Live Your Best Lives
Warm reminder: This article is very long. This is my first time writing a travelogue. I hope you will have the patience to read it.
Hi everyone. 🥝 [About Me] I'm "Crashing Lily." I'm a Leo born in 1995, a returnee from the UK, a philosophy graduate, and a travel enthusiast. Today, I'm taking you on a trip to the romantic capital of France to experience the world's most artistic country. If you're planning a trip to France, this article is all you need to know before your trip!
This article will consist of 5 parts:
01 Before you go: France travel tips
02 Best time to travel to France
03 See France in 2 minutes
04 Recommended best travel itineraries in France
05 What are the must-try foods when visiting France?
Writer Hemingway once said, "Paris is a moveable feast." France, with its diverse collection of writers, artists, renowned architecture, and impressive 42 World Heritage Sites, has become the brightest star in the universe. With 70 to 80 million visitors annually, it has consistently topped the list of the world's most visited countries.
Before you fly to France, I suggest you watch a few French art films to get a feel for the French atmosphere: Paris, je t'aime (2006), Le Fabuleux Destin D'Amelie Puoulain (2001), The Lovers at the New Bridge (1991), Jeux d'enfants (2003), and The Boys Who Make Waves (2004).
1. The time difference between France and Beijing is 7 hours (6 hours in summer). French electrical outlets are different from those in China, with a voltage of 230V. Please prepare a converter before traveling.
2. The French are lazy and romantic, and strikes are commonplace. If you encounter a public transportation strike, don't panic, just adjust your itinerary in time.
3. Paris during festivals will make you more unforgettable, especially in summer, such as the music festival on June 21, the musical fireworks on National Day on July 14, and the "Paris Beach" on the banks of the Seine in July and August.
4. Famous Parisian attractions often have lines of several hours or more, so it's recommended to buy a museum pass online in advance to skip the lines. If you're walking around and need to use the restroom but don't have coins (most French tourist attractions charge for restrooms), you can still use it for free at museums.
5. Most French people may not speak English very well. Even if they can understand you, they will reply in French. Therefore, it is recommended that you learn some simple French so that the locals will be more friendly to you.
6. There are often thieves stealing wallets from foreign tourists at tourist attractions. There will be a video introduction at the end of the article on security issues to remind everyone how to be vigilant.
7. It is recommended that students bring their student ID cards when traveling. Students under the age of 26 can enjoy many discounts.
The eastern mountains of France have a continental climate, while the south has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are ideal for travel in France, generally from June to October. However, be aware that many restaurants close in July and August to avoid the summer heat, so be aware. Beaches can be packed starting in May. February and March are ideal for skiing in the Alps and Pyrenees.
Traveling in France can generally be divided into two types: intellectual journeys in northern France and Provence holidays in southern France.
Paris - Chartres - Chambord - Umboise - Tours - Chanon-Château - Mont Saint-Michel - Saint-Malo - Normandy - Honfleur - Rouen
Famous attractions:
1. The pilgrim's destination: The sacred monastery on the sandbar island of Mont Saint-Michel offers the warmest blessings to tourists, as if they have stepped into another time and space and gazed at a pure paradise on earth.
2. Fairytale World: A Tour of the Loire River Castles: Visit the tender and sweet Château de Chanonson and the majestic Château de Chambord, visit the dream castles from fairy tales and experience the life of the French royal family.
3. The most dazzling city in the universe: Romantic Paris, an intoxicating and charming fashion capital, breeds the most romantic light and shadow of the future. Wander and appreciate it from the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Palace of Versailles. Even the fallen leaves by the Seine are natural poems.
Nice - Saint Paul - French Riviera - Monaco - Roussillon - Avignon - Carcassonne - Carcassonne - Saint-Madou - Sarah - Saint-Timirion - Bordeaux
Famous attractions:
1. The color palette of the ocean: The ocean and buildings of Cannes and Nice on the Cote d'Azur are filled with a leisurely atmosphere. Open your heart and embrace the blue style of the Mediterranean.
