Traveling in France
Paris, with a history stretching back more than two millenia,
has attractions sufficient to last a lifetime. But
for some experiences—the
deep blue of a Provençal sky, the
aroma of a cheese cave at Roquefort, the
fresh breeze of the Brittany coast—you
must leave the magic of Paris and venture
into the French countryside.
When traveling outside of Paris you can choose from a variety
of transportation. We begin with the slowest form of travel
and work our way up...
Hiking
Hiking provides an appreciation of the natural
beauty and and the people of France at a pace which ensures
that nothing is missed. A variety of marked trails are available,
grouped by length.
The longest trails are classified
Sentier de Grande Randonnée (GR),
or long distance path. Intermediate-length trails are called
Sentier GR de Pays, regional long distance path, while
local paths are named Sentier de Petite Randonnée (PR).
The three trails display striped markers colored, respectively,
red and white, red and yellow, and yellow.
The trails are created and maintained by the
Fédération Française de
la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRP), which offers
guidebooks, catalogues, and maps describing the routes.
Maps of hiking trails are also available from the government agency
Institut Géographique Nationale (IGN).
IGN map 903, France Grande Randonnée, can be found
in bookstores or at the
IGN retail outlet.
Biking
The French have had a love affair with bicycles since their invention.
Perhaps this is why the most famous bicycle race
in the world takes place here.
Every July for three weeks the
Tour de France winds its way through
French town and country, capturing the hearts of citizens who
line the roads to cheer the peloton.
In most train stations in France
the SNCF
rents bicycles for a modest price.
They can also transport your bicycle on most trains.
Maps of bicycle routes for road touring and off-road
(VTT)
adventures are available from the
IGN
(see contact information in the Hiking section, above),
including in particular map number 906,
VTT et Randonnées Cyclos.
Relaxing on a Slow Boat
Less than a century ago France's network of canals and navigable
rivers comprised 12,000 kilometers and attracted worldwide admiration.
Today, with commerce that demands the greater speed of more modern
forms of transport, the waterways have become the province of the
leisure traveler.
The waterways of France have amazing sights to reveal,
including the Canal du Midi, classified a World Heritage site by UNICEF,
the bridge-canal of Briare, and the inclined plane of Arzwiller.
Numerous enterprises offer houseboats and barges for rental to
vacationers. Even those without boating experience can manage the
pace of a gentle cruise along a tree-lined canal.
For more information contact the trade organization
La Féderation des Industries Nautiques
(Federation of Nautical Industries), which
combines about 80 maritime and rental companies,
at 01.44.37.04.00, fax 01.45.77.21.88.
Renting and Driving a Car
The automobile is a comfortable and efficient means of travel in France.
Roads are well-maintained and the road network is one of the most
complete in the world. There are 8,000 kilometers of limited-access
roads called autoroutes.
French driving habits and driving laws differ from those in other
countries, however, so if you plan to rent a car in France, it is advisable
to learn a few things in advance. And, you may need to obtain an
international driving permit before you leave.
Go here for more information about
renting and driving a car.
Taking the Train
Trains are a practical, punctual, and comfortable way to
travel in France.
They are operated by the
SNCF,
which provides most intercity
connections via its network of express trains and
TGV
high speed trains.
And with a bus terminal near every
SNCF
station, the train-bus combination is an inexpensive way see the country.
We have more information about
taking the train.
Flying Along
If getting there quickly is important, flying is the answer.
A typical domestic flight in France lasts an average of one hour.
Airports are usually outside cities but offer efficient shuttle
connections to city centers, typically for 7-8€.
Domestic air service is offered by
Air France
Airlines often have youth, couple, and family
rates on domestic flights. They also offer reduced fares, usually
with restrictions, for advance booking.
For information about special fares, call the numbers below.
Airline
Air France
|
Fare name
Tempo
Coups de Pouce
|
Fare type
Advance booking
Last-minute booking
|
Telephone
08.02.80.28.02
08.02.80.28.02
|
Passenger information telephone numbers are available for the
Paris airports.
For ground transport between Paris and the airports, see
Arriving in Paris
and
Departing Paris.
Traveling In France