Contents
- National Currency & Exchange Rates
- Using Credit or Debit Cards in Paris
- Using ATMs in Paris
- Exchanging Money at a Bank in Paris
- Using Money Exchange Bureaus in Paris
- Cashing Traveler’s Checks in Paris
- Claiming VAT Refunds in Paris
- FAQs
- What do we call France Money?
- What is money called in Paris?
- Do I need euros in France?
- Is cash used in Paris?
- How much is a meal in France?
- What’s the best way to pay in France?
- Is it rude to tip in France?
- Should I take cash or card to France?
- French Currency | Exchanging Money in Paris
- What You Need to Know About French Currency – S Money
- What currency does France use? MUST-KNOW money tips for …
- What is the currency of France called? – The Traveler Twins
- French franc – Wikipedia
- Money in France
- FRANCE CURRENCY NAME | Money Symbol Used & French …
- Euro, the European currency – Paris tourist office
- French currency : the euro and the French Franc
National Currency & Exchange Rates
France is a member of the European Union and one of 23 countries in the region that uses the euro (abbreviated €) as its national currency. One euro is divided into 100 cents and there are seven notes in circulation, available in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 (rare) and €500 (rare).
There are also eight coins in circulation in denominations of €1 and €2, then one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
To find the current exchange rate for the euro, visit www.xe.com
Using Credit or Debit Cards in Paris
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the city, though some merchants have a minimum purchase amount for credit card payments. American Express cards are accepted to a lesser extent, while Discover cards are usually not accepted. Call your bank ahead of your trip to let them know that you would like to use it abroad and make sure to get a breakdown of the fees they charge.
Using ATMs in Paris
ATMs (distributeur in French) are located all throughout Paris, and enable you to withdraw cash in euros 24 hours a day. They almost all accept Mastercard and Visa cards and give you a choice of instruction in French and English. As a general rule, it is more cost effective to use a debit card as opposed to a credit card in a foreign ATM as fees tend to be lower.
Before you go:
- Check with your bank to ensure that your card will work overseas.
- Double check that your card will not expire during your trip.
- Ask what your 24-hour withdrawal limit is. Depending on your needs, you may need to increase or decrease this limit. Some travelers prefer to have a higher limit to reduce transaction fees, while others prefer a lower limit for security purposes.
- Ask your bank what it charges for international transactions.
Bank ATMs in Paris usually do not charge usage fees and are located in popular areas of the city, as well as in and around bank locations. However, independent ATMs (e.g. Euronet) that are not affiliated with a bank will charge additional usage fees and should be avoided.
Exchanging Money at a Bank in Paris
Most French banks will not exchange money to non-account holders. For those that do, they are generally open from 9am to 5pm or 6pm, from Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Sunday. Some branches will close around midday for lunch.
Using Money Exchange Bureaus in Paris
You’ll find money exchange bureaus near popular tourist areas around the city, at train stations and airports. Exchange bureaus change their rates daily based on the market, and typically offer a 5% spread between buy and sell rates for any particular currency.
In addition to this spread, most exchange bureaus also charge a commission fee based on the amount you are exchanging as well as your form of payment. Because you will generally be charged a higher commission for exchanging smaller sums, it is a good idea to avoid exchange bureaus unless you are exchanging larger amounts of money. When visiting an exchange bureau, remember to bring a form of ID with you, as this is required to complete the transaction.
To find the current exchange rate for the euro, visit www.xe.com.
Cashing Traveler’s Checks in Paris
While it is still possible to purchase traveler’s checks, they are no longer a convenient option as fewer and fewer vendors accept them. If you do decide to bring traveler’s checks, you will have to cash them at a post office. The Avenue Rapp post office will only cash up to 50€, and the rue Cler post office will cash up to 100€. When cashing traveler’s checks, remember that you will need to bring your passport.
Claiming VAT Refunds in Paris
In France, the purchase price for goods includes a Value Added Tax (VAT), which ranges from 12% for everyday items, up to 33% for luxury items. However, if you are a non-EU resident you can receive a VAT refund for qualified purchases.
The first step to claiming a VAT refund in Paris is to shop at a qualifying store. Nearly all department stores in the French capital participate in the VAT refund scheme. For smaller shops and boutiques, ask the store attendant or look for a Tax-Free sticker on the door.
In order to qualify for a VAT refund, you must spend at least €175 at a qualifying store on the same day. After making your purchase, ask a store attendant for a Retail Export Form (bordereau de détaxe in French) – you will need your passport or a copy of your passport for the attendant to complete the form.
