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France
There’s much more to France than Paris – from the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley to the lavender fields of Provence and the French Riviera’s celebrity-studded beaches. World-famous gastronomy and fine wines provide the perfect complement to the country’s alpine views and architectural masterpieces.
Come experience the ‘oh-la-la’ country of Western Europe with Karana Travel!
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Classic France
Explore Paris, charming villages, historic châteaux, and renowned wine regions on a timeless Classic France Tour. Art, culture, and cuisine await.
FROM USD 1,000 PER PAX
France Live Weather Forecast (7 Days)
Capital
Paris
Area
547,557 km²
Population
65,702,654 million
Geographic Location
Located in Western Europe bathed in the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, France is bordered in the south by Spain, to the southeast by Italy, to the east by Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg, to the north by Belgium.
Jet Lag
In winter, the time difference between Asia and France is 6/7 hours (from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
In summer, the time difference between Asia and France is 5/6 hours (from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Climate
Although a temperate country, France has different climates:
- oceanic on the western and northern coasts
- transitional in Paris and the north-central region
- semi-continental in the eastern region
- Mediterranean in the southern coastal region.
In addition, there are mountainous areas, with a colder climate depending on altitude.
Language & Culture
Language
France considers French as a national and official language.
However, the linguistic reality is much more complex because the country has nearly 100 so-called regional languages according to the official terminology, including around twenty on French territory (the majority of these languages are therefore spoken in the overseas departments and regions).
Religion
Since the 1905 law on the separation of Church and State, France has experienced great religious diversity.
In addition to the four religions recognized in 1905 (Catholicism, Reformed, Lutheran Protestantism and Judaism), France welcomes geographically and historically new religions.
Thus, Islam, Buddhism, or even Orthodoxy now has their place in the French religious landscape. France is the European country with the largest number of Muslims, Jews and Buddhists.
Visa Requirement
To find out if your nationality requires a visa to enter France (a member state of the European Union), please inquire at the French Embassy in your home country.
Useful Info
Currency Converter USD/EUR: Tue, 15 Oct.
When To Travel
In France, the best time to travel is from April to June and from September to November. Avoid visiting France when tourists flock in the sweltering heat of summer. Travelling outside the French school holiday periods will allow you to take advantage of less crowds, lower prices and more pleasant temperatures.
Health Tips
Before leaving, remember to check the health measures required and recommendations in your country of destination. You will find this information on the website of the Embassies of the countries concerned.
Covid
The global health situation is changing. In any case, before leaving on a trip, it is important to check about the conditions of mobility on the website of the Embassies of the countries concerned.
Miscellaneous
Western (European) culture is very different from Asian culture. Please refer to the transcultural page.
Currency
The euro is the currency in circulation.
Electricity
Please bring a universal adapter.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance before leaving your country.
Western Vs Asian Culture: Why So Different?
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Europe
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Asia
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Wheat is the food base
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Rice is favoured
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Salt and pepper on tables
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Salty and/or sweet soy sauce preferred
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Cold/ice water served
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Lukewarm water are being asked for
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Western meals are eaten individually
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Asians share and eat collectively from the same dishes
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Cutlery such as fork, knife, spoon are used
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Asians of Chinese ancestry eat with chopsticks
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On Sunday, streets are deserted…
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Very crowded in Asia
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Europeans do everything to be tanned
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Asians seek to whiten their skin
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Public display of affection such as kissing and cuddling are common
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Considered taboo and indecent in Asian countries
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Skimpy dressing for men and women the norm
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Discreet dressing considered as polite and respectful
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Homosexuality normal in most European countries
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Taboo in many Asian countries
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