Do you prefer Italy or France?
May 15th, 2008, 07:20 AM
#41
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Italy
By the way there is more diversity in Siciy than in all of France in terms of influence of other cultures.
Italy-the people, gelati, food, antiquities, smaller towns.
France-Paris is truly beautiful city with better museums than Italy, cave drawings, Loire Valley.
By the way there is more diversity in Siciy than in all of France in terms of influence of other cultures.
Italy-the people, gelati, food, antiquities, smaller towns.
France-Paris is truly beautiful city with better museums than Italy, cave drawings, Loire Valley.
May 15th, 2008, 07:37 AM
#43
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Paris in the North, Lourmarin in the South--they've stolen our hearts. Of course, there is nothing quite like the hill towns of Umbria. Rome, unfortunately, has allowed the street vendors to become part of their culture and one cannot enjoy the beauty of Rome any longer without being accosted. We'll take France, her ambiance, wonderful people and exceptionally delicious food.
May 15th, 2008, 07:57 AM
#44
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Have been to both more than once on extended journeys (five weeks or more) and I have to vote for France. The food is much better (much of the food in Italy is microwaved--just pop your head into the kitchen of a small restaurant and take a peek.
The Italian architecture and scenery is unforgettable, but sadly, our experience with Italians was negative. Although we tried to speak the language, we found the locals--especially in the Como area--to be very rude, even with one another. Smoking everywhere, even in non-smoking areas (train stations, airports). We are not typical Americans (we dress like Europeans and we are small and thin) and we are multi-lingual...we just couldn't figure it out. However, we found that we were very warmly greeted in France, wherever we went. The children in france are much better behaved than those in Italy. If you don't believe me, read the CruiseCritic travel boards about Mediterranean cruises. You will see over and over again the complaints among passengers about the ITalian children on the ship--they are much ruder than any other children.
One exception to our visits in Italy was Venice--there we noticed the residents to be distinctly different from other parts of Italy.
The Italian architecture and scenery is unforgettable, but sadly, our experience with Italians was negative. Although we tried to speak the language, we found the locals--especially in the Como area--to be very rude, even with one another. Smoking everywhere, even in non-smoking areas (train stations, airports). We are not typical Americans (we dress like Europeans and we are small and thin) and we are multi-lingual...we just couldn't figure it out. However, we found that we were very warmly greeted in France, wherever we went. The children in france are much better behaved than those in Italy. If you don't believe me, read the CruiseCritic travel boards about Mediterranean cruises. You will see over and over again the complaints among passengers about the ITalian children on the ship--they are much ruder than any other children.
One exception to our visits in Italy was Venice--there we noticed the residents to be distinctly different from other parts of Italy.
May 15th, 2008, 08:15 AM
#45
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France every time. I've always found the French to be far more helpful and friendly, and while I love Italian food, the food served in even everyday restaurants in France is outstanding.
Admittedly my French is far better than my Italian, which may help.
Admittedly my French is far better than my Italian, which may help.
May 15th, 2008, 09:02 AM
#49
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I've been to both, six times to Italy, four to France, and by far Italy. Better food, beautiful languague nicer people and definetly a more ecclectic mix of scenery. And definetly more to offer in the way of historical monuments
May 15th, 2008, 09:51 AM
#50
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Although I adore France and have been many times, I am with Sassafras as I just returned from Italy and cried with joy at being back in my beloved Italy when flying in and also cried when we left with the worry I might never return. Italy has it all - the mountains, lakes, coastline, Cinque Terre, architecture,cities, history, people with their overwhelming joy for life, and the food. What more could a mortal want? We had never flown into Venice before (have been to Italy 6 times) and it was utterly MAGICAL!
May 15th, 2008, 11:26 AM
#53
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This is the most difficult question ever posed - including those about the meaning of life!
When I was in college I had spent 4 months in France (Paris, Alsace-Lorraine and the Riviera). It was amazing, incredibly diverse, sophisticated, intellectually stimulating, beautiful in the northern U.S. kind of way but drifting SW by the time we got to the Riviera, quiet and sedate (except during Mardi Gras in Nice!). Then I took the train into Italy.
The train stopped right over the border and instantly the volume in the car quadrupled - kids running around, women shouting back and forth, food coming out for families, anyone and everyone talking to us. I practically got whiplash over the change. It was exhilarating, engaging and warm, casual, beautiful in the SW U.S. kind of atmosphere.
