Daily life

Opening days and times

In and around Issoire, most shops open from 9 to midday and from 2 to 7, from Monday to Saturday. Public services are generally open from Monday to Friday.
Lunch is served in restaurants from midday to 1.30 and dinner from 7 to 9 p.m.

Daylight-saving time/standard time

From the end of October, France is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): when it is 12 o’clock GMT, it is 1 o’clock in France. When daylight-saving time is applied, from late March, at 12 o’clock GMT it is 2 o’clock in France.

Publics holidays

– New Year’s Day: January 1

– Easter Monday: March or April

– Labour Day: May 1

– Victory Day: May 8

– Ascension Thursday: May

– National holiday: July 14

– Assumption Day: August 15

– All Saints Day: November 1

– 1918 Armistice: November 11

– Christmas Day: December 25

Electrical mains supply

The electrical standards in force in France use an electrical current of 220 V, and you may need an adapter for your appliances.

Banks

Many ATMs (cashpoint machines) allow you to withdraw euros 24 hours a day using your international bankcard. The machines provide a choice of languages, including French, English, German and sometimes other languages. Please check with your bank to find out how much commission they will charge and details of any withdrawal limits which may apply.

Stamps

You can buy stamps at a post office or a tobacconist’s.