Travel France Tourism

You actually read that right. A lot of people think that French people are utterly rude. Well, I can't say that these people are right. In fact, there are a lot of people from different nations that are just as rude. That is, if you really think that French suck at etiquette. I've come up with this blog since I heard a tourist say that my grand-mère (grandmother) was rude. He couldn't have been more mistaken. I got into thinking why the tourist would call grand-mère as being rude. In fact, she is the sweetest lady that I know. I then tried to recall what happened that day.

I got some theories after a few minutes of pondering. First off, my grand-mère doesn't understand English. Not much, anyway. Therefore, my lovely grandmother frowned on the stranger to show that she could not understand. Next, the young man smiled at my grandmom. What he got was a poker-faced lady staring right back at him. Afterwards, the young man turned away and that's when I heard him say, "What a rude French lady."

Here's what I have got to say. People, specifically tourists, should expect that natives of the country they're visiting are not very familiar with their language. It is a given that not everyone can accommodate the tourist's queries. Sure, English is one of the major languages. However, it is not THE ONLY language. Next, French people are not fond of smiling at others, especially at strangers. It's just not in our culture to smile at everyone.

Aside from history, I am also quite fascinated with photography and filmmaking. Thus, I have delegated myself the task of knowing more about the person behind the invention of still color photography. I was a bit surprised to find out that there were actually two people to take credit for the said invention. Thus, I would like to introduce the Lumiere Brothers.

Auguste and Louis saw life in Twin Valley, Besançon, France. As adults, they worked for their father who owned a company that has photography as its service. Louis and Auguste worked as physicist and manager respectively. Incidentally, it was the former who made some developments in the art of still-photography processes. I am talking about the dry-plate process. Now, the said process actually paved the way for the development of moving images.

The creation of moving pictures were done by the Lumiere brothers when their father retired around 1892. They also created some sprocket holes for the film strap so that the film could be moved in the camera as well as the projector. The cinematographe was actually patented in 1895. Incidentally, it was on March 19, 1895 that the 1st footage using the said camera was recorded.

In France, there more than the flutter of tourist enthusiasm. There are also unspoken social taboos to observe. If you are used to your own rut, better tighten up for France is another world to conquer.

A good posture should also be imposed when sitting. The model attack is not just done on the streetwalk of Paris. Compose yourself in a lady-like manner. Sit in laid-back comfort with feet together or legs crossed. Don't be caught dead in public using toothpicks, combs or nail cutters. It is considered a private grooming practice. Might as well refrain from scratching, yawning or sneezing. Leave if possible or do it with finesse and discretion.

If in U.S., there's a dirty finger curse, in France, a slap of a closed fist to an open palm is an offensive gesture. When it comes to hand signals, a curled thumb and index fingers means "zero" while the "thumbs up" means "okay". So before you move your hand, think twice. Give your palm some free air, take it off your pockets.

Here are only some non-verbal expressions or gestures. The body language often speaks outloud of the person you are. It demonstrates a tinge of your personality and how well you showcase yourself in public.

France boasts of its tourist destinations--the Eiffel Tower as a romantic setting for heart-busting scenes in movie flicks; the Louvre Museum, of the debated Da Vinci Code; and a lot of special treats and delicacies. They say that if you wish to build up on a fashion icon mode, strut the walks of Paris. In a day or a week, you'll be fashionably revitalized. A lot have been said, but these are more of the scenic and gilded impressions of the French holiday and vacation.

What are the other French prides? Yes, French prides not French fries! Of course, what is a beautiful country without its dwellers? They say French men are romantic, French women are fashionable and how about their tads?
They fancy their children to be raised with a decent upbringing.

French tads are well- behaved. They observe dining manners and are very disciplined. They cannot ask their parents to feed them during meals or go straight to the fridge. They do not embrace that kind of culture. They have in-house curfews for the their bedtime sleep. While weekends are normally family days, they do not disturb their parents in the early wake-up call. Civilized and well-mannered, these kids are molded with sincere determination in France.

If you are saturated with the archaic museums and monuments of France and has already exhaust your budget on French coutures in Paris, might as well unwind a little bit. Paris by day, city by night! You will be allured with the night life and the city lights.

