Traveling to a new place brings with it lots of questions. Here are some of the questions we’re often asked by guests, on topics from how to book and pay, what to pack, and even what to say!
How do I book and pay for my tour?
Absolutely Southern France is based in France so prices are quoted and invoiced in euros.
Payment is made by credit/debit card including Amex. The invoice is issued by email containing a link to proceed with secure payment using your card.
Payment is made by credit/debit card including Amex. The invoice is issued by email containing a link to proceed with secure payment using your card.
I want to book a tour. Is my flight included?
We do not make flight arrangements but provide airport transfers for arrival and departure on French soil.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, absolutely. All our clients must have travel insurance. We recommend Atlas Travel Medical, who provide:
– COVID-19 coverage outside your home country.
– A choice between the basic and more extensive coverage.
– coverage that meets Schengen visa insurance requirements.
– 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance.
– COVID-19 coverage outside your home country.
– A choice between the basic and more extensive coverage.
– coverage that meets Schengen visa insurance requirements.
– 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance.
My passport is due to expire. Can I still come on a tour?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months prior to departure date.
Do I need a visa?
No, visas are not required for American and Canadian citizens for up to 90-day stays in France. For other nationalities, check here: Visa Quick Check
Do I need to bring travelers checks?
No travelers cheques: simply withdraw cash from an ATM.
What should I pack?
Phone chargers, medication, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, comfortable walking shoes.
When do I tip for service?
Restaurants (not compulsory, if particularly good service, 5%)
Guides (customary to tip 30 euros for a half day and 50 euros for a full day; if a group tour tip coach drivers 30 euros a half day, 50 euros a full day.)
Guides (customary to tip 30 euros for a half day and 50 euros for a full day; if a group tour tip coach drivers 30 euros a half day, 50 euros a full day.)
Meal Times
The French do not usually serve full breakfasts in the cafés. They will have a cup of coffee with a croissant or pain au chocolat.
Lunch is served from 12h to 1h30. You can stay longer to chat but you must arrive before 1h30 to pass your order.
Dinner is served from 7h30 to 9h30. You can stay longer but you must pass your order no later than 9h30.
The French do not usually snack or eat between meals. It is not easy to find takeaways except for towns frequented by tourists.
Lunch is served from 12h to 1h30. You can stay longer to chat but you must arrive before 1h30 to pass your order.
Dinner is served from 7h30 to 9h30. You can stay longer but you must pass your order no later than 9h30.
The French do not usually snack or eat between meals. It is not easy to find takeaways except for towns frequented by tourists.
What French phrases should I learn?
These are some of the most useful, to get your started.
merci, non merci – thank you, no thank you
bonjour – hello
l’addition si vous plait – the bill please
combien ça coûte? – how much does it cost?
ou trouver un distributeur automatique – where can I find an ATM
Excusez moi – Excuse me
Pardon – I’m sorry
Au revoir – good bye, so long
merci, non merci – thank you, no thank you
bonjour – hello
l’addition si vous plait – the bill please
combien ça coûte? – how much does it cost?
ou trouver un distributeur automatique – where can I find an ATM
Excusez moi – Excuse me
Pardon – I’m sorry
Au revoir – good bye, so long
Vocab for Ordering Coffee
noisette : small expresso with a dash of milk
café au lait : large coffee with milk
expresso : small strong coffee with no milk
café noir : larger than expresso with no milk
café au lait : large coffee with milk
expresso : small strong coffee with no milk
café noir : larger than expresso with no milk
We hope you find this helpful. If you have any questions not covered here, get it touch!
