VLOG # 3 - TRIP TO PARIS 2017 | Benny Ngo
The largest country in Europe and, culturally and historically, one of the most influential in the world, France has a reputation that precedes Before visiting, you already know about the famous boulevards, gourmet cooking, fashions fabulous and stylish cafes You may have heard the stereotypes about french waiters proud, pervasive and smelly cheese cigarette to put the record straight waiters are formal rather than friendly, smoking is on the decline, and strong cheeses are decidedly optional France is a complex country to really understand its allure, you must visit.
Centuries of history have shaped the rich heritage of France, and the buildings speak volumes of the medieval city of Carcassonne Renaissance castles of the Loire Valley, and the magnificent boulevard Haussmann in Paris 19th century You can imagine scenes Belle Epoque Moulin Rouge as vividly as the World war II battle at Omaha Beach in Normandy Despite its long history, France is a very modern nation next to the ancient castles and cathedrals are emphatically innovations of the 21st century the TGV rail service 300 km per hour, at the Center Pompidou Center of modern Art in Paris and an average underground cathedral stage of Lourdes.
France is defined by its diverse topography The spectacular landscape is between Picardy poppy plains dotted the hills of Champagne, the snow-capped Alps to the serene shores of the Mediterranean Sea Each region has its own unique character people have different accents everywhere in the country, and gastronomy is as varied as the landscape President Charles de Gaulle lamented the difficulty of governing a nation with more than 300 types of cheese, but for visitors, the variety of culture and cuisine is something to savor .
With its majestic monuments, elegant cafes and neighborhoods exclusive shopping, Paris has the best of everything from fine dining to fabulous fashion you can spend an entire day shopping for designer silk scarves or chocolates handmade or stroll the manicured city parks in the center of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, resplendent with flying buttresses, gargoyles terrifying, and soaring spiers the phenomenal Louvre Museum, located in the former palace of the kings of France, is the most visited art museum world renowned for Masterworks such as Mona Lisa and freedom of Eugene Delacroix Leonardo guiding the most important people the world collection of Impressionist art is housed on the opposite bank of the Seine to the Orsay museum where you can drift between Monet's water lilies, rolling fields of Cézanne, Renoir animated sidewalks, and van Gogh starry sky No description of Paris would be complete without mention of the lattice wonder of the Eiffel Tower iconic tower 324 meters which holds the distinction of being the most visited paid monument in the world.
The food in Paris is justifiably legendary title, exquisite pastry shops and sophisticated lounge of the famous Defense cafes such as Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, once the haunt of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone Beauvoir Expect servers to be brusque and people watching to captivate the city of Lights lives up to its name with a lively nightlife, chic nightclubs cabaret shows bold, traditional ballet in Paris modern jazz is also famous for its lively street performances, and each 21st June the city remains all night for a free concert party known as the Music Day.
Just a short train ride from Paris is one of the main attractions of France, the magnificent Palace of Versailles filled with valuable works of art and surrounded by exquisite gardens, this extravagant palace stands as a testimony to the glory the reign of King Louis XIV DESIGNATED as the great century the castle was also the residence of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, who were overthrown in the French Revolution's most famous piece is the Hall of Mirrors, which is literally dripping in chandeliers, gold leaf and fine tapestries Seeing the opulence of Versailles helps you understand why, in 1789, the castle was stormed by an angry crowd Parisians who could not even allow the bread another impressive historical site near Paris is the Notre-Dame de Chartres site world heritage of UNESCO arguably the most breathtaking breath Gothic cathedral in France.
North West France Brittany is alive with ancient history, including the historic seaside town of Saint-Malo and the famous medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel on a hill that becomes an island at high tide Surrounded by wild coast, Normandy is full of historic towns that are associated with Impressionist paintings of the beautiful seaside town of Honfleur, Rouen with its famous cathedral painted by Monet, the bustling port of Le Havre, and the seaside resort of Deauville another attraction evocative is the landing beaches Normandy where visitors can discover the great events of D-day, June 6, 1944, 150,000 American, British and Canadian troops landed on the coast in what became a turning point in the Second World war.
Glorious Renaissance chateaux and castles of fairy tales dot the green valleys and historic towns along the Loire in central France, where the French royal families built their houses and hunting lodges between the 15th and 17th centuries The huge Chambord Castle was built for King François Ier and includes a hunting area about the size of the Paris metropolitan area the largest of the Loire castles, the magnificent château de Cheverny was a gift to the mistress of King Henry II the most unique and graceful, Chenonceau castle is known as the ladies of the castle as it was designed and built for Katherine Briçonnet and Diane de Poitiers Each castle has a fascinating heritage and tales of visionary architecture projects , big chases, spectacular festivals, and aristocratic trysts are still to visit absorption.