Nothing compares to the exquisite French cuisine or the romantic holiday atmosphere that lingers in cafes... But action is on a roll come the setting of the sun. You might be surprised to see American-sounding bars and clubs where most tourists scamper for social drinking and delightful dining experience.

There are existing versions for a "Moulin Rouge" for scouting city rats while trendy Paris clubs are mostly on seen the left bank and downtown. One of the better finds will be the Barfly. Don't be mislead by the name but people flock in the place who caters to a new hub for the nightlife.

Bars versus night clubs... Night clubs ordinarily features dancing shows and dinner treats while bars are more on upper scale of the city life after dark. Meanwhile, most locals are seen frerquently on pubs while restaurants are mostly open to anyone. If you're itching for that Paris nightlife, you may ask your hotel guides for the closest and best spot to enjoy the night away.

If you are moved by the "Hunchback of Notre-Dame" and "Les Mirables", better know the man behind this socially-acclaimed literary pieces. A sensitive social-activist, Victor Hugo is one of the best writers of 19th century. You may find his write-ups a good read, but now let me tell you the story of the man himself...

Victor Hugo was born in Besancon,France on February 26, 1802. With zeal, talent and soul for writing, he was also a dramatist and a poet. Mostly, his masterpieces incorporate significant social issues reflective of pervading scenarios of his time. He elaborates on the success and defeat of mankind and their struggles in politics, economy and the social strata of life.

He produced generous amount of work which includes poems, novels and proses. Hugo actually yields up to 20 pages of prose or 100 lines of verse every saintly morning. His cunning skills expressed an aloquent demostration of what he sees and feels that's why he's also found to be very effective in rousing witty remarks and queries that of curious, inquisitve minds. Although he's laid to rest in the Pantheon after he died on May 23, 1885, his 83-year meaningful journey will always be remembered through his soulful stories.

Personally, I admire most of his passion in romance. I even like the way that he puts in reality to fabricated characters and masters the art of drama. I look up to him as the "Hopeless Romantic" hoping that he would have lived until today.

Going to France is a universal dream common among honeymooners or simply, travellers from different sides of the world. Whether trips are intended to devouring sumptuous French cuisine, strutting your fashion statement in the walks of Paris or clicking a few snapshots on its ardent treasures- basic knowledge how to speak French is a must. You should do better than "bonjour" (good day) or bon soir(good evening)!

These are some of the most important things to learn for starters. For instance, if you wish to ask "Do you speak English?", you'd rather say "Parlez-vous anglais?". What?! Don't twist your tounges just yet. I'll make it much easier for you, it is pronounced as "par-lay voo zon-glay".

French can be quite a trick to master. As basics I'll give you about five words that are sometimes if not often used by tourists like you. You may first wanna start by being friendly on a foreign turf by greeting "Salut" (sah-loo) instead of hello or "Comment allez-vous?" (kom-mohn tah-lay voo) which means "How are you?".

Perhaps you may wanna ask for a name and say "Comment vous appellez-vous?" (kom-mohn voo-za-peh-lay voo) and you may graciously introduce yourself by saying "Je m'appelle" (juh mah-pell) or "My name is...". Accept the hands of new-found friends conclude with a "Glad to meet you" or Enchante (on-shohn-tay)and "Merci" (mare-see) or thank you.

Now, isn't that quite simple? Hopefully this will guide you to "French-ship"! And lead you to a much exciting travel.

Whose heart wouldn't melt for the Hunchback of Nôtre-Dame? We are almost used to having stout and overly-good looking lead men to star even in animated films! But this time, a rather hideous creature triumphs over the center stage. Do you know that the setting of the story is a forefront cradle for ingenuity and heritage at France?

Not only is it monumental but it also depicts character. Like paintings, probably it may take after the architect's style or the trend during the archaic generation. Whatever influences its structure, still, it stands as a landmark not only to France but to the willingness freedom of the artists.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame raises up to 226 feet also equivalent to 69 meters. Should you decide to take the trudge, you can take the flight up the stairs to the gallery. From the gallery, you may wanna take advantage of a photo-op with the gargoyles and the chimera. Both structures you may find odd but surely of mystique charm. Another 147 steps will take you the cathedral's belfry where you'll find to your astonishment the legendary Emannuel bell. Just so you would know, a bit of trivia, it weighs 13 tons.

