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Names: Basa, Krystel M. Section: TM1003Date:

FRANCE

FAST FACT

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Capital: Paris Demonym: French

Area: 632, 824 km2 of land 551, 695 km2 overseas territories

Language: French as official language

Religion: Main: Roman Catholic Currency: Euro (EUR)

Country Code/Dialing Code: +33 Time Zone: (CET) GMT +1 (CEST) GMT +2 (from the end of March to the end of October)

WEATHER PATTERNS/CLIMATE

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France will find climate patterns highly variable depending on location. North and northwestern France, the areas closest to the UK, experience

weather patterns that are very similar to their nearby British neighbor. Rain occurs throughout the year, winters are moderate, and summers are warm but not excessively hot.

Southwestern and Mediterranean France, have the most attractive weather patterns of the lot. Sunshine is plentiful, summers are hot and winters are mild. Rainfall is predominately associated with summer thunderstorms and they need only prepare themselves for the occasional cold wind (mistral) that blows for short periods during spring.

Central and eastern France claim a continental climate characterized by cold, even harsh, winters (more so than the North) and warm summers (not as warm as in the South). Snow is more likely to fall here than in other regions of France, except for the Alpine region.

The mountainous regions of France march to the beat of their own meteorological drum, but expect these areas to be the wettest and coldest of all (snow falls between three and six months of the year).

The best time to go to France is in the spring (Apr-June) or fall (Sept-Nov).

VISA REQUIREMENT

Philippine passport holders are required Schengen visa to visit France. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business. It is not valid for employment.

To apply for Schengen Visa, you must set an appointment with French embassy first by calling them. You cannot have an appointment more than 90 days in advance. Gather all the requirements, pay visa processing fee and wait for 30 days of processing.

Requirements:1. Signed and filled out Schengen Visa Application Form with photo attached,

plus 1 additional photo.Photo Specification:

Taken against a white background Clear and of good quality Printed on normal photographic paper 45 mm high x 35 mm wide in size Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or tinted

spectacles, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons. The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows) and the applicant should be facing forwarding, looking straight ahead.

2. Valid passport with 3 months validity from the end of visa duration. Photocopy of valid and former visas, if any.

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3. Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and detailed itinerary. If you don’t have this, you have to write one on the spot before they will accept your requirements.

4. Details of your trip  Round trip ticket reservation. Reservations only. Itinerary of the whole duration including departure and arrival dates. Accommodations – hotel vouchers.  If you’re staying with a good

friend who is a French resident/national, then you need them to provide you with something called Attestation d’accueil (Certificate of Board and Lodging) and your host’s national identity card or residence permit.

5. Proof of employment Certificate of employment stating monthly salary and approved leave of

absence. If self-employed, official business registration for current and previous

year.6. Proof of Income 

Income Tax Return Recent Bank Certification Photocopy of the last 3 months statement of Account of the same bank

account. If someone other than yourself is paying for the trip, then submit financial

document of the sponsor instead.7. Identity / Marital Status:

Photocopy of First page of Passport and all relevant obtained visas Authenticated birth certificate from NSO. If married, bring photocopy of

your marriage contract.8. Travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your intended stay with

minimum coverage EUR 30,000.

Visa processing fee: The visa-processing fee is EUR 60 (depending on the day’s exchange

rate: approximately Php 3,700).  Children ages between 6-11 years old pay EUR 35 (Php 2,150). Children under the age of 6 are free of charge. The fee is non-refundable even if application is unsuccessful. Payments are made at the Embassy/Consulate when submitting your application.

EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES

16th Floor Pacific Star BuildingCorner Sen. Gil Puyat Ext. and Makati Avenue1200 Makati City, Philippines

Telephone: +632 857 6900Fax: +632 857 6948Website: www.ambafrance-ph.orgEmail: chancellerie.ambafrance.manille@gmail.com

HOW TO GET THERE

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There are lots of international airports in France, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in Paris being the gateway and the 2nd largest airport in Europe. Air France is the flag carrier of France and has no direct flights from the Philippines. Some international airlines also fly to France like KLM Royal Dutch, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air.

Often times it involved stopover in another Asian country and a connection or switching planes.