Sign up for our Vacation Perfect newsletter and real estate updates.
FAQs
What do we call France Money?
France is a member of the European Union and one of 23 countries in the region that uses the euro (abbreviated ?) as its national currency. One euro is divided into 100 cents and there are seven notes in circulation, available in denominations of ?5, ?10, ?20, ?50, ?100, ?200 (rare) and ?500 (rare).
What is money called in Paris?
Euro
Do I need euros in France?
Does Paris, France Use Euros? Yes. Euros are used by most countries in the European Union, which makes travel between countries super-convenient.
Is cash used in Paris?
The currency of France is the Euro. Take sensible precautions and remain alert when handling cash and credit cards in public areas and at cash machines. Credit cards are widely accepted. You may be asked to provide ID if you can’t pay by chip and PIN.
How much is a meal in France?
On average, a non-touristy restaurant in Paris will charge between 15 and 25 Euros per set menu, but you can expect to pay more at trendier restaurants or restaurants in tourist-heavy areas. Set menu prices also vary widely, with some costing as little as 10 Euros and others costing well over 100 Euros.
What’s the best way to pay in France?
By far the easiest way to pay for things in France is simply to use an international credit card or debit card. Visa and Mastercard can be used all over France, and American Express cards and other international cards in a number of places.
Is it rude to tip in France?
Tipping is not required in France (although there are a few exceptions). You don’t need to tip French waitstaff because they get a living wage and benefits. It is NOT considered rude to tip in France. There is no standard percentage for tips in France.
Should I take cash or card to France?
According to SPACE, in 2019, cash remains the most widely used means of payment in France and in the Eurosystem, both in shops and between individuals: its share stands at 59% in France (73% in the Euro area), while card payments account for only 35% of transactions (24% in the euro area).
French Currency | Exchanging Money in Paris
Currency & Exchange National Currency & Exchange RatesFrance is a member of the European Union and one of 23 countries in the region that uses the euro (abbreviated €) as its national currency. One euro is divided into 100 cents and there are seven notes in circulation, available in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 (rare) and €500 (rare). There are also eight coins in circulation in denominations of €1 and €2, then one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents. To find the current exchange rate for the euro, visit www.xe.com Using Credit or Debit Cards in ParisVisa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the city, though some merchants have a minimum purchase amount for credit card payments. American Express cards are accepted to a lesser extent, while Discover cards are usually not accepted. Call your bank ahead of your trip to let them know that you would like to use it abroad and make sure to get a breakdown of the fees they charge. Using ATMs in ParisATMs (distributeur in French) are located all throughout Paris, and enable you to withdraw cash in euros 24 hours a day. They almost all accept Mastercard and Visa cards and give you a choice of instruction in French and English. As a general rule, it is more cost effective to use a debit card as opposed to a credit card in a foreign ATM as fees tend to be lower. Before you go: Check with your bank to ensure that your card will work overseas. Double check that your card will not expire during your trip. Ask what your 24-hour withdrawal limit is. Depending on your needs, you may need to increase or decrease this limit. Some travelers prefer to have a higher limit to reduce transaction fees, while others prefer a lower limit for security purposes. Ask your bank what it charges for international transactions. Bank ATMs in Paris usually do not charge usage fees and are located in popular areas of the city, as well as in and around bank locations. However, independent ATMs (e.g. Euronet) that are not affiliated with a bank will charge additional usage fees and should be avoided. Exchanging Money at a Bank in ParisMost French banks will not exchange money to non-account holders. For those that do, they are generally open from 9am to 5pm or 6pm, from Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Sunday. Some branches will close around midday for lunch. Using Money Exchange Bureaus in ParisYou’ll find money exchange bureaus near popular tourist areas around the city, at train stations and airports. Exchange bureaus change their rates daily based on the market, and typically offer a 5% spread between buy and sell rates for any particular currency. In addition to this spread, most exchange bureaus also charge a commission fee based on the amount you are exchanging as well as your form of payment. Because you will generally be charged a higher commission for exchanging smaller sums, it is a good idea to avoid exchange bureaus unless you are exchanging larger amounts of money. When visiting an exchange bureau, remember to bring a form of ID with you, as this is required to complete the transaction. To find the current exchange rate for the euro, visit www.xe.com. Cashing Traveler’s Checks in ParisWhile it is still possible to purchase traveler’s checks, they are no longer a convenient option as fewer and fewer vendors accept them. If you do decide to bring traveler’s checks, you will have to cash them at a post office. The Avenue Rapp post office will only cash up to 50€, and the rue Cler post office will cash up to 100€. When cashing traveler’s checks, remember that you will need to bring your passport. Claiming VAT Refunds in ParisIn France, the purchase price for goods includes a…
