France travel tips?

Question

i'm learning french, and i have a friend who speaks french fluently. i want to take a trip to france when i'm 18 for a month or two and i'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions to where i should stay, and what time of year i should go. i'm definatly want to visit paris, but not necessarily stay there. so maybe a city no more than like four or five hours away. and a place that's decent. where an 18 yr old girl can stay by herself, and possibly one or two of her friends.

any suggestions appreciated,

thanks.

Answer 1

Hello (from a french)

Around Paris they are lot of little town but they arn`t lot of things to visite in. If you use train you can go in other town a liitle far away from Paris were you could visit and enjoy.

So for your accomodation I advice you to go in www.aparthotel.com

Answer 2

First, as to the time to go. Despite the song (i.e. April in Paris), the best time to go is in the Fall. April tends to be very wet with rain every other day. Though this can actually be very pretty, a few days of soggy shoes and constantly damp clothes will quickly lose its charm.

If you decide against spending your time in Paris then I suggest Aix en Provence, a very ancient and historic city to the south which is an lively college town these days.

However, I really urge you  to stay in Paris.

Paris is the center of just about everything in France. It is the political, economic, fashion, historic, educational and cultural center of the country. In other words it's the French equivalent of New York, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Hollywood and Vegas all rolled up into one. As such it is France in a way that no single America city is the USA.

Paris is so rich in art and culture that even if you spent every waking moment looking at paintings, sculpture and architecture you could take months and not see it all.

Paris is ready to deal with tourists. You say your friend is fluent in French. Is she a native French speaker? You're still learning French. In Paris you'll always be able to find an English speaker  who can help you out, give directions, and such like. I've never done it but I suspect if you stood on any street corner in Paris and yelled "Does anyone speak English?" a dozen people would appear.

Paris offers you the most choices and widest range of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.

Finally, I've traveled everywhere in the world and Paris is the most visually stunning city I've ever seen. In others words...its beautiful!

Answer 3

Watchout for "youths" in train stations.

Answer 4

Come to Strasbourg (Eastern France) in december, i can tell you, you really won't be disappointed. It's THE place to go in France in december. It's really lovely! But try to book your trip as early as you can, coz a lot of people go there during that time of the year.

I can even advise you a lovely hotel in the center of the city that is not so expensive : http://www.hotel-kleber.com/PAGES/texteE... each room is different ( http://www.hotel-kleber.com/PAGES/5eme.h... here are some examples). Soon there will be the TGV between Paris and Strasbourg, that is to say a 2h20 hour trip.

Answer 5

Brittany is a beautiful, under-rated part of France.

It is about 5 hours or so drive from Paris, maybe a little more in fact - but I would say that a couple days of Paris would be all you need before you've had enough of it - big cities, even the most beautiful ones, only have charm for a limited time before you crave a more tranquil environment - which is ultimatly the best way to experience the 'real' France.

bon voyage!

Answer 6

Here's some travel info from the US State Department that you should read before you go:

France is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy.  Tourist facilities are widely available.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A passport is required to enter France.  A visa is not required for tourist/business stays up to 90 days in France. Anyone intending to stay more than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa issued by one of the French Consulates in the U.S., prior to departure for France.  This also applies to anyone considering marriage in France. The 90 day period begins when you enter any of the Schengen group of countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

For further information concerning entry requirements for France, travelers may contact the Embassy of France at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, tel. [phone], or the French Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on France and other countries.  Visit the Embassy of France web site at http://www.consulfrance-washington.org for the most current visa information.

Note: Although European Union regulations require that non-EU visitors obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry to a Schengen country; many borders are not staffed with officers carrying out this function.  If an American citizen wishes to ensure that his or her entry is properly documented, it may be necessary to request a stamp at an official point of entry.  Under local law, travelers without a stamp in their passport may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if unable to do so.

Find more information about Entry and Exit Requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:  The Government of France maintains a threat rating system known locally as “Vigipirate”; it is similar to the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory System.  Under this plan, in times of heightened security concerns, the government augments police with armed forces and increases visibility at airports, train and metro stations, and other high-profile locations such as schools, major tourist attractions, and government installations.  Over the last year, there have been numerous arrests of suspected Islamic militants involved in various terrorist plots.  As with other countries in the Schengen area, France maintains open borders with its European neighbors, allowing the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country with anonymity.

