What I believe you should know.

I hope the below information will help you understand the French Culture and make your holiday more enjoyable..This advice is purely from my believed knowledge and experience of many years visiting France.

Suitcases/luggage locks - make sure your case has a suitable lock

Safety
Garde a vous. On guard. BE ADVISED! While safer from bodily harm than many
places, you must consider security of money, travellers' cheques, papers, passports, and other valuables at all times particularly when going out.
                             Some basic guidelines and precautions:-
.1. Be "on guard" in crowds. Pickpockets frequent tourist attractions; Cash machines can be magnet for thieves(particular after dark), museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels and beaches, trains, train stations, airports and subways - any place where there's a crowd or money is a likely place for theft, so just be aware of your surroundings.

2. Carry only necessary cash and credit cards. Cash machines are everywhere now in France, so you can readily access your cash through these. As at home you should keep a lookout for thieves, keep your car doors locked.BE ON GUARD for local teens on foot or motorbikes! Secure valuables spare cash, credit cards, and passports in your mobile or use the camp safety deposits. Only carry a copy of your passport with you.

3. Cash, cards, etc. are targets for pickpockets. Ladies are strongly advised NOT to carry handbags. If you must have a bag, then use a 'Bum bag' type something that can be hidden beneath your clothing.

4. Most important again if you travel by car keep your car doors locked at ALL TIMES. This is especially important when stopped at road junctions and in traffic queues. Young thieves often ride motor scooters and ride directly up behind a vehicle they mark as a "target." One will jump off and try the doors, or even try the doors whilst still on the scooter, then grab any loose packages or purses - which they will also do when walking along on the street. If locked, then they take off in a hurry. If someone stops to ask you a question, consider them VERY carefully before giving them your time. If appropriate...disregard them and continue on your way. Stay alert, keep all doors locked, ALL packages out of sight and in the boot. Thieves have been known to use pepper spray to surprise and distract you, before they snatch.

. I CAN ONLY WARN YOU TO KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED

Food for thought - if you harm them in ANY WAY, not only do you run the risk that you might be hurt; but there is a very good possibility that YOU might face assault charges.I have been told that local French law generally favours the perpetrators of these crimes. If you harm them, then THEY become the victims. "Victim's rights" as a general concept is relatively unheard of. so French law is widely regarded to favour and protect criminals and thieves over the rights of law-abiding citizens.

6. Loss or theft of passports should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest . embassy. As previous mentioned make a copy, so you will have all all the details to hand. Crime reports must always be obtained.

I am sure that we have all heard horror stories about the French: waiters who appear to ignore us or turn their noses up at us, Snooty Northern France where they refuse to give directions, or just French people in general who hate English. Respect their customs, the majority are outright friendly, helpful and kind,. They will go out of their way for you. Follow these basic rules;

Try to speak a little French, by saying "Bonjour! Parlez-vous anglais?" (pronounced bon-jouh, pah-lay voo ahn-glay) can work wonders. It means, "Hello. Do you speak English?" You often find that they speak perfect English in reply.. Learn a little about their culture and avoid misunderstandings. Think about this;' 'What if you were French and visiting England'..

!Public transport is excellent - cheap and generally user friendly. Think about it no parking problems, not forgetting parking charges, the numerous speed cameras appearing on tourist routes these days. The roads can be very busy in the height of the season. Bus fares between Nice and Cannes for example average less then 2 euros.
How about trying the local trains - similier prices to the buses but quicker. They operate many special offers which are worth looking into. Choose the Right Rail Pass check out rail prices    www.sncf.co.uk
Selecting the right rail pass or train fare can save you pounds/euros. There are many questions to ask yourself. Are you traveling alone? Just visiting France or venturing into other countries? Going to one city, and then taking day-trips to nearby towns? There are many subtle nuances that go into the decision. Find out How to Choose the Right Rail Pass based on your travel plans. check on www.gofrance.com
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