France is considered the most visited country in the world. Whether it’s because of the reputation of this beautiful country for romance, whether it’s because it is a western, developed, advanced and safe country, because of the amazing landscapes, rich culture, wonderful food, architecture, nature, culture and history – France is a sought after destination and not in vain.
So how do you plan your perfect vacation in the most visited country in the world, without missing out on the beautiful and important things and without overloading yourself with too many destinations and travel?
The complete guide is here:
How to get to a vacation in France
France is a Western European country, located on the Mediterranean coast and borders quite a few European countries: Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco and Andorra. Because of this, one of the options to get to France, is to combine it with a trip to several countries in Europe, which will allow you to get there by public transport, like a train, or by rental car, while traveling in beautiful landscapes and between different cultures on the continent. If you have given yourself enough time for a long trip, then this is a great way to see Europe and get to France as well.
If your time is limited, the best fast and convenient way to get to France is by flight. You can fly directly to one of the international airports in France: Charles de Gaulle Airport, or Orly Airport in Paris, to which the flight will take about 5 hours, Cote d’Azur Airport in Nice, to which the flight takes 4 hours and a quarter, or the airport Marseille Provence Airport – to which the flight will take about four hours and forty minutes. Retter with Israir, Arkia and more.
To choose the flight that suits you best, you should weigh several data – how long it will take you to get from the country to your destination, after landing and especially if it is a low cost flight, or a stopover flight and what is the price of the flight, including luggage, port taxes, seat selection On the plane and so on.
Another important consideration in choosing a flight is how many people fly and whether there are children among them – because children tend to be impatient and you should consider a direct flight with an airline that will provide you with all the comfortable conditions for a relatively long flight and allow you to choose seats. payment.
Vacation packages will allow you to purchase one ticket, which includes the flight, the hotel and other extras, depending on the type of package you choose, so in case you take a vacation package – most likely, the way to reach the destination will also be included in the price and planning.
Where you want to travel – of course the choice of flight and the airport where you will land, also depends on the destination you want to travel within France and you should check what pays off – fly directly to the airport near the area you chose to travel, or fly to the airport by train or car , Or even on a domestic flight.
How to choose the type of vacation – an organized trip, a vacation package, or a free trip
Organized trip, pros and cons
An organized trip to France may suit you if you want a guide who will accompany you all the way, translate the language for you, take you to all the recommended destinations, without making mistakes on the way there, give you tips for common French behavior and mentality, so you do not encounter unpleasant situations.
The acquaintance of a guide on an organized trip with the country, language, culture and places – will greatly facilitate all your conduct and will save you valuable time. At the same time, an organized trip in a large group of hikers, who are not necessarily acquaintances, or your friends, can be tedious, sometimes unpleasant, if among the members of the group there are also those you do not get along with, or your pace is different from theirs. To make sure that the organized trip suits you as much as possible, you can choose a concept trip, ie a trip with a main theme, such as a food trip, a trip between historical sites, a trip with a cultural emphasis and so on.
Vacation packages, pros and cons
Vacation packages, offered by different companies, come in a large range of prices. Each package may consist of a different flight, different dates, different hotels and different extras. Some packages include the costs of taxes, luggage and arrival from the airport to your hotel and some do not and it is important to check what exactly the package you are booking includes so that you can fill in the gaps ahead of time and plan your budget.
Vacation packages, in most cases, do offer all the costs of the vacation in a concentrated and affordable price, but sometimes the price is a flight at inconvenient hours and additional costs, which are not included in the total price so it is important in this case, compare prices and understand exactly what it means to land in Nice at 2 In the morning, for example.
Independent trip, pros and cons
An independent trip in France will require you to plan the route yourself, choose the return flight, the airline, the means of transportation within the country and plan the budget yourself, so you will need to devote considerable time and effort to it, but in return, if you stick to thorough planning and stick to it, You will get the trip of your dreams, tailored to your budget, pace and personal preferences. Of course, even on such a trip, it is possible to deviate from the plan and be spontaneous, it is advisable to leave pre-determined days for this as well.
Recommended means of transport within France
Like all developed countries in the world, France also offers a wealth of means of transportation, public or private, from which you can choose what is convenient and convenient for you:
High-speed train within France and neighboring countries – Eurostar travels mainly between European countries, but also stops between major cities in France and you can travel with it within the country, if you want to get there quickly and in convenient travel conditions. In contrast, TVG travels mainly within France, between many attractive destinations and it also has trips to neighboring countries.