All in all, the tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral takes you to the recesses of this fine structure. Some may find it eccentric to their taste. But isn't France popular for its exquisite and eclectic culture?

Among the best ways to spend holiday in France is by engaging in river cruises. French river cruises are very popular in the country. Each cruise package differs in style. There are luxury, sailing, budget, adventure, wilderness, and romantic cruises and all of them offer the same satisfying French tour a tourist can ever get.

True, the cruises are quite expensive. The luxury cruise, for instance, has big ships that carry the most number of tourists. Its amenities include spas, swimming pools, casinos, restaurants, salons, and fitness centers. Most packages charge tourists $300 per day. But I think, the price is incomparable to the beautiful sights awaiting the cruisers. Unlike with bus tours, tourists are able to see a bigger picture of France. Just imagine sitting on a ship while the cool breeze brushes over your face and the astounding view of France is laid right in front of your very eyes.

Some cruises are week-long like the most coveted Black Sea cruise. It stops over in Budapest and proceeds to Nuremberg. Also, tourists are given the option to have a round trip or one-way cruise. The best season to cruise is during the months of May and June when the sun shines its brightest on France so you could see more of the city.

This historical architectural structure is built in 1806. It was France's little corporal who appointed Chalgrin to construct the arch to glorify the triumph of his army. It took Chalgrin thirty years to complete the arc. Although the design for the arc is based on ancient arches, its size makes it stand out from among the triumphal arches in the country. The arc measures fifty meters high and has a width of forty five meters. The four pillars are adorned with the masterpiece of Rude that depicts the 1792 departures of the patriots.

Since the construction of the arc, it has become a famous site for heroic remembrances. History has it that the procession of the ashes of Napoleon passed underneath this arc on the 15th of December, 1840. Also, if we try to recall, the corpse of Victor Hugo was laid under the arc on the eve of May 23, 1885, the day when Hugo is entombed in Pantheon. On the 4th of July, 1919, the triumphant troops advanced under the same arc. Finally, an unknown army man is buried on the site on the 11th of November, 1920. Finally, on 1923, a burning flame is set on the arc to commemorate the soldiers who fought in WW1.

Restaurants in France are known to serve the best and complete gourmet courses, but just days ago, news spread that some chefs are using artificial flavorings. Although there is nothing wrong about using additives, purists think that this technique is an act of cheating the customers. According to the news, these flavorings are seldom included in the menu that is why customers are completely unaware that what the restaurants serve them are half-fake cuisines.

The flavorings come in various forms - powder and liquid. They maybe injected in meat or added in the sauce. They maybe sprinkled on top of the dish or mixed in the appetizer. These secret ingredients are used to improve the flavors of the dishes, thus making them more sumptuous. Aside from that, the flavorings also aid in giving the dish more flavor even if it is prepared under a short period of time.

According to Charial, a restaurant owner, cheater-chefs put drops of these flavorings in order to save money and time. Truly, this is a scandal. Other restaurant owners have already expressed their grievances over this matter and they asserted that although such news have already reached public knowledge, their customers are assured of gourmet dishes with natural ingredients. Chemicals, no doubt, enhance flavor, but they also harm our health.

Nancy is my friend's baby girl's name. When I asked her why she chose Nancy, she said that it's her favorite city in France. Apparently, Nancy's a place seldom spoken of that's why I wasn't surprised to hear other people's reactions whenever she explains the matter. To settle things, I volunteered to provide information about Nancy.

Nancy is located in Lorraine. At first look, Nancy resembles any ordinary French city, but there are surprises hidden in this bountiful town. A place regarded as a world-legacy, named after King Stanislas of Poland, is found in here. At night, it is splendid with the establishments and fountains enlightened. A few steps from this sublime, yet romantic, place is the le Jardin de la Pépinière, or the Pepiniere garden that reveals a fascinating landscape during summer time. Although these places stand out among the rest, the real beauty of the city is found in small details. These details are found in Rue, a grand avenue filled with bookstores, galleries and the Ducal museum that features a showcase of Lorraine's cultural heritage, wine shops, and bars that also serve good food.

