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France is one of the world's top favourite destinations to travel to, in particular, Paris. There is no other travel destination on earth that has the romantic feel of France, so they say. Dreams of French holidays involve champagne on the Eiffel Tower, cruises on the Seine, bicycling through wine country and exploring the resorts of the Côte d'Azur.
A holiday in France offers a wide variety of attractions for all travellers, whether interested in culture and history or just having a good time. While Paris is famous for its sophistication, there are more than 40,000 castles and chateaus dotting the countryside, dozens of ski resorts in the French Alps, holiday towns along the coast, and countless cities and villages hidden around every hill providing never-ending opportunities to explore.
French culture is known for its effortless sophistication, including the gastronomic delights of French cuisine, museums dedicated to centuries of French art, and the creations of French fashion designers. Whether looking for a city break in Paris or exploring the lesser-known smaller towns, a holiday in France is the dream vacation for many.
France and it's capital, Paris, are one of the top tourism destinations worldwide. There are plenty of ways of getting to France, by air, road, trains and ships around Europe.
When coming from another continent, Air France is the national airline and provides links to every corner of the globe, from New York and Los Angeles to Buenos Aires, Tokyo or Singapore, just a few of the direct flights viable. If you are coming from Australia, New Zealand or other Pacific Islands you will need to make at least one stop. However, France is well connected by air to North America, Canada, The Caribbean, South America, The Middle East and Asia with daily links to most destinations.
For low cost travel within Europe, there are multiple airlines offering good fares when you book in advance; EasyJet, Ryanair, Vueling or Transavia are some for example.
France is situated in Western Europe, bordering Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. It's no surprise that when travelling in Europe you can opt to drive around many of these countries and combine a multi city trip around France and the neighbouring countries.
Rail transportation is very reliable and comfortable and fast, thanks to the TGV, France High Speed Rail company. You can travel between many European capitals and Paris and main cities in France in just a few hours thanks to the TGV. There is also intercity trains as well as local trains serving smaller cities and towns, for them you don't need to book in advance but checking online for timetables and prices is always advised.
Busses are also a popular way of travelling in France and for those who don't drive, and want to visit smaller towns, busses are the ideal way of moving around. It's also possible to connect to international destinations around Europe with Eurolines.
Local transportation in France is advanced, modern and reliable. Big cities offer Metro systems, trams and local busses which are connected into one electronic paying system. There are multiple tickets or passes for those using the transport often, as well as weekly or monthly passes. (Check each city for more information regarding their transportation).
The climate of France is generally cold in winter and warm in summer, but mild winters and hot summers are usual along the Mediterranean sea (French riviera) and in the South West of France. Along the Rhône Valley a occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind blows known as the mistral. Lots of the snow falls in winter in the Mountainous regions like the Alps, Pyrenees and Auvergne. Temperatures can be well below freezing in this high areas, but if you stay in cities and lower grounds then Winter temperatures can range around 5-10 °C. In July and August it's the peak of summer and temperatures can reach easily in the high 30's °C. The best time to visit France is Spring or Autumn (March-June and September to November) to avoid the high season and enjoy pleasant temperatures to walk outside.
France is famous for producing some of the most sublime food in the world, whether it’s the speciality delicacies of high cuisine and award winning Michelin gourmet restaurants or the robust, village baking aromas from its traditional village boulangeries France has an almost unparalleled reputation for food. Many of the dairy products, specially cheese, together with wine and the famous Champagne have been categorised as national culinary and drink treasures and must tries. As well as the Baguette, (French Bread), Croissants, Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée (Onion Soup), Croque-Monsieur (Ham and Cheese Sandwich), Quiche au Saumon et Crevettes (Salmon and Shrimp Quiche), Mousse au Chocolat (Chocolate Mousse) are a just a few of the tasty typical food you can find in France.
