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France Travel Tips

France Travel Tips Can Help Make Your Vacation a Magical Experience

You’ve decided to travel to France. France is Europe’s most diverse, tasty, and, in many ways, exciting country to explore. There are a few tips that will help make your travels easier. It’s a multi-faceted cultural fondue for the five senses.

Shopping in France can vary in cost from nearly nothing to a small fortune. Good budget travelers find that this category has little to do with assembling a trip full of lifelong and wonderful memories. It’s just a good point to consider while traveling in France.

What Is the Best Time of Year To Travel In France?

The spring and fall are best, with generally good weather and lighter crowds (except during holiday weekends) through summer brings festivals, reliable weather, and long opening hours at sights. Europeans vacation in July and August, jamming the Riviera and the Alps, but leaving the rest of the country reasonably tranquil. And, while many French businesses close in August, the traveler hardly notices. Winter travel is fine for Paris, but you’ll find smaller cities and villages buttoned up tight. Winter weather is gray, noticeably milder in the south, and colder and wetter in the north.

Helpful Tips and Ideas While Traveling In France

You will need a passport, but no visa or shots, to travel in France. Taking the time to consider these tips can help make your travel experience much more enjoyable.

You’ve no doubt heard that the French are “mean and cold and refuse to speak English.” This is an out-of-date preconception left over from the de Gaulle days. The French are as sincere as any other people.

One of the biggest mistakes most Americans make when traveling in France is trying to do too much with limited time. Hurried, impatient travelers who miss the subtle pleasures of people-watching from a sun-dapped café and taking walks in the countryside often misinterpret French attitudes. By slowing you pace and making an effort to understand French culture, you’re much more likely to have a richer experience.

Another important tip to consider upon arrival in a new town is to lay the groundwork for a smooth departure. Slow down and ask questions. Most locals are eager to tell you about their town’s history and point you in their idea of the right direction. Buy a phone card and use it for reservations and confirmations.

France’s national tourist offices in the United States are a wealth of information for traveling. Before your trip, request any specific information you want such as maps and schedules of upcoming festivals. Consider some supplemental travel information, especially if you’re traveling beyond France. One simple budget tip can easily save the price of an extra guidebook.

An international driver’s license is not necessary to travel by car in France. Rent a diesel car if you can. Gas is most expensive on auto routes and cheapest at big supermarkets. Many gas stations close on Sunday. Car rental is cheapest if arranged in advance through your own travel agent. The best rates are weekly, with unlimited mileage or leasing. You can pick up and drop off in moderate to larger cities anytime. Big companies have offices in more cities and towns. Small rental companies can be cheaper, but aren’t as flexible.

With these simple France travel tips you can have a vacation of a lifetime and avoid many hassles. A little research and time spent planning your trip to France can help you save money and most importantly, make for a safe and magical travel experience.