Independent Travel in Europe

Europe....Your Way!
Tips and resources for independent travellers
European destinations
European destinations

France

Slideshow of photographs taken during our travels to  France.

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Paris, France
The World Fact Book - Map of France
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Planning a Trip to France - Tips and Suggestions
Learn some basic French vocabulary and phrases, and don't be shy to use the French you know - your efforts will be appreciated!
Spend time reading about the history of France, even just a general overview will greatly enhance your travel experience.
It would take several trips to France or a very long stay to even attempt to see most of what France has to offer. Be realistic about what you'd like to see given the number of days that you'll be in France.

Here are a few suggestions for itineraries:

One week - Spend the whole week in Paris and include a day trip to Versailles. Spend a whole day on Montmartre, a day in the Latin Quarter/Notre Dame and along the Seine, a day at the Louvre; basically take your time visiting what you want to see and enjoy your time in the City of Light.

OR - Spend 4 days in Paris, and 3 days divided between Lyon and Grenoble.
OR - Be creative and start off in Geneva, Switzerland. Spend 1 night in Geneva, then go to Chamonix, Annecy, Lyon, and then Paris for 3 days.

Two weeks - Spend 4 days in Paris, 1 day in Annecy, 2 days in Lyon, and a week on the French Riviera (la Côte d'azur) Fly back from Nice.

Three weeks - 5 days in Paris, 2 days Chamonix, 1 day in Annecy, 2 days in  Lyon, 2 days in Grenoble, and the rest of the time in Provence or the Languedoc region (fly back from either Marseilles or Nice).

Four weeks - 5 days in Paris, 2 days in Nancy, 2 days in Strasbourg, 3 days in Chamonix and Annecy, 2 days in Lyon, 2 days in Grenoble, and the remainder of the time in Provence and the Languedoc region (fly back from either Marseilles or Nice).

If at all possible, spend time in both urban and rural areas. Visit Paris, but linger in a few villages, too! Try to see both mountainous and seaside areas.

Notre Dame de Paris

Lyon, France
La Colle-sur-Loup, France
You may also feel like renting a villa or an apartment and spending all of your time based in one area. Choose a location within driving distance of the day trips you'd like to take and then play it by ear for the rest of the time. Consider a location with cross-border day trip possibilities. It's up to you (and your travel partner, of course, if you're travelling with someone!)
Be prepared to fall in love with France :)) Paris - the City of Light, Mont Blanc, the Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera), wine, cheese, crêpes, baguettes, berets, and perched, medieval villages - need I say more :))
I made sure I had my black beret with me when we were in France - it's perfect to wear on a cool day. You'll fit right in with a scarf, a beret, or both :))
As for the crêpes, we savoured the chocolate variety in Antibes. It was a delight to watch the chef create them using a dozen or so types of fillings - what a treat - no pun intended!. He attracted a lot of customers - after watching him make a few we couldn't help but order two for ourselves! We enjoyed them in the open-air seating area.
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Strasbourg, France

Nine Activities You Can Do For Free in Paris

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
Take a stroll along the Seine
Visit the Latin Quarter
Visit Sacré Coeur on Montmartre
Visit the Luxembourg Gardens
Visit The Louvre's Grounds & Gardens
Walk along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Admission to The Louvre and to the Musée National Eugène Delacroix is free on the first Sunday of the month and on July 14th.

Other worthwhile destinations are Normandy,
the D-Day beaches, and the Loire Valley.

Five Free Activities in Lyon

Visit the Rosa Mir Gardens
Visit the Cathedral of St. Jean
Visit Tête d'or Park
Walk along l'Esplanade de Fourvière
Look for and enjoy the wall murals

Free Activities in Nice

Visit Colline du Château Park
Walk along the Promenade des Anglais
Visit Massena Square
Visit Cimiez Gardens

Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame is one of Europe's most beautiful gothic cathedrals. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
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