Country Information > France
France
- One of the 6 founder members of the EEC, precursor to the European Union
- Largest Western European country
- Capital = Paris
- Government = republic
- 90% Roman Catholic, 3% Muslim, 1% Jewish
- Official language French, English is understood in tourist areas
- French is also the official language of the Olympics and organisations such as the United Nations and the International Red Cross
- Currency = Euro (EUR)
- The air route from Paris to London is the busiest in the world
- Time = GMT + 1
Climate
France has four main types of climate ranging from Mediterranean in the South to cold snowy winters in the Pyrenees and Alps. Most of France enjoys hot summers. The North and North-west regions are generally cooler with rain being more frequent. The Rhone Valley areas experience the Mistral wind. This is a very strong cold wind which blows only when the sky is very clear. It can reach speeds of up to 100kph and can cause depression in those experiencing it. Healthcare In 2000 the World Health Organisation placed France as number one in the world in the provision of healthcare to her citizens.
UK citizens qualify for emergency medical treatment on the same terms as French nationals via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which replaced the E111 form in January 2006. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is available free of charge through most United Kingdom post offices or through the UK Department of Health via their website at: www.dh.gov.uk or by telephoning 0800 555 7777 and obtaining their leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers". You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. It is thus advisable to have travel insurance.
Visas/Documentation
British citizens do not need visas to enter France but must have a valid passport.
UK Driving Licences are accepted.
Address:
British Embassy 35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré 75383 Paris Cedex 08
Telephone:
- (33) 1 44 51 31 00
- (33) 1 49 55 73 00 British Council
Facsimile:
- (33) 1 44 51 32 88 Management
- (33) 1 44 51 34 01 Commercial
- (33) 1 44 51 32 34 Press & Communications
- (33) 1 44 51 34 85 Political/Economic
- (33) 1 44 51 34 40 Defence/Global Issues & Strategic Threats
- (33) 1 44 51 31 27 Consular
- (33) 1 44 51 31 28 Visa
- (33) 1 47 05 77 02 British Council
Email:
webmaster.paris@fco.gov.ukOffice Hours:
BST:Mon -Fri: 0830-1200 / 1330-1600