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Things to remember

Learn some lingo
Try learning a bit of French when travelling to France. A little bit will go along way – it will be seen as polite, and will be appreciated. It may also come in really handy. If you head out of major cities, it is likely that people will speak little or no English.

Think about when you drive
France is notorious for traffic building up on certain days during the year. The first day of the school holidays, for example, is usually a day when lots of French people decide to go away.

Prepare for the tolls
Most major motorways are toll roads, so be ready to pay these and figure out how much the charges may add to your trip.

Opening hours
Most shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays. This will vary a bit depending on the season and the area, but the general rule of thumb is get what you need on a Saturday. Many cultural sites are shut on some weekdays too (often Tuesdays) so always check before you just turn up somewhere.

Restaurants
These will also often shut during the middle of the day, so don’t bank on a late lunch. Look for a ‘non-stop’ sign in the window if you really want to work around France’s schedule. This means the restaurant won’t close. Our advice? Embrace the quiet. Use 12- 3pm as a time to chill out and recuperate before the cities get lively again.

Tipping
Tipping is not required in France, however that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Restaurant bills will include service (service compris) so there is no need to go overboard unless you feel strongly that the experience was exceptional. However, it’s good to acknowledge good wait staff, as is the custom in most countries.

Gastronomy

One of the top three countries in the race for most Michelin stars, France knows how to do food.

Cheese and wine
When it comes to cheese, you can tour the country sampling each province’s offerings. Taste the powerful characteristics of Roquefort in the South and the warm and chewy nature of Camembert in the North.

Whether you prefer the crisp grapefruity flavours in a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, or the rich and mellow tones of a Pinot Noir, you will find cellar and vineyard tours across France’s spectacular regions.

Region by region

Provence
Marseille’s bouillabaisse is a classic French dish. A tomato-based broth filled to the brim with chunky, fresh seafood. Ratatouille is also a local specialty.

Gascony
Duck confit. The technique of cooking and preserving duck in fat was originally invented to sustain people through the winter, but it was so delicious that it’s remained one of France’s most prominent dishes.

Brittany
It’s a toss up as to whether crepes are the most famous food from Brittany, or moules mariniere. Both of them are not to be missed.

Auvergne
This mountainous region of France grows lots of fruit and vegetables, including blueberries. Tarte aux Myrtilles is an irresistible blueberry pie which comes from these beautiful hills.

Picardy
The leek-filled quiche, Flamiche aux Poireaux, is a specialty from Picardy.