Non-European visitors will have even more trouble with the currency, starting this week, when the new(and rather smart) 5 and 15 euro coins go into circulation…

They’re partly meant for collection, but will also be in circulation, so don’t be surprised if you expect notes as change and get coins instead. 2 million silver 5 euro coins have been struck and have started to be introduced, and 500,000 silver 15 euro coins will be arriving on 15th September.

Both coins are the same on the other side, showing a woman sowing seeds, boldly striding into the future (before, she was facing left which was sometimes construed as going back to the past). Not quite sure how big they are though. The photos make them look the size of wagon wheels…

You should also know that orders are being taken for the limited gold 100 euro coins which will be ready on 24th November. Only 50,000 will be made…

More information here, or pop down to the Coin Museum shop at 2 rue Guénégaud, Paris 6th arrondissement. It’s just down the road from our hotels!