What You Need to Know About French Currency – S Money
Currency in FranceMost travellers heading to Europe will use a card at some stage when spending money. Let’s go what you should look out for:AUD to EURWhen you’re rushing around trying to organise your trip, you’ll be tempted to leave your currency exchange till you arrive in France.If you choose this option, you have three main ways of securing currency once you land. Best Travel Money Cards for EuropeEurope is one of Australia’s favourite destinations and with all its attractions, weather and food it’s not hard to see why thousands of Australians each year. In Europe you are likely to pay for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment as well as withdraw cash from ATMs with your card. So which is the best travel card to take with you? It’s easy, to save you lots of time, we have compared a large number of travel cards to take to Europe for Australians in 2022 and have summarised their best points. Best 5 Travel Money Cards for Europe in 2022: […] 2022 AUD EUR Dollar ForecastsThis article looks at what the banks are predicting for the AUD to EUR exchange rate over the long term in 2022. Currency in EuropeThe 2022 Travel Money Guide to Currency in Europe Travelling to Europe is considered a ‘right of passage’ by many Australians. In fact it is one of the most popular places to travel to from Australia. With countries like France, Germany, Italy and Spain there is no shortage of fabulous things to see, eat and experience. To make your savings go even further, read our easy to read guide on currency in Europe. This guide helps you with the following: The official currency of Europe The pros and cons of using a bank card in Europe What the Euro looks […]Post navigationPost navigation
What currency does France use? MUST-KNOW money tips for …
What currency does France use? MUST-KNOW money tips for Paris!Are you almost ready for your vacation and curious about what currency is used in France? Or what denominations French currency comes in? One of the first things you’ll want to get ironed out on your pre-trip checklist is the money situation. Let’s talk about money in France including the currency used in Paris and all of France, where to get it, some best practices for France currency, and more money tips. French currency: What currency is used in France? The euro has been France’s currency since January 1, 2002. The euro is used in 19 of the 27 countries that make up the European Union. Before that, the currency used in France for hundreds of years was the French franc (FF), but they are completely out of circulation and not accepted as legal tender anywhere. That said, sometimes receipts still show the total amount in francs for some reason but that is phasing out. The French currency, the euro, is made up of bills in the following denominations — 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 — and coins are 1 euro, 2 euros, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50-centime pieces. The euro currency symbol is € and it comes before the amount. In France, you’ll often see a comma used in place of where we’d use a period in the US and vice versa. Like this, €1.000,35. At the time of writing this, 1 euro=1.12 USD . The euro has always been stronger than the dollar, sometimes significantly so. You can check www.xe.com for current exchange rates of France currency. FUN FRANCE CURRENCY FACT: Euro bills are different colors and sizes so they can be easily identified at first glance. Also, unlike American coins, euro coins get wider in diameter as the amount increases. So the 1-centime coin is smaller than the 2-centime coin, and all the way up. They also have the amount clearly visible on the coin (unlike US coins) so you know if you’re grabbing a 2 or a 5-centime coin. Using credit/debit cards in France Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in France and French people often pay by debit card, which is commonly referred to as a carte bleue. In large cities (or big retailers like department stores), American Express is accepted as well, but do note that it’s not accepted everywhere, so have a backup payment method just in case. The only places I sometimes have trouble using American cards — even chipped ones in 2022 — are at gas stations, parking garages and toll plazas. As I said, always have a backup card and some cash on you for times like these. Gas stations have an attendant during the day so you can pay in cash. Toll plazas also accept cash, but make sure you don’t go through the “cards only” lane in that case. I did a whole video on driving in France here. American debit cards with a chip and PIN work at most French ATMs (le distributeur), but be aware that some impose a transaction fee of a few euros. You’ll…
What is the currency of France called? – The Traveler Twins
