"Goner's France" France by Goner

France Travel Guide: 57,923 reviews and 156,772 photos

Visits to France

France was the first country I had wanted to visit even as a child. Paris seemed so romatic; French love songs (even though I didn't under a word they sang) would make me swoon. The French impressionist were my favorite artists, French food my favorite food and of course French wine - the best!

My first trip to France was to Paris and only for three days and I swore I would go back France to see more, and I did.

Such a colorful country and as diverse as any in Europe. In Northwestern France you experience the flavor of Belgium, northeastern France is so like Germany with it’s half-timbered buildings and as you progress down the eastern part of France you can see the French Alps with verdant lakes so much like Switzerland. Brittany, on the west coast has it’s own distinct personality as it hugs the English Channel. The Loire Valley flaunts the riches of the many kings who made their mark in history. As you travel south beyond the farmlands into you’ll find arid hills and canyons, it is much like California in the heat of summer, but with medieval stone buildings hugging one another. The south brings you to the Pyrenees Mountains and Basque Country, an independent group that wishes to be separate from the rest of the country. And onto the Mediterranean, where you will see Spanish and Italian influence in the architecture on the beautiful Cote Azure. Visiting France is like visiting many countries, but it’s all still very French. Each region has it’s own style of cuisine and has it’s own wines of distinct color and flavor. The food and wine are worth the journey.

The Adventures

Another visit to the Louvre

THE SECOND TRIP - Paris again for three days, then on to explore the Cote Azure - to experience the French Riviera was a dream come true.

THE THIRD TRIP - I met my son Dan who had spent the summer traveling from Israel to Europe and had spent a month in school at Strasbourg, France. He was out of money and living on yogurt. He was delighted to see me, of course. Dan had taken the night train from Amsterdam so he could sleep (no money for lodging) and with the last day on his Eurail pass, he met me at De Gaulle Airport. It took a few trips around the circular terminal for us to find each other in this very busy airport.

We took the train into Paris for two days then off to see as much of France as we could in two weeks.

A Little Bit of History

Map of France

Pros and Cons

Pros:Awesome Diverse Scenery to Magnificient Art
Cons:Having to Leave
In a nutshell:A Country that is Fascinating and Beautiful

Last visit to France: Aug 1998
Intro Updated Dec 28, 2007
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Reviews (35)

Close to the Airport Hotels (4)

This is a convenient hotel if you're flying out the next morning, they have a shuttle that will take you to the airport,... more travel advice

Sometimes Yah Gotta Take A Car or Van Transportation (2)

As great as the train system is in France, the chateux in the Loire Valley are all not accessible by train. A car would... more travel advice

Mus?e d'Orsay Things to Do (10)

Built in 1900, the Orsay was originally the Orleans train station. After it was abandoned and nearly torn down they... more travel advice

Troglodyte Dwellings Off The Beaten Path (1)

At the end of one of our half-day van tours of the castles in the Loire Valley, we stopped for wine in a limestone cave... more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
Packing List
Local Customs (1)
Don't use your hand to say...
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Comments (44)

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hunterV Nov 19, 2008 at 8:08 AM

Hi, Nancy! Amazing places worth visiting! Thanks for your nice stories!
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807Wheaton May 10, 2005 at 7:37 PM

I'm so glad I found your France page. I too had a three day visit to Paris long ago and have always wanted to see France again. We are going back in September for two weeks! Loved your pictures and great tips. Marcia
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JLBG Dec 22, 2004 at 9:54 PM

Excellent page. You did a lot of the "must see"s and even more. It is always interesting to know how visitors look at your country! However "Monaco has no crime" is true only if money laundering is not a crime.
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Sandi-2004 Dec 8, 2004 at 8:02 PM

Excellent France photos & tips. Saw the Brassiere pic on the main pg of VT. What an outstanding shot -the cafe, the diners, the walkers, the trees & the Arc de Triumph all in perfect composition. Great photo!!
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nhcram Oct 25, 2004 at 9:15 AM

I certainly won't be staying at the The Mercure in Rennes. thanks for telling us!!! Great chateau pictures and write ups.
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rozehill Oct 21, 2004 at 9:57 PM

What a brilliant adventure...fantastic pictures and stories.
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andrewwhite Oct 16, 2004 at 4:46 AM

I shall leave for France immediately to find romance. Wonderful photographs and commentary. Now where's that bottle of Medoc?
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justbecks Oct 2, 2004 at 4:03 PM

oh totally agree......all the romance of the movies I found in France..most parts that is..:0)
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deecat Aug 31, 2004 at 9:09 PM

Nancy. Wonderful work..castles, gardens, Monaco..quaint towns of Annecy and St. Malo. Your Souillac story was fascinating. So nice you were able to travel with your son. Excellent photos
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starship Aug 22, 2004 at 8:55 AM

Excellent page! Brought back memories of beautiful sights and also a few bad memories of encounters I'd rather forget! It all made for an interesting trip!