Amid cloaked rolling hills of vineyards of this iconic region, you will find two oldest and most spectacular of the world heritage sites of the Vill Medieval Fairs Provins and the Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims course the Champagne lovers will also visit the prestigious Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Perrier-Jouët to taste the legendary bubbling of this famous region.
Burgundy was a powerful medieval duchy and once among its farmland idyllic and lush vineyards, you still find fortresses, castles, abbeys and villages of the Middle Ages, the attractive town of Beaune is at the heart of the famous wine trade of region, while Dijon is a charming historic town, known for its production of gourmet mustard wine lovers will delight in the area of fine Beaujolais, Chablis and Cote d'varieties and private tours can be arranged in most famous vineyards of Burgundy is also famous for its warm country kitchen, with classic French specialties such as snail, chicken with mustard sauce and beef stew.
Only two hours from Paris by high-speed train and one hour from the Alps, Lyon is France's second city more French than Paris, and with a sunny The city has Gallo-Roman archeological interesting sites and has an impressive Art Museum of Fine Lyon is also well known for its gastronomic excellence, with several chefs running restaurants here, including the famous Paul Bocuse and Anne-Sophie Pic the only french woman chef to get three Michelin stars.
The region of Alsace near the German border has a different flavor from the rest of the country People talk here Alsatian, a Germanic language with some French influence, and cuisine also reflects the location of the area, with specialties like sausages, sauerkraut and kouglof a rich almond cake the capital, Strasbourg is a charming town with its picturesque half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral decorated with Strasbourg, it is a tour of an easy day at the black Forest.
In France two mountain ranges offer spectacular scenery, with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and sparkling streams rustling Both regions pristine national parks with the ideal well-maintained trails for hiking and mountain biking ago picturesque villages and small churches to be discovered in remote areas, and the bars and cafes serving delicious fondue hearty cuisine is a specialty of the Alps, while the cheese-based dish raclette is enjoyed in the Pyrenees.
The sun soaked south central France, Provence has a strong Roman heritage which is clearly visible in her dialect and cuisine the beautiful Mediterranean landscape inspired the Impressionist painters like Cezanne to create vibrant art and Arles is dominated by the ruins of a giant amphitheater dating from the 1st century BC throughout the campaign, you'll find hilltop medieval villages full of charm and character, the beautiful city of Avignon is dominated by the monumental palace of the 14th century Pope UNESCO-listed medieval Palace of the Popes.
Also known as the French Riviera, the Riviera attracts beach goers, socialites, celebrities and of course, the paparazzi An overview attractive blue waters and breathtaking views of the ocean, and you will understand why the French Riviera is a famous destination glitterati You can enjoy the sun in the seaside upscale or make pleasant hiking resorts along the Mediterranean glistening foreshore attractions include chic principality of Monaco, the picturesque seaside village of Eze, the beautiful Villa Rothschild on Cap Ferrat, Nice superb art museums, the exclusive sea promenade in Cannes.
Two of the oldest parts of France, Gascony and the Dordogne boast wild and fascinating Gascon history is famous for its medieval heritage, rich foods, including fat and armagnac liver, and the original home of the Three Musketeers Dordogne is renowned for its important Roman ruins and the prehistoric caves of the Vézère valley, cave paintings dating from 12,000 years house.
The Basque Country is a distinct region of southwest France, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, with its own language, culture and cuisine of the resort of Biarritz was made fashionable by the wife of Napoléon III, Empress Eugenie His private residence is now the hotel du Palais, an extravagant hotel with ocean views and excellent Michelin-starred restaurant.
Romantically situated on a crescent-shaped bend of the Garonne, Bordeaux is a beautiful world heritage city with a wealth of historical monuments The city displays its monuments as an outdoor museum of the Roman amphitheater of the time in a magnificent cathedral medieval and elegant boulevards 18th century Bordeaux also has statements of modernity, as his surrealist mirror water reflecting the Place de la Bourse along the river in the vineyards and chateaux of wine the region produces some of the Great best Growths in France.
Take a guided tour of the Louvre, the world's largest art museum, and marvel at the masterpieces of European art the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa and the sensual curves of Venus de Milo, the legendary works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio and countless others, the Louvre owns part of the art treasures of the most dazzling and precious world from over 30,000 works of art are incredible antiquities of ancient Rome collections, Greece and the Middle East, and one of the most important collections in the world of ancient Egyptian art.
Immerse yourself in the unique beauty of Impressionism at the Orsay Museum, home of Degas ballerinas, Gaugin ladies of Tahiti, cabaret dancers of Toulouse-Lautrec and Renoir joyful parties Belle Epoque After sated on art refined world, enjoy lunch at the restaurant exquisite museum itself a historical monument.
