Page 196 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

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NEED TO Climate

KNOW

CURRENCY Brittany & Normandy # # Paris
GO May & Jun
GO Apr–Sep
Euro (€)
LANGUAGE
French

VISAS
Generally not required for # French Alps
stays of up to 90 days (or GO late Dec–early Apr (skiing)
at all for EU nationals); or Jun & Jul (hiking)
some nationalities need a French Riviera
Schengen visa. GO Apr–Jun, Sep & Oct #
Warm to hot summers, mild winters Corsica #
FUEL Warm to hot summers, cold winters GO Apr–Jun, Sep & Oct
Petrol stations are common Mild year-round
around main towns and Mild summers, cold winters
Alpine climate
larger towns. Unleaded
costs around €1.28 per litre;
gazole (diesel) is usually at
least €0.15 cheaper. When to Go
High Season (Jul & Aug)
RENTAL CARS » Queues at big sights and on the road, especially August.
ADA (www.ada.fr) » Christmas, New Year and Easter equally busy.
Auto Europe (www. » Late December to March is high season in Alpine ski resorts.
autoeurope.com)
» Book accommodation and tables in the best restaurants well
Avis (www.avis.com) in advance.
Europcar (www.europcar.
com) Shoulder (Apr–Jun & Sep)
Hertz (www.hertz.com) » Accommodation rates drop in southern France and other hot
spots.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS » Spring brings warm weather, flowers and local produce.
Ambulance (SAMU) %15 » The vendange (grape harvest) is reason to visit in autumn.
Police %17 Low Season (Oct–Mar)
Fire %18 » Prices up to 50% lower than high season.
Europe-wide emergency » Sights, attractions and restaurants open fewer days and
%112 shorter hours.
» Hotels and restaurants in quieter rural regions (such as the
Dordogne) are closed.

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