Tourism in France

 


The best way to learn a language or learn about a culture is to IMMERSE yourself in it.  Therefore, I have provided some links for you to inspire a trip to France.  Even if you feel that you are still at a very beginner level in French, it never hurts to take a vacation there; a lot of the French speak English and can bail you out if you absolutely cannot find the right words.  Since I have been studying French, my journeys have taken me to Paris, Marseille, La Rochelle, Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, Les Baux de Provence, Cassis, Porquerolles, Reims, La Loire, Arles, and many other smaller towns.  I would recommend them all, though I am partial to Aix-en-Provence for its incredible charm and beautiful fountains.  Overall, I would recommend going to France in the Spring, just as everything is blooming.  That way, you're sure not to need to pack excess winter clothing, nor will you be melted by the sun.  Just remember to bring your camera, because most of France is photogenic!


Maison de la France

This guide to France allows you to enter the website from your home country, so you are guaranteed to be reading everything in your native language.  The contents to the left of the page divides much of the searching into leisure activities such as "golf" and "nature."  It also offers all sorts of deals and discounts on hotels and airfare, so it might be the first place you want to check out before you start booking.  At very least, this site will give you an idea of what you want in your trip to France.  While the main page is a big confusing, it is actually very straightforward and easy to navigate once you get into it a bit.


Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is an essential website for anyone planning on backpacking through Europe, going as a student, or just looking to experience the unbeaten paths in France.  A bible of sorts for those who travel often on a budget, this website offers a lot of basic information, (such as stats on the country itself, currency, etc.), as well as offers suggestions for attractions and travel.  The one thing that I wish this website had but doesn't is their hotel guide, which is the best aspect of their published guide, available in most bookstores or online


France Hotel Guide

To make up for the lack of hotel information on Lonely Planet, you might want to try the France Hotel Guide website.  It allows you to search hotels by area, number of stars, type of room, and even price.  Specifically, you can search Parisian hotels, or broaden your search to anywhere in France.  I wish I had known about this website when I was sight-seeing in France!