Take the best views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, once the tallest structure in the world and probably the most lasting symbol of the City Light Impregnated spectacular views, it is no more civilized way to end your visit by enjoying the beautiful star kitchen Michelin guide Alain Ducasse at the Jules Vernes restaurant on the second floor of the tower.
Experience the joy of Paris to live in beautiful legendary parks and cafes, manicured lawns of the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower in the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Luxembourg Gardens, near the Latin Quarter Pull a chair in the Jardin des Tuileries, a elegant garden in the formal french style, where you can stop for a crepe or a light lunch at the Terrace Pomona or soak up the unique atmosphere of Germain-des-Pres, where you can look people in the style of café terraces of the Flore and Deux Magots.
Absorb the medieval charms of the Marais, where you can stroll through the cobbled narrow streets lined with cafes and shops, admire the aristocratic buildings abandoned during the Revolution, or relax in the courtyard of the Place des Vosges one of the most elegant squares of Paris.
Be inspired by magnificent Gothic cathedrals that reflect the rich spiritual heritage of France attending a Catholic Mass at the Notre-Dame de Paris to soak up the aura of this heavenly huge cathedral with a choir decorated area 13th century and the sanctuary Bask in the spectacular church stained- glass chapel of St. chapel, or take the train south of Chartres, where the huge vaulted ceilings, old windows and exquisite sculptures of Chartres Cathedral are celebrated by many as the most beautiful place of worship in France.
Walking in the footsteps of royalty pampered by some of the richest houses and beautiful world extravagance of Versailles, where the last French monarchs lived in Paris, tales from the book of splendor of the chateaux of the Loire amid vast fields and evergreen forests.
Discover bravery stories and tragedy on the beaches of Normandy, where, on a single day in June 1944, 150,000 troops landed in 7000 vessels on five beaches in what remains the largest invasion by sea in the Today modern military history, the D-day events are commemorated by a series of museums and monuments information, and lowering ceremony of the daily flag moving at the Normandy American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.
Learn more about the ancient tradition of French wine while sampling fine wines and hearty cuisine at some of the oldest and most renowned wineries in the sparkling waters of the world of wines and magnificent castles in Champagne to classic red wines and sprawling areas of Bordeaux and former legendary castles and Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of Burgundy, no other country offers a lot for wine lovers.
You can enjoy the charm of the countryside and the evocative past of Provence, where you can vibrate in the history of the old Roman amphitheater in Arles 2,000 years or walk in the hallowed footsteps of the palace of the popes of the 14th century dominant Avignon sunning on the beach Riviera elegant seaside resorts, swimming in the Mediterranean sea, or tour the iconic perfume factories of Grasse, surrounded by fields of flowers used for their aromatic essential oils.
Enjoy the distinctive cuisine of the Basque Country and culture, the picturesque old village of Espelette, famous for its spicy red peppers at the resort fashionable Biarritz, and exquisite old world charm and new world spa care Saint Jean de Luz.
Delight in the picturesque villages and postcard-perfect views of Alsace, the beautiful half-timbered houses along the river in Strasbourg tranquil forests and idyllic villages of the Black Forest During the holiday season, visit the markets Christmas party at the shop for artisan products while sipping hot apple cider spiced.
Head off the beaten track in some of the most pristine and beautiful mountains in Europe, spectacular lakes and hiking trails in the French Alps, spectacular forests and the Pyrenees mountain bike trails, and very beautiful limestone cliffs and entries of France Creeks new national park.
As Ella Fitzgerald s I love Paris eloquently explains, you can enjoy France at any time of the year Spring offers mild weather, longer days and blooming gardens Summer is a busy season with a more playful mood, that the French are preparing for their annual holidays in August, Paris tends to be hot and humid, and many Parisians evacuate the city you will not see the typical Parisian atmosphere in August, but you can enjoy the slower pace Expect the French Riviera and Biarritz stations to be extremely crowded in July and August if you prefer a more relaxing stay at this time of year to visit the country, as Provence, Vars or the Pyrenees in autumn, especially in September paris and October on the French Riviera, you can take advantage of good weather and fewer crowds the holiday season is a festive time to see the Christmas markets and decorations.
Most international flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, the largest in France Other hubs of international flights Bordeaux airport in southwest France and Lyon Saint Exupéry airport in Rhône-Alpes If your holiday is based on the French Riviera, you can fly into Nice, although this usually requires a stopover in another European city like Frankfurt or Amsterdam.