What is the currency of France called? France has one of the most powerful economies in the world and of course in Europe too. Nowadays, the national and official currency of France is the euro. Other countries that also use the euro are Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Austria… France was one of the first countries to use the euro. One euro is divided into 100 cents, and you´ll find eight different types of coins for the French currency: 1cts, 2cents, 5 cents, 10cents, 20 cents, 50 cents as well as 1euro and 2-euro coins. When talking about the French bank notes, you can find 7 different kinds: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. An interesting fact about the French currency, is that every country of the European Union has its own kind of design for each coin. The French currency symbol is €. What currency did France use before the Euro? The former currency of France before the euro was called the French Franc. The French Franc was used in many other French colonies, like Algeria, Morocco, French west Africa… even now a days after the independence, some of those countries still use the Franc. French wasn´t the only country in Europe that used the Francs, you would also find it in Belgium, Luxembourg and even now a days Switzerland use the Franc. Of course, each franc was different and had a different value. The French franc was the name of a gold coin in France from 1360 until 1380, later, from 1575 to 1641 it was the name of a silver coin also issued in France. Finally, it became the national currency from 1795 until 1999. You were still able to use it legally from 1999 to 2002. Until February of 2012, you were still able to change them for euros. What is the old currency of France? History The franc wasn´t the official currency until 1795, so before that, other types of currency were used in France. The first monetary unit in France was the Livre which was introduced in the VIII century. Later, it came the Écu, in the XIII century. During those dates, both were the “official” currency of France. When the value of the Écu and the Livre started go down, King Louis XIII came up with the Louis d’or and Louis d’argent. This two were the last official coins, before the franc finally arrived. Currency exchange rate in France The euro is one of the most traded currencies in the world, it ranks second after the US dollar. As of April 2020, 1 euro could be exchanged for 1.08 US dollars and for 0.87 British pounds. This is the French currency exchange rate with other countries: French currency to Australian dollars: 1€ = 1,80 AUDFrench currency to Canadian dollars: 1€ = 1,53 CA Might also interest you about France… Currency of The French Overseas Territories France is one of those countries that still has territories in the different continents. If you are traveling to any of those places, you might wonder if they have their own currency or if it is the same one as France mainland, the euro. Well, it changes depending on the territories, below you can find what each French…
French franc – Wikipedia
French franc French francfranc français (French) 50 and 100 francs200 and 500 francs ISO 4217CodeFRF (1960–2002)Number250Exponent2DenominationsSubunit 1⁄100centimeSymbolF or Fr (briefly also NF during the 1960s; also unofficially FF and ₣)Nicknameballes (1 F);[1][n 1] sacs (10 F); bâton, brique, patate, plaque (10,000 F)Banknotes Freq. used20 F, 50 F, 100 F, 200 F, 500 FCoins Freq. used5, 10, 20 centimes, 1⁄2 F, 1 F, 2 F, 5 F, 10 F Rarely used1 centime, 20 FDemographicsUser(s)None; previously:France, Monaco, Andorra (until 2002); Saar, Saarland (until 1959)IssuanceCentral bankBanque de France Websitewww.banque-france.frMintMonnaie de Paris Websitewww.monnaiedeparis.comValuationPegged byKMF, XAF & XOF, XPF, ADF, MCFERM Since13 March 1979 Fixed rate since31 December 1998 Replaced by €, non cash1 January 1999 Replaced by €, cash17 February 2002 € =6.55957 FThis infobox shows the latest status before this currency was rendered obsolete. The franc (; French: [fʁɑ̃]; sign: F or Fr),[n 2] also commonly distinguished as the French franc (FF), was a currency of France. Between 1360 and 1641, it was the name of coins worth 1 livre tournois and it remained in common parlance as a term for this amount of money. It was reintroduced (in decimal form) in 1795. After two centuries of inflation, it was redenominated in 1960, with each new franc (NF) being worth 100 old francs. The NF designation was continued for a few years before the currency returned to being simply the franc. Many French residents, though, continued to quote prices of especially expensive items in terms of the old franc (equivalent to the new centime), up to and even after the introduction of the euro (for coins and banknotes) in 2002.[4] The French franc was a commonly held international reserve currency of reference in the 19th and 20th centuries. History[edit] The French Franc traces its origins to the Carolingian monetary system of the 8th century AD, and more specifically to the Livre Tournois, an offshoot of the same system which emerged in the 13th century. Here is a table of changes to the value of the Livre Parisis & the Livre Tournois in terms of silver or gold until the French Franc was introduced in 1795. Value of Livre Parisis (LP) & Livre Tournois (LT), grams Year LP, g silver LP, g gold LT, g silver LT, g gold 781 407.92 – – – c 1000 305.94 – – – 1266 – – 80.88 – 1317 80.88 – 64.70 – 1361 55.85 4.856 44.68 3.885 1425 38.243 3.585 30.594 2.868 1475 30.594 2.620 24.475 2.096 1549 20.396 1.747 16.317 1.398 1641 – – 8.309 0.6189 1726 – – 4.505 0.3116 1785 – – 4.444 0.2867 franc – – 4.500 0.2903 Carolingian, 781[edit] Denier of Charlemagne c 800 Emperor Charlemagne’s monetary system was introduced