What to book in advance
In addition to all services already included in our packages (usually at least accommodation, golf, ground transportation), it is recommended to book in advance other services such as dinner at restaurants, spa sessions, guided tours, train tickets for domestic journeys, etc. We can assist you for all additional reservations you may need.
Individuals or groups
We organize trips for individual travellers as well as groups. No minimum number is required.
Meet & Greet and contact at destination
Upon arrival, you will be met by our local representative. At anytime during your trip, you can contact us at a 24h telephone number in case of need.
Passport
A valid passport is required of all citizens not members of the European Community.
Travelling in France
Air transportation
Reaching France by air: there are a large number of regional airports in France, with flights from the UK and other countries. For transatlantic passengers, or passengers from other continents, the general point of arrival in France will be Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. A few intercontinental flights use other French airports, such as Nice, Lyon, Marseilles or Toulouse. Geneva airport, which has flights from the US and Asia, lies on the French-Swiss border, and has a direct exit to France. Brussels, Zurich and Luxembourg airports are also within easy striking distance of France.
Source Atout France
Ground transportation
We provide ground transportation, either self drive with rental car, or chauffeur drive with concierge driver and minivan or coach and driver.
Most of the rental cars we rent for you include a GPS. We also provide you with driving instructions.
Train
Train service in France is efficient, punctual, and comfortable. It is one of the most popular ways to get around, allowing travellers to view the countryside in a swift, but leisurely manner.
The railway network of France, which as of 2008 stretches 29,473 kilometers (18,314 mi) is the second most extensive in Western Europe after the German one. It is operated by the SNCF, and high-speed trains include the Thalys, the Eurostar and TGV, which travels at 320 km/h (199 mph) in commercial use.
Paris Marseille : 3h – Paris Bordeaux 3h – Paris Tours 1h – Paris Avignon 2, 75h
The high-speed network also includes European routes, featuring the Eurostar, which connects Paris to London in just 2,5h, and the Thalys going to Brussels in 1,5h and Amsterdam in 4h. For added convenience, the Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupery Airports have high-speed train stations.
Source Atout France
Driving
Driving in France is very easy and safe. Motorway network is one of the best in Europe.
To drive in France you must be 18 years old. There is not limit of age to rent a car.
Speed limit :
In town : 50 km/h
On main roads (Routes Nationales et départementales) : 90 km/h
On motorways : 130 km/h (110 km/h if raining)
Motorways : warning tolls about 5 to 8 euros for 100 km
Handicap requirement
A valid passport is required of all citizens not members of the European Community.
Electric golf carts (buggies)
Available on the majority of the golf courses excepted some famous traditional golf clubs such as Fontainebleau, Chantilly which want to preserve the tradition…Can be booked in advance on request.
Caddies
Very few golf clubs have caddies available. On request only.
Handicap certificates
Can be required at some golf clubs.
Electricity
In France the norm is 220 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz.
Voltage and sockets vary from country to country and so an adapter and also a transformer will be necessary… these important accessories are available in electrical goods and DIY stores or supermarkets. Most major hotels can also provide them. For information, French plugs are equipped with two round pins
Source Office du tourisme de paris
Phone (Telephone)
To call France from abroad after dialling the international prefix, dial 33 then the last nine digits of the requested number (do not dial the first zero).
Example :
- to call France Golf Tours from France dial 01 41 22 00 81
- to call France Golf Tours from a foreign country dial international prefix then 33 1 41 22 00 81
Phone numbers beginning with 0800 are Toll Free and valid only within France. Coin boxes being phased out, you better buy phone-cards: about 8 € for a 50 units, 15 € for a 120 units one. They are available in tobacco shops, newspaper-shops and post offices. Cellular phones owners can buy phone-cards at telephone shops and tobacco shops.
Business hours
Most services, shops, and business are open all day from 8 or 9.00 am to 6.30 or 7.30 pm
Sunday & Monday are standard closing days for shops but many of them tend to open on Monday nowadays.
The standard banking hours are 9.00 am-4.30pm - closed Saturday and Sunday.
Museums usual hours : open from 9.00 or 10.to 5.00 or 6.00pm, closing day being Tuesday or Monday.
Climate
France has the benefit of a temperate, agreeable climate. Continental France is divided into four climatic zones :
- Oceanic (western) - Average precipitation with cool summers;
- Continental (central and eastern) - Harsh winters and hot summers;
- Mountain (below 600-800 meters altitude) - with snow from three to six months out of the year;
- Mediterranean (south eastern) - Mild winters and hot summers
When to go
French pleasures can be indulged in any time, although many Francophiles swear spring is best. In the hot south sun-worshippers bake from June to early September (summer) while winter-sports enthusiasts soar down snow-covered mountains mid-December to late March (winter).
Average Monthly Temperatures
Paris | Bordeaux | Nice | |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan/Feb | 45°F | 50°F | 55°F |
Mar/Apr | 50°F | 55°F | 60°F |
May/Jun | 60°F | 65°F | 70°F |
Jul/Aug | 70°F | 70°F | 75°F |
Sep/Oct | 60°F | 65°F | 70°F |
Nov/Dec | 45°F | 50°F | 55°F |
°F = Farenheit
Tips
Prices displayed in hotels, bars and restaurants always include service charges (usually 15% in bars and restaurants). However, feel free to give an extra tip to the waiter when you are very pleased with the service.
Money
ATM cash dispensers everywhere
There is a multitude of banks in France, both French and foreign. They are generally open from 9am to 5pm, or 6pm, from Monday to Friday, sometimes from Tuesday to Saturday.
Source Office du Tourisme de Paris
Taxes
All prices displayed in shops are VAT included (20%).
VAT (Value Added Tax) refund
Here's how -- after making a minimum purchase of 175€ in the same store, ask the store for your detaxe papers. Make sure that on the paperwork you request that your refund be applied to one of your credit cards (this can be done even if you made the purchase in cash). Fill out the forms before you arrive at the airport for departure. Be sure to have the forms stamped at the clearly indicated airport customs desks. The customs official may ask to see your purchases so it's best to have them in your carry-on bag. Mail the stamped forms at the airport (the store provides an envelope) and the refund process has begun (note - this is only if France is your final point of departure back to the U.S.).