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FRANCE

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CITIES

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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LANGUAGE | FRENCH

TIP

Before traveling to any country where I do not know the language. I like to learn a few basic phrases, and recommend that anyone do the same. Especially in France.

“Hello, goodbye, excuse me, do you speak English?, yes, no, please, thank you, where is the [bathroom, temple, train, etc.], left, right, straight/forward, the check/bill, numbers: 1-10, 20, 30,” etc. are words and phrases I would learn, at the minimum.

By making the effort to learn a few simple phrases, you are not only showing respect for the people and country you are visiting. But also, selfishly, I can almost guarantee your personal experience and connection within the country and with its people, will be far more meaningful.

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CURRENCY | EUROS

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CAPITAL | PARIS

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FLAG | BLUE, WHITE, RED

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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER | 112

It helps to think of it this way: 911 in The USA = 112 in France. There’s no need to dial + or the country code. In case of emergency, dial 112 on your phone, and call.

Do you think you could actually remember that number in an emergency situation? If your answer was anything but, yes. Just save it to your phone now.

No one plans on having an accident or emergency. Add 112 to your contacts, now. Under something like, “911 France,” or, ”Emergency Number Europe.”

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PASSPORT REMINDER!

Your passport cannot expire within 3 months of your expected return to the USA. Passport renewal can take time. So, don’t forget to check the expiration of your passport at least 6 months before you leave.

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SCHENGEN ZONE

Paris, like most of Europe, is a part of the Schengen Zone. US citizens can travel in the Schengen Zone for 3 months in 6, without having to worry about attaining a visa.

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THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

MAY – SEPTEMBER

Depending on the region, May through September is the ideal time to visit France.

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THINGS FRANCE IS KNOWN FOR

ARCHITECTURE

ART

CHAMPAGNE

CHEESES

CUISINE

CULTURE

DEMOCRACY

THE FRENCH ALPS

FRENCH FOOD

THE FRENCH RIVIERA

HISTORY

REVOLUTION

TOUR DE FRANCE

WINE

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CULTURE SHOCK

• Don’t wear a goofy grin in Paris. You’ll get treated better, I promise you. Or at least don’t get offended when people aren’t all smiley back at you. It’s strange for some to experience, especially us “west coast smilers”. But, its just a part of Parisian culture.
• Brace yourselves. This one takes most Americans by surprise when they hear it. By law, French people are entitled to a minimum of 30 vacation days a year. Usually taking upwards of 45 days. Because of this, during the month of August, many people living in French cities take their vacation. So, be aware, that while crowds may be slightly less than you would expect in the summer, many restaurants and tours will be closed.
• Ready for another? I “took a tumble” on my last visit and had to visit the hospital in Paris. After seeing multiple doctors and getting X-rays on my knee and shoulder. I paid 100 euros and walked out of that hospital with care instructions and two prescriptions. Which, ended up costing an additional 30 euros. That’s 130 euros total.

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THE CAN’T MISS LIST

FRANCE | CITIES

BORDEAUX

CANNES

CHAMONIX

CHAMPAGNE

CORSICA

LOIRE VALLEY

MARSEILLE

NICE

NORMANDY

PARIS

ST TROPEZ

MONET’S HOME AND GARDEN IN GIVERNY

THE COTE D’AZURE AKA THE FRENCH RIVIERA

THE LAVENDER FIELDS OF PROVENCE

THE PALACE AT VERSAILLES

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GET INSPIRED!

One of my favorite ways to get inspired before a trip, and reminisce after, is by watching movies set in said location. And France is brimming with options to satisfy any genre. Family, mystery, romance, theatrical, historical, you name it. They got it.

ENTERTAINMENT

Anastasia

The Aristocats

Atonement

Bourne Identity

The Da Vinci Code

Emily in Paris

Eurotrip

Ford v Ferrari

Hannibal Rising

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Inception

Inglorious Bastards

John Wick

Julie & Julia

Les Miserables

Lupin

The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Marie Antoinette

Midnight in Paris

The Monuments Men

Monte Carlo

Moulin Rouge

Napoleon

Outlander

Passport to Paris

Ratatouille

Reign

Rick Steve’s Paris

Sabrina

Versailles

Wonder Woman

BOOKS

The Da Vinci Code

The Nightengale

Cirque du Soleil

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