I - How to make your Hotel Reservation in France via WWW and E-mail (+)
II - Arriving in Paris and how to get to your Hotel
III - General information for students and teachers
IV - Helpful hints and practical pointers
1 - Public Holidays
2 - Voltage
3 - Lost property
4 - Conversion Tables
5 - How to make a phone call
6 - Rent a car
7 - Duty free shopping
8 - Learning some French online (free)
V - Transportation
1 - Transportation in Paris
2 - Taxis in Paris
3 - Airports in France
4 - Rail Transportation
VI - Useful phone numbers
VII - List of some Ambassies
VIII - Some Cultural and Musical and other events in Paris in the next 2 weeks (+)
* All phone numbers are specified for local calls just dial the code 33
for france, 1 for paris then number to reach your correspondant.
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I - How to make your Hotel Reservation in France via WWW and E-mail (+)
At the French Travel Gallery & Hotel Reservation Center you will find :
The Hotel Reservation Center at : ( http://www.bonjour.com/wta/center.html )
& The Hotels in France Index with search engine
at : ( http://www.bonjour.com/wta/hotel/index.html )
You will also find on this web site The French Travel Mall, various
and useful informations and links on France.
The "French Travel Gallery Club" is a low traffic mailing list to keep up with what's new on the web & tourism in France, hotels, French official tourist or remarkable amateur web sites as well as syntheses about major cultural, musical and other events in France.
To subscribe go http://www.bonjour.com/wta/subscrib.html
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II - Arriving in Paris and how to get to your Hotel
You are now north-east of Paris if you landed at Charles de Gaulle
Roissy Airport, south-east if you arrived at Orly Airport.
There are different ways to get into the city, but first, check if you
have change in French Francs with you, if not, get some inside the
Airport terminal.
Now you can take a cab, waiting in line outside of the main entrance
of each terminal. The cost will be 120 to 250 Francs according to
destination, time and traffic conditions. Tip is minimum 10 %.
There also buses that can take you to Paris (not at your hotel), check
inside in Airport terminal.
For Limousine service, you will find a "Voiture de Classe" waiting
outside (written on the windscreen). Be sure to ask for the price to
avoid any misunderstanding.
Checking into your hotel :
During the busy season and because of the late check out time, if you
arrived in Paris in the early morning, you might have to wait to check
in. The check out time is usually at noon, so your room may not be
ready yet. Just mention "politely" to the receptionist how tired you
feel and your room should be ready shortly.
But if you have enough energy to stay up a few hours more, then leave
your luggage at the hotel, go to a "Cafe" or "Brasserie" nearby and
enjoy your first day in Paris with a nice breakfast.
Then...goodnight !
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III - GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
Sorbonne International Relations Office
17, rue de la Sorbonne, 75005 Paris
Ph: 40.46.28.95 fax : 43.25.74.71
Centre d'Information et de Documentation Jeunesse
101, quai Branly, 75740 Paris Cedex 15
Ph: 44.49.12.00 fax: 40.65.02.61
Alliance Francaise
101 Boulevard Raspail, 75270 Paris Cedex 06
Ph: 45.44.38.28 fax: 45.44.89.42
French Cultural and Linguistic Attaches within the French Embassies
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IV - HELPFUL HINTS AND PRACTICAL POINTERS
1 - PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The major public holidays in France are :
January 1st, Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension thrusday, May 1st (labor
Day), May 8th (end of World War II), Whit Monday, July 14th (bastille
day), August 15th, November 1st, November 11th and Christmas.
On those days, banks, shops and almost everything else will be closed.
Make sure you have enough money and while riding in the country side a
full tank of gas.
2- VOLTAGE
Most of France has switched to 220-230 volts AC, although a few parts
may still run on 110-115volts. Current alternates at 50 cycles, not the
60 in use in the United States of America.
If you are bringing shavers, travel irons, hair dryers or whatever,
take along a voltage transformer. Remember the outlet prongs are
shapped differently also.
3- LOST PROPERTY
If property is lost in a subway or bus, go immediatly to the terminal
point of one or the other, and you may find it there.
