France at a glance:

When people ask what my favorite country to visit has been, I always reply with France. I found it to be so beautiful, historically intriguing, and most of all- Romantic. (And this even after a honeymoon in Italy) Some might consider me biased (after all I did study French extensively in grade school) but I’m here to dispel the rumors that the French are rude- they were so polite and kind! And explain there is so much more to France than the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. When planning your trip, make sure you have at least 2-3 days for Paris which I say even though I’m NOT a city person, and several days to get out of the city. There is A LOT to explore in France, so let’s get started. 

Is it safe?

Yes, it’s as safe as the other European countries- travelers be wary of pickpockets and your surroundings. 

Best time to visit:

Spring- Fall with the exception of August which is very busy. 

Language:

French. You should be able to get around fine with English.  

Currency: Euros

Best way to get around:

When in Paris, the metro and bus systems are superb. Outside of the city, there are loads of public transport options available, but know that driving in France was easy and renting a car is a great way to go. 

Top things to do: 

  1. The Palace of Versailles
  2. The Paris Catacombs
  3. Visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy
  4. Step back in time at Mont Saint Michel
  5. Comb the cliffs of Etretat
  6. Marvel at the chateaux in the Loire Valley

Day 1 in Paris

Day 1 in Paris

 I’ve been trying to devise the best way to present my France material. Do I try to slim...
Most of Paris… in a day

Most of Paris… in a day

Oh boy, here we go. Easily the longest and most extreme day of site-seeing I’ve done in a...
Visiting Versailles

Visiting Versailles

Day 3: Versailles, Musee D’Orsay, the Catacombs, and Paris lights  Although for post...
Exploring Paris museums day 3

Exploring Paris museums day 3

Day 3 continued: So we got back to our hotel around 2:30 and decided (after 2 nights of passing out...
The Royal Abbey Chaalis & Chateau de Chantilly

The Royal Abbey Chaalis & Chateau de Chantilly

Day 4 Itinerary: Royal Abbey Chaalis, Chateau de Chantilly, small city of Fecamps, Etretat...
Hiking around Étretat

Hiking around Étretat

Day 4 continued: So after we left the general vicinity of Paris it became farmland and some of the...
Visiting the Normandy Beaches

Visiting the Normandy Beaches

Day 5: Normandy Beaches Utah, Omaha, and Gold Starting with stop 1 near Utah Beach: One of the most...
Mont St. Michel

Mont St. Michel

Next up on the tour of Normandy: Mont St. Michel! (Basically fairytale land in Amanda’s head)...