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france
One of my favorite countries for its history, art and culture. France is home to some of the most visited destinations in the world. From the Provence, French Rivera, Paris, Versailles and so much more! They have had their share of revolutions, religious reformations and government changes. After the French Revolution in 1789 a country once known for its monarchy decided to abolish it. They instead insisted on a democratic government and now have a Prime Minster and President. Visiting France is not something that can be done once, this country is vast and has so many regions worth visiting! This is a country you will want to come back and visit over and over!
France
explore France
Nice
Paris
Nice
Nice
Paris
antibes
Antibes
NICe
paris
paris
antibes
Versailles
French is the dominant language while few will speak English. It’s important however to not assume they speak English and to always ask first.
Language Spoken
Bonjour – Hello
S’il vous plaît - Please
Parlez Vous Anglais – Do you speak English
Excusez Moi – Excuse me
Pardon – Sorry
Merci Beaucoup – Thanks you very much
words to know
Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Featured in Sherlock Holmes
Paris
Featured in Hunger Games
Gourdon, Alpes Maritimes
Featured in Les Misérables
Film Locations
Top 3 Hotels
This boutique hotel is located in Auriac and is a former manor house. It’s a gorgeous countryside home with an intimate feel but luxury accommodations. It has a Michelin star restaurant on site!
The average price per night starts at €180.
Located in Montbazon this hotel was formerly the Artigny Castle. It has only 56 rooms and a beautiful white brick exterior. A five star hotel in the heart of the Loire Valley.
The average price per night starts at €280.
Located in the Provence this hotel is perfect for a getaway weekend. Situated in the hills of Vence this property is remote and allows you too reconnect with nature. It has an on-site spa and some of the best services in the country.
The average price per night is €525.
Château d'Artigny
Le Domaine D'auriac
Château Saint-Martin & Spa
France has A LOT of historical figures that I am obsessed with, but I have to say Joan takes the cake for me. If you don’t know who she is, let me just start by saying a complete and total bad ass. She led the French Army at 18 to a major victory over the English at Orleans. Now let me back up to give you some context, England and France had been at war a long time. It was what was known as the Hundred Years War, it all started over who would inherit the French throne. Now Joan was no one special in terms of lineage. She was born to poor farmers but had visions and she converted to a pious life. She was encouraged to speak to the Charles of France who was fighting to be King. Long story short although Charles was skeptical of a peasant with visions, he followed her counsel. This resulted in Joan leading them to victory and he became King Charles VII. She was later captured during a battle in Burgundian and sold to the English. They held her in a military prison and threatened her with rape and torture. She was finally convicted of witchcraft and dressing like a man and burned at the stake at 19. It was said her heart remained intact and her ashes were spread over the Seine. King Charles had distanced himself from her during the trial but after another 22 years of war he launched an investigation. In 1456 he declared that she was innocent of all the charges and proclaimed her as a martyr. She was later canonized as a Saint in 1920.
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc
Historical Figure
Travel Guide
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France is home to some of the best food in the world. The most notorious food associated with the French however is escargot, aka snails on a plate. It’s really not bad at all, it’s just like a little garlic ball!
A popular restaurant in the south of France that is home to three kitchens. They have French, Fusion and Thai so there really is something for everyone!
Average meal per person is €20 .
Ô Zen Le Passag
Another Michelin star chef and restaurant but with affordable prices! Jean-Luc Rabanel has been a chef since 2006 and is known for his diverse plant-based dishes. He strives to elevate healthy cooking! An al carte menu is available as well as multiple tasting menus. Tasting menu cost start at €65 per person.
Average meal per person is €50.
L’Atelier de Jean Luc
This restaurant is located in a small village in the Corbières Hills. It has a Michelin star and the chef has three himself! They are known for the creative dishes, amazing service and quaint location. Tasting menu cost start at €185 per person.
Average meal per person is €125.
Auberge du Vieux Puit
Top 3 Restaurants
Madame Bovary
by Susanne Dunlap
Les Miserables
By Victor Hugh
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
by Victor Hugh
BOOKS BASED IN France
France is on the E plug which is 230V and standard frequency is 50 HZ. To avoid issues, you will need an adapter AND convertor! I would recommend BESTEK Universal it works in multiple destinations and has USB ports. I have been using it for a while and love it! Now all my ladies out there you will need a DIFFERENT adapter for your curling irons and straighteners. I know its extra money but trust me! I have blown out a few curling irons, it’s worth the extra money and luggage space. Conair has the best adapter for pretty much every country. Check it out here.
Plugs
The French get a bad rep for being rude, and I would disagree with this. They are just big on respect and don’t respond to people assuming they speak English. When you are approaching someone ask first if they speak English, they will be more inclined to be polite and help you.
Common Misconceptions
France is an amazing country to visit and one I have travelled solo a few times. They have been victim of terrorist attacks over the last few years and the bigger cities have issues with pick pockets. However that should not deter you from visiting just always be aware of your surroundings. For more information click here.
Safety
Depending on the region you are wanting to visit this will affect the time of year you should go. The South of France and Provence are great to see during the Spring and Summer. Paris is beautiful during the fall, its less crowded and cooler. December is also a great time as well for the Christmas markets which are beautiful!
When to Visit
Try to speak the language! I promise this will go so far here, just start with Bonjour even if that’s all you got. The French are prideful and hate when people don’t respect that. Make your trip more enjoyable and be extra nice and respect the culture
Travel Tip
Other Tips
France is a part of the EU and is on the Euro. In large cities such as Nice or Paris you will have no problem using credit cards or finding an ATM. Smaller remote areas mostly are cash-based.
Local Currency
HOW TO GET AROUND
If you are in the big cities walking and public transportation is a great option. However outside of the cities you will need a car. Part of the fun can be in driving through the French Countryside.
STAYING CONNECTED
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Wifi is available at most locations for free but it will be limited. Depending on the length of your trip either add international to your plan or invest in a portable wifi. A company I use often is SkyRoam, they have very affordable rates!
There is so much to do in France from lavender fields, to climbing the Eiffel Tour or eating your weight in cheese and bread. One of the coolest things to do however is sleeping a bubble dome in the forest. Yeah that’s a thing you can actually do…swear! If you are in Allauch you can stay in one of these bubble lodgings on the Attrap’Rêves.
Unique Experiences
French Rivera
Mont Saint-Michel
Provence
Chateau Vaux - Le- Vicomte
Versailles
Paris
6 Things you must do
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I have made tons of travel mistakes that were easily avoidable. Forgetting convertors, not packing properly, the list goes on. To make sure you avoid the same mistakes I have made I have complied a list of travel must haves.
Travel Adapter
kindle
airpods
macbook pro
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