2nd day of Christmas

📣 Traveler notes

France is renowned for its gastronomy, picturesque villages, and vibrant culture, often associated with its 'joie de vivre.' Travelers are drawn to its diverse geography, including coastlines, mountain ranges, and farmlands, and its historic sites, such as Paris.

• Plan travel to avoid peak demand during school holidays (e.g., the first Friday of July to the first Monday of September).
• French public holidays are often tied to major Catholic observances and vary yearly (e.g., Easter, Assumption of Mary on August 15th, and Christmas on December 25th).
• While major holidays exist, many smaller local holidays and saint's days are not observed by businesses or government.
• The country has a complex calendar of holidays, with major national holidays including Bastille Day (July 14th) and Victory Day (May 8th).
• Book accommodations and transport well in advance, as demand significantly increases around major holiday periods.
• Expect that certain holidays, such as the Assumption of Mary, are permanent public holidays, while others shift yearly.
• When dining, greet staff with a polite 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' and wait to be seated. Show respect for the establishment by accepting the menu and dishes offered, rather than immediately requesting changes. While tipping is not compulsory, rounding up the bill is a customary way to express appreciation. Waiters are respected professionals; if you need assistance, use 'excusez-moi' rather than outdated or demeaning address terms.