Traveling to France can be a rewarding and unique experience, and France continues to be one of the most visited European countries. Making the most of public transportation options, such as the TGV, buses, taxis and ferries, may be the safest way to travel around the country.
The FactsFrance is home to several historic sites that date back thousands of years, as well as modern attractions and venues such as contemporary art galleries and museums, sculpture gardens, world-renown restaurants and shopping centers. Traveling around France is simple with the country’s robust and efficient public transportations systems; visitors can take advantage of comfortable travel using the TGV (train), ferries, taxi and buses.
FeaturesThe Trains a Grande Vitesse (TGV) is the world-famous high-speed train system. It is the fastest and most efficient form of transportation in France. Frances’ road system is comprised of expressways and country roads, and taking a taxi, bus or renting a car is another option for traveling around the country. The major car rental companies in France include Budget UK, National InterRent, Hertz of Canada and Alamo. Ferries and boats offer an alternative to the TGV for long-distance travel, and France is home to a number of waterways and barges. The Rhine River, Seine and Le Havre are some of the major waterways in the area.
ConsiderationsThe first step in traveling to France is obtaining a visitor’s visa. A current passport and formal visa application can begin the process, and this information will be submitted to the French embassy. After the visa has been granted, the next step is to book the flight and accommodations. Attractive flight and hotel packages can be found online or through a travel agent. Getting around France with ease is simple with a bus or train pass that allows visitors to travel to different parts of the country at a low cost. Tourist information such as brochures, flyers and area recommendations can be obtained from most hotels and local tourist offices found in each town and city.
MisconceptionsFrench banks do not follow the standard American workday hours, and typically close at 4:30 p.m. Many banks outside of the major cities are closed for up to 2 hours for lunch. Public telephones in France typically operate only by calling cards or credit cards; cash is rarely used for public telephone calls, so most travelers will need to carry a phone card for both local and international calls. Driving in France can be stressful; roads are narrower than most American roads, and driving rules and standards can take some time to get used to.
BenefitsFrance offers a wealth of tourist attractions, sightseeing adventures and cultural venues to explore, as well as the opportunity to speak the native language and learn more about the history and culture of France from the locals. Obtaining a pass for the train, bus or ferry rides is the easiest way to save on the costs of travel, and some travel packages include a EuroPass or other ticket discounts for visitors.
Resources: French Tourist Office
By: Sabah Karimi
Sabah Karimi has been writing for the Web for over 3 years, and some of her work can be found in "Dining Out," "Papierdoll" magazine and on Zappos.com, Associated Content and several blogs. She enjoys traveling, shopping, reading and running (not all at once), and currently works as a freelance writer and online marketing strategist in Orlando, Florida.Read Next 5 Articles
Background Reading Prior to a Trip to Normandy, France
Best Times to Go to Europe
Do You Need a Passport to Travel in Europe?
How to Travel Europe by Train
What to Wear in Europe
