Visting France where to begin?
Apr 6th, 2000, 11:53 AM
#1
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Visting France where to begin?
My wife and I and a son and daughter-in-law are thinking of going to Fance. Would like to see Paris, visit Normandy, and Lourdes. Late september or October. Is this a good time to visit? Where do we begin with our plans.? <BR>Any help will be appreciated <BR>John F. Hughes
Apr 6th, 2000, 12:49 PM
#2
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There's a great thread about planning a trip which you might want to read (it's really long, lots of posts, incredible info). <BR> <BR>Basics: how many days; car or train; BUDGET <BR> <BR>Next: what do you want to see (medieval sites? art galleries? theatre?) <BR> <BR>Get a map of France; get a map of Paris; get a good, basic guidebook to France (borrow several from the library; then you can decide which works best for you); everybody make a list of 'must-sees' and 'I'd like to see but I won't die if I don't'. <BR> <BR>Now start putting together an itinerary. Once you have the outline of where and when, you can start planning travel methods, hotels, etc.
Apr 6th, 2000, 01:13 PM
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John, <BR>Do a text search here for "How do you plan your European trips?" As Elvira says, you'll find a wealth of useful information. You hve ample time to contact the French National Tourist Office for brochures, maps, etc. In your note to them or phone call, express your specific interests and the office will provide you with relevant material. The variety, quality and readability of guide books can be positively overwhelming. Some thoughts to consider in regard to them. Those that you get from your library are probably out of date and usually significantly so. Even those available in major bookstores will be at least six months to a year out of date. Changes in ownership and management of hotels and restaurants in that span of time can prompt dramatic changes between actuality and guidebook recommendations. Look to the "Insight Guides" to France and its regions for an informal overview of France. Look to the Michelin Green Guides for in depth description of things to see. Depend on Fodor's and Frommer's for hotel and restaurant information. <BR> <BR>Late September, early October is an excellent time to travel in Europe. Far less crowded with tourists, few lines at tourist attractions, relative ease in finding reasonably priced accommodations, bargain air fares. <BR> <BR>Feel free to Email me if you want some guidance or suggestions or have questions. Do check out the "How do you..." thread as well.
Apr 6th, 2000, 01:34 PM
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If you wish to go to Paris and Normandy, you are at least within easy travelling distance, but to make a trip to Lourdes is rather out of the way. If you wre going to spend more time in the south, fine, but to head all the way there just for Lourdes is not worth it. <BR>There is so much to see and do in Paris, Normandy, and perhaps the Loire Valley.
Apr 6th, 2000, 05:53 PM
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I agree with Bob, Lourdes is way out of the way, even if you're going to be in the South. We went there in Sept/Oct of 1998 as part of a 3-week tour of France. It was crowded and the parking was impossible. There are a lot neater things to see all over France, even in the religious vein. Would recommend Mt. St. Michel, Normandy beaches, and Rouen/Caen in the North. The Loire Valley is worth 3-4 days. In the south, there's a lot to see in Provence (detour to Carscassonne if possible) and the coast around Nice and Antibbes was beautiful. E-Mail me if you want more specific information.
Apr 7th, 2000, 05:40 AM
#6
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Contact the French Tourism office (www.francetourism.com). They can provide you a wealth of information.