You can find the following specialities when visiting in France: Escargot, is a delicacy consisting of cooked land snails. Escargots are usually served as a starter in France. Bouillabaisse, fish stew, usually containing at least three or more,types of fish and shellfish. Cassoulet, (A Marseilles speciality) rich haricot bean casserole, often slow-cooked with various meats including duck, goose, and pork sausages. Quenelles de brochet, pounded pike formed into sausage shapes and usually served with a rich craysh sauce. Soué au Grand Marnier, traditional light dessert covered with orange liqueur. Bœuf bourguignon, a Burgundy dish of beef stewed in red wine. Raclette, melted cheese served with potatoes and meats. Ratatouille, (Popular in alpine areas in both France and Switzerland) a vegetable stew with ingredients commonly including aubergine, tomato, and courgette. Salade Niçoise, a salad originating from Nice, with tomato, tuna, and Niçoise olives. Crêpes, savoury, buckwheat versions are known as gallettes. Pastis, a popular aperitif.
As for drinks: Wine, the most popular alcoholic drink in France, from reds to whites and many grape specialities which have helped the country win many awards for it's fine wines. Calvados, an apple brandy made in Normandy. Champagne, this fizzy wine is just reserved for special occasions in France. It's common to drink it during birthday parties, inaugurations or end of year celebrations.
Despite France being a modern and safe country in Europe where crime rates are low, it is getting each time worse in big cities like Paris, Nice or Lyon.
With an increase of immigration and homeless people, it is advised that you always look out for your belongings and personal items such as cameras, wallets and mobile phones where pick-pocketing and robbery is on the increase!
Unfortunately when it comes to robberies, the police in Paris and big cities are very unhelpful and unable to speak in English in most cases. Make sure if something happens you ask for a report and don't get put off if they tell you to come back tomorrow as it's their duty to provide this service whatever the time. Find a "Commissaire" (French Police Station) to make this report.
❗Attention: Specially pay attention when travelling by public transport, on trains, metro and night busses which are easy for robbers and pickpockets to target tourists.
There are a lot of scammers and con-artists trying to take advantage of tourists, particularly in large cities and around major landmarks in Paris. Be aware of “gold ring” tricks, fake petitions, groups of teenagers acting strangely or trying to distract you, and people offering help with your luggage. Don't let people who are trying to ask you for help into covering your possessions, always hold on to bags and keep luggage in sight.
France was in fact the second foreign country I visited as a teenager and spent a 3 week interchange school programme in Lyon. Since then Paris is the only city I have visited and have been able to include it in these guides. Paris, can't be described as France as vice-versa. The country has changed a lot, specially socially in the big cities, where it is not uncommon to see large numbers of immigrant communities and a diverse multicultural society.
Paris is one of those cities where the "wow factor" is always present, watching the views from the Eiffel Tower, admiring the treasures from the Louvre Museum or walking to the top of the Sacre Coeur are all activities that makes you feel special about Paris. It's one of the oldest cities in Europe, and with a rich, historical and cultural background there is never a dull moment in Paris to keep yourself busy and entertained. For younger crowds, and Disney fans, it's also a heaven for going to Disneyland, combining your visit to the park with a few days tourism of Paris to make the most of your trip.
The downside of being such a popular city, the prices of accommodation, food and tourism in itself are very expensive and it's important you plan your visit with time and taking into consideration that peak times and the Summer season will mean lengthy queues to get into popular attractions and landmarks. Booking online is now essential if you want to guarantee your visit like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Louvre amongst others.
Another aspect to consider is safety, although it's a secure city despite having had several terrorist attacks in the last years, Paris is full of scammers and people practising "pick-pocketing". Pay attention to your belongings and don't trust people who seem to suddenly need your help.
Despite the big cities, France, overall offers some incredible scenery and picturesque villages and towns which are the true essence of the French people. Take time to travel to the outskirts of the cities, the mountains and the coasts of France in the south, which are waiting to be discovered. I look forward to be able to recommend and write more about this beautiful country with many more cities and places to visit.