Otherwise, 48 hours later, call :
The Lost and Found Office
Prefecture de Police
Bureau des Objets trouves
36, rue des morillons 75015 Paris, ph : 45.31.14.80;, Metro: Convention
Open daily, except Saturdays, Sundays and vacations, 8:30 am to 5:00
pm.Tuesdays and Thrusdays till 8:00 pm.
Anything lost will be returned to this office. It is wise to report to
the district Commissariat de Police if you know exactly where you lost
the item in question. If found you will be required to pay 4% of the
item's value for the service. Lost property is held for one year and
one day.
4- Conversion Tables
at ( http://www.bonjour.com/wta/France/france_3.html )
5 - How to make a phone call
To call abroad from France first dial 19, wait for the tone, then the
country's code then the phone number.
To call Paris from a region of France, dial 16, wait for the tone, and
then dial 1, followed by your 8 figure number.
To call a region from Paris, dial 16, wait for the tone, followed by
your number of 8 figures.
To call a region from another region just dial direct the 8 figure
number.
Some Rates :
USA/CANADA - 5.84 Francs per minute
JAPAN/AUSTRALIA - 11.55 Francs per minute
UK/NETHERLANDS - 3.65 Francs per minute
(To avoid any misunderstanding ask for the rate of Tax on phone calls
at the reception desk of your Hotel).
6 - Rent a Car
First, let's take a look at some important information about renting
a car in France.
Rates include maintenance and oil. Special conditions for "rent it
here, leave it there". Unlimited public liability and property
insurance and comprehensive coverage against loss of the vehicle by
fire and theft. The renter is responsible for collision damage to the
rented vehicle up to a certain limit according to car categories.
You may get an optional insurance for any collision of the renter's
responsability for an additional daily charge.
Gazoline is not included in the rates. The price may vary slightly by
region. The renter must be in possession of a valid drinving licence
for at least one year. Minimum age is 23 years old and 21 for credit
card holders.
For any rental in France, you can ask for a reservation at the
reception desk of your hotel or contact the central reservation
of a car rental company.
7 - Duty free shopping
IMPORTANT: On August 1st 1995, the VAT went up from 18.6% to 20,6 %.
Visitor to France may have the French value added tax deducted from
goods bought in the country. In France, VAT is called "taxe à la
valeur ajoutee" TVA, it goes up to 20.6% or 22%. Note that not all
shops apply the duty free sales system.
Who benefits from the duty free sales ?
any person, 15 years old and over who is resident abroad when
purchasing the goods and travelling through France for less than six
months. At the time of purchase you must be able, as a foreigner, to
prove your identity. These facilities do not apply to embassy staff
and similar categories, students and trainees, immigrant workers who
are resident in France.
Everything can bought duty-free except foods either solid or liquid,
tobacco, medecines, fire arms (however, smooth bore shotguns and range
rifles, firing guns and small hand guns may be bought duty free),
works of art, collector's items and antiques. Nevertheless, you may
buy tax-free contemporary works of art in certain cases. Information
is available from "the Comite Professionnel des Galeries d'Art"
located 83, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré in the 8th district, phone
number is 42.66.66.62.
Also private means of transport, cars, boats, planes and the
corresponding spares and equipment. However, car radios and cassette
players as well as sports articles such as bicycles, sailing and
surfing boards, may be bought free of tax.
Finally purchases of a commercial nature such as those made in large
amounts.
You can claim duty-free allowances at the time of purchase, the
assistant will give you an export sales invoice, "bordereau" in
French, made up of three pages, which you sign and have validated.
The purchases, inclusive of tax, from any single store must, at least
amount to 4 200 Francs per item either single or made up of differents
parts if you are resident in the E.E.C, 2 000 Francs whatever the
amount if you are resident in any other country.
8 - Learning some French online for Free (+)
You will now be able to learn some French for Travel for free,
what you need is only Realaudio player that you'll be able to download.
Now it's up to you, Bon courage !!!
http://www.bonjour.com/wta/french.html
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V - Transportation
1 - Transportation in Paris
The different metro lines have numbers and are identified by their
numbers and by the name of their terminals. There is now only one
class of carriage in the metro but still two in the RER. The Regional
express, metro lines called RER are identified by a letter.