Domestic trains – with stops in a large number of cities and destinations in France and you can purchase a free monthly ticket to travel there.
Buses – operate in all cities of France and operate on urban and intercity lines. The ticket is cheap, but the ride is less convenient than by train.
Car rental – It is possible to rent a car in Kalo
A, from a variety of rental companies and at a variety of prices, which vary according to the season and the type of vehicle. The car ride is very suitable for a trip in the countryside and for long – distance travel, but not convenient for trips within the big cities, where it is more convenient to get around by public transport.
Transport within cities – Paris is a good example of the diverse public transport that France has to offer to city dwellers and tourists traveling in content, although some argue that public transport in France is inefficient, or particularly convenient. In Paris you can travel by metro, bus, light rail, taxi and bicycle.
The travel tickets are purchased at the ticket machines at the various transportation stations and it is recommended to purchase a daily, or periodic ticket, which will allow you free travel on all means of transportation in the city – as long as it is valid. Traveling by car in the city is not recommended, because of the expensive traffic jams and parking lots.
Climate and tourist seasons
In general, the climate in France is characterized by cold but not extreme winters and most regions of the country have hot summers.
November to March are the cold months in France and June to August are the summer months, so if you are a fan of winter sports, you will probably really enjoy a trip to the Alps during the winter, although many argue that the most pleasant season for hiking in France is spring. Seasons.
France is one of the largest countries in Europe. This means that it should be addressed through a division into climatic zones, because it has several completely different types of climates.
If you want to plan your trip according to the climate that characterizes the different regions of France, this is the division:
Southern France
The beautiful and touristy region of France is characterized by a Mediterranean climate. This means that the weather in most months of the year is pleasant to warm. Although the winter is cold, it is considered mild and pleasant.
Northern France
This part of France also includes Paris, which is one of the most visited cities in the world. The climate in this region of France is considered mild, meaning cold winters and hot summers, but rains may fall in any of the months of the year. Most tourists come to this area of France in the summer, or spring.
The west coast of France
This area, which includes the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees, is also characterized by a mild climate, but summer days can be particularly hot.
The east coast and the center of the country
The climate in this area is considered continental – very hot summers and cold winters, sometimes snowy and often very rainy, which makes the area less suitable for winter hiking.
Alsace and the mountains
In this part of France, there is a hot summer and a cold and rainy winter, while in the mountains the winter is also very snowy. These conditions make the area ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, but also for hikers, who want to see spectacular views in the warm seasons.
Interesting culture, language and customs
Most French people speak French, which is also the only official language in the country.
Despite this, there are about 77 different dialects of French, spoken in the various provinces of the country and some more dominant than the official French.
Although many French people understand English, many prefer not to use the language, which may make it difficult to communicate with locals, but with the country’s opening to tourism from around the world, residents have also opened up to the world spoken and the situation is more comfortable than before.
Besides, in recent years France has been filled with immigrants from different countries in the world and they mostly speak their source language, along with French at one level or another.
It is important to know that in France there are strict cultural codes, which are worth knowing, in order to maintain good relations with the locals, throughout the trip:
In restaurants and shops it is important to behave politely – for example, not to let the waiter wait for you for long minutes while you think about what to order, but to hesitate in front of the menu and only then call him. If you entered the store, greet the seller upon entering and politely approach him for help.
Be sure to stand in line in an orderly manner and not be pushed, so you will make sure that the service provider treats you kindly and respectfully.
If you are addressing a local resident with a question of intent, be sure to say “hello” before you open with questions and end with a word of thanks, for the help you have received.
The French behave with obvious impatience towards people who do not behave politely, or according to the codes accepted in France, so it is advisable to adhere to the customs of the place, to approach the locals politely and preferably in French, so that you receive a warm and courteous treatment.
In France it is customary to greet acquaintances and relatives with a kiss on the cheek. In some areas it is customary to give two kisses – one on each cheek, in other parts it is customary to give one kiss on one cheek and in other places it is customary to also give four kisses – two on each cheek.