2. Artistic Mountain City: The evergreen vines of Provence climb along the old walls to create a green patch. Countless poets and painters have wandered in Roussillon and Avignon, and walked through the quiet paths of the mountain city, looking forward to the possibility of meeting you.
3. Carcassonne, a medieval fortress castle. Magnificent and weathered by time, the castle remains vigorous and continues to sing the heroic deeds of the knights of the past. After thousands of years, it has become the proudest world cultural heritage.
D1 (Paris)
Louvre Museum - Tuileries Garden - Place de la Concorde - Musee d'Orsay - Centre Pompidou - Luxembourg Garden - Panthéon - Arc de Triomphe - La Défense
When visiting the Louvre in Paris, don't miss its three treasures: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. From the Louvre, walk through the Tuileries Gardens and Place de la Concorde, then cross the Seine River to the Musée d'Orsay. Then, head to the Centre Pompidou, giving you a comprehensive overview of the history of French art and culture in just one day.
D2 (Paris)
Palace of Versailles - Champs-Elysées - Paris Opera House
Depart early in the morning and take the RER C line to the terminus. Then, walk for 15 minutes to the Palace of Versailles. Spend the morning admiring the palace's treasures, and in the afternoon, stroll along the garden paths or find a spot for a picnic. Return to downtown Paris at dusk and experience a unique night on the Right Bank. Sit at an outdoor café on the Champs-Élysées, observe the latest Parisian fashions, shop at high-end department stores, and enjoy performances by world-class troupes at the Paris Opera. Spend an unforgettable evening.
D3 (Paris)
Notre Dame Cathedral - Ile de la Cité - City Hall - Centre Pompidou - Alexandre III Bridge - Les Invalides - Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame Cathedral is another must-see Parisian gem. Located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of the Seine River, it's easily accessible via Metro Line 4 or RER Line B. From Notre Dame, you can easily walk to the City Hall and the Centre Pompidou. In the afternoon, take Line 1 to Champs Elysees Clemenceau, then cross the Alexandre III Bridge to reach Les Invalides. From there, walk to the Eiffel Tower and ascend for a breathtaking view of Paris at night, capping off your three-day trip to Paris.
D4 (Provence)
CĂ©zanne's Studio - Cours Mirabeau
The morning is free for you to enjoy a variety of exciting activities. Afterwards, we will head to the city center's coastal promenade for lunch and a stroll along the man-made lake to admire the beautiful scenery. In the evening, we will visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for dinner and a performance.
D5 (Provence)
Colosseum-Areo Museum of Antiquity
Take a day trip to explore nearby towns and villages. We recommend the Arles Route, which includes visits to the amphitheater and museums. Of course, don't miss out on seeing Van Gogh's legacy: the hospital, the suspension bridge, and the vast expanse of sunflowers.
D6 (Nice)
Grasse-Chagall Museum – Matisse Museum – Nice Museum of Contemporary Art
Arrive in Nice and take local transportation to Grasse, the "City of Perfume". After visiting the Perfume Museum, go to the city for an art tour: the Chagall Museum, the Matisse Museum, and the Nice Contemporary Art Museum will bring you unexpected gains.
D7 (Nice)
Monte Carlo - Grand Casino
Proceed to Monte Carlo, the most famous town in Monaco, the "country within a country".
Baguette
In France, you can always see people running through the streets clutching long baguettes. Some shops slice and toast the baguette to create a garlicky aroma, and smearing it with butter is a delicious way to cushion your hunger. While the crust is firm, it's perfectly chewy, while the interior is white and soft. It's an essential side dish for the French.