In the past, political assassinations and bombings have occurred in France.  The National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (FLNC), as part of its decades long bombing campaign on the island of Corsica, continues to conduct limited operations in the south of France and on Corsica.  In the 1990’s there was a wave of bombings and attacks in Paris carried out by Algerian terrorists.  Today, numerous radical Islamic groups claim sympathizers within France’s large immigrant community, as evidenced by arrests over the last few years.

Although Americans have not been specifically targeted in terrorist attacks in France within the past few years, travelers should maintain vigilance.  Immediately report unattended packages observed in public places or any other suspicious activities.  French law enforcement authorities are pro-active and will respond immediately.  If there is a security incident or suspicious package, do not linger in the area to observe.

Although violent civil disorder is rare in France, in the past, student demonstrations, labor protests, and other demonstrations have developed into violent confrontations between demonstrators and police.  This was the case in March/April 2006, when a series of large demonstrations took place in central Paris.  Several weeks of unrest occurred in the suburbs of Paris, as well as in other French cities and towns, in November 2005.  Americans are advised to avoid street demonstrations particularly if riot police are on the scene.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site  where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME:  While France has relatively low rates of violent crime, a limited number of neighborhoods in the larger French cities merit extra caution.  Additionally, although the overall crime rate has fallen slightly in recent years, the volume of crimes involving violence has increased in France.  Thieves commonly target vehicles with non-local license plates and work in or near tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, beaches, trains, train stations, airports, and subways.  Americans in France should be particularly alert to pickpockets in train stations and subways.  Photocopies of travel documents and credit cards should be kept separate from the originals and key telephone numbers maintained to contact banks if credit cards are stolen or lost.

Although thieves may operate anywhere, the U.S. Embassy in Paris receives frequent reports of theft from several areas in particular:

Paris: The Paris Police Prefecture has published a pamphlet entitled “Feeling Safe in Paris,” which provides practical advice and useful telephone numbers for visitors and can be accessed at http://www.prefecture-police-paris.inter...  Thieves operate on the rail link (RER) from Charles de Gaulle Airport to downtown Paris, where they prey on jet-lagged, luggage-burdened tourists.  In one common ruse, a thief distracts a tourist with a question about directions, while an accomplice steals a momentarily unguarded backpack, briefcase, or purse.  Thieves also time their thefts to coincide with train stops so they may quickly exit the car just before the automatic doors close.  Travelers may wish to consider taking an airport shuttle bus or taxi from the airport into the city.

Reports of stolen purses, briefcases, and carry-on bags at Charles de Gaulle Airport have been on the rise.  Travelers should monitor their bags at all times and never leave them unattended.  As thieves commonly target laptop bags, travelers should avoid carrying passports and other valuables in computer bags.  One common method involves timing the theft so that while the traveler is busy at the ticket counter, the traveler’s shoulder bag is picked up after being placed on the floor.  Also be aware that unattended bags are subject to destruction by airport security.

There have been reports of robberies in which thieves on motorcycles reach into a moving car by opening the car door or reaching through an open window to steal purses and other bags visible inside.  The same technique is used against pedestrians walking with purses/bags/cameras slung over their street-side shoulder.  Those traveling by car should remember to keep the windows up and the doors locked.  Pedestrians are encouraged to walk as far from the street side as possible.

Many thefts occur on the Number One Subway Line, which runs through the center of Paris by many major tourist attractions (including the Grand Arch at La Defense, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, and the Bastille).  Pickpockets are especially active on this metro line during the summer months and use a number of techniques.  The most common, and unfortunately the most successful, is the simple “bump and snatch,” where an individual bumps into the tourist while at the same time reaching into the pockets/purse/bag.  Visitors should be particularly careful when metro doors are closing, as this is a favored moment for the less-sophisticated pickpockets to simply grab valuables and jump through the closing doors, leaving the victim helplessly watching as the thief flees.  Visitors are encouraged NOT to aggressively confront thieves, who often operate in groups and may become violent if cornered.  Simply drawing attention to an attempted theft will most likely stop the operation and cause a tactical withdrawal by the thief.

Gare du Nord train station, where the express trains from the airport arrive in Paris, is also a high-risk area for pick-pocketing and theft.  Travelers should also beware of thefts that occur on both overnight and day trains, especially on trains originating in Spain, Italy, and Belgium.  These involve the theft of valuables while passengers are sleeping or when the bags are left unattended.