France has an excellent system of public transport in Paris, you can rely almost exclusively on the Metro subway to get to any point in the city The state's rail system covers all major cities and many cities across the country There are also TGV high speed trains known high-speed trains traveling at 300 km / h can take the TGV from Paris to Marseille on the Mediterranean sea in three hours or two hours to get to Lyon, which is close to many excellent ski areas in the Alps Paris to Arles in Provence and takes about three hours from Paris to Nice on the French Riviera takes five hours most visitors only need a rental car to visit the small villages and natural sites that are not accessible by train.
France offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, from top luxury establishments like the Ritz range of simple hotels with basic facilities Authorities French tourism have a well-defined rating system , a four-star, which categorizes hotels according to their level of equipment, for example, probably a star hotel will not have a lift and can not have common areas, while a four-star hotel will elevator, concierge, lounge, restaurant and amenities such as Wi-Fi access, cable TV and laundry service, however, the rating system does not take into account subjective criteria as a welcoming staff or style of decoration.
In France, there are many smaller hotels in charming historic buildings for a truly special experience, the prestigious Relais Chateaux group offers a distinctive luxury accommodation, usually in splendid castles renovated farmhouses or ancient monasteries, often in beautiful Wilderness Whatever your requirements and travel preferences, Zicasso agent will help you choose hotels that suit you best for each location on your trip.
Most non-EU citizens need a visa for a tourist stay of 90 days or more if you plan to stay more than 90 days, you must apply for a short stay visa at a French consulate before arriving in France .
There is no health care to visit France The Center for Disease Control recommends that you are up to date on your routine vaccines and vaccine against annual flu If a medical problem occurs when you are in France, you can visit a local pharmacy for medical advice pharmacy can contact a doctor to provide a call from home to your hotel room France has one of the world's best health systems, and medical expenses for most services are quite reasonable to pay out of pocket, you should always consider Medicare travel, to cover costs in the rare occasion of a serious medical emergency before your trip, you should also check if your health insurance plan cover medical expenses incurred while traveling abroad.
Although France is a very safe country, you should take precautions as with any experience to travel Be aware of pickpockets, especially in big cities such as Paris and Marseille Pay attention to your surroundings in crowded places such as stations metro and train Keep your passport and money in a safe place such as a hotel safe or wearing a money belt always Bring copies of credit card information, so you can contact your company credit card theft Before your trip, make sure to get travel insurance that covers theft and loss of baggage.
Single women sometimes experience the culture shock of French men forward when traveling alone in France Usually this is an inconvenience rather than a threat to the security of single women travelers should take the same precautions in France that they also be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas are deserted and not well lit at night.
France is a country steeped in custom and tradition of good manners The English word for the label comes from the French word estiquette antiquated, meaning a ticket to the 17th and 18th centuries, the nobility were presented with tickets prescribing specific codes of conduct allowed the court of King Although today's ways are less codified, they are usually more formal in France than in America in contemporary French society, children learn from an early age the importance of politeness, and see how french people value to treat others in a polite way the french also tend to speak in a smaller volume than the Americans and fit you better if you reduce the decibel level of your voice.
Women Address madam or miss for a young woman and men as Mr. equivalent am and my gentleman When you enter a store, restaurant or other public place, use the hello greeting, Mrs. or goodnight sir, madam sir Do not call servers boy as this is considered rude the French foreign address by their surname until knowledge becomes more familiar, the French language has integrated formalities; the word for you is different depending on how you know the person you use close friends and meet someone younger, and to the knowledge and show respect towards elders Both the French sentences s most essential are please and thank you, please and thank you every time you use these expressions of politeness, you will be welcomed and politeness.
French is the official language in France, spoken by 100 people The French language is also a matter of national pride, and France imposed the use of French by law the government added an article to the Constitution in 1992, indicating the language of the Republic is french in 1994, France adopted the Toubon law, stating that all public notices, audiovisual media and advertising should provide a translation of foreign words in addition, France has several regional languages Alsatian, Basque, Breton, Catalan, Corsican, Flemish and Provençal Basque country maintains proudly its language and culture; about a third of the local population is bilingual schools teach Basque and French, and road signs are written in Basque and French.
Except in small towns in rural areas and among the older generations, most speak enough English French The younger generation often speaks fluent English and loves American movies and music As a visitor, it do not speak English French is widely spoken in tourist areas, however, you will enjoy a much warmer reception if you try some basic French phrases you can start by asking you speak English you speak English and most often, the answer will be yes.
In France, all the restaurants include the Server service charge in the bill including a tip is optional Most French customers, do not leave a tip or they leave the spare change you can to tip your staff hotel or your guides if you feel they have provided excellent services ve, although this is at your discretion in the french stores, the prices you see are not negotiable and are not considered a good form of trading.
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