Alps, the highest point of which is Mount Mont Blanc.
The coastline from the southeast is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, in some places there is rocky terrain, mainly pebble beaches.
The climate is temperate, characterized by mild, wet winters, and subtropics dominate in the south.
The plains on the southern coast experience all the delights of the Mediterranean climate - there is practically no frost, summers are dry and hot, and heavy short-term rains in spring and autumn. Experienced tourists advise traveling to the south of the country with caution; a piercing cold wind, the mistral, blows from the Rhone Valley at least 100 days a year.

TRAVEL THROUGH FRANCE

Traditions and culture
France- a truly great country in historical and cultural terms. The traditions of numerous provinces can be contradictory and very different from each other.
The main part is inhabited by modern French people, who are descendants of the original inhabitants, as well as tribes that at different times captured the land (Romans, Scandinavian Vikings, Gauls). In the east of the country there is a fairly large number of residents of Italian origin. Each class has its own unique culture, which changes over time.
Among the most interesting rituals are:
- eating - table etiquette among the scrupulous French is always at its best; it is from this country that the roots of beautiful table settings and rules of behavior during meals come;
- the taboo of English speech is an unspoken rule based on an unshakable love for one’s native speech;
- On December 24, every family has a grandiose “reveillon” dinner: baked turkey with chestnuts, pie and foie gras are always on the table.

Painting and literature
France known throughout the world as the birthplace of the greatest artists; the impressionists, Renoir and Monet began to create here. Many creators of paintings and sculptures drew inspiration from Montmartre. There are many workshops open in this region, exhibitions and vernissages are held.
Dumas, Hugo and Balzac are names that are famous all over the world today. It was in this country that they lived and created their immortal works. Several of the literary masterpieces have been made into films and musicals.

Sights of France

Associations of tourists with the country are traditional - the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees and the Cote d'Azur. Many people are not even aware of the huge number of historical monuments present in every city.
Forest of Fontainebleau - located 50 km from the capital, if you move south. It is located in the vicinity of a city with the same name. On the territory of the forest there is a palace that has survived to this day (erected in the 16th century). The total area is 25 thousand hectares, there are only two types of trees - pines and oaks, then there are picturesque plains, valleys, giving way to heather heaths. Fontainebleau is glorified in Druon's novel about King Phillip. In the shade of the trees, he became stressed and suffered a stroke; after a while he dies in the castle.
Bordeaux , located in the southwest, famous for its large and beautiful squares. Entire ensembles built in the 18th century are devoid of pretentiousness and modernity; the architects focused on classicism. Almost all objects are on the UNESCO list. Vacationers will be interested in looking at the bay, tasting local cuisine and tasting wine, which is valued throughout the world.
Lyon - a unique city where families with small children love to relax. This is the historical center of France, in the vicinity of which there is a huge aquarium. Excursions here will allow you to get acquainted with thousands of varieties of marine life, touch some harmless fish and look at toothy sharks from afar. The main attractions can be considered the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the triumph of Christian values - the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Fourvière Tower, built of metal, and the Hotel Dieu. The last place is notable for the fact that the writer Rabelais stayed here.
Mont Saint Michel - a small island on which rises a fortress in the form of a fairy-tale castle. Most of the time its spiers are shrouded in low, ragged clouds. At the very top of the spire (at an altitude of almost 155 meters above sea level) there is a skillfully made gold figurine of an archangel who raised a sharp sword high. The island is surrounded on all sides by the sea, only a narrow 2-kilometer dam connects it to the mainland. Many years ago, Victor Hugo, impressed by its appearance, called the castle “A Pyramid in the Ocean.”
Reims - a commune in the northeast, on whose territory the Reims Cathedral is located. Its architectural style is classified as Gothic, built in the 13th century. Royal Square, the Carnegie Library, and the circus arena are also noteworthy. In the suburbs, the most visited places are Fort Pompey and Castle Condé.
Strasbourg - located at the junction of two states - Germany and France. This is where parliamentarians go for official meetings, and there are several courthouses where the most important international cases take place. Every year before each Christmas, an enchanting event is held in Strasbourg - a fair where you can buy gifts for yourself and loved ones at huge discounts. Local residents and visitors call the “Big Island” the historical heart, which will captivate discerning connoisseurs of architecture with its grandeur and diversity of forms.
Chartres - built on a hill in the middle of the plain, from any point you can admire the beauty of nature. The city is famous for its cathedral. By visiting the stained glass museum, you can get acquainted not only with countless examples of stained glass art. This is also the workshop in which they are made; clients from all over Europe order stained glass compositions here. The Museum of Fine Arts is also very interesting for visitors with Western European exhibits and exhibitions held here regularly.
IN Wax Museum there are entire rooms dedicated to historical events, starting from the time of Louis. The exhibits are dressed in police and military uniforms from a distant time. Their realism amazes even the most experienced tourists.
La Rochelle belongs to the category of port towns, it is located on the coastline of the Bay of Biscay. The main attraction was the Old Harbor. It is surrounded on all sides by narrow half-timbered houses, each of which has the common design feature of two separate exits and two facades, although the owner may be one person.
Cannes - The most famous here will be the Croisette. Its length is several kilometers, it stretches along the coastline. On the one hand you can go down to the sea, on the other you can continue your journey through luxury shops and buy souvenirs and clothes.