Nancy celebrates culture 365 days a year. The numerous fetes are found in clubs (some of which are exclusive to people aged 20 and below while some are sophisticated and are often visited by tourists) while a jazz event is held during October. Music binds the people of Nancy and it's pretty alright for travelers to experience the non-stop joviality of the city.

I just love scallops. That is why I fell in love with Gratinee de Coquille. This is actually one of my favorite French food. Thus, let me share with you how to make this heavenly delicacy.

Ingredients:

6 pieces of scallops, big
20 pieces shrimps, small and cooked
100 grams of mushrooms
30 grams of butter
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of dry white wine
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 drop of lemon juice
1 shallot, big
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon of sour cream
6 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, dry
grated nutmeg
salt
pepper

Making this dish is fairly easy. Here's how. You should peel off the shrimps. The same thing should be done to the shallots and then cut it lengthwise. On the other hand, the scallops must be cut in half crosswise. Mushrooms should be sliced thinly. Next, place the wine and water in a saucepan. Add the bay leaf, shallot, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Afterwards, the scallops should be added. Make sure that the scallops are covered by the mixture. Simmer gently and cook for 5 minutes. Then, strain the scallops from the mixture. However, keep the liquids cooking in the saucepan. Meanwhile, place 2 spoons of the olive oil in a frying pan and have the sliced mushrooms cook for 5 minutes. Make sure to stir this mixture often.

On the scallop dishes, place 2 slices of scallops at the bottom of each dish. 5 shrimps should then be placed on top of the scallops. Mushrooms should be distributed evenly on top. Then, melt butter in medium flame using a medium-sized saucepan. Pour flour. Lower the heat and pour some of the juice that was prepared earlier. Do this for around 10 minutes. Soon, you'll have white sauce ready. Add a dash of nutmeg, pepper, salt, and then some cream. The white sauce needs to be placed evenly on each scallop dish. Breadcrumbs go on top of the white sauce as well as some thin knobs of butter. Oven grill the dish until it is golden brown in color. Serve this wonderful gourmet dish immediately.

Valence exists for two thousand years now and is famous for its academic traditions which started in 1452. It is said the King Louis XI founded the university in the city. Even up to this day, universities continue to flourish especially the music schools.

The Mediterranean and city of Paris serve as boundaries of Valence. This location is also the reason for its fame. The main tourist attraction in the city is a cathedral, the St. Apollinaire, which is the iota of the town. Its vicinity is filled with lintels, religious relics, monuments, and chapels. Meanwhile, the oldest cotes near the cathedral are famous because historical personages such as Napoleon and Rabelais passed that way.

If you think that museums are a nuisance, then check out the 8,000 footwear collections in the Museum of the Chaussure. The collections range from ancient to present designs and showcases cultural exhibits. Also visit the Palace named after Cheval, a postman who created out of his stone collections a massive palace right in his garden.

History has it that the Romans called the city as Valentia in 2 B.C. The driving forces behind its economy are textiles, jewelries, textile products, munitions, and metal products. As a matter of fact, the ancient gunpowder factory is situated in this city.

How I wish I could also climb the highest peak in France which is the Blanc Mountain. It is the most outstanding tourist spot in France with an approximate height of 15,800 feet. It serves as boarder betwixt France and Italy. If you happen to be in Geneva, the mountain could be seen on a bright day.

Blanc Mountain is the perfect destination for family winter hikes. It is spectacular and although snow-capped, its beauty still shines. Just imagine you and your family climbing the mountain, enduring the cold weather while having fun in trekking the alps. The tour starts in the ice tunnel that leads to the steeps on either sides of the mountain. From here, climbers will likely to see the scenic view of Blanche Valley. Blanche or Blanc means white, so the name of the mountain speaks for itself.

At the area called Refuge, tourists have several rooms to choose from. There, a room is prepared for the guests should they want to chat or simply wait for dinner. Dinner is served early to allow guests longer sleeping hours and prepare for the hiking activities. Hiking starts at dawn and takes about ten hours. It is worth taking note that the route to the top is hindered by steeps and slopes with different angles.

Each of us is entitled to bear heavy yokes. But isn't it nice that we are also entitled to rest during holidays? One of the most celebrated annual special holiday is the Labor Day which is held every first day of the month of May.

