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Planning Your Trip to France

Before you go to France, there are certain essentials you must know. Find out what to pack, which guide books are best, and other basic information for your trip.
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Worst Rookie France Travel Mistakes
You're planning your first trip to France, and it's something you've dreamed of for years. But there are several rookie France travel mistakes that could make your visit less enjoyable, or even downright unpleasant. Hey, you don't have to look like a rookie. Here are some tips about mistakes to avoid on your first vacation in France.
Customs in France
When entering France, there is a limit on items tourists can bring into the country without paying a duty. Here are some tips on customs regulations in France.
Budget France Travel
Many people think France is just too expensive, but that isn't always true. There are tricks and tactics to make France travel fit within a budget and be affordable. Here are secrets to budget France travel.
Weather in France - Climate of French Cities
Weather in France can be crucial to planning a France vacation. Get detailed weather data on major French cities to help you plan your trip. For instance, find out whether Paris really is so rainy, or if Nice is so sunny, or just how much snow to expect in the Alps. Find out which months are rainiest in various cities, and what the average temperatures are throughout France. Here are details about weather and climate in France.
France Travel Planner
France travel is rewarding, but there are many key steps to planning and enjoying a trip to France. Use this step-by-step travel planner, which covers deciding where and when to go to France, where to stay, what to do, French culture, getting around France and more to assist you in France travel planning.
Restaurant Tips in France and Paris
Unlike in America, cafes and restaurants in Paris and the rest of France directly include a 15 percent service charge in your check. This is required by French law as tips are assessed for taxation purposes. Here is a question and answer article on tipping at restaurants, in taxis, at hotels and more.
French Coffee Drinks - How to Order Coffee in a France or Paris Cafe
French cafes serve some of the world's best coffee, but each of us has our own preferences and a language barrier could prevent you from ordeering the right coffee on the menu. If you can't have caffeine, this could be even more crucial. Find out how to order coffee in France, be it a cafe au lait or espresso.
France: Before You Go
Before you go to France, find out all the basics about customs requirements, the culture, weather, currency and more. Also, get tips on when to go and where to go in France.
Free Course: France Trip Planning 101
It is no easy task planning a trip to France. Even so, it's all worth it. But save yourself a lot of headache and stress by learning all the basics first with this free online e-course.
Metric Conversion Calculator
f you are planning a visit to France (or elsewhere in Europe), odds are you are encountering many references to the metric system. While there are sites that convert around, many just convert one measurement on a page. Here is a handy Metric Conversion Calculator, which allows you to convert common measurements includes inches and millimeters, yards and meters, and miles and kilometers.
Top Magazines on Travel, France and Francophiles
Whether you are planning a trip to France, considering relocating there or simply want to imagine being there, there are numerous wonderful magazines devoted to France and francophiles, as well as great travel magazines that often have lots of France-related articles. Here are the best of the travel, France and francophile magazines.
Top France Travel Guidebooks
The key to planning a great French trip is a great French travel book. It not only can help you establish an itinerary, but you can also decide on lodging, dining and attractions for while you are there. I never travel without a couple in my bag to help me decide what to do. Here are the most indispensable travel guides.
How to Use the Toilets in France
Using a toilet may sound like the simplest of tasks, but if you aren't used to France's plumbing it can be daunting. Find out what various forms the johns take here, how to flush, how much it will cost you and other secrets to using the restroom.
Do you have to know French to visit France?
Find the answer to the France Travel FAQ, "Do you have to know French to visit France?"

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