Currency and budget for a trip to France
The currency used in France, as in most European countries is the euro and as in any tourist country in the world – prices rise during the peak season of tourism. In other words – in winter tourist sites, prices will be very high in winter and in summer tourist sites, prices will be high in summer and so on.
In addition to the high prices, the tourist season is characterized by congestion on all attractions, long queues and more, so you should consider the possibility of arriving at the end of the tourist season, or at the beginning, or completely out of season.
The budget for a trip to France can vary depending on the style of your trip, so if you are planning a backpacking trip, including accommodation at campsites and meals you made yourself, groceries you bought at markets or supermarkets, you can manage with a budget of about 60 euros per day.
If you travel at an average level, eat at a restaurant at least once a day and stay in average hotels, you will spend at least 120 euros a day.
If you do not have a budget limit, you can spend any amount that suits you – then there is no limit to options and temptations, but the minimum you pay for a day trip, which includes accommodation in the best hotels and meals in luxury restaurants, along with a rental car is 220 euros and if you decide to take an organized trip. And pampering, with themed guided tours, you will pay close to 1000 euros per day.
How do you choose the right destination for your trip within France?
France is one of the most visited countries in the world – and for good reason. The beautiful country, is also diverse and rich in activities and attractions of all kinds
And almost every tourist can find something interesting, exciting, delicious and instructive in it.
Whether you are a culture lover and want to walk through museums, or you are a history lover and want to walk between sites, which are important landmarks, or you are a food lover and want to visit Michelin restaurants and food markets around the country or you are nature lovers and want to walk through the amazing landscapes of France Put what you want.
Romance lovers, for example, will find what they are looking for in beautiful Paris, where not only are there countless sites and attractions, cafes, fashion shops and more, but other areas in France can also be a wonderful destination for a romantic getaway – Alsace Lorraine with its magnificent castles, Normandy with its wonderful wineries. The Loire Valley and the French Riviera – each of these areas can provide the perfect destination for a honeymoon, or other romantic getaway.
On the other hand, if you want a trip following the glorious food tradition of France, you will find that French food has a status close to sacred and that in every corner of the country, which invented the Michelin Guide, the High School of Culinary and Gourmet cuisine, there are delicacies, restaurants and markets. , Diverse, fresh and unique.
A trip around France following the glorious wine tradition will surely take you to Bordeaux, but Burgundy, the Loire Valley and the Alsace region will also provide you with tours of wineries and vineyards of an equally high standard.
If you are attracted to France because of its rich history and culture, you will probably want to visit the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower, pass under the Arc de Triomphe and see the timeless works on display at the Louvre, including the Mona Lisa, but outside Paris you can also find ancient castles, monasteries And more.
A tour following the architecture will also take you to wonderful provinces – throughout history, wonderful buildings have been built throughout France, each time built according to different criteria and styles, so you can find ancient castles, palaces and cathedrals from different periods in history, alongside magnificent monasteries.
On the other hand, if you are connected to the world of fashion and like shopping in luxury stores, or just in stores that offer fine and interesting goods, you will find quite a few streets around Paris, offering a diverse shopping experience, for all budget levels.
If you travel with a family and take children of different ages with you, you will find plenty of amusement parks in France, including the famous Eurodisney, or Asterix Park, also located near Paris, Medieval Park, Dinosaurs Park and various water parks, visit Notre Dame Church, canal cruises And even a visit to the Louvre Museum – can also be wonderful for kids of all ages. You can also take the family on a vacation on the Riviera and lounging on the sunny beaches, if you have chosen a summer vacation, or arriving in the winter for a wonderful family ski vacation. France’s national parks, including the Pyrenees National Park, also offer spectacular views, hiking and plenty of attractions of all kinds, so you can camp and hike all day, or vary between amusement parks and nature walks and hiking following the history of France and more.
Conservatives and kosher observers will be happy to find that the Jewish community in France is still well-established and rich, so there are quite a few kosher restaurants, supermarkets selling kosher food, large synagogues and even kosher hotels.
Get to know the different areas for a trip in France:
Northern France – This is the region where the Normandy region, famous for its eternal place in history, is the starting point of the Allies during the war against the Nazis in World War II. In Normandy you can walk among picturesque villages, including medieval villages.