Just where and when did this day of rest begin? History has it that labor rallies started in Chicago 122 years ago. This was in line with the proposition that workers should have at least eight hours for work, education, and rest. This uprising resulted into massive protests in France, Britain, and in all parts of the globe. The strikes were a triumph. In 1889, a delegation was held in Paris and the Labor Act was passed. Since that day, Labor holiday or Fete du Travail in French is celebrated internationally.

Well, the workers' day of rest is not as extravagant as other legal holidays. If I am not mistaken, Labor holiday is quietly celebrated all over the country. Some people take this opportunity to unwind. On the other hand, it is also a typical rally-date, just like the Cambodian national workers who took the streets last May 1 to protest for higher wages.

Although there are still five more months to go, the Armistice Day is worth taking note of as one of the most special holidays in the Republic of France. Come November 11, France will once again, for the 88th time, honor the unsung American soldier buried on the Arch of Triumph. This is probably the most dramatic event in the country. Aside from the fact that many lost their lives on that almost four-year war, it is needless to say that paying homage to their heroism is all we could do to preserve their memories.

I find the Armistice Day a spectral event. If I am not mistaken, 88 years ago, the pact that literally ends all sorts of wars was signed at 11 in the morning on the 11th of November. Isn't that just remarkable? History has it that both in United Kingdom and France, unknown soldiers were buried at the Westminster Abbey and the Arch of Triumph. Since then, it has been an annual commemoration of the dramatic end of WWI.

Contrary to the vision of the treaty, two decades after it was declared, the tyrant German leader raged war. Europe and United States were once again engaged in a drastic war. Although Armistice Day is associated with United States (because it was this country who declared the Armistice as a holiday), France is a leading participant in the event.

All in all, France has eleven days of rests or festivals. If you are planning to visit France, I suggest that you do it on a special day. I am sure that will make your holiday travel in France a very remarkable one.

By the way, should you care to know, there are certain policies that offices, local or government, abide by whenever holidays come. The holidays are based on the civic time record, I mean, a calendar, devised in 1582. On the other hand, the national day was declared in 1789. The others are New Year, Labor Day, Victory Day, Assumption, La Toussaint Armistice Day, and two days of Noel. Actually, there are holidays that come every week. Business establishments are well prepared for these festivities, so expect them to close their doors on any given holiday event. But, there are times when food flood the streets. That is the best time to feast on wine, fine cuisines, and especially, the delicious French cheese.

There are also instances wherein a transportation strike forces people to huddle on any available mass transportation vehicle. Get used to this, since it happens annually. People are advised to book at least one month earlier than June because surely, there will be a flock of passengers. However, the best time for those who would want to have a very long vacation is during July. This is regarded as summer holidays, and according to the law, each and every citizen is liable to have at least 5 long weeks of rest day. Also, during this period of time, most businesses are closed.

The only thing I regret about traveling is that I cannot stay for as long I want in one tourist spot all because the tour guide says so. Another thing is that the city will not welcome unregistered visitors. Oh well, I guess I will have to bear the burden for as long as I travel. Just recently, I planned to visit the Alps in France. I thought for a moment and decided to avail of the week-long travel package.

Currently, the range of mountains, ice-peaked alps, in France holds the record for the most beautiful, spectacular in the whole wide world. I had a glimpse of these white mountains over the Internet, and even though I have not yet set foot on it, I am already convinced that it is indeed a spectacular sight. Also, I would rather have a fun hiking activity there. Yes, it might also be dangerous, but there are available hiking tours. I am not that good in hiking, but at least, I can try climbing this icy highlands of France.

It is very cold in the Alps. I guess a week-long vacation is enough. I do not think I can handle the weather. But, if the information I got is correct, there are restaurants at the foot of the mountains that are ready to serve hot chocolate drink or coffee. I would like to try some of that. There are skiing and cycling areas that will definitely heat things up.

When asked just where in France could we really enjoy a great winter holiday, my uncle answered Val D'Isere. He saw me raise my eyebrows, and after a while, he dared me to visit the place and enjoy it myself. After a week, we were already heading for the ice kingdom in France. Stepping on to the lodge, carrying my skiing gears on one shoulder, while pointing on to the most beautiful ice-peaked mountain with my right index finger. I was dumbfounded with what I have discovered, and only hours after that, I was gliding down the glacial course.