The metro and RER runs from 5:30 am to 12:30 am approximatively.
Buses run from 6:30 am and the last bus usually leaves the terminal
between 8:30 and 9:30 pm. A few lines run until half past midnight.
This is indicated at the bus stops.
There are also some night bus routes linking "Chatelet" to the main
gates of the city of Paris and vice versa between 1:00 to 5:00 am
every hour.
They are called "Noctambus" and the lines are indicated with letters
instead of numbers for day-buses.
In "Montmartre" district, there is a special bus called
Montmartrobus" (line64). It cost is the same as for other buses.
You can buy tickets by the unit from the bus driver on the us. The
tickets books are sold at subway stations, at some bus terminals and
by registered retailers like some tabacco shops and bookshops.
Remenber, you need only one ticket to use the metro but you may need
several tickets on buses depending on the number of sections you run.
In paris you will need 1 to maximum 2 tickets.
The "Montmartre" Cable railway takes you up to the "Sacre Coeur" with
the same ticket as the metro or buses, this ticket is sold by the unit
or can be taken out from a ten ticket booklet.
PARIS VISITE PASS : visit and go around Paris with Paris Visite Pass
that gives you the right to an unlimited number of trips on all types
of Parisian transport,(metro, RER suburban trains, Ile de France SNCF
trains, Trams...) and you can even save up to 35 % on the price of some
sites. It costs from 70 to 315 FrF depending of number of days (2,3 or
5) and zones(3 or 5). On sale at main metro station, RER and SNCF
stations, Paris Tourist Office and at Orly or Roissy CDG Airports and
at ( http://www.bonjour.com/wta/mall.html )
ROISSYBUS :The direct shuttle between Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport
in 45 minute, on average. Departure every 15 minutes from Charles de
Gaulle airport (1,2 and T9) and Opera (rue Scribe 9th dist.).
On sale (40 FrF) on board.
ORLYBUS : The direct shuttle between Paris Denfert-Rochereau (14th
dist.) and Orly Airport in 30 minute, on average. Departure every 13
minutes from Orly West, Orly South and Denfert Rochereau.
On sale (30 FrF) on board.
ORLYVAL : With a single ticket, ORLYVAL system gives you direct access
from Orly Airport to the Paris public transport Network.
Frequent departure from Orly West and South. It's always the same and
respected time of travel, for example Arc de Triomphe/Orly : 38 minutes
or Chatelet/Orly : 30 minutes.
Don't forget to keep you ticket for inspection as well as the map of
Paris with all subway lines indicated at the entry of each station and
on each platform.
******
Watch out for pick-pockets and hold on tight to your purse anywhere in Paris !
******
For further information on the Paris transportation Services call from
6:00 am to 9:00 pm 43.46.14.14 and ask for an English speaking person.
If you need an itinerary with the metro in Paris
you can get it at : (http://metro.jussieu.fr:10001/bin/select/english/france/paris)
2 - Taxis in Paris
Taxis stands are generally located at streets corners, outside raiway
stations or official buildings and of course at air terminal airports.
They can be hailed in the streets. Fares increase at night and early
in the morning.
They take no more than 3 passengers exceptionnaly 4, and have limited
space for luggage (European cars!). Fares between airports and Paris
are about 120 to 250 Francs according to destination, time and traffic
conditions. Tip is minimum 10 %.
For your information there are three rates :
There is always a minimum amount of charge and different rates :
The rate with the letter A is charged for inside Paris
from 7:00 am till 7:00 pm.
The rate B inside Paris from 7:00 pm till 7:00 am,
and rate B all day sundays and holidays.
The rate C is valid only at night in the surburbs, and during the day
in "Haut de Seine, Seine St Denis and Val de Marne" departments when
the taxi doesn't come back with the client. Additional charges at
stations, for luggage and animals.
To put in a claim, write to the Prefecture de Police, Service Taxis,
36 rue des morillons 75732 Paris Cedex 15 (don't forget to mention the
licence plate, date and time).
As in New York and every big city, cab drivers are a little bit rude
most of the time (some are exceptional!). Don't pay attention to them
just enjoy your ride in the city !