Western France – The Loire River flows into this part of France and turns it into an area full of life and wildlife, within which are housed palaces and castles and its inhabitants make their living mainly from agriculture and fishing.
1. Southwest France – where you can visit the Pyrenees National Park, the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and medieval towns.
2. Southeast France – Warm beaches, fine dining, ancient towns and wonderful views. Here is the Provence region and the French Alps.
3. Central France – The Burgundy region is here and attracts wine-loving tourists, but in this area there are also impressive natural landscapes, small villages and excellent restaurants.
4. Paris – the capital, the most romantic city in the world, the city of lights – whatever you call it, Paris is one of the most visited and famous cities in the world and is full of attractions of all kinds and suitable for travelers of all kinds – family trips, honeymoon couples, retirees, art lovers, food lovers – everyone There will be many points of interest in Paris.
5. Marseille – a port city with plenty of restaurants offering seafood, but it is also a city of immigrants, whose restaurants display the abundance and culinary variety that immigrants from around the world have brought with them. Keep in mind that Marseille is considered a particularly unsafe city for Israelis and if you are traveling there – relevant precautions should be taken.
6. Nice – the famous resort town of the French Riviera, where among other things you can walk on an impressive promenade, visit the flower market, or the Marc Chagall Museum and also the old town.
7. Bordeaux – The city of Bordeaux is recognized as the world capital of fine wine and as such, it offers a visit to the best wineries in the world, alongside a visit to the Old City and its surroundings.
8. Lyon – is considered one of the food capitals of France with fine restaurants, some of the best in the world.
General Travel Warnings
The tourist areas of France may be full of pickpockets and your wallets should be kept, it is advisable to use a money belt, or any other precaution, that will allow you to enjoy without worrying.
The wave of immigrants from the Middle East, which flooded Europe, has also reached France and the Muslim neighborhoods in the cities are unsafe for Israelis and Jews, so it is worth staying away from them.
Driving in France can be challenging, especially on interurban roads, some of which are narrow and outdated, so if you are driving a rental car – be sure to drive carefully and by law.
In conclusion – a varied and fascinating trip in a beautiful country. France offers a wealth of hiking options, for all types of travelers, of all ages and in all fields
France is considered the most visited country in the world. Whether it’s because of the reputation of this beautiful country for romance, whether it’s because it is a western, developed, advanced and safe country, because of the amazing landscapes, rich culture, wonderful food, architecture, nature, culture and history – France is a sought after destination and not in vain.
So how do you plan your perfect vacation in the most visited country in the world, without missing out on the beautiful and important things and without overloading yourself with too many destinations and travel?
The complete guide is here:
How to get to a vacation in France
France is a Western European country, located on the Mediterranean coast and borders quite a few European countries: Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco and Andorra. Because of this, one of the options to get to France, is to combine it with a trip to several countries in Europe, which will allow you to get there by public transport, like a train, or by rental car, while traveling in beautiful landscapes and between different cultures on the continent. If you have given yourself enough time for a long trip, then this is a great way to see Europe and get to France as well.
If your time is limited, the best fast and convenient way to get to France is by flight. You can fly directly to one of the international airports in France: Charles de Gaulle Airport, or Orly Airport in Paris, to which the flight will take about 5 hours, Cote d’Azur Airport in Nice, to which the flight takes 4 hours and a quarter, or the airport Marseille Provence Airport – to which the flight will take about four hours and forty minutes. Retter with Israir, Arkia and more.
To choose the flight that suits you best, you should weigh several data – how long it will take you to get from the country to your destination, after landing and especially if it is a low cost flight, or a stopover flight and what is the price of the flight, including luggage, port taxes, seat selection On the plane and so on.
Another important consideration in choosing a flight is how many people fly and whether there are children among them – because children tend to be impatient and you should consider a direct flight with an airline that will provide you with all the comfortable conditions for a relatively long flight and allow you to choose seats. payment.
Vacation packages will allow you to purchase one ticket, which includes the flight, the hotel and other extras, depending on the type of package you choose, so in case you take a vacation package – most likely, the way to reach the destination will also be included in the price and planning.
Where you want to travel – of course the choice of flight and the airport where you will land, also depends on the destination you want to travel within France and you should check what pays off – fly directly to the airport near the area you chose to travel, or fly to the airport by train or car , Or even on a domestic flight.
