France

[Prawn_86]

France, officially the French Republic, is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in Western Europe and that also comprises various overseas islands and territories located in other continents. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. French people often refer to Metropolitan France as L’Hexagone (The “Hexagon”) because of the geometric shape of its territory.

[MRC & Co]

This to me, is the most beautiful country in Europe that I have seen.

I could spend a year in Paris just cruising around the City, taking in the buzz, shopping (no I'm not gay) and checking out the beautiful museums and art works (though I usually find art boring as hell).

Spent a little time in a wine region too, cobble streets, sitting at the local tiny little pub, outside sipping wine all day. Burnt to a crisp in the hot sun, but ended with a nice tan! No other town or city in sight, only rolling hills, vineyards and the few townspeople and wine. Not a care in the world in that place. Would love to get back there one day. Reminds me of that movie Russell Crowe was in, where he was a trader and ended up in the small town! Could see myself going down a similar path one day, ha ha. Except for the trading guru part! ;)

[INDOVAGANZA]

There's so many beautiful places in Europe that I love.
They have beautiful building & great histories.
I love Rome, Florence, Amsterdaam but I must say that Paris is the most beautiful city in the world. Especially when we travel with our beloved one :)

[2BAD4U]

Planning on a trip to France next year. Taking our bikes over and going to ride parts of the Tour de France route. Any suggestions/advice on visiting France? Would also love to hear from anyone who has ridden over there.

[Prawn_86]

PARIS (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of angry and fearful French workers mounted nationwide strikes and protests Thursday to demand President Nicolas Sarkozy do far more to fight the economic crisis.
Public and private sector workers united in the protest to seek increases in salaries, greater protection for their jobs and more intensive government efforts to simulate the economy.
Commuters in Paris braved freezing temperatures and biked, walked and even took boats to work, as trains were idled by the strike and stations stood empty. But a 2007 law ensuring minimal transport service meant that some subways, buses and suburban rail lines still had to operate — and those that did were stuffed to the gills. Delays were considerable.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gHxGqBLEIin8NkBuxlqpCPPwr31AD960QDDO1

[Prawn_86]

THE Eiffel Tower is to get a fresh coat of brown paint for its 120th birthday, but will stay open to the public throughout the 18-month makeover, operators said.


http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,25273517-27984,00.html

[ashsaege]

I'm heading off to France in 3 weeks. I have a mate currently working over there in a winery located in a small country town called Limoux.

We haven't really planned out exactly what we will do in France, but im keen to do a few days in Paris, then head to Cognac and try some local Hennessy produce, and possibly head over to Champagne.

[Prawn_86]

I'm heading off to France in 3 weeks. I have a mate currently working over there in a winery located in a small country town called Limoux.

We haven't really planned out exactly what we will do in France, but im keen to do a few days in Paris, then head to Cognac and try some local Hennessy produce, and possibly head over to Champagne.
Welcome to ATF Ash :)

Lots of Aussies seem to work in wineries in France. Fairly easy work to get i guess.

Sounds like a great trip, make sure you keep us updated and if you have time feel free to post a journal here... (http://www.aussietravellersforum.com.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16)

[Grant25]

Planning on a trip to France next year. Taking our bikes over and going to ride parts of the Tour de France route. Any suggestions/advice on visiting France? Would also love to hear from anyone who has ridden over there.

It sounds great ...! Enjoy your holiday my friends but don't forget to update your trip...

[katesmithprincess]

Hi all! I found out a blog “Share your tips” about France so that people can post comments about their travel experience and give tips about places not to be missed, where to eat, where to sleep...

There are also info on good deals and affordable packages on the Affordable France section of the website of the French Tourist Board. Might worth to have a look for your next holidays. It’s quite well organised so that we can find out what we are looking for.:)

[bt674]

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in person was amazing. It was during the time when they made it blue because of the EU.

[JohnW]

Currently sitting in Paris after being here for a week and a bit. Have just spent 2 weeks in London and surrounds (Cambridge, Brighton, etc.) loved every moment of it. Then went to Turkey for a week, also had a great time (Istanbul, Gollipplii (sp?) etc.

Then arrived in Paris, first thing I noticed is the emptiness of the place. Streets all look the same, prices are sky high. Place is dirty, stinks of urine everywhere (train stations, the park behind the Eiffle tower just takes your breath away, due to the stench). after about 3 days I was running of things to do in Paris.

The Lourve, not a patch on the main British art gallery at Trafalga sqaure in terms of layout for the average non artist in terms of understand the progression of art over time. The Lourve doesn't have anything in English so you don't even know what your looking at. Big, and dull. Want to see the Mona Lisa, be prepared to stand behind 60+ people.

Nine euro for a beer is about standard (that's about 12 dollars!!!!) in any of the tourist so called Paris bars.

Done most of the standard things, searched all the online forums, even considered one suggestion today to take a tour of Paris's sewer system. Then you step back and ask yourself, are these people for real, a tour of currently used sewer pipes, that's how dull the place is.

What I'm saying is that unless you only like looking at dead things and perhaps romatising about a time ago long gone by about 100 years, then give Paris a big miss. Far more interesting place to go, Sydney positively swings compared to this place.

A really swinging thing in Paris is supposidly to buy a loaf of bread, some cheese, a bottle of wine and sit in a Paris park. I can do that in Dubbo (without the constant showers), doesn't make it somehow a "romantic city".

Markets in Paris, dull.... Haven't these people who organise things ever been to London's Camden Town or Brick Lane markets on a Sunday, places rock.

Got about 4 days left in Paris, and really looking forward to heading for the airport to leave.

Hope this helps anyone thinking of going to Paris. Obviously my recommendation is give the place a complete miss.

P.S. I've travelled extensively over many years.

John