Monday, August 8, 2016

Going to France on a budget?

Wine, cheddar, the Eiffel Tower, highbrow servers – France is celebrated for a considerable measure of things, and it happens to be one of my most loved nations on the planet. It's delightful, has awesome nourishment, scrumptious wine, storied history, and a cheerful climate. There's in no way like a cookout along the Seine or a day through the French farmland to make life appear to be delightful. France is everything that individuals make it out to be to say the very least. Its long history fits delightful remnants, strongholds, design, and culture.


Voyaging France is an exceptionally costly issue, second just to going through Italy in territory Europe. Those on a super tight spending will think that its hard (yet not unimaginable because of three Euro jugs of wine) to encounter everything France brings to the table. Ensure you go to France with a couple of additional Euros in your pocket so you can absorb all the sustenance, wine, and excellence you see (however this aide will help you cut expenses!) . You will need good travel insurance cover too!

Destination Guides for France


Convenience – Dorm rooms will go from 15-40 EUR every night, contingent upon where you're staying in the nation, with Paris being on the higher end. Private rooms in inns will cost around 75 EUR or more. Spending lodgings start around 60 EUR every night for a twofold room. Facilities are less expensive outside Paris, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera. Likewise investigate leasing rooms or condo. In a costly city like Paris, this will be the best esteem.

Sustenance – Buying your own particular nourishment in France can be extremely modest. There are numerous bread, cheddar, and meat looks around. The business sector is your companion! It's regular to get a few fixings and have an excursion. You can make your own particular lunch for around 10 EUR for two individuals including wine in case you're adroit. Pre-made sandwiches at shabby neighborhood shops will cost around 4-7 EUR. On the other hand, eating at an eatery will cost between 20-35 EUR for a feast including a glass of wine. On the off chance that you look for all your sustenance, you can hope to spend around 45-65 EUR for a week of goods.

Transportation – The most ideal approach to get around France is by means of the trains. Overnight prepares cost the slightest, while the quick TGV lines (rapid train) cost the most, around 90 EUR. Neighborhood travel frameworks are solid and expense between 1-3 EUR per trip. Transportation to and from air terminal into downtown areas is by and large moderate and easy to use. Anticipate that around 12 EUR will get into Paris from Charles de Gaulle. Taxis will be extreme on the monetary allowance, so stay away from when you can.

Exercises – Wine visits will be your priciest action at around 90 EUR every day. Most attractions and exhibition hall extra charges cost between 9-20 EUR.

Cash Saving Tips

Have an excursion – Eating out in France, particularly in Paris, is a costly issue. Eateries can break a day's financial plan rapidly. Thankfully, there's nothing more French than an outing. Head to the nearby market; purchase some great cheddar, bread, organic products, and meats, and have a cookout and watch individuals pass by. You can have an extraordinary dinner for under 10 EUR.

Take the train – Train go in Europe is truly modest, and it's the simplest approach to get around France. The TGV line can be costly, yet in the event that you get the moderate prepare or have an Eurail pass, you'll spare cash.

Drink wine – In France, the wine is less expensive than water. While you shouldn't skip drinking water, drink wine over different types of liquor and spare huge. A decent jug can cost as meager as 3 EUR!

Shop at the business sectors – Want extraordinary French cooking? Do what local people do, and make a beeline for the open air markets. Visit the cheddar fellow, the fish fellow, the bread fellow, and other people to get the best neighborhood fixings to make yourself an impeccable French dinner. It will spare you a great deal of cash as an other option to eating out.

Pre-diversion your night out – Drinking in bars is extraordinarily overrated, particularly in Paris. Drink shoddy wine before you go out and save money on beverages a the bars.

Avoid the clubs – Clubs in France are costly and charge an extra charge upwards of 23 EUR. Drinks cost 12 EUR or more. In the event that you would prefer not to spend a 90 EUR in one night, skirt the clubs.

Rideshare – If you're adaptable in your timetable, utilize the ridesharing administration BlaBlaCar and catch rides with local people between urban areas (or nations). I utilized this administration as a part of Switzerland and, not just did I spare a ton of cash, however I got the chance to meet fascinating individuals to and find out about nearby culture and life. Drivers are confirmed and it's superbly protected (however once in a while rides don't show up, which is the reason you should be adaptable).

Top Things to See and Do in France

Paris – Paris has everything – the Louver, impressionist historical centers, the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, parks, clubs, society, and incredible nourishment. This rundown continues endlessly. Paris is particularly useful for individuals who love workmanship and sustenance as the city has a long rich history with both. (Make a point to appreciate all the astonishing baked goods!) It's as mystical as individuals say and, while it would take a lifetime to truly see it every one of the, four or five days gives you a smart thought. This is one of my most loved urban communities on the planet, and I generally discover something new when I am here. Take as much time as necessary, drink some wine, and appreciate the city of lights. Perused More: Here is a specimen agenda for 5 days in Paris.

