Castres Airport Guide -
Located in Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, France is often renowned as one Europes most diverse, and exciting countries to explore. Notorious for its gastronomy, The Cannes Film Festival, A blend of famous architecture and landmarks and an array of cosmopolitan cities, France has a multi-faceted cultural blend and borders countries such as Spain, Switzerland and Germany, each with their own popular mix of culture and tradition.Frances terrain is as diverse as its culture, with vast forests of beech and oak covering at least a fifth of the country, snow-capped peaks of the Alps and Pyrenees, rolling plains and exceptional agricultural areas where vineyards such as those in Burgundy and the Rhone and Loire Valleys produce some of the worlds finest wines and champagne.Climatically, France is as diverse as its terrain suggests. Temperatures in the north are not dissimilar from those in the U.K., although they are usually a degree or two higher. In the more southerly regions, summer highs can reach the same as Spain and the weather becomes a perfect backdrop for the many jazz festivals and gastronomic fairs held throughout the country. With an area of approximately 213,000 square miles, there is ample space and facilities to satisfy even the most adventurous tourist. Parts of France are famous for the rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare birds and areas such as the national parks can be explored on foot, by mountain bike and even offer challenges for experienced cavers and climbers.Aside from the cosmopolitan nature of the larger cities and the countrys capital, Paris, with its stunning Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, exotic art nouveau architecture and fashionable shops and cafs, France has lots to offer any visitor. Whether you plan to sunbathe or participate in water sports on one of its thousands of fabulous beaches, take a tour around spectacular vineyards in the wine regions, wander among the castles and sleepy villages way off the beaten track or simply soak up the atmosphere of this magnificent, vast country, there will always be a reason to return, just to see a little bit more.
Local Driving Guide -
Driving in France is very similar to being in the UK, except, of course, that you will be driving on the right side of the road (serrez droite means keep to the right). France has over 8,000 kilometres of motorways, mostly toll roads which are privately financed, so prices do vary. The speed limit on these roads is 130km/h, while it is up to 110km/h out of town and 50km/h in built-up areas. Seat-belts must be worn by all occupants, and under-10s are not permitted in the front unless palced in a specially approved seat facing backwards. It is illegal to drive with faulty lights, so it is recommended that you carry a spare bulb kit. Headlamps need to be adjusted for continental travel. A warning triangle must be carried. Remember that stop signs mean what they say. Do not try to creep over the line ready for a fast getaway. You must stop completely. If you have to stop on an open road, make sure the car is driven off the road. Overtaking where there is a solid centre line is heavily penalised. Broken centre lines indicate where passing is allowed. When there are three or five lanes, please note that the middle lane is to be used by traffic going in both directions. When encountering a tram, make sure you do not pass it while passengers are loading or disembarking. The poplar trees that line many of the roads were planted by order of Napoleon to offer shade for his marching troops. Do NOT drink and drive. |