3 - Airports in France
- PARIS - Orly Airport (South and West) ph : 49.75.15.15 (14 km south)
- PARIS - Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport ph : 48.62.22.80.(25 km N/E)
- AJACCIO , Campo dell'oro Airport (8 km S/E)
- AVIGNON , Caumont Airport (8 km S/E)
- BASTIA , Poretta Airport (25 km south)
- BEZIERS , Vias Cap d'Agde (15 km East from Beziers and 10 km from Agde)
- BIARRITZ , Bayonne-Anglet Airport (3 km N/E)
- BORDEAUX , Merignac Airport (12 km west)
- BREST , Guipavas Airport (11 km east)
- CALVI , Sainte Catherine Airport (7 km S/E)
- CLERMONT-FERRAND , Aulnat Airport (7 km east)
- GRENOBLE , Saint-Geoirs Airport (39 km N/W)
- LILLE , Lesquin Airport (8 km south)
- LIMOGES , Bellegarde Airport (10 km west)
- LORIENT , Lann-Bihoue Airport (8 km west)
- LOURDES-TARBES , Ossun (10 km north from Lourdes, 7 km south Tarbes)
- LYON , Satolas Airport (25 km east)
- MARSEILLE , Provence Airport (30 km N/W)
- MONTPELLIER , Mediterranee Airport(8 km S/E)
- MULHOUSE , Mulhouse-Bale Airport (25 km S/E)
- NANTES , Atlantique Airport (10 km south)
- NICE , Cote d'Azur Airport (6 km west)
- NIMES , Arles-Camargue Airport (8 km south)
- PAU , Pyrenees Airport (13 km N/W)
- PERPIGNAN , Rivesaltes Airport (7 km N/W)
- QUIMPER , Pluguffan Airport (8 km west)
- RENNES , Saint-Jacques Airport (7 km south)
- SAINT ETIENNE , Boutheon Airport (15 km north)
- STRASBOURG , Entzheim Airport (15 km S/W)
- TOULON-HYERES , Le Palyvestre (21 km east Toulon, 6 km north Hyeres)
- TOULOUSE , Blagnac Airport (10 km west)
4 - Rail Transportation
Long-distance train services in France are operated by the SNCF;
most "regional" trains are operated by SNCF on behalf of regional
authorities according to DIFFERENT rules, tariffs etc. Details of regional train
services are not widely available outside France (Info on Minitel "3615 TER"). For
info on public transport in the Paris area, consult http://www.ratp.fr/ or
Minitel "3615 RATP".
Applicable to travel wholly on SNCF network (summary only - check if in
doubt): Info + Reservations via Minitel "3615 SNCF" or phone: +33.1.45.82.50.50.
No Web service in Europe at present.
Tarif went up on January 31st ! (+)
Basic non-TGV 2nd class fares depend on the distance by rail as follows:
(rounded up to a whole number of French francs, plus any terminal charge)
Distance constant + NEW price per km
< 8 km 6.45 + 0.2586
9 - 39 2.37 + 0.8840
40 - 79 12.41 + 0.6336
80 - 149 17.47 + 0.5838
150 - 249 29.97 + 0.5001
250 - 389 43.24 + 0.4471
380 - 599 60.39 + 0.4033
600 - 899 83.19 + 0.3654
900 - 1299 111.76 + 0.3338
> 1300 km 142.49 + 0.3098
First class non-TGV fares are approx. 50% higher, except during
July and August when a flat extra charge of 50 FRF is made. (Non-TGV
first-class coaches have a yellow stripe just below roof level);
TGV fares (including the compulsory reservation, which can be made up to the
scheduled departure time) are on a separate scale for each route.
E.g. Paris - Lille, 258 km, 2nd class: non-TGV 179 FRF, TGV 211 FRF.
Various discounts are available for advance purchase (Joker) etc.
50% discount for children over 4 and under 12 years old.
50% discount on 2nd class fare for pet animals (29 FRF in a basket/cage)
Any discount does NOT apply to the following charges
(payable also by pass-holders where applicable):
Seat reservation fee (included in published TGV fares): 19 FRF
Couchette (bunk in compartment with 6 sleeping-berths) res/supplement: 89 FRF
