3 day trip - first time in europe flying, advice please

[DFC]

Although, ICAO requires all member states to use English over the radio as the preferred option, the French appear to think somewhat differently

Not true.

The language used shall be the language of the ground station or if this is not possible then English.

Everyone should now have the Language certificate of competence in their licence.

Unless you have French competence level 4 or better in your licence then you can not operate to airfields where the R/T is French only - not many places but if this is the case it will be published.

Check the publications. Most of the north coast airfields can use English if you are not competent in Fench however, many close for (a long) lunch and during lunch only French is used.

Don't forget that the Channel Islands are not in the EU and not in the UK either. Therefore, customs, immigration and such regulations that may be relaxed for intra EU flights are not relaxed for flights to / from the Channel islands.

Remember that VFR is VFR - Aviate, Navigate, Commuicate.

Regards,

DFC