With almost 40 million visitors a year, the South of France remains one of the most sought after vacation estinations in the world. However, some basic knowledge of the area before you go can significantly increase your enjoyment of your visit to the region. Our company, Luxury Riviera Travel, specializes in top-of-the-line vacation packages to the region and we've developed a list of "do's and don'ts" based on our own experience.
1. Do choose your trip dates carefully: Very few vacation destinations are as effected by seasonal variance as the South of France. If at all possible, avoid traveling there during the months of July and August when millions of Europeans flock to the area from the four corners of the continent. Everything becomes more expensive, more crowded, more noisy and more chaotic during those two months. If you must travel during the summer months, it's a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance as the best rooms in the best hotels will generally be taken by the middle of May.
2. Don't take a lot of cash with you: There are at least as many ATM's in the South of France as there are in the average American town and almost all of them will allow you to make withdrawals directly from your U.S. bank account. Naturally, there will be a limit to the amount of each withdrawal so check with your bank before leaving. Furthermore you'll be able to use your American credit and bank cards in almost every shop, hotel and restaurant you visit. Finally, in addition to avoiding the potential dangers of carrying cash, credit cards will often give you a better exchange rate than you can get in banks and airports.
3. Do pack lightly: Dress in the South of France tends to be informal and, unless you're dining in a very elegant restaurant or invited to the Cannes Film Festival, you won't need a lot of evening wear. Country club casual will be perfect for most occasions but you'll want to have a sweater or windbreaker as the evenings can get rather cool.
4. Don't drive if you can avoid it: Driving in France can be nerve-racking at best and dangerous at worst. You'll need to get used to the difference in traffic patterns and regulations and French drivers are not noted for their spirit of "fair-play". Furthermore, parking anywhere during the tourist season would challenge the patience of Job.
Finally, with the exception of the A8 motorway that runs from Aix-en-Provence to the Italian border, the roads tend to be narrow routes that wind their way around mountains and are crowded with sightseers like yourself. Trains and buses run the length of the Riviera at frequent intervals and some of the best views of the coast can only be seen from the train as the tracks run along the rocky shoreline.
5. Don't be afraid to mix with the "natives": While it's true that the French have ambiguous feeling about America, they are generally friendly and open to Americans. After living here for quite awhile, we've only had one unpleasant, anti-American experience - and he turned out not to be French at all. There is a genuine fascination with the United States and you may find yourself in an interesting exchange of views. And, with the exception of Paris, you'll find more English speaking natives here than anywhere else in France.
6. Do try out new foods: Yes, there are plenty of McDonalds here and you can even get some Tex-Mex but that's not the reason you came to France.
Restaurants can however be expensive, especially with the weak dollar and you're unlikely to find a meal here for under $10. But you can find plenty of good restaurants with a three-course menu between twenty and twenty-five dollars. Or, do as the French do and buy a sandwich on a wonderful loaf of French bread for around five dollar.
7. Don't gather where the other American tourists go: I know there's safety in numbers but not necessarily for Americans traveling abroad. Besides, any spot that caters to tourists is going to price themselves accordingly. Why pay a premium to be with the same folks you can see at home? Turn the corner and find that little caf you came to France for in the first place.
8. Do make use of your hotel's concierge: A good concierge can arrange everything you'll need from a haircut to concert tickets. While tipping is not required in European hotels and restaurants, it's a good idea to slip the concierge twenty euro when you arrive at your hotel. This is an investment in service that can pay big dividends in your enjoyment of your vacation.
9. Do plan to go "inland" and visit some Provencal sites: The South of France has one of the richest histories of the country. France's first city was Marseille, founded by Phoecian traders in 600 BC. The Greeks, the Romans, the Visigoths, the Cathars, the Crusaders, the Italians, and, of course the French all left their own indelible mark on the history of the South of France.
You'll find Roman amphitheaters and medieval castles and walled towns perched on top of rocky cliffs. The area abounds with museums celebrating everything from pre-historic man to impressionist art. And all this is placed in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty.
10. Do relax and enjoy your trip: There are few places on earth that combine the very best in cuisine, culture and climate and the French Riviera is among the very best.
Get more information on this topic by visiting our website at www.luxuryriviera.com or submit questions to custcare@luxuryriviera.com or at (866)998-02748
Paul Lacter is Director of European Operations for Luxury Riviera Travel, a leader in all-inclusive luxury vacation travel packages to the French Riviera and Provence. More information is available on all inclusive luxury vacationson the company website
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