in 781 AD to the Frankish Carolingian Empire & spread over the centuries to much of Western Europe, with a Livre (Pound) of silver divided into 20 Sols or Sous (Shillings) and the Sol divided into 12 Deniers (Penny). Only the denier existed as a coin for the next 500 years, with the sou & livre functioning as accounting multiples of the denier. The first livre & denier weighed 407.92 g & 1.7 g, respectively, of the finest silver available. Capetian, c 1000[edit] Livres & deniers issued c 1000 under the Capetian dynasty contained 305.94 g & 1.27475 g fine silver, respectively. The French Mark of 8 ounces was a unit of weight equal to 244.752 grams, and equal in weight to 192 deniers or 16 sols of this period. In subsequent centuries the French kings would struggle to implement fixed standards for the livre over a decentralized realm of Frankish feudal rulers, many of whom claimed the right to issue currency within their own domains, and often resorting to currency debasements in moments of stringency. While monetary values as proclaimed by French kings would eventually be identified as the Livre Parisis, other regions almost always got by with currencies of lower standard. One such currency, the Livre Tournois, would eventually become the preferred accounting system under a more centralized French kingdom.[5] Louis IX, 1266[edit] Gros Tournois of Louis IX, 1266 The emergence of the Livre Tournois as France’s preferred accounting system occurred during the reign of King Louis IX with the issuance of the silver Gros tournois with…
Money in France
Money in France Money Matters U.S. dollars are not accepted in most establishments, though some hotels, shops, and restaurants may accept U.S. dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate. Euro (€): The French currency Bills: 500/200/100/50/20/10/5 Coins: 2€/1€/50 cents/20c/10c/5c/2c/1c The Euro is divided into 100 cents, or centimes. Prices in France As a rule, prices for most goods and services, including hotels and restaurants, in the French regions are significantly less expensive than in Paris. There are also significant discounts for senior citizens, students and children under 18 for domestic transportation, museums and monuments, and for some leisure activities (movies, etc.). Restaurants Restaurants usually charge for meals in one of two ways: a prix-fixe menu (also called a “menu”). This includes two or three courses (with cheese and/or dessert, and sometimes a half-bottle of wine) for a stated price. Or you can order “a la carte”, which is generally more expensive. Cafes Prices at cafes can vary considerably depending on location as well as where one is seated in the establishment (standing at the counter or sitting at a table). Prices in areas that attract many tourists (for example, the vicinity of the Champs-Elysees and around Notre Dame) tend to be more expensive. Tipping in France Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another 2-3% is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non compris) a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters approximately 1.50€ for each bag and chambermaids 1.50€ a day. Taxi drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare. Tip hairdressers 10%, assistant 5%. Small tips of around 1€ are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guides. It is standard practice to tip tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion, generally 1.50-3.00€, depending on your level of the satisfaction. Bank Opening Hours Banking hours in Paris are usually from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Throughout the rest of France, banks are usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday. Currency exchange Currency exchange can be made in most banks and post offices as well as in some large stores, train stations, airports and exchange offices near major tourist sites. Look for a sign indicating “Change”. Remember that even though exchange rates are fixed, agent commissions vary: they must be clearly displayed. Exchange rates vary from bank to bank in the U.S. and France. Large cities in the U.S. generally have banks specialized in foreign exchange with lower exchange rates. The same applies in France. In general, it is best to find a larger bank or exchange office in the center of town or in a financial area. If only a small amount of money is being exchanged, the hotel’s money exchange rate may be adequate. Traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars should be exchanged in banks or exchange offices because very few businesses will accept them. Traveler’s checks in Euros can be purchased in the U.S. from specialized banks or in any major bank in France. While they offer a safe means of traveling with cash, many banks charge a service fee to cash traveler’s checks, and not all hotels,…
FRANCE CURRENCY NAME | Money Symbol Used & French …