The D-Day shorelines, Normandy – Learn about the WWII Allied powers D-Day arrivals along the shorelines of northern France. There are remembrances and exhibition halls enumerating the historical backdrop of the occasion. You can in any case see a portion of the old dugouts and fortresses. Travel cover.

The Palace of Versailles – Located near Paris, the old royal residence of the French rulers was worked by Louis XIV. This castle was built amid the stature of French influence and tries to flaunt the ruler's colossal riches. It's as stunning today as it was in those days. It was utilized by the French Kings until the French Revolution in 1789. Look at this video voyage through the Palace of Versailles to take in more about the castle and guest data. You certainly would prefer not to miss it!

Investigate the Loire Valley – The Loire is dazzling and beautiful, with huge amounts of vineyards and manors. You will discover a portion of the best wine on the planet, wonderful residential areas, and awesome sustenance. It's a region not to be missed (however regularly missed by solo voyagers and explorers. Oh goodness.)

Savor wine Bordeaux – Some of the best wine on the planet is made here. It's a costly destination and not for somebody on a tight spending plan, but rather it's delightful and worth every one of the Euros you will spend! Bordeaux has one of the longest shopping boulevards in Europe, astonishing fish (eat at Le Petit Commerce), ocean side access, and obviously, wine. It's a radiant spot to wander from your hiking mindset. By Paris, it's my most loved spot in France.

Hang out in Nice – They say Nice will be pleasant, yet you'll need to discover precisely how decent it is all alone. This ocean side town in the south is a prominent destination for spending voyagers who need to splash up some sun in Southern France however won't not have the capacity to manage the cost of Cannes or Monaco. The shoreline here isn't that great,fd however the focal area makes it simple to investigate whatever is left of the coast (and its better shorelines).

Investigate history in Lyon – The region around Lyon has superb manors and little towns. It's awesome for those hoping to investigate the French wide open. On the off chance that you need a glance at medieval France, this is the place you ought to go. The entire spot is an UNESCO World Heritage site and really feels like you have ventured once again into the past.

Hob nob with the rich in Monaco – This small kingdom is home to minor boulevards, lovely structures, a world popular gambling club, and massive present day yachts. Hang out with society's all around heeled, the individuals who run to the Cote D'Azur from different parts of France amid the mid year.

Visit St. Tropez – If life in Marseilles is excessively ordinary for you, get a vessel out to St. Tropez where you can unwind in delightful slope towns, swim in purplish blue water, and knock shoulders with the rich and popular.

See Alsace – This upper east locale of France is a lovely place to visit. Colmar is an old town, and the principle fascination. A portion of the structures go back to the 1300s. It's as beautiful a French town as one would ever one!

Meander through Parc de la Villette – This park is host to a science historical center and some other odd attractions. There is a substantial gathering of compositional habits, subject gardens, and open space for movement and investigation. It was intended for kids and additionally grown-ups and is a slick spot to look at.

Come back to the trenches – France was ground zero amid the First World War, and there are still numerous pointers of the harm brought on amid those years around the nation. For instance, two vital fights occurred at Vimy Ridge (which denoted an immense accomplishment for Canadian strengths) and Verdun. Both locales have set up fabulous visitor focuses and going to offices. It's a moving and instructive experience.

Investigate Roman vestiges – France has a portion of the best Roman remains outside of Italy. Orange, Nimes and Arles all have excellent Roman theaters, and Nimes likewise contains an all around safeguarded sanctuary (I adored Nimes a considerable measure!). It's unquestionably a shock to see such a variety of pointers of Roman standard in the south of France, and these destinations are certainly justified regardless of a visit.

Visit the Medieval town of Carcassonne – Carcassonne, is a medieval walled city that still stands in the south of France. Legend has it that the town survived an attack when one of the townswoman had the brilliant thought of sustaining the rest of the sustenance to a pig. When they filled it out, they tossed it over the fortresses with the goal that it created the impression that they were so very much encouraged that they were being inefficient and ravenous. The assaulting troops surrendered and went home. This town still holds a considerable measure of medieval character and offers a lot of fascinating shops and rear ways to investigate.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Is France really a good place to travel Solo?

France, one of the largest countries in the European Union, and one of the most visited places in the World is ideal for solo travel, and here's why...

France has four seasons, and four seasons of travel

The truth is you can visit France anytime of the year. Summer for the beaches, winter for the skiing, the Med in the fall for cooler, but still pleasant temperatures, and Paris in springtime, I mean, where else in Spring!

Don't just rely on a EHIC card

When holidaying in France, you should always seek travel cover for France because youe EHIC card might not cover everything!

Focus on the South of France, where to go in 2016...


Nice

Think of the South of France and Nice comes squarely into mind. With its broad avenues, wide sweeping bay and golden beach it is not difficult to see why some 3 million people flock to Nice every year. Only Paris rivals it as a tourist attraction. With the famous Promenade des Anglais, the Matisse museum, the Russian Cathedral and Vieux Nice, there is so much to do and see.

