The home of smelly cheese, ancient vineyards, the Mona Lisa, the Côte d’Azur, and Napoleon Bonaparte! What is there not to love about France?!
Whether you are going to nibble fromage while sipping vin rouge from the historic vineyards, or simply want to relax in the French Riviera, France offers a wealth of opportunities for you to do just this and more.
TIME FRAME?
I’m not sure you could spend too much time exploring France! Depending on the kind of trip you plan, you could take anything from a quick three-day break, to several months travelling around the vineyards and rambling towns.
Visiting Paris – three days, minimum, one week is preferable
French Riviera – one week to ten days
Paris and a northern town or sight – one week to ten days
Grand tour of France – one month at a quick pace, more time the better
TRAVELLING FRANCE?
Train travel is certainly the easiest way to get from A to B in France. SNCF is the train company that operates throughout France, while TGV trains are the high-speed trains, offering trips such as Paris to Marseille in three and a half hours.
You can also hire a car as the roads in France are fairly well maintained, though many streets are quite narrow, you need to be a confident driver. The highway along the French Riviera is easy to follow but be prepared for the toll gates and you will always have some difficulty finding a place to park.
TRAVELLING FRANCE?
Train travel is certainly the easiest way to get from A to B in France. SNCF is the train company that operates throughout France, while TGV trains are the high-speed trains, offering trips such as Paris to Marseille in three and a half hours.
You can also hire a car as the roads in France are fairly well maintained, though many streets are quite narrow, you need to be a confident driver. The highway along the French Riviera is easy to follow but be prepared for the toll gates and you will always have some difficulty finding a place to park.
MY BEST ADVICE?
- France is one of those iconic countries that manages to pass of its quirks and traditions as magical and necessary. Slow your pace in France, enjoy leisurely meals accompanied with a glass of wine, and walk leisurely along the rivers banks.
- Be prepared for an extremely crowded Paris in July and August. My favourite time to visit is May and September.
- What should make your France bucket list? Paris (of course), Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel, St Malo, Eze, Gorge du Verdon, Cassis, St Emillion, and Aix-en-Provence to name a few…..
DID YOU KNOW?
TRAVELLING TO PARIS?
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
