"French style" France by chess_machine

France Travel Guide: 57,889 reviews and 156,655 photos

Ah, France: Emmanuelle Béart, Paris, Truffaut, Balzac, wine, romantism, love, cheese, good food, books, wonderful countryside, the language and all the other things that make France a magic country.

I wont mention strikes, arrogance and French cultural exception here ;)

Yes, France is a magic country and when I have lived abroad I often missed some special things from homeland, mostly food and Paris exciting cultural life. However, there are plenty things I dont like about my country, and realize when travelling that people in other places are nicer or more risk going. So, like everywhere obviously there are the good and bads.

However, if I was a tourist, I think I would be fascinated by France, for it really has an impressive diversity of landscapes and because every time I come back to Paris after a few days away from the capitale I realize how magic and beautiful this city is.

I think it would take hours to talk about France, but I think the common ideas that tourists have are basically right: it is a perfect place for romance, eating well and we have a French "dolce vita". I think it is hard to be indifferent to Paris, except if you really dont like cities. On the other hand, it is true we are not the most welcoming people in the world. But to be honest I think we behave with the tourists as we behave between each other French people...

French mentality is very complex and I am not sure I have understood it enough to be able to give you insights!

Anyway, what is easier is giving you my personal favorite places in France. It is subjective, but these are the places I have seen and loved:

Paris, Saint-Malo, Belle-Ile, Vannes, Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, French Riviera, Honfleur, the Alps, Sarlat and Dordogne.

Last visit to France: Jan 2009
Intro Updated Feb 12, 2009
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Reviews (18)

Cheese Shopping (3)

If your country allows it, you should come back home with some French cheese. Being a former expatriate during one year,... more travel advice

Cycling in cities Transportation (3)

I spent some months in Rotterdam where I discovered what cycling in cities could mean. Well, in France, it is far to be... more travel advice

Accents Local Customs (8)

Though you may not notice them if you are not a native French, we do have several different accents within the country.... more travel advice

Skiing, snowboarding Sports & Outdoors (3)

Best location to ski is the Alps. Alps are probably the best place in Europe to go skiing. I have been once to Austria... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Best French restaurants

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Comments (5)

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Ina22Marina May 2, 2010 at 1:31 PM

Great insider tips! It strikes me as a paradox, though, that cycling is not "in the culture" yet France hosts the biggest cycling event. No? Any way. Cheers! :-)
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Pawtuxet Sep 9, 2009 at 5:49 AM

Good local info here... wishing for more about region west of Paris. Any scoop? BTW... extensive cheese selections (imported from everywhere) at our local markets in little Rhode Island.
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Lady7 Oct 30, 2005 at 7:46 AM

Yes, here in the US we aren't allowed to go topless, sigh!
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mustertal Oct 27, 2005 at 6:46 AM

Good wine and food,thats my experiance of France and I loved it.
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craic Oct 4, 2005 at 3:16 AM

Lovely witty tips.