If you require removals to France to settle in the country with family, you will want ideas on child-friendly places to amuse your young ones at weekends and during the school holidays. If your children enjoy the thrills and spills of a theme park, we’ve compiled a guide to the most popular places to go.
France has lots of great theme parks and the ones you choose will obviously depend on how close the attraction is to your new home; however, here’s our pick of the best. This is only a guide, and there are lots more theme parks across the country which are well worth a visit.
Hamiltons Removals was established 20 years ago and offers a reliable removals to France service that is tailored to your individual requirements. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and prompt and timely service and, whether you require removals to France or removals further afield, we can help. We are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), so you can be assured of the best possible service for your removals to France.
Meanwhile, here’s our at a glance guide to some of the country’s best theme parks and what to expect.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Our Pick of Eight Top Theme Parks in France
Disneyland, Paris – No guide to theme parks should go without a mention of Disneyland Paris, a tourist hotspot which attracts more than 15 million visitors a year. The theme park has five magic lands to visit that will capture the imagination of your young ones: from Fantasyland (for your youngest children), Discoveryland (for those who love the idea of space adventures), Adventureland, (which is full of thrills and spills), to the drama of the wild west in Frontier Land and a trip back in time in Main Street USA.
Futurescope, near Poitiers –This is another popular French theme park of a different kind. Futuristic architecture is set amidst the tranquil setting of lakes and countryside. It uses 3D and 4D custom based cinemas where you can experience a host of different sensations, from exploring space to diving, and the day ends with a spectacular evening show.
Le Puy du Fou, Les Epesses, Vendée – This theme park was built in the 70’s and is another popular attraction drawing 1.5 million visitors a year. Visitors can see five separate attractions, involving castles and battlements, Vikings, gladiators, birds of prey and sword-fighting Musketeers. It ends with a main evening show on the largest stage in the world, involving thousands of actors, fireworks and hundreds of horses. Although the plays are in French, English headsets are available, so you can follow the stories and enjoy the experience to the full.
Parc Astérix, Roissy, 20 miles from Paris – This is a theme park based on the comic book stories and characters of Asterix. It is often dubbed ‘a good alternative to Disneyland Paris’ and you don’t have to know about the Asterix stories to go there. This theme park is suitable for children of all ages and has some fantastic rides, including roller coasters, spinning rapids, a ghost train, log flume, dolphin and sea lion shows.
Vulcania, Saint-Ours-les-Roches, Auvergne – If your children are fascinated by volcanos, this is THE place to go as it brings the sights and sounds of this natural phenomenon to life. It is ideal for older children and the youngest ones. The park has more than 30 attractions including Angry Earth, which simulates various special effects including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tornadoes. Other attractions include a 4D cinema, dragon ride and a 57 acre nature area.
Nausicaa, Boulogne-sur-Mer – This is known as one of the largest public aquariums in Europe and is a popular family attraction in Northern France. There are 35,000 sea creatures to see here including giant octopuses, jellyfish, sharks, the African penguin, guitar fish and sea lions. If your French is limited, the good news is that information is provided in both English and French.
Nigloland, Dolancourt – This fun-filled family adventure park has more than 35 attractions from adrenalin fuelled rides - including several roller coasters, a pirate ship and a big wheel - to a children’s village. It’s ideal for children of all ages, from young ones to teenagers, and is set amidst pleasant landscaping.
Vallée des Singes in Romagne, Poitou-Charentes – Otherwise translated as ‘Valley of the Monkeys’, this open air park is a popular attraction with hundreds primates to see including gorillas, chimps, gibbons, baboons and lemurs. Many of the monkeys roam freely about the park, so it’s important to hold on to your possessions, but you’ll get a bag to put your belongings in when you arrive. It also has a children’s playground for the youngest ones in your party.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Thursday, 25 April 2013
Monday, 22 April 2013
Removals to France – Spotlight on French Work Ethics and Business Etiquette in France
If you are taking up employment for a French company, or are undertaking a new venture and require removals to France, here’s our brief guide to work ethics and business etiquette, to help ease your transition.
Hamiltons Removals are specialists in removals to France and have built up a good reputation in our field. For the past 20 years we have provided high class domestic, European and world wide removals at a competitive price. We provide an efficient service and tailor our removals to France to suit your needs.
Meanwhile, if you require removals to France to take up a new post in the country, here’s our at-a-glance guide to what is expected of you in the workplace. This will obviously vary from business to business, but this is a brief overview so you can quickly adjust to your new lifestyle.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
General Workplace Ethics and Business Etiquette
Working week
The working hours are quite rigid in France and were set by the government at 35 hours a week in the year 2000, with anything above this counted as overtime. However, this is subject to some controversy with critics saying that the ceiling on working hours is affecting small businesses. Another rule is that employees are not to work more than four and a half hours without a break.
One top tip is that, if you are thinking of phoning someone on a work related call, or arranging a meeting, it is generally best not to trouble a colleague before 10 am. This is because mornings tend to get off to a slow start and French people like to spend the first part of their morning getting organised and checking their emails etc., before attending meetings and phone calls.
