Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»Others must apply for a Schengen visa, allowing unlimited travel throughout 26
European countries for a 90-day period. Apply at the consulate of the country that's your
first port of entry, or that which will be your principal destination. Among other particu-
lars, you must provide proof of travel and repatriation insurance, and prove you have suf-
ficient money to support yourself.
»Tourist visas
cannot
be extended, except in emergencies (such as medical problems).
Leave before your visa expires and reapply from outside France.
Women Travellers
Some French men have given little thought to
harcèlement sexuel
(sexual harassment).
Many believe staring at passing ladies is paying a compliment. Suave stares, maybe a
whistle, are about as adventurous as most French men get. Women are rarely physically
assaulted on streets, or touched in bars.
Rural Provence isn't problematic, but in the dizzying heat of summer, the Côte d'Azur
draws people from all over the world, many looking for hook-ups, some totally disrespect-
ful of women. Apply usual common sense when it comes to your safety: remain conscious
of your surroundings, avoid entering bars and clubs alone at night, never leave drinks un-
attended and beware of potentially dangerous surrounds - deserted streets, lonely beaches,
dark corners in large stations, night buses in certain districts of Marseille and Nice, and
strangers' yachts (seriously).
Topless sunbathing is generally not an issue.
SOS Viol
(
www.sosviol.com
)
staffs the national
rape-crisis hotline
( 08 00 05 95
95)
- spearheaded by
SOS Femmes
(
www.sosfemmes.com
)
- and provides online contacts
for local services.