Unknowingly, I am enjoying a great skiing experience in the best skiing resort in all Europe. I must have been jaded with the best of Paris that is why I overlooked the other holiday destinations in France. The glacial resort has a lift system that allows skiing enthusiasts to travel from one point to another while sitting comfortably at the lift and have a top-view glance of the resort.

When the night fell, we took the chance to dine in some of the finest restaurants in town. I was glad that most them serve gourmet dishes. Also, when we grew tired of skiing, we took the underground train to travel to Tignes, another ski resort. The whole place is so huge that a week-long of stay there would not even enable me to complete the skiing experience.

There are not so many provincial cities in France that are visited by tourists. If you ask me, I prefer to go to the least visited ones. Why? Because I hate crowded tour buses or long lines. Besides, I would not want people to know that I am a tourist, although I cannot keep the map and digicam away from me. Anyway, I was lucky enough to have been welcomed by a travel agency that offered me a two day travel package to Moulins in Auvergne.

Moulins has just recently opened its doors for tourism. Here, almost a quarter of the 40,000 residents work for the tourism department. The city lies in the river Alliers and is surrounded by hills and lush vegetation - a proof that Moulins is not yet spoiled. Moulins is almost a century old, and has been associated with the origins of the monarch in France.

The most recognizable attractions in the city is the clock pillar. It rings every quarter, and thanks to that, I was able to catch my flight. Most of the establishments in Moulins were built during the great Renaissance period, so expect magnanimous castles and churches. Although they look old, they are still open for the public. I am already fed up with museums so I did not even bother to enter the archeological and theater museums in Moulins. But, I took the chance to take a cab and pass through the bridge called Reges-Morte which was reconstructed after World War II with a mixture of egg whites and mortar. Now, that is astounding.

A tip to all those who would want to travel to France: know your destination. This is plain and simple - a protocol that must be done whenever a traveler plans to go to other parts of the world. Based on my experience, I have seldom suffered the consequences of an undesirable trip all because I did not do my assignment of learning just what my destination has to offer and what it expects me to give to it in return.

So, to make the long story short, let us focus on France. Aside from the fact that the tipping system in this European country is very high, France has the most sophisticated traveling policies. If you do not want to be bothered with your, let us say, trip to the dainty modern Paris, then I recommend that you keep in mind the following suggestions.

I want to share with you a very usual scenario that happens, almost all the time, to foreigners in France. It has got something to do with theft. NO, I do not mean to say that France is full of robbers. I just learned that since foreigners had to rent cars, and rented cars are very distinguishable from owned ones, thieves will likely take advantage of robbing tourists with their gadgets such as camera and phones. To prevent this, I always lock my doors and stay away from uninhabited, unfamiliar streets of the metro. Secondly, I learned that in France, it is better to use a debit card rather than cash. Besides, you cannot find money changers save in Paris. So, avoid traveling agency first. This way, the curator will expect your arrival, thus preparations for security measures could be done.

France, often deemed as the most beautiful and romantic place this part of the universe, undoubtedly get their large share of tourists everyday. I am not surprised why voluminous number of people flock over France. It brims with so many wonderful sights one would have difficulty deciding what to see first.

As if the sights aren't enough, French are also amiable people, and the food is simply magnifique. The culture isn't bad either, once you get used to the way French folks live. When in France, you will find that many families don't give much importance to their television sets. Families often only own one television and this is primarily because children are restricted from watching too much tube. While computers can be seen in homes, broadband connections are rare. They also aren't fond of owning fancy expensive cars. Cars aren't a symbol of wealth for them. You might even see high-paid executives owning an inexpensive model.

Even though they don't enjoy the modern conveniences that much, French live a good life. They love taking breaks every now and then. There's a lot of French holidays and during these days, the city outskirts often suffer from traffic jams. The French people would often say that they pay exorbitant taxes, but even with this fact, they own their homes and others still manage to invest for a second one (sort of a getaway home). A lot of money is spent on home improvements and interior design.