Arles - Van Gogh & Roman heritage

Arles is definitely my favourite city in the South of France. With its Roman heritage - complete with Amphitheatre, Forum and Theatre; beautiful 17th Century mansions, mazy streets, modern Museums and wide rolling river; Arles has it all. Arles was also the base for Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, during their ill-fated but successful partnership in the 'Studio of the South'. Here van Gogh painted some of his most famous masterpieces. Arles is also convenient for exploring the natural beauty of the Camargue region. For more information on Arles please see our articles on Historic Arles and Van Gogh in Arles.

See the Provence holiday rentals near Arles currently advertised on Go South France

St Tropez, South of France

Glitzy, chic, relaxed, rich, sunny, beautiful. Whatever adjective you use to describe St Tropez, it still does not satisfactorily sum up this top South of France resort. Commencing with Bridget Bardot and continuing with present day celebrities, St Tropez in the South of France continues to be the summer home of the rich, famous and beautiful.St Tropez's beaches are among the best in the world and its harbour only loses out to Monaco for the impressive array of yachts on show.


Aix-en-Provence

aixThe old University town of Aix is a wonderful place to spend time in. Perhaps the most recognisable part of Aix is the Cours Mirabeau, the wide avenue with rows of plane-trees that follows the line of the old city wall and divides the town into two halves. Along this avenue, you will find plenty of cafés, including the Deux Garçons, which has been frequented by the likes of Paul Cézanne, Émile Zola and Ernest Hemingway. Aix has a lovely old Cathedral and the impressive looking Hôtel de Ville, which looks onto a picturesque square (place de l'Hôtel de Ville). Aix is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains and they are everywhere. The most prominent is Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins (Fountain of the Four Dolphins) in the Quartier Mazarin. Aix hosts an important opera festival, the Festival international d'Art Lyrique, founded in 1948 (which ranks alongside Salzburg and Glyndebourne in terms of importance). The festival takes place in late June and July each year. The main venues are the outdoor Théâtre de l'Archévêché in the former garden of the archbishop's palace, the recently restored 18th-century Théâtre du Jeu de Paume, and the newly built Grand Théâtre de Provence. Aix also holds a week long music festival, featuring Jazz, Classical and Rock music. Concerts are held in different street venues and courtyards in the city, hence the name of the festival "Musique dans la Rue". The festival takes place each year in June to coincide with the national 'Fête de la Musique' (21 June). Visit our article on Aix-en-Provence tourism for more information.


St-Remy-de-Provence

Saint-Remy-de-Provence is a pretty little town in the South of France. It is often regarded as the heart of Provence. The centre of the town has lots of mazy streets and it has a large market which takes over the town every Saturday morning. Saint-Remy-de-Provence was the birthplace of Nostradamus, a 16th-century author famous for his prophecies. The brother of Vincent van Gogh lived in St Remy and the painter was treated here in the psychiatric center after he had cut his ear off. He painted Starry Night whilst he was in Saint Remy. Saint-Remy-de-Provence is a very pleasant place to spend a week or so on vacation. There are lots of small restaurants and pavement cafes, as well as interesting little shops. Nearby to Saint Remy, you will find the Baux de Provence, a picturesque village perched on the edge of a rocky outcrop. The village is no longer inhabited full time, but there is still plenty to see as you wander the old streets inside and around the castle. You will also find the Cathedral des Images, a huge old quarry, the walls of which are used to project images of famous paintings. It is quite something and well worth the visit. Just a word of warning, be careful visiting Saint Remy outside of May-September. The Mistral wind just rips through the town and surrounding areas. On a bad day it can knock you sideways.

Gorges du Verdon

verdonFrance's equivalent to the Grand Canyon, with a dramatic 700m drop to the river floor, this is an excellent day trip. Set amongst beautiful Provence countryside, the Gorge du Verdon is a permanent fixture on any tour of the South of France.

Uzes

South France is a very pretty town. We recently spent a weekend there and we had a great time. Together with Aix en Provence, St Remy. Aigues Mortes, Avignon, Sommieres and Pezenas; Uzes really ought to be up there on your list of places to visit if you are planning a tour of the South of France. In the centre of Uzes, South France there are lots of narrow streets with little boutiques arranged around the old Duchy. In the centre you will find a big square (Place aux Herbes), laid out with fountains and plenty of decent restaurants. Whilst we were visiting, there was a big Arts Fair going on - which really sums up Uzes - it is a big art loving town.

The Saturday market in Uzes takes over most of the town and it is supposed to be very good (as well as busy). Uzes and region have a bit of a reputation as a foodies paradise. The other reason for coming to Uzes, France (especially if you have kids - or a sweet tooth) is to visit the Haribo sweet museum. I took my three little monkeys there and they absolutely loved. It was like Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory! There were plenty of free sweets, some boring exhibits of old sweet manufacture and more interesting intreactive displays about how they make the sweets today. The shop on the way out is something to behold. It cost me a small fortune.