Travelling to Jolly Olde France
So you have mad it to Europe and a few of you want to look at France. The crap hole of the world, not so. France gets a bad rap from about everyone. So let’s look. France is a wonderful country with A LOT of culture. The French don’t get along that well with people. That’s a joke! I have traveled to France many times for short and long stays. I do like the French but they come across as snooty or stuck up. Remember you have to go to different places with an open mind
France used to use the Franc but now uses the Euro currency. When I travel from England I change my currency in the high street travel agency. When traveling from America it is not always possible to change money in France that easy unless you really know where you are staying. The Euro is like the dollar nearly so you get a better exchange rate. This is the only time I would advise changing money in an airport unless you were traveling to Paris.
The rumors about wine and cheese are completely true! France has some of the best dining and deli’s in the world and don’t get me started on the sandwiches, wow! The amazing thing is that eating is a major part of the French culture. Every working day most of the stores close about 12/1 till 2pm for lunch with family. It is quite incredible to see.
What is there to do? Depending where you go either Paris, Nice, Calais, Toulouse or some where else defiantly research before you go. There are so many churches, towns, squares and cities to see.
One of my favorite places is Toulouse. The main town is build around the large town square where there is always music or arts playing on the main stage. The square is surrounded by lots of great restaurants to. The area also furnishes a few large hotels.
Paris is a wonderful city. All the major hotel chains are here and top dining. Paris features a lot of tourist attractions that are worth a look. The only draw back to Paris is no matter where you go the city is very expensive. Still it is worth a look.
So when you travel to France do you have to speak French or Fran�§ois? Sadly No. One fun part of going to another country was to try and fit in. Well English is sweeping Europe by storm. You can speak French if you want but 9 times out of 10 they will get you to speak English.
The nightlife in France is good, eating late, musical events, good vibe and relaxing atmosphere. One thing I will say is to be cautious to wander off from the main areas. Just like NYC you don’t really want to go down any small streets or allyways at night. There is not a high crime rate but there are known pick pockets.
In all the countryside is wonderful, people are friendly, food and wine is wonderful and there Is so much culture. Well worth going.