Lunch Breaks
The French are known for taking quite lengthy lunch breaks and many businesses shut for between one to two hours at lunch (with some businesses, such as shops or tourist attractions closing for up to three hours). However, this is changing and now, just like in the UK, a lot of people are having whistle stop lunch breaks and grabbing lunch on the run. Restaurant owners as a whole have noticed a reduction in the number of lunchtime business meetings and some of the reasons behind this include different workplace ethics and a change in the drink drive laws.
Holiday Time
The holiday period agreed with your employer varies, but full time employees are entitled to five weeks of paid holiday a year, which amounts to 2.5 working days off for each month worked. Just as in the UK, many people choose to take their holidays in July and August, so it’s best to avoid these months if you are arranging a business meeting.
Addressing people in the workplace
Something that is quite noticeable is that the workplace in France is quite formal. So, you would only address people by their title, such as Monsieur or Madam, followed by their surname (unless they ask otherwise and give permission for you to use their first name). This includes in person, on the telephone and also via email. Always use ‘vous’ unless given permission to use ‘tu’. It’s also polite to acknowledge people when you walk past them in the corridor, so always say ‘bonjour’.
Greeting People at Business Meetings
It is acceptable to handshake when you greet people at a business meeting in France. You wouldn’t normally kiss somebody on both cheeks in a work environment, as this is reserved for close friends or for meeting people outside of work. However, do accompany your handshake with a cheery ‘bonjour’. Something to remember is that many people in France introduce themselves with their surname first, so remember this when you address them. Business cards would normally be exchanged at the first introduction.
At the Business Table
As the dress code is very formal at business meetings, the key is to dress conservatively; this means being well groomed from top to toe with a good, classic haircut and high quality shoes. Once in the business meeting, avoid taking a seat at the table, but wait until you are told where to sit. During the meeting, it’s important and polite to keep eye contact at all times. It is worth remembering that the French like their business documents to be precise and formal. You should also address people respectfully round the business table as the French value respect for authority.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Hamiltons Removals are specialists in removals to France and have built up a good reputation in our field. For the past 20 years we have provided high class domestic, European and world wide removals at a competitive price. We provide an efficient service and tailor our removals to France to suit your needs.
Meanwhile, if you require removals to France to take up a new post in the country, here’s our at-a-glance guide to what is expected of you in the workplace. This will obviously vary from business to business, but this is a brief overview so you can quickly adjust to your new lifestyle.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
General Workplace Ethics and Business Etiquette
Working week
The working hours are quite rigid in France and were set by the government at 35 hours a week in the year 2000, with anything above this counted as overtime. However, this is subject to some controversy with critics saying that the ceiling on working hours is affecting small businesses. Another rule is that employees are not to work more than four and a half hours without a break.
One top tip is that, if you are thinking of phoning someone on a work related call, or arranging a meeting, it is generally best not to trouble a colleague before 10 am. This is because mornings tend to get off to a slow start and French people like to spend the first part of their morning getting organised and checking their emails etc., before attending meetings and phone calls.
Lunch Breaks
The French are known for taking quite lengthy lunch breaks and many businesses shut for between one to two hours at lunch (with some businesses, such as shops or tourist attractions closing for up to three hours). However, this is changing and now, just like in the UK, a lot of people are having whistle stop lunch breaks and grabbing lunch on the run. Restaurant owners as a whole have noticed a reduction in the number of lunchtime business meetings and some of the reasons behind this include different workplace ethics and a change in the drink drive laws.
Holiday Time
The holiday period agreed with your employer varies, but full time employees are entitled to five weeks of paid holiday a year, which amounts to 2.5 working days off for each month worked. Just as in the UK, many people choose to take their holidays in July and August, so it’s best to avoid these months if you are arranging a business meeting.
Addressing people in the workplace
Something that is quite noticeable is that the workplace in France is quite formal. So, you would only address people by their title, such as Monsieur or Madam, followed by their surname (unless they ask otherwise and give permission for you to use their first name). This includes in person, on the telephone and also via email. Always use ‘vous’ unless given permission to use ‘tu’. It’s also polite to acknowledge people when you walk past them in the corridor, so always say ‘bonjour’.
Greeting People at Business Meetings
It is acceptable to handshake when you greet people at a business meeting in France. You wouldn’t normally kiss somebody on both cheeks in a work environment, as this is reserved for close friends or for meeting people outside of work. However, do accompany your handshake with a cheery ‘bonjour’. Something to remember is that many people in France introduce themselves with their surname first, so remember this when you address them. Business cards would normally be exchanged at the first introduction.
At the Business Table
As the dress code is very formal at business meetings, the key is to dress conservatively; this means being well groomed from top to toe with a good, classic haircut and high quality shoes. Once in the business meeting, avoid taking a seat at the table, but wait until you are told where to sit. During the meeting, it’s important and polite to keep eye contact at all times. It is worth remembering that the French like their business documents to be precise and formal. You should also address people respectfully round the business table as the French value respect for authority.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
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