HOLIDAY IN FRANCE

France- one of the most romantic and colorful countries, which has everything for a comfortable and memorable holiday. To ensure that your stay in this wonderful country leaves only vivid and pleasant impressions, we have collected the most necessary and up-to-date information for tourists in our guide to France.

Helpful information

Visa to France
In order for Russians to enter this wonderful country, they must obtain a visa. For tourism purposes it is worth to receive a Schengen visa, the period you should expect at the embassy is from 3 to 7 working days. Visa issuing authorities do not work on holidays; in some cases, the period for issuing a visa can be extended to 1 month without explanation.
After submitting the documents, you need to pay a fee in rubles. Rules for submitting documents:
- it is necessary to collect and submit a package of certificates and copies to the French Embassy 90 days before the date of the intended trip;
- there must be an invitation from a state representative and it can only be used once;
- If it is necessary to correct documents, the procedure can be repeated.
The Embassy in Moscow is located at: st. Bolshaya Yakimanka, 45, telephone for inquiries: 937-14-30.

Customs regulations
Officially, there is no ban on importing currency into the country; if the amount of cash exceeds 7,500 euros, it must be declared.
When a tourist reaches 17 years of age, he is allowed to have with him: cigarettes - 200 pcs. or 250 g of tobacco,coffee (500 g) and tea (100 g), fish 2 kg, perfumes - 50 ml. It is strictly forbidden to import goods that imitate French brands, fakes and copies of things and shoes. If a tourist has narcotic substances with him, he will be detained at the airport until the circumstances are clarified. You cannot import toys, antiques, or explosive substances that are dangerous for children.
You can export: tobacco products (800 cigarettes),alcohol (strong drinks - 10 l, wine - 90 l).
It is strictly forbidden to export antiques and materials containing pornographic elements.

Reminder for tourists

In general, tourists are safe in the country, but they must adhere to certain rules: do not walk in the dark through poor neighborhoods and those that are unfamiliar; It is better not to carry original documents with you, but only their copies; check your bank account balance after making a purchase.
As in any country, pickpockets work at train stations, near commuter trains and on public transport. You should not take a significant amount of cash with you. In order to protect your rights, you can contact one of the nearest police commissariats; if the city or village is small, with similar problems they go to the mayor’s office. Specialists will help you draw up a statement that will serve as the basis for the insurance company to compensate the tourist for damages.
Before your trip, you should familiarize yourself with the list of dangerous areas of the provinces, which sometimes even a taxi will not take you to in the dark.

Smoking
Cigarettes (cigars, cigarillos) in France They are very expensive, if the habit is stronger than financial problems, it is better to take several packs with you. Local residents make their own rolling papers from paper and tobacco they grow themselves or buy. If they see that a tourist has arrived with his own cigarettes, they will certainly ask to take one, but instead they will snatch as many as they can. It is better to take one with your own hands and give it to the one who asks. Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places.

Mobile and landline communications
You can call relatives and friends from a public pay phone or hotel room. The first option will cost much less, but it is less comfortable.
To save money, you can buy a special telephone card at the nearest kiosk, the account of which is replenished depending on the needs of the tourist. Coin-operated phones are much less common; they are installed in bars and cafes.
You can keep in touch via the Internet; there are free access points at airports and public institutions; connecting to them is a matter of a few minutes (by setting up a mobile gadget).
Emergency numbers:
- rescue service - 112;
- fire department - 18;
- ambulance - 15;
- police - 17.

Prices in France
You can pay in shops and other public institutions only in euros - this is the only one at the moment currency used in the country. A trip can be expensive or economical, it all depends on the choice of the traveler:dine in an expensive restaurant or a cozy budget cafe,book a tour of the museum or take advantage of a free day of visiting and a discount,buy branded clothing from a new or old collection on sale.
It is better to take cash and a credit card with you, which can be used to pay almost everywhere where there is a special mark at the entrance to a store or cafe. The only limitation is that for these purposes it is better to issue a special international card with a microchip on it.
The abundance of ATMs allows you to withdraw the required amount at any time, and exchange offices will exchange rubles or other monetary units. It is advisable to do this in your own country, so the savings will be impressive only on the exchange rate.
The network of banks is quite developed, the largest of them are: Central, Credit Agricole. General operating hours are from 9:00 to 12:00, after a break from 14:00 to 17:00. On holidays and the day before and on weekends, financial institutions are closed.
It is customary here to leave tips for taxi drivers, waiters and sellers. In good form, their size is approximately 5%. Money for service is already included in the total price; if you wish, you don’t have to leave personal thanks.

