Renting a Car in Paris

When it comes to getting around Paris, there is certainly no shortage of choices. From bus, to metro, to train, to taxi, you’ll find plenty of quick and easy ways to get from here to there. Still, with so many public transportation options, some travelers simply prefer the convenience of renting their own vehicