France Travel Guide

Even if you were previously unaware that France is one of the most visited countries on the planet, it should be no surprise to learn that it is an amazingly popular vacation destination.  From its fabulous cities (Paris, anyone?), to the abundance of historical monuments and breathtaking natural beauty, France offers an unparalleled odyssey of good food, wine and people that is a match for no other.  Seeing how it also happens to be one of the major tourist hubs in the world, your chances of finding discount airfare to France are equal to that of finding the best pastries you’ve ever tasted.  Something else that makes France a unique destination is that it has multiple peak seasons; late spring and early summer are easily the busiest times, especially in Paris, yet the fall (ideally after August, since many shops are closed for the entire month) is wine harvest and has it’s obvious drawing points.

The accommodations you select for your France vacation are of course decided by the balance you are willing to strike between cost and luxury, but unlike most US vacation spots, you have the additional option of staying in the infamous European hostel.  No doubt this is your least expensive option, it’s obviously the one with the least amount of luxury and privacy to it.  For those with a taste for the higher end, individual chateaus amidst wine country are a good selection, and the closer you are to the center of a major city (like Paris’ Concorde-Louvre-Saint Germain) the more expensive (and amenity-rich) the hotels are.  Starting at the 3-star level (and up to the 5-star level, such as the renowned Hotel de Crillon), general “hotels” offer rooms with bath and/or shower, and are generally smaller than those in the US.  Nonetheless, due to the high degree of tourism they support, French hotels remain among the most affordable.

When it’s time to see the sights, try not to forget that some have made seeing France their life’s work. There’s so much divine art, breathtaking architecture, stirring history, ancient folk festivals, vivid gardens and inspiring churches that you could easily lose yourself for years.  It also had some surprisingly wild corners, notably the Camargue delta.  Those who like to stay busy will want to rely on guided tours and look to the main thoroughfares for ample activities.  For the travelers wishing to feel the heartbeat of the country, you’ll definitely want to split your time between the bustling cities and sprawling, open country.  If it’s you’re first time, try to see the biggest attractions first, i.e., the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and so on.  No denying that these are must-sees, yet by visiting them early, you’ll ensure you have plenty of time to amble around the cities and villages at your own, comfortable pace.

When venturing out and about France, your transportation options are best leveraged by ground transport, specifically bus and rail.  Paris is France’s main bus and rail hub, servicing not only outlying regions but the whole of Europe as well.  Ticket prices are very moderate, above and beyond any cheap flights you may have located.  The exciting bonus here is that by seeing the country from the comfort of train and bus, you can watch the beautiful country roll by without the hassle or expense of renting a car.  If being in control of your own transportation is an absolute requirement, consider renting a motorcycle instead.  It’s lower cost per mile and reduced toll road rates will undoubtedly work in your favor.  As with most other European countries, vehicles rental agencies require you to be at least 21 years of age and in possession of an internationally viable credit card.