FRANCE CURRENCY NAME | Money Symbol Used & French Cash 2022 Travelling to France soon? There are a number of things you will need but one thing you wont be able to live without is a good electricity adaptor that works, CLICK HERE to see the best available. The type of money used by the French hasn’t changed since joining the European Union. However there are a lot of other things you need to consider about the type of currency used, read on to find out more… The original unit was introduced in 1360 and its name was the franc. The value then was equivalent to one livre tournois, which dated back to the Middle Ages. However, in 1803, a new official money was introduced. This French monetary unit and system was known as the Germinal Franc. The current money name in France in 2022 is the Euro using the abbreviation of the € symbol and the currency code EUR. Read on to find out crucial information about the currency & how to transfer money to a france bank account from the US. US citizens are notorious for their tendency not to travel abroad and more used to using services such as walmart money network to transfer their US dollars within the country. When travelling relying on currency exchanges online and at high street currency exchange companies. Have a look at these americans asking themselves what currency does France use and their interpretations of the type of money coins, notes (or as US call bills), units and different denominations used in Europe by Americans: Long before the Euro this currency for France was introduced by the Latin Monetary Union. Unfortunately, after the first World War they moved to a sub-currency known as the German Reichsmark. This enabled them to join the Brent Woods monetary system. However, the French Franc came into play in 1960 as a result of a loss of value of the previous currencies which was used into the 1700’s. The old french money called the franc – is also a major world currency in the form of CFP (collectivités d’outre-mer, or otherwise known as COM). It should also be noted that they were one of the first countries to start using Euro along with the traditional type currency of France in 2002. The France currency remains the euro to this day in 2022. The French Republic: What other countries are using franc monetary unit? In addition to mainland France, the French Republic includes the Mediterranean island of Corsica and eight overseas territories. Those territories are former French colonies whose people have elected to keep their citizenship. Except for one, French Guiana on the northeast coast of South America, they all consist of small islands and island chains. They include Guadeloupe and Martinique, in the West Indies; Réunion and Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean; New Caledonia and the Wallis and Futuna Islands, in the South Pacific; and Saint Pierre and Miquelon, off the coast of Canada. This is why, the currency in France before the Euro – Franc shares its name with many currencies in adjoining countries and its what currency that the country uses. The countries that use Currency of Franceare mainly Francophone countries of Africa and Switzerland and Liechtenstein. For many centuries, France reigned as the cultural center of the Western world. During the late Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, educated people throughout Europe learned to speak French. They quoted old French philosophers and novelists. And, if they could afford to do so, traveled to Paris to visit its museums and libraries. Today’s France, especially the capital city of Paris, remains a world center of art, architecture, high fashion, gourmet food, and stylish living. France Named No1 Holiday Destination Many parts of the country lay in ruins following World War II. But the nation rebuilt itself quickly. Today, it is a leading European power in the realms of business, military defense, and science. It also remains Europe’s favorite vacation land and the world’s leading tourist destination.The defeat of Western Europe…
Euro, the European currency – Paris tourist office
Euro, the European currency – Paris Tourist Office – Paris tourist officeOn 1 January 2002, along with 11 other Member States of the European Union, France adopted the eurocurrency. These notes and coins can therefore be used in any country belonging to the euro zone: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia ans Spain.€1 is made up of 100 centimes or cents.Notes: €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes, as well as €1 and 2€.
French currency : the euro and the French Franc
French currency : the euro and the French FrancThe EuroThe currency of France is the Euro, as with the other countries in the Eurozone, and was launched at the beginning of 2002.The region sharing the euro as currency includes Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Cyprus.The currency of each of these countries can be used in other member states, although each country has its own designs for coins and banknotes. A Euro comprises 100 cents.The euro replaced the French Franc that had previously been the French currency.History of the French FrancThe franc has a long history, dating back to the 14th century – it was introduced by King John II in 1360 and lasted (with a break in the middle) until the euro was introduced in 2002.The symbol of the currency was simply ‘F’.The franc officially ceased to exist between 1641 and 1795, following its replacement by Louis XIII with the ecu and the Louis d’Or, but the name franc remained in common usage.The French franc was reintroduced and became decimal in 1795, after the French revolution.As the value of the franc diminished over the centuries, it was replaced by the ‘new’ franc in 1960, with 100 old francs being worth one new Franc. The old franc became the valid ‘centime’ coin after the devaluation of the currency, and continued to be for some years.Forty years later, many older French still convert prices into ‘old francs’. This is complicated for us newcomers who expect to hear a price of, say, 25 euros, and get told the price is 20,000 francs!