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France

Savvy Tips

• France ­ and particularly Paris ­ is notoriously expensive but there are many free sites including marketplaces, parks, cathedrals and nature reserves. Most museums have days when admission is free or reduced. Visit the Louvre after 3pm and your ticket will be 40 per cent cheaper for example ­ if you can plan your trip for the first Sunday of the month it’s completely free!

• Going for the fixed price menu in a restaurant will have a huge impact on the price and should give you the chance to sample a good variety of the local cuisine.

• Tipping is not expected in most places as French law requires restaurants, cafes and hotels to add a service charge of between 10% to 15% to all bills. In a restaurant, most people will leave a few Euros but it’s certainly not expected in bars or cafes where you have only had a drink.

• Keep your eye out for free or cheap listings magazines, such as Periscope or Paris Voice which will give details of free concerts, galleries and art exhibitions as well as details of the hottest clubs and bars.

• Even the South of France offers free activities ­ from the panoramic view from the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseille to the sun, sea and sand of the beaches.

Money Matters

• The euro has been the official French currency since 2002 ­ any notes and coins left over after a trip can be used in the other 10 countries in the Eurozone or indeed in many shops in Britain.

• Travellers’ cheques are a popular choice for people visiting France as banks offer a better rate for them than cash. ATMs are also widespread ­ in France they are known as distributeurs automatiques de billets (BABs). Credit cards are also widely accepted.

• Our research found the French Riviera was the most expensive of all the places we looked at. A glass of beer will set you back an average of £3.77 compared to a European average of £2.15. A ham and cheese sandwich in a local café will costs £2.39 compared to £1.03 in Portugal.

• Prices often go up in July and August so it is best to avoid visiting then if you can help it. Remember it is cheaper to drink at the bar than at a table and that unless you ask for eau robinet (tap water) you’ll always be served mineral water in a restaurant. It is also best to fill up at lunch time with the price fixe lunch menus ­ as dinner is always more expensive.

Savvy French Dictionary

Yes
Oui

It’s too expensive for me
C’est trop cher pour moi

No
Non

Do you accept credit cards?
Est-ce que je peux payer avec ma carte de credit

Thanks
Merci

Cheap
Bon marche

I’d like
Je voudrais

Where can I find a cheap hotel?
Ou est-ce que je peux trouver un hotel bon marche?

How much is it?
C’est combien?

I’m just looking
Je ne fais que regarder