Did you know…

10 things about France

If you are heading to France for a holiday, here are 10 things that you might not already know:

1. Most museums in France are closed on Mondays but the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

2. When driving a car in France, it is compulsory to carry a fluorescent safety vest in the glove box and safety triangles in the boot.

3. The French love their dogs and it’s quite common to see dogs in restaurants and on trains.

4. Contrary to popular belief, generally the French are very polite and obliging.

5. The French train service is excellent and is the preferred method of travel for most French people.

6. Most shops in towns and villages are closed for lunch from around midday until 2pm or 2.30pm – this includes food shops like bakeries, supermarkets, etc. Make sure you shop before midday or you might go hungry at lunchtime!

7. The traditional French breakfast includes one staple – the baguette – and the boulangerie (bakery) is a great place to meet the locals each morning as they ALWAYS buy their baguette fresh each morning.

8. The Pont Neuf (‘New Bridge’) is actually the oldest bridge in Paris!

9. Most of France’s beautifully manicured parks and gardens have vast lawn areas, but beware! The lawn is for looking at only and not to be walked on.

10. The French are very appreciative of you attempting to speak even a few words of French. They are very patriotic when it comes to their mother tongue and English is spoken far less than it is in many other European countries.

By Carolyn Schonafinger of Holidaystoeurope.com.au