Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
Names: Basa, Krystel M.

Section: TM1003
Date:
FRANCE

FAST FACT
Flag

Capital: Paris
Area: 632, 824
551, 695

Demonym: French

km 2 of land

Language: French as official language

km 2 overseas

territories
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)

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
WEATHER PATTERNS/CLIMATE
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.

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
2. Valid passport with 3 months validity from the end of visa duration.
Photocopy of valid and former visas, if any.
3. Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and detailed itinerary. If you
dont 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 youre staying with a good
friend who is a French resident/national, then you need them to provide
you with something called Attestation daccueil (Certificate of Board and
Lodging) and your hosts 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 days 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 Building
Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Ext. and Makati Avenue
1200 Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: +632 857 6900
Fax: +632 857 6948

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
Website: www.ambafrance-ph.org
Email: chancellerie.ambafrance.manille@gmail.com
HOW TO GET THERE
There are lots of international airports in France, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in Paris
being the gateway and the 2 nd 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
AIRPLANE
Many 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

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
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
(Socit Nationale des Chemins de Fer). Coming from London, Eurostar is the most
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
Mtro or RER network.

COACHES, BUSES
Eurolines 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.

TAXIS
Taxis 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 SEGWAY

The 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

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
1. EIFFEL TOWER
The 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 320meter-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 LOUVRE
In 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
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 Napolon I. The Louvre has an astounding collection of 30,000
artworks, including countless masterpieces.
3. CHAMONIX
Chamonix 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 Europes most challenging
slopes while in the summer months Chamonix is a mecca for alpine
mountaineers and mountain bikers.
4. PALACE OF VERSAILLES
Built 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 MICHEL
A 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 VERDON
The 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
Verdons most beautiful features. Water sport opportunities here include rafting,
kayaking, sailing and water skiing.

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
7. CHATEAU DE CHAMBORD
This second most visited chteau in France (after Versailles), is a masterpiece of
the French Renaissance. Construction of the Chateau de Chambord started in
1519 by King Franois I so he could hunt in the nearby forests.
8. PALAIS DES PAPES
One of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in the world, the Palais
des Papes (Popes 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 PYLA
Located 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.
10.
CHARTRES CATHEDRAL
The 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.
CHEESE
In France, cheese is one of the highlights of French cuisine and is part of peoples
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.
WINES
France 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.

BAGUETTE

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
A long skinny loaf of French bread that is served with the entre and will stay on
the table until dessert. No French meal is complete without it. France runs on
baguettes.
14.
BOUILLABAISSE
Bouillabaisse 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 FESTIVAL
Every 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 dOr. 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
movie stars. The demand for accommodation in the town also peaks during this
time of the year.
16.
BASTILLE DAY
Bastille 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 ChampsElyses 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 apptit" (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 (sil 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. Dont 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 youre
caught without a ticket.
6. Dont talk loudly in restaurants. The atmosphere in French restaurants is usually
subdued. Foreigners who are boisterous and talk in loud voices are offensive.

Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management

World Tourism
7. Dont be intrusive.
8. Dont 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.
Dont complain about how long it takes to get your cafe order.
14.
Dont wear shorts.
15.
Order multiple courses.