I have since been back to cover more of the two countries and have an even harder choice now.
The best of both worlds!
France - more geographic diversity from lush and green to dry Mediterranean
- more diversity in art from masters to Impressionist to Modern
- pastries and breads
- things work according to common rules
Italy - mostly drier, hotter climate with buildings reflecting a more casual climate
- more "Madonna and Child" paintings than can be counted by a computer and fewer alternatives, but great ancient history, ruins, etc.
- gelato (ice cream that defies description)
- lively free-for-all in rules and government
-"aggressive" friendliness that I find as a breath of fresh air, but some find very nervous-making
In short - YOU SIMPLY CANNOT DO JUST ONE!
When I was in college I had spent 4 months in France (Paris, Alsace-Lorraine and the Riviera). It was amazing, incredibly diverse, sophisticated, intellectually stimulating, beautiful in the northern U.S. kind of way but drifting SW by the time we got to the Riviera, quiet and sedate (except during Mardi Gras in Nice!). Then I took the train into Italy.
The train stopped right over the border and instantly the volume in the car quadrupled - kids running around, women shouting back and forth, food coming out for families, anyone and everyone talking to us. I practically got whiplash over the change. It was exhilarating, engaging and warm, casual, beautiful in the SW U.S. kind of atmosphere.
I have since been back to cover more of the two countries and have an even harder choice now.
The best of both worlds!
France - more geographic diversity from lush and green to dry Mediterranean
- more diversity in art from masters to Impressionist to Modern
- pastries and breads
- things work according to common rules
Italy - mostly drier, hotter climate with buildings reflecting a more casual climate
- more "Madonna and Child" paintings than can be counted by a computer and fewer alternatives, but great ancient history, ruins, etc.
- gelato (ice cream that defies description)
- lively free-for-all in rules and government
-"aggressive" friendliness that I find as a breath of fresh air, but some find very nervous-making
In short - YOU SIMPLY CANNOT DO JUST ONE!
May 15th, 2008, 11:50 AM
#54
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"aggressive" friendliness that I find as a breath of fresh air,"
After 2 days of buying bread ( and pizza) in the same bakery in Rome , the employee greeted us like old friends and had a free sample of something for us to try each time.
I would not call that kind of friendliness " aggressive' - just as PP said - a breath of fresh air, wonderful and memorable !
After 2 days of buying bread ( and pizza) in the same bakery in Rome , the employee greeted us like old friends and had a free sample of something for us to try each time.
I would not call that kind of friendliness " aggressive' - just as PP said - a breath of fresh air, wonderful and memorable !
May 16th, 2008, 07:13 AM
#57
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Exciting Italy! I agree that I have experienced the most highs in Italy but more serenity in France. Paris gives me the high feeling that I get in Rome. Oh dear, I cannot choose! I LOVE Europe but agree the weak dollar is making all EU travel cost-prohibitive! Boo hoo!
May 16th, 2008, 07:22 AM
#58
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Some very different experiences. i have had bad meals in France but never in Italy.
Italy being arid is somewhat true but sertainly not in the Alps or in the north.
I am headed for Paris in July but I would want to live in Italy.
Italy being arid is somewhat true but sertainly not in the Alps or in the north.
I am headed for Paris in July but I would want to live in Italy.
May 17th, 2008, 02:11 AM
#59
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Oh Italia!! I have been to both but Italy keeps capturing my heart. When I walk into the Borghese Gallery in Rome, it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Sitting on a beach in Lerici and watching Italian families play. Market day in any small town in Tuscany. Driving the Amalfi coast drive. That first sight of the Grand Canal. Etc., Etc., Etc. I've been four times and I can't wait to go back!!
May 17th, 2008, 02:26 AM
#60
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NeoPatrick I am with you...definitely Frataly !!!
What a difficult choice though. I have been to both many times and last year I went in May started In
Italy and home from France. This year we go in September and Start in France and home from Rome. It seems I can't hardly do one without doing the other !!! Too difficult a choice to make.
What a difficult choice though. I have been to both many times and last year I went in May started In
Italy and home from France. This year we go in September and Start in France and home from Rome. It seems I can't hardly do one without doing the other !!! Too difficult a choice to make.
