Preparing your trip to Calais: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

1. French is the official language in the country, but don’t be sad if you don’t know it. Intermediate English is more than enough for a comfortable holiday in Calais. As a rule, there is no problem understanding menus, signs, tour guides, and local people.

2. Don’t think that expensive restaurants are always good: the price doesn’t necessarily mean exceptional quality. Pay your attention to locals and the restaurants they like to visit – most probably, this dining establishment will have a cheaper price and delicious food.

3. Because of the latest events and an influx of refugees in the country, the crime level has risen in France in recent years. Be careful when exploring neighborhoods where migrants are primary residents.

4. When using public transport, don’t throw your ticket until you reach your stop. There is ticket control on all public transport routes, and passengers without tickets are subject to fines.

5. It is better to refrain from taking a taxi on peak hours. The car will have a meter turned on even if it doesn’t move. There can also be traffic jams on rush hours, so it is better to walk or ride a bicycle at this time of the day. This way you will save both time and money. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

6. The French like silence. Loud talking, shouting or arguing (even in the mother tongue) is considered a sign of bad manners.

7. Calais is an old city, so pedestrian areas are narrow and there are almost no parking spaces. That is why it may be not comfortable to walk for a group of people and to ride a car. It is better to think of a suitable route in advance.

8. Just like in many French cities, residents of Calais like fashion and try to follow dress-code rules. For this reason, if you don’t want to get frowned upon, it is better to follow some rules: do not wear socks with open toe shoes, do not visit luxury restaurants in beach or everyday clothes (it is better to prepare a special outfit for such occasions), and do not wear too revealing clothes on vibrant streets.

9. Don’t forget that July and August are the hot season months – many French people have vacations at this time of the year and head to popular tourist destinations in the country. For this reason, popular tourist cities and seaside resorts can be quite crowded and full of vacationers during these months.

10. Be careful when selecting a dish on the menu. Pay your attention to the ingredients, especially if you do not want to try French delicacies (for example, frogs or snails). It this case, it is better to check food carefully.

11. When it comes to souvenirs from Calais, many tourists prefer to buy items with lace, such as scarves, tablecloths, clothes, and handmade jewelry. All these items have been made by local artisans for centuries. In Old Town, it is possible to purchase many other handmade items and antiquities.

12. Thieves on motorcycles or scooters are very widespread in France. For this reason, it is better not to wear shoulder bags with expensive items, especially when walking at the roadside – thieves can whip them away. By the way, such bags also attract pedestrian thieves who try to whip the bag away and run.

13. Euro is the main currency in the country. Before traveling to France, it is better to stock up on this currency – local banks may offer a bad exchange rate. Of course, travelers can always use international debit and credit cards.

14. France has quite a mild climate. In summer, the temperature can rise up to 30°C. Winters are usually warm, and the temperature is rarely below -10°C. However, it is always a good idea to pack clothes that are appropriate for the season.