Accommodation

Special rates have been negotiated in five selected hotels - please therefore ensure you book your accommodation via the official accommodation page.

  Accompanying persons' program

As in previous years, tourist information on tours, visits, excursions and activities will be available during the whole week near the registration desk. Accompanying persons are therefore encouraged to make use of this information, and to plan their own schedule.

Accompanying persons are welcome to attend the receptions on the Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and are also welcome to participate in the traditional visit on the Thursday.

We kindly ask you to let us know (on your registration form) whether your accompanying person will attend the receptions and the visit.

  Arrival in Arcachon

An information document has been prepared to help you on arrival in Arcachon. You may download it here (updated 18 September).

  Climate

October is Autumn in France; the average daytime temperature is generally approximately 15 °C dropping to 10 °C overnight. Arcachon has a micro-climate and is protected by its position in the Bassin of Arcachon. Evenings can be cool so please pack accordingly. For weather information visit: www.meteofrance.fr.

  Currency, Banking, Credit cards

The Euro is the official currency in France. For a currency conversion guideline, click here

Banks offering currency exchange facilities are located close to the meeting venue. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesday to Saturday, although many close at lunchtime.

All major credit cards are accepted and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available throughout France.

  Electricity

The standard supply voltage in France is 220 V AC, 50 Hz. France uses the type of socket shown in the photo below.

   Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to France and to protect you against cancellation charges, loss or damage to your luggage and personal effects, loss of cash and medical expenses.

   Internet access and computers

There will be free wifi internet access in the Palais des Congrès.

   Languages

French is the common language throughout France. The CIML meeting will be conducted in English and simultaneous interpretation into and from French will be provided.

   Lunch and refreshment breaks

Lunch and refreshments will be served on the days indicated on the Schedule.

  Meeting documents

Delegates should please note that (as usual) no paper documents will be available for the CIML meeting; all the CIML meeting documents will be made available for download via the CIML meeting agenda page.

  Mobile phones

France has an extensive GSM phone network. Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roaming facilities available in France. Major networks include Orange, Bouygues, Free and SFR.

  Receptions

There will be two receptions:

• a cocktail reception on the Tuesday evening, and
• an OIML reception on the Thursday evening.

Dress code is business casual for both events; more information will be given during the week of the meetings.

  Special requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure that any special needs delegates have are taken into account.

  Taxes

Most goods and services sold in France are subject to 20 % VAT. Food is subject to 5.5 % VAT and restaurants 10 % VAT. VAT is always included on bills and invoices.

   Time zone

The standard time zone in France is GMT/UTC +2 hours. Local time, and various other information concerning the Bordeaux Region (and indeed all major cities in the world) can be found at the World Time and Date web site.

  Tipping

There are no firm rules about tipping in France and service is always included in the bill. Tipping is not necessary but is appreciated for good service.