Tips for Traveling to and inwardly France; Things to Do There?
Due to our military committments, my friend and I cannot specifically plan out a trip to France quite on the other hand but are in the planning stages for a trip near in the summer of 2007. We are planning on staying a few days contained by Paris and then northern France. We would similar to to visit the following places:
1. Paris
2. Normandy
3. Tours
4. Chenonceaux
5. Chambord
6. Orleans
If anyone can contribute good direction on what things are a definite "must-have" to see within these places (please avoid the obvious resembling the Eifel Tower or the Louvre, etc.), as well as some "local secrets" that'd be awesome. Also, if within are any hostels in these areas that anyone reccomends or can comment accurately on, it would be appreciated. As far as transportation is concerned, any tips for riding the trains inwardly France?
Thanks.
Answers: I have be living in France for a little years, and it is great that you are coming to visit. I lived surrounded by Paris for a few years and now I am surrounded by Normandy. In Paris, there are tons of things to do that are not touristy. If you are into the local block scene, go to Oberkampf metro station, near are lots of bars that pretty much solely locals, kind of artsy types, walk to. There is the St. Martin Canal, which during to summer is a popular hang out spot for childish people. (It is within the tenth arrondissement, I believe). Also, the bars and restaurants around Bastille (rue de la Roquette) are moderately popular. You can also walk around Les Halles (2nd Arrondissement), especially at the back the huge church (St. Ouen), where near are a couple of little streets with restaurants and shops. Also, check out the flea market at Moufftard (6th).
In Normandy, one of the best places to go is Honfleur. Take the train to Le Havre, and only across the bay, near is a city called Honfleur. (There is most plausible a bus to go in attendance from Le Havre). Not many americans run there, but it is enormously beautiful contained by the summer time. Also in Normandy, you could jump to Giverny. It was the home of Claude Monet, and in attendance are beautiful gardens to hoof it around in. Only problem, it is deeply touristy.
There are a lot of hostels surrounded by Paris, and at least one or two surrounded by other major French cities. In Normandy, that funds Rouen or Le Havre. Or Caen, possibly, but Caen is boring.
As for the trains, you shouldn't have any problems. Most French folks travel by train, and France has one of the best train systems surrounded by the world. You can pretty much go anywhere surrounded by the country. French trains rarely depart from late, unless here is a strike, so be on time and don't forget to time stamp your ticket (the machines are bright yellow) contained by the machine right back you get on the train. This validate the ticket for the trip. Also, if you get your ticket and don't use it, or miss the train, you can use matching ticket for a later train no problem, lately stamp it in the contrivance before you use it. The ticket is valid for a abiding time (I think an hour) after it is stamped.
Hope this help, and enjoy your trip!
Hi! Last year, my friend and I planned our mid-tour go off to France, Switzerland and Germany on Expedia.com. Really great rates on hotels. I suggest hotels for the privacy. Not much air conditioning within that country and the rooms are small, but I'd bet they're better than hostels. Take the Eurorail. The countryside is gorgeous and the trains are clean, comfortable, and inexpensive.
We go to Paris and Nice, but I would love to see the beaches at Normandy for the history. In Paris, you can simply go out for a hoof it and enjoy the sidewalk caf¨¦, bakeries, people...Most neighborhoods are terribly nice. Be careful if you walk into the NE section where on earth the Sacred Heart Basilica is. Very seedy, but worth the trip. It's the chief section of the city.
If you're from the United States -- avoid the locals!
Hi within,
I have be camping surrounded by France for many years in a minute and absolutely love the place. There is other plenty to do and see and the locals are always polite, despite what you might here to the contrary.
The place I other tend to find lots of information and travel guides for France is on Eurocamps website (www.eurocamp.co.uk), where they narrate you all roughly speaking camping contained by france and even gives a run down on towns contained by the area and various things to do.
Take a look at the website and you'll be amazed at the wide span of things to do and see in France. Its a great country!
Get yourself a Michelin Green Guide to France. It have all kind of places to visit, the routes to procure to them, bus lines, subway lines, restaurants, etc. It's a life depositor in France, or any other country. You can buy it at your local bookstore. Close to Normandy, in that is a little town call Saint Jacut des la Mer, and it is one of my favorite places in France. Bon Voyage!
Have look at to enjoy some tips to the places you are going to see and of course the surroundings :
http://www.c-lafrance.com/
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