Foie Gras d'Oies
The rich, smooth foie gras is a staple of French Christmas and New Year's feasts and a protected cultural heritage. Because it's expensive, it's sold as a blend of duck and foie gras; the higher the proportion of foie gras, the more expensive it is. Foie gras is typically served as an appetizer, spread on bread with a drizzle of jam. It can also be pan-fried and paired with truffles and other side dishes, creating a deliciously tender and smooth dish that will leave you wanting more.
Tips:
Recommended restaurants:
Maison Rostang
Formerly known as Michel Rostang, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant exemplifies traditional French cuisine, earning it a cult status even among discerning French diners. The Rotang family's recipes have been passed down through five generations, embodying their culinary talent and wisdom. Owner Michel Rotang and young chef Nicolas Beaumann have refined and elevated the traditional dishes. Reservations are generous, and reservations are generally available on the day. Be sure to try the Canette Miéral au Sang (blood duck) and foie gras (foie gras).
Address:20 Rue Rennequin, 75017 Paris
How to get there: Ternes, Courcelles or PĂ©reire metro stations
Opening hours: Lunch Tuesday to Friday 12:15-14:00, Dinner Monday to Saturday 19:30-21:45
Average cost per person: 90-225 Euros Phone: +33 147634077
Official website: www.maisonrostang.com
Black Truffle (Truffe Noir)
A wild mushroom native to southern France, this unassuming ingredient is synonymous with deliciousness in France. However, its production is extremely low and cultivation is difficult, making it very expensive. For those who crave truffles, buy truffle paste at Galeries Lafayette and enjoy it with bread at home.
Tips:
Recommended restaurants:
At L'Arpège, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, fruits and vegetables reign supreme. Chef Alain Pasard maintains three organically cultivated gardens, and the majority of the vegetables served in the restaurant are grown there. But meat lovers needn't despair; the main meat dishes are equally impressive. Enjoying dishes prepared using molecular gastronomy techniques, you'll experience the culinary artistry of the ingredients. In 2016, Passard received The Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional culinary talent and expertise.
Address:84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
How to get there: Metro M13 to Varenne Station
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 19:00-22:45
Average cost per person: 140-240 Euros Phone: +33 147050906
Official website: www.alain-passard.com
Veal head (TĂŞte de veau)
Braised veal head is a seasonal dish during Christmas and a favorite among foodies. The veal head is braised in broth until tender and then topped with sauce, chives, and other condiments. It's rich but not greasy, and has a smooth, chewy texture. Former President Jacques Chirac is said to be a fan.
Oysters (Huitre)
In autumn and winter, you absolutely must try fresh oysters from the French coast. They're at their peak around Christmas. The popular way to enjoy them: crack the shell open, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice, and the tender, sea-flavored oyster flesh is ready to eat. For those who prefer not to eat them raw, grilled oysters are a good option, but that's a bit of a shame. After all, eating them raw saves on the flavor.
Tips:
Recommended restaurants:
Oyster Bar (Montparnasse branch)
For the discerning French, ingredients labeled "French" are considered high-quality and naturally command higher prices than imported products. The seafood platters here are incredibly large, and the prices aren't exactly affordable. There are four branches in the city, all with modern decor and excellent service.
Branch address 1: 112 boulevard du Montparnasse 75014 Paris (Take the M4 subway to Vavin station)
Branch address 2: 33 Rue Saint-Jacques 75005 Paris
Business hours: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Average consumption per person: around 50 euros
Official website: www.lebarahuitres.com
Mille Feuille
Finally, it's time to introduce you to our desserts. Mille Feuille, commonly known as Napoleon Cake. Mille Feuille means "thousand pages" in French. The dough is folded flat with dry butter, repeated repeatedly, and after baking, the resulting layers resemble the folding of a thousand pages. It's made with three layers of puff pastry and two layers of custard stacked on top of each other. Flavors include vanilla custard, chocolate, or vanilla nut. The crispy crust paired with the rich, creamy custard leaves a lingering fragrance.
That’s all for the text sharing. Finally, I would like to share with you the photos of this trip.
