Religion in France
France is one of the least religious countries in Europe. Catholics predominate among believers. Islam is very widespread.
Transport in France
Train.
The train is a very comfortable mode of transport. France has a large number of express trains and high-speed trains, so it is also a very fast mode of transport. For high-speed trains, it is better to reserve tickets in advance. In Paris, this can be done by phone. 08-36-35-35-35. There is a system of discounts for tourists, so it is better to ask for advice when buying a ticket. There are six international stations in Paris, where tourists from all over the world arrive every day. These are Gare du Nord, Gare Saint Lazarus, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare Montparnasse. Bus. Getting from one city to another in France
you can also take the bus. Intercity bus lines Eurolines connect France with major European cities. City buses run on routes from 6:30 to 20:30 strictly according to the schedule. This is the best way to see all the sights. Travel tickets are sold at any post office, tobacconist or on the bus itself.
Underground.
The French subway consists of 16 lines. Work starts at 5:30 am and ends at 1 am. There is a system of turnstiles at the entrance. Subway tickets can be combined with bus and train tickets.
Taxis are the only form of transport that can be used at night. The meters in them work according to the tariff, depending on the time of day and place. The fare is usually indicated in the car’s interior.
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old, have a driving license, driving experience of at least 1 year and a credit card. With an engine capacity of more than 1.9 liters, the tenant must be over 23 years old.
Plant and Animal World in France
There are not so many forests in France. Almost all the plains are plowed up, but broad-leaved forests of beech, oak and chestnut are still preserved. If you climb the mountains, they will be replaced by coniferous forests of pine, larch, fir and spruce, and alpine meadows begin higher. Shrubs grow near the Mediterranean Sea, olive and cork oak are the most characteristic trees.
Of the wild animals, foxes, hares, badgers, roe deer, wild boars, and beavers live in the forests. The world of birds is very diverse, there are even eagles and sea eagles.
Minerals in France
Limestone, sulfur, potassium, and uranium ores are mined in France.
Banks in France
Banks in France are open from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Lunch usually lasts from 13:00 to 15:00. On the eve of the holidays, banks close earlier.
Money in France
Since March 1, 2002, the euro has been used throughout France. 1 euro = 100 prices. In circulation there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
You can exchange cash at any exchange office, although at the airport, train station and hotel, the exchange rate is not very favorable. A percentage is charged for the operation. It is best to look for points with the inscription “no commission” or use the services of a bank, especially since traveler’s checks can also be cashed in them, at a time for an amount not exceeding 60 euros. You can pay with a credit card almost everywhere. Most local ATMs accept VISA cards.
Rate: 1 Euro (EUR) = 1.05 USD
Political State in France
According to politicsezine, France is a republic. The head of state is the president. He is elected for a term of 7 years.
Legislative power is exercised by the Parliament, executive power is exercised by the president and the Council of Ministers.
Population in France
The population of France is over 58 million people. This is a multinational country, however, about 94% of them are French. Germans, Portuguese, Algerians, Italians, Moroccans, Turks also live here.
Language:
The official language is French. On the outskirts of the country, residents speak local dialects.
Cuisine in France
In French cuisine, it is customary to serve clear broths or mashed soups for the first. Onion puree soup with potatoes, onion soup seasoned with cheese, Provencal fish soup bouillabaisse, which requires freshly caught fish, are popular. For the second, you will find a variety of dishes from various types of meat and sea and freshwater fish. For meat, the French came up with 6 stages of readiness. Traditional is pot-au-fe – stew with vegetables. Among gourmets all over the world, rustic cod with red and yellow peppers and marinated zucchini is popular. Meat is served as a side dish with vegetables. Vegetable salads are an integral part of French cuisine. In any restaurant you will be offered to taste omelettes and cheese soufflés, which are prepared with various seasonings and toppings: ham, mushrooms, herbs; quiche lauren – Lorraine pie with cheese and ham. Of the “delicacy” dishes in French cuisine, one can single out grape snails with herbs and spices, oysters belon, marenne, arcachon (although in France they are an everyday dish). Dessert is always preceded by cheese dishes, as no less than 500 cheese varieties are produced in France. For dessert, try French apple pie and vanilla ice cream. French cuisine is distinguished by a wide variety of sauces and, of course, wine. Red wine is brought from Medoc and Saint-Emilion near Bordeaux, Burgundy, Languedoc. White wine is made in the Loire region, southeast of Bordeaux, on the Rhone and in Provence. Moreover, wine is not only drunk, but also added in the process of cooking. Of the non-alcoholic drinks, coffee is very popular.