Transport connections in France

The country is one of the most comfortable for travelers in terms of organizing transfers and moving around cities and beyond.
Airports in France
It is most convenient to use the air corridor. In Russia, Transaero and Aeroflot provide passenger services. Travel time is minimal - 3-4 hours, depending on weather conditions and objective circumstances. The time difference with the capital of Russia is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer. In the high season (summer) the cost of air tickets will be higher, but by autumn it decreases.To save money, you need to book your tickets about two months in advance using the early booking service. The largest airports in France:Charles de Gaulle (located 25 km from Paris), Orly (13 km), Paris Beauvais (85 km),Marseille Provence (27 km from Marseille).
Public transport
Moving around within the country is very easy and fast; there is virtually no crowding at bus stops, despite the large number of tourists visiting each region every year. The transport system has been thought out by the developers to the smallest detail; there are many signs and it is impossible to confuse anything.
For those who want to save money, there are offers for purchasing travel tickets; it is quite possible to do without a taxi. Their cost varies depending on the city; on average, one trip will cost a tourist 2 euros. Tickets are sold in special machines at public stops or ticket offices. You can also buy a one-stop pass, which will be valid on a single route.
The main transport is buses, they run strictly on schedule and are never late. Special routes run at night. Additional means of transportation are the metro, trams and electric trains.
Bicycles for rent
Almost no one travels into the country with their own bicycle, but this will not be a problem. There are special rental points that can provide a vehicle for a certain period of time for a reasonable fee.
Travel by rail
The railway is relevant for those who want to save money (an airplane will cost much more, and there may be a fear of taking it into the air, especially for those who have never flown).
There are two direct trains from Moscow all year round to Paris and Nice, they depart from Belorussky Station. The carriages come in 3 classes: 2, 1 and Lux coupe. The last option will give you maximum comfort on the road: it has a double bed, an armchair, a TV, a table, and a minibar. Breakfast is provided free of charge and the caravan has a shower room and separate toilet.
Moscow-Paris
Travel time 38 hours 30 minutes.
Approximate ticket price range: 347-1116 euros.
Departure: summer - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday; winter - Thursday and Sunday
Moscow-Nice
Travel time 48 hours 20 minutes.
Cost: 321-1133 euros.
Departure: on Thursdays.
When ordering a ticket, indicate the passenger's age; if he is under 26 or over 60 years old, the travel document is issued at a discount. Several people fit into one, unlike in domestic countries. The maximum number of passengers is 6.
Water transport
In almost every city where there is access to the sea, water vehicles operate. It is not used for transport purposes; it is more a service for the entertainment needs of tourists.
In Paris you can book an unusual river cruise; yacht trips in Cannes are very popular. The island of Corsica can be reached from one of the ports on the Cote d'Azur.
Cruise ships departing from the river embankment have also been implemented. The ticket can be purchased directly on the spot before departure, but it is better to reserve a cabin in advance. This will give you confidence that there will be free seats upon arrival. It’s better to contact one of the trusted cruise companies; you can do this before leaving your country on the companies’ official website: Croise Europe, Locaboat, Viking Rivers.
A cruise is not a one-day event, it lasts approximately 8-9 days. For recreation, special ships are organized, which have restaurants, cozy rooms and premises for public events. In ports and cities, ships stop to break the voyage for an excursion, tasting of local cuisine and wine.

Holidays in France by the sea

The country attracts tourists with the opportunity to soak up the beaches. Most of them belong to municipal authorities, therefore there is no entrance fee. In case of private ownership, you will have to pay approximately 20 euros per day per person. Children can be provided with more flexible payment conditions. You can enter and exit the beach area countless times, this amount also includes the use of an umbrella, a warm shower, a comfortable sun lounger, a toilet and, if necessary, an inflatable mattress that you can take with you into the water.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that public beaches are always crowded, sometimes it is not possible to find a comfortable place near the coastline, there are practically no sun loungers and umbrellas. Private beaches are more comfortable; clean, sifted sand and the absence of garbage attract customers who are not deterred by the rather high cost. Many restaurants and cafes allow you not to interrupt your beach holiday for breakfast and dinner.
On South France spreads its territory on the Cote d'Azur, is distinguished by a high level of service and a developed range of services. Tourists are also offered to go to Antibes, where the cleanest beaches with fine sand are surrounded by centuries-old pine trees.
Not far from them there are small ports with a wide range of water activities: diving, diving into sea caves, exciting trips on yachts, fast boats, for professionals and beginners they will offer jet ski riding on their own or with an experienced instructor.
Cannes does not have its own sandy areas; the beaches are decorated with imported sand, so there are almost no free ones; several municipal ones are located far from the hotels, on the very outskirts. In Nice, the pebble beaches will cause some inconvenience; in the Cassis area, the shores are not flat, but steep and rocky.
For those who love space and a wide beach area, you need to go to the Atlantic coast. The water temperature here is lower, so this area is not suitable for boat trips for families with small children and elderly people with joint diseases.
On the beaches in Costa Verde there is a water park and a whole staff of animators who can keep children busy with various games while parents relax.

