If this is the first time you are going to France, you will probably be really excited and a little nervous too. You will also be faced with questions. What to see? Where to go? What to do? Where to start? And a problem it is! France has pretty much everything.

It is home to some of the world’s greatest museums and architectural and artistic masterpieces. Many of its cities and towns are the stuff of picture postcards. Its natural landscapes are absolutely beautiful. Wait, there’s more! It is the source of one of the world’s finest cuisines and wines. France’s ancient and rich culture is evident in every city, town and village.

You will need to make the right choices and we hope our suggestions will help your decision-making.

• Paris

No matter what you have decided to see and where to go there is only one starting point – the City of Light – Paris (‘Paree’ to the locals). The Eiffel Tower, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre – home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo – and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, each an icon of this wondrous city. Past all this beauty quietly flows the idyllic River Seine. A bateau-mouche cruise on the Seine during the day or a dinner cruise at night is an experience you will never forget. Stroll through the beautiful Jardin Tuileries, the streets of Monmarte or view Paris from the Sacre-Couer Cathedral to get an intimate and quintessential Parisian feel.

To round off your Paris discovery, take a short trip to the town of Versailles. The magnificence of Château de Versailles once the centre of French political power will simply sweep you away.

• The Loire Valley

The Loire River Valley runs to the south and west of Paris. This stunningly scenic region is an area of roughly 800 square kms and known as the “Garden of France.”

In 2000 the UNESCO designated the central part of the Valley as a World Heritage Site. There are reputedly 1,001 fairy tale renaissance era ch?teaux. These elegant buildings are surrounded by endless gardens, moats and cone-shaped towers. The interiors are embellished with unbelievable frescoes and fancy ceilings. At every turn in the road you feel you are in fairy tale land.

• Provence

Provence is a region of rocky hills and a ruggedly beautiful countryside. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the French Alps. It is bounded by the River Rhône in the West and Italy to the East. It was first recognised as a separate region by the Romans. It enjoys wonderful weather and a rich and distinct tradition of wine and food. Its scenery, especially the area around Arles, entranced Van Gogh so much he spent a good amount of time painting it. The ancient and famous city of Avignon is located in this region.

• The French Alps

The French section of the Alps is an irresistible part of your tour and should not be missed. Its many peaks spear-headed by magnificent Mont Blanc are year round attractions. The stunning beauty of the Alps is further enhanced by the crystal clear lakes of Lac Geneva, Lac d’Annecy and Lac de Bourget. The region just begs you to go rafting, paragliding, hiking or its best known activity – skiing.

The region is also famous for the chic and happening towns of Chamonix, Megéve and St-Gervais.
The French Riviera

The Côte d’Azur literally: ‘Blue Coast’ is the legendary playground of the rich, famous and beautiful. The magical and celebrated towns of Nice, Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez are strung out like pearls on this breathtaking strip of coastline. The region is blessed with 300 days of sunshine and 115 kilometres of beaches. You may not have the time to visit all of them but a drive along the coastal roads to enjoy the superb views should be on your list of must-dos.

• Mont Saint-Michel

One kilometre off the northwest Normandy coast of France sits the unique little island of Mont Saint-Michel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is cut from off from the mainland at high tide while vast sandbanks are exposed at low tide. Only 247 acres in area and 300 feet at its highest, this amazing island embodies the expression that ‘life is stranger than fiction.’

The ancient monastery, massive stone fortifications, winding climbing streets, houses with sloping roofs and tiny quaint shops give Mont Saint-Michel an ambience that could very easily be the setting for a dragons, elves and wizards fantasy tale.

• West Coast Beaches

Known as the Aquitaine region, it is an unbroken stretch of gorgeous beaches on the Atlantic Coast. They are long, sandy, sunny and invite great big surfing waves. Bordering the beaches are uninterrupted tracts of forests that provide a beautiful backdrop as well as wonderful hiking and cycling trails. The coast is dotted with picturesque harbor towns, coves, quaint and traditional fishing villages and resorts. The most famous is Biarritz in the southern portion.

• Some Tips and Information

There might be some things that may give you cause for concern when visiting France for the first time. There is no need. France is one of the most visited countries in the world and the French are used to helping out visitors. However, here are a few pointers to help put you at ease.

Learn some basic and essential phrases before you leave home, such as:

Hello: Bonjour!

Good Afternoon: Bon après-midi

Good Evening: Bonne soirée

Goodbye: Au Revoir

Excuse me: Excuse moi (pronounced – ‘xcuse moo-ah’)

Please: S’il vous plaît

Thank you: Merci

Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais?

I am lost!: Je suis perdu!

Carry a French phrasebook and don’t be afraid to mispronounce words.

Use the trains as much as possible because they are economical, regular and link up most of the cities and larger towns. Get a SNCF (the train system) schedule.

Since you will be spending several days in Paris buy a Metro pass for the entire duration. It is the easiest way to get around town. You’re never more than a 10-minute walk from a station and the trains run about 18 hours a day.

Carry an adaptor for France’s two-pin plugs. Other than that all your regular gear should see you through your enjoyable journey through France.

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