There are no direct flights from Philippines to France but there are options such as:1. Via Emirates:

Manila (MNL) NAIA – Dubai (DXB) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

2. Via Cathay Pacific and Air France:MNL – Hong Kong (HKG) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

3. Via Gulf Air:Manila (MNL) – Bahrain (BAH) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

4. Via Singapore Airlines and Air France:Manila (MNL) – Singapore (SIN) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

5. Via Malaysia Airlines:Manila (MNL) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

6. Via Etihad Airways:Manila (MNL) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

7. Via Qatar Airways:Manila (MNL) – Doha (DOH) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

8. Via KLM:Manila (MNL) – Amsterdam (AMS) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

9. Via Air France:Manila (MNL) – Amsterdam (AMS) – Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

GETTING AROUND/LOCAL TRANSPORT

AIRPLANEMany large cities across have an international airport: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon,

Marseille, Nice, Strasbourg and Toulouse. These cities are also well served by domestic flights. Air France, the national airline, offers several flights per day between Paris and most large cities, the average flight time being one hour. Flights between provincial cities are also possible.TRAINS

Dense and highly centralized, the railway network is managed by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer). Coming from London, Eurostar is the most

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convenient means of transport. When transferring through Paris, it is important to know that your connecting train may depart from a different station. There are 5 main train stations in Paris (Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d'Austerlitz and Gare Montparnasse) each of which can be easily found on the Paris Métro or RER network.

COACHES, BUSESEurolines has a strong, developed network and cover all major European

capitals from Paris by coach. This company also has an extensive national network within France, covering 224 French destinations, offering another alternative for getting around in France.

TAXISTaxis are a common mode of transport in France, especially in the bigger

cities. Taxis can be found at marked taxi ranks, booked online, over the phone or simply hail one in the street. In order to determine if a taxi is available or not, you must refer to the alluminated white box situated on its roof: if it is lit red, then it's occupied; if it is lit green, then it's available.Here are some guidelines for when you can't hail a taxi:

If it is less than 50m from a taxi rank. If it is found in a bus lane. If it is already reserved (signal box is lit white)

BICYCLES, ROLLER AND SEGWAYThe city of Paris, just like many big cities in France, promotes the use of

green engines and two-wheeled vehicles, as well as extending the lanes for cyclists and roller-bladers. A large-scale public bicycle sharing system is set up in several cities like Paris and Nice in France.

FACTORS THAT MOTIVATE VISITORS

1. EIFFEL TOWERThe Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris and one of the top tourist attractions in France. The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel as the entrance arch for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889. Originally loathed by critics, the 320-meter-high tower is now a beloved and irreplaceable fixture of the Paris skyline. The structure's unique gracefulness has earned it the nickname of "Iron Lady." Visitors are impressed by the tower's monumental size and the breathtaking panoramas at each of the three levels. Tourists can dine with a view at the first level or indulge at the Michelin-starred Jules Vernes restaurant on the second level. At the exhilarating height of 276 meters, the top level offers a sweeping outlook over the city of Paris and beyond-extending as far as 70 kilometers on a clear day. Since its construction more than 200,000,000 people have visited the Eiffel Tower making it the most visited paid tourist attraction in the world.

2. MUSEE DE LOUVREIn the former royal palace of French Kings, the Louvre is an incomparable museum that ranks among the top European collections of fine arts. Many of

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Western Civilization's most famous works are found here including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the 1st-century-BC Venus de Milo sculpture. The collection owes its wealth to the contributions of various kings who lived in the Louvre. Other pieces were added as a result of France's treaties with the Vatican and the Republic of Venice, and from the spoils of Napoléon I. The Louvre has an astounding collection of 30,000 artworks, including countless masterpieces.

3. CHAMONIXChamonix is a famous ski resort in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc. It was the site of the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. In winter world-class skiers and boarders push themselves to extremes on Europe’s most challenging slopes while in the summer months Chamonix is a mecca for alpine mountaineers and mountain bikers.

4. PALACE OF VERSAILLESBuilt in 1624 by Louis XIII, the Palace of Versailles remained the official residence of the Kings of France until October 1789 when the royal family was forced to return to Paris during the French Revolution.

5. MONT SAINT MICHELA medieval town perched atop an imposing rocky outcrop in Normandy. It contains a stunning Romanesque Abbey, medieval church and historic battlements. This "Pyramid of the Seas" is a mystical sight, perched on a rocky islet and surrounded by walls and bastions. At high tide, Mont-Saint-Michel is an island. At low tide, it is possible to walk across the sand to the Mont.

6. GORGE DU VERDONThe Gorge du Verdon is a 25 kilometer (15 miles) long canyon and rises a spectacular 700 meters (2,300 feet) from the Verdon River below. The river, which is named after its startling green emerald color, is one of the Gorge du Verdon’s most beautiful features. Water sport opportunities here include rafting, kayaking, sailing and water skiing.

7. CHATEAU DE CHAMBORDThis second most visited château in France (after Versailles), is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. Construction of the Chateau de Chambord started in 1519 by King François I so he could hunt in the nearby forests.