In hotels, thieves target lobbies and breakfast rooms, and take advantage of a minute of inattention to snatch jackets, purses, and backpacks.  While many hotels do have safety latches that allow guests to secure their rooms from inside, this feature is not as universal as it is in the United States.  If no chain or latch is present, a chair placed up against the door and wedged under the handle is usually an effective obstacle to surreptitious entry during the night.  There are, however, reports of thieves breaking into hotel rooms on lower floors through open windows while the occupants are sleeping.  To guard against this, hotel room windows should be kept locked at all times.  Whenever possible, valuables should be kept in the hotel safe.

Many Americans have reported thefts occurring in restaurants and nightclubs/bars, where purses are stolen from the back of a chair or from under the table.  Again, keep valuables on your person and do not leave them unattended or out of sight.  Thefts also occur at the major department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps where tourists often place wallets, passports, and credit cards on cashier counters during transactions.

ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are very common in France and provide ready access to cash, allowing travelers to carry as much money as they need for each day.  The rates are competitive with local exchange bureaus and an ATM transaction is easier than the cashing of travelers' checks.  However, crimes involving ATMs are increasing.  Travelers should not use ATMs in isolated, unlit areas or where loiterers are present.  Travelers should be especially aware of persons standing close enough to see the PIN (Personal Identification Number) being entered into the machine.  Thieves often conduct successful scams by simply observing the PIN as it is entered and then stealing the card from the user in some other location.  If the card becomes stuck, travelers should immediately report it to the bank where the machine is located.

Large criminal operations in Paris involving the use of ATM machines that “eat” the user’s ATM card have been reported.  This most often happens during a weekend or at night when the bank is closed.  The frustrated traveler often walks away after unsuccessfully trying to retrieve the card, with plans to return the first day the bank is open.  In such cases, a criminal gang has modified the machine using an add-on device equipped with a microchip that records the user’s PIN number when it is typed in and also prevents the card from being ejected.  The criminal retrieves the card from the device once the visitor departs, downloads the recorded PIN number and then goes to other ATMs and withdraws as much cash as possible.  ATM users are strongly encouraged to carry a 24-hour emergency number for their ATM card and bank account that will enable the immediate prevention of withdrawals from the account if difficulties occur.

Pigalle is the “adult entertainment district” of Paris.  Many entertainment establishments in this area engage in aggressive marketing and charge well beyond the normal rate for drinks.  There have been reports of threats of violence to coerce patrons into paying exorbitant beverage tabs.  Visitors are encouraged to avoid this area unless touring with a well-organized and reputable tour company.

Normandy: There has been an increase in break-ins and thefts from vehicles in the parking lots at the Normandy beaches and American cemeteries.  Valuables should not be left unattended in a car, and locking valuables in the trunk should not be considered a safeguard.  Thieves often pry open car trunks to steal bags inside.

Southern France: Thefts from cars with unlocked doors or open windows stopped at red lights or caught in slow traffic are very common, particularly along the Riviera of the Nice-Antibes-Cannes area, and in Marseille.  Car doors should be kept locked and windows raised at all times to prevent incidents of "snatch-and-grab" thefts.  In this type of scenario, the thief is usually a passenger on a motorcycle.  Break-ins of parked cars are also fairly common.  Valuables should not be left in the car, not even in the trunk, when the vehicle is unattended.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.  Under French law, compensation is available to victims of crime committed on French soil under certain circumstances.

See our information on Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Medical care comparable to that found in the United States is widely available.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning France is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Roads in France are generally comparable to those in the United States, but traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers.  Usually, lane markings and sign placements are not as clear as in the United States.  Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers, as most French drivers do.  The French typically drive more aggressively and faster than Americans and tend to exceed posted speed limits.  Right-of-way rules in France may differ from those in the United States.  Drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left (unless specifically indicated otherwise), even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets.  Many intersections in France are being replaced by traffic circles, where the right-of-way belongs to drivers in the circle.

On major highways, service stations are situated at least every 25 miles.  Service stations are not as plentiful on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States.  Paris, the capital and largest city in France, has an extensive and efficient public transportation system.  The interconnecting system of buses, subways, and commuter rails serves more than 4 million people a day with a safety record comparable to or better than the systems of major American cities.  Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities.  Between cities, France is served by an equally extensive rail service, which is reliable.  High-speed rail links connect the major cities in France.  Many cities are also served by frequent air service.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Visit the website of the French and Monegasque National Tourist Office at http://franceguide.com.  The website contains specific information concerning French and Monegasque driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of France's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of France's air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initi...

