France is one of the most visited countries in the world. Tourists come here for many reasons. They may wish to see the vast historic art collection of Parisian Louvre or the castles of Chambord and Cheverny, historical homes of French kings. Visitors may walk along the pebbled beaches of Nice or see firsthand northern beaches where D-Day soldiers first fought the Nazis. A visit to France can be a tremendous opportunity. Use your time well to help enjoy every minute of it.
Plan well in advance if possible. Many regions of France have festivals or busy periods that may make last minute travel arrangements difficult. For example, each July the Provencal city of Avignon holds a jazz festival. During this time thousands of people gather to see and hear musicians from all over the world play concerts at local venues. The narrow streets of the city are crowded with visitors. Many city hotels are fully booked months before the festival begins. Visitors who do not are often forced to seek beds in other towns such as Arles and Nimes. Certain French holidays such as Bastille Day (July 14th) and Christmas also pose similar travel challenges.
Choose the right transportation methods. A car makes little sense in Paris. Paris is well served by public transportation. Cars are expensive and difficult to pack. Most major Parisian sights are located within a very compact area easily accessible by taxi and bus. Cars can be far more valuable in other areas of France. A car makes an ideal tool for exploring the vineyards of Burgundy or the hill top towns of Provence. France has a large network of high speed trains that serve nearly all major French population centers. Trains are not only fast but also run frequently. A route between Paris and Tours may have 10 or more trains a day to choose from. Such trains also provide connections from France to other nearby countries such as Spain and Italy. Train travel is ideal for travel between one major city and the next such as travel between Nice and Marseilles.
Don't try to see everything. France is roughly 80 percent the size of the state of Texas. Within this area lie thousands of major sites of interest. A two week or even month long visit may barely be enough time to scratch the surface of all that a single French region has to offer. Try to narrow down your trip to your specific interests and hit the highlights. If you like art explore the Louvre, trace the steps of Van Gogh at Arles and see where Chagall found his light at Nice. Other themed visits are an excellent idea. Don't worry if you miss something. Allow more than one visit if possible.