8. PALAIS DES PAPESOne of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in the world, the Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace) was built when Pope Clement V abandoned Rome in 1309 and settled in Avignon. The 3 meter (10 feet) thick walls, portcullises and watchtowers emphasize the castle-like look of the palace.

9. DUNE OF PYLALocated in the Arcachon Bay area, the Dune of Pyla is the tallest sand dune in Europe. At the summit of the dune the view is spectacular with the Atlantic coast and the inlet of the bay on one side and a large pine forest on another.

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10. CHARTRES CATHEDRALThe almost perfectly preserved Chartres Cathedral in the city of Chartres is one of the finest examples of the French High Gothic style. The majority of the original stained glass windows survive intact, while the architecture has seen only minor changes since the early 13th century. From April through October, Chartres puts on a spectacular light show illuminating the cathedral at night.

11. CHEESEIn France, cheese is one of the highlights of French cuisine and is part of people’s everyday diet. France is a rather large country and was for centuries, an agricultural one.  Raising cows, sheep, and goats allowed people to collect milk and use it not only fresh, but also transformed and preserved as cheese. As meat was a rarity, cheese was a source of food and proteins, and a staple of everyday food.  The variety of recipes and methods gave a very wide variety of cheeses, some already recorded under Roman rule.  To this day in French families eating cheese is unquestionable in a "good" menu.

- soft cheese with a surface mold (Brie, Camembert) - soft cheese with a washed rind (Maroilles, Epoisses, Reblochon) - soft cheese with a natural rind (Saint-Marcellin, most goat cheese

Crottins) - blue cheese (Roquefort, Bleu d'Auvergne) - unheated pressed cheese (Cantal, Morbier) - heated pressed cheese (Beaufort, Emmental)

12. WINESFrance is the place to find the most suitable wine for every palate - from white to rose, and red to champagne. France has historically produced some of the finest vintages around, and its regions have lent their names to some of the world's most famous grapes.

13. BAGUETTEA long skinny loaf of French bread that is served with the entrée and will stay on the table until dessert. No French meal is complete without it. France runs on baguettes.

14. BOUILLABAISSEBouillabaisse is a classic French dish from southern France, in particular, of the port town Marseille. It requires many different varieties of fish, and the fish should be very fresh. It is also combined with other seafood.

15. CANNES FILM FESTIVALEvery year in the month of May, showbiz stars from across the world descend on the Southern French town of Cannes to celebrate le Festival de Cannes or Cannes Film Festival. Films are promoted and screened throughout the festival, with some of the best vying for the esteemed Palm d’Or. The glamorous invitation only parties see models, celebrities and the rich-and-famous come together. Cannes attracts large tourist hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite

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movie stars. The demand for accommodation in the town also peaks during this time of the year.

16. BASTILLE DAYBastille Day is celebrated on July14 each year commemorating the storming of Bastille. The firework displays at the Eiffel tower, which light up the night sky, is one of its biggest attractions. A huge dance party with accordion music and brass bands is held in the Place de la Bastille. A military parade at the Champs-Elysées is one of the largest in the world, with people lining the streets to watch the procession goes by. The celebrations at Paris are mimicked on a smaller scale in other French cities. Tourists to France often plan their holidays during Bastille Day time to join the celebrations with the French people.

CULTURAL PATTERNS

1. If you are invited for dinner: don't come too early, don't eat too much of the first course, try everything and avoid leaving food on your plate, speak lightly (and avoid talking about money and religion), don't say "Bon appêtit" (it has become a little ridiculous), don't bore people with your "allergies" (it is very rude not to eat what is served)

2. Do master a few key phrases in French. Learn to say hello (bonjour), good-bye (au revoir), please (s’il vous plait), thank you (merci) and excuse me (pardon).

3. Do greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff. When entering a store or restaurant, always say “Bonjour Madame” or “Bonjour Monsieur.” Don’t just barge in and ask for information.

4. Do obey driving regulations. French police are very vigilant. Always fasten your seat belt. Carry passport or identity papers with you. Obey the speed limits. Familiarize yourself with road signs.

5. Be sure to buy a ticket before boarding the bus. The fines are hefty if you’re caught without a ticket.

6. Don’t talk loudly in restaurants. The atmosphere in French restaurants is usually subdued. Foreigners who are boisterous and talk in loud voices are offensive.

7. Don’t be intrusive.8. Don’t expect 24-hour shopping.9. Do break your bread into tiny pieces instead of biting into the whole piece of

bread.10. Do get ready to pay for everything in Paris, even using the toilettes in the bar

will cost you.11. Do not present red carnations to your friends as this flower is believed to

symbolize bad will in France.12. Never ask for a “doggy bag”.13. Don’t complain about how long it takes to get your cafe order.14. Don’t wear shorts.15. Order multiple courses.