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  French customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from France of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, sales samples, and other items.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., one of France's consulates in the United States, or the Consulate General of Monaco in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements.  Please see our customs regulations.

The emergency numbers in France for police, fire, and medical assistance are as follows: 17 (police emergency), 18 (fire department) and 15 (emergency medical/paramedic team/ambulance).  

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating French laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in France are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS:  Americans living or traveling in France are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within France.   Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in cases of emergency.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Paris is located at 2 Rue St. Florentin, 75001 Paris (Place de La Concorde, Metro Stop Concorde), tel. [phone] or (in France) 01-43-12-22-22; fax [phone].  Further information can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy's website at http://france.usembassy.gov

The Consulate General in Marseille is located at Place Varian Fry, 13006 Marseille, tel. [phone], or (in France) 04-91-54-92-00; fax [phone]-95 or 011-33-4-91-55-09-47.  Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/marseille/de...

The Consulate General in Strasbourg is located at 15 Avenue d'Alsace, 67082 Strasbourg, tel. [phone] or (in France) 03-88-35-31-04; fax [phone].

The Consulate General in Strasbourg does not produce passports on the premises.  American citizens in this area whose passports are lost or stolen and have urgent travel needs should contact the U.S. Embassy in Paris.  Website: http://www.amb-usa.fr/strasbourg/.

The Consular Agency in Nice is located at 7, Avenue Gustave V, 3rd floor, 06000 Nice, tel. [phone] or (in France) 04-93-88-89-55; fax [phone].  Website:  http://france.usembassy.gov/marseille/ni...

The U.S. Government also has consular representation in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Rennes, and Toulouse that provide some services to Americans, by appointment only.

The post in Bordeaux is located at 10, place de la Bourse, 33076 Bordeaux (entry on rue Fernand Philippart); tel. [phone] or 05-56-48-63-85 in France; fax: [phone].  Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/bordeaux/def...

The post in Lille is located at 107, rue Royale, 59000 Lille; tel. [phone] or 03-28-04-25-00 in France; fax: [phone].  Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/lille/defaul...

The post in Lyon is located at 1, quai Jules Courmont, 69002 Lyon; tel. [phone] or 04-78-38- 33-03 in France; fax: [phone].  Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/lyon/default...

The post in Rennes is located at 30, quai Duguay Trouin, 35000 Rennes; tel. [phone] or 02-23-44-09-60 in France; fax: [phone].  Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/rennes/defau...

The post in Toulouse is located at 25, Allée Jean Jaures, 31000 Toulouse; tel. [phone] or 05-34-41-36-50 in France; fax: [phone].  Website: http://france.usembassy.gov/toulouse/def...

Answer 7

Specifically for getting around I suggest you get a 12-25 "carte" which gives you discounts for trains & TGV (fast train) trips with SNCF.  This site for "prems" give the first discounts for traveling and VERY cheap prices.  If you plan in advance you can save a ton of money and exchange at the counter if you are in France and change travel plans, etc.  I lived in France in Lyon studying abroad for a semester and this site I discovered near the end of my travels but it was very helpful!

http://www.voyages-sncf.com/daily/deals/...

Answer 8

Check out Rick Steves' guide books from the library. He gives a lot of information that will make your trip more enjoyable. Wee things like understand French etiquette and say Bonjour Monsieur when you enter a small shop.

A friend who used to live there says April in Paris. And only April. ;-)

Read as much as you can. Watch travel DVDs from the library. I love Brittany, but it might not be for you. You might prefer the Loire Valley chateaux. The TGV means that a lot of the country isn't more than four or five hours away.

The only place I was ever uncomfortable as a woman was parts of the south. It felt like the men down there were either pretty scary or really great. So maybe not the best until you're older. Never felt uncomfortable elsewhere.

More important than your specific destination are two crucial tips: Pack light. (Take half of what you think you'll need and twice as much money.) French train stations are murder if you have heavy bags. Aim for a rucksack and a duffel. I'm serious.

The other is read up on local manners. Most foreigners go into another country expecting the standards to be just like home. They're usually not. Act in a way that reads as polite and respectful to the people you're visiting and you'll be treated with respect and politeness.