Shopping Features

Along with Italian designers, many fashion designers live and work here, annually presenting their collections on the world's leading catwalks. Fashionistas who want to get the next hot hit come here for shopping. in the form of a dress or blouse from a famous designer.
Boutiques, department stores, shops, large shopping and entertainment centers - this is not a complete list of what you can visit. The largest number of them is concentrated in Paris.
By visiting outlets, you can save money; discounts and sales are held constantly. The only inconvenience is that most of these shopping centers are located in the suburbs. At spontaneous markets you can buy antiques, vintage vases, clothes and shoes (both new and used).
Large sales, during which discounts reach 70%, are held twice a year. Moreover, everything is subject to certain rules: a month before the start, it is forbidden to change the cost of goods in any direction. The exact dates are not the same every year, they are set by the government. The total sales period is five weeks. In winter, approximate period: second week of January until mid-February. In summer - late June - early August. After that, the price tags come back again.
Some brands never reduce the cost of their goods (Louis Vuitton, Ermes).

Tax free
Tax Free is a relatively new service that allows tourists to save on purchases. This is a procedure, the correct execution of documents for which allows you to return value added tax (VAT).
The minimum total purchase amount to receive a refund must be 175.01 euros, the tax refund percentage is 12%. You can apply for it in almost any store; for ease of service, there are icons in specially designated areas.
Persons who have reached the age of 15 (as confirmed by documents) have the right to return tax free. They must not be residents of the European Union, that is, they live outside its member states for more than six months or are on business trips in France.
To make a refund, you must arrive at the airport at least two hours before the plane departs home. In the store, you cannot forget to get a receipt for tax free (it differs from a regular cash register). Exchange points can be found at passenger information stands.

Features of French cuisine

This country was created specifically for gourmets who decided to try real cheese and taste rare types of wine. Cuisine is traditionally divided into regional and haute cuisine. In Provence, aromatic herbs prepared by local specialists are added to almost every dish; Burgundy is famous for meat baked in wine sauce. Haute cuisine is unusual; it is a unique recipe of dishes combined with exquisite table setting.
There are many varieties of cheeses: salty, blue, sweet, Parmesan, in salad or wine, spicy and hard. It is impossible to try each one during a vacation in the province, there are a lot of them, the cost is also different. All guests are offered to try signature dishes: oysters, grape snails, mussels, foie gras (duck or goose liver prepared according to a special recipe), onion soup. One of the most revered delicacies among the French is frog legs. Currently, they are not served in all restaurants, due to multiple bans on catching frogs.
The most popular baked goods are croissants. They are served for breakfast and lunch; the fillings in the airy puff pastry can be very diverse. Wine brands: Muscat, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay.

What to bring from France

French perfumes - one of the highest quality and most durable, there are many offers for every taste and wallet size. You can also choose cosmetics from leading brands. Mascaras and lipsticks, lip glosses and nail polishes are very popular.
Dijon mustard - manufactured in the city of the same name. There are several varieties, each of which has an aroma and mild taste. The secret of production is simple - black mustard seeds are used as a basis.
Spices and herbs from Provence - aromatic basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, sage - all this can make any dish a real culinary masterpiece. Most of the herbs that are sold in Russia are not grown in Provencal fields; the original can only be brought from their homeland.
Poppy syrup - an original gift for those with a sweet tooth, it can be added to baked goods, poured over pancakes and pies.
Violets from Toulouse - flower petals in sugar, which are a delicious delicacy. This is the emblem of the city of the same name, so you can find violet jam and sweets on the shelves of confectionery shops.
Cicadas - this does not mean an insect, but keychains or magnets with its image. This is a symbol of the Cote d'Azur; here you can hear the wonderful singing of cicadas everywhere, but you can’t always see them with your own eyes.

France is rightfully considered one of the most attractive countries in Europe, which tourists from all over the world are sure to visit. The cultural capital of the country is Paris; its territory alone has countless historical and architectural monuments.
This is a country associated with Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Cannes Film Festival. The unique French wine has not been produced in rural vineyards for many years, but is produced in large factory batches, but this does not in the least affect its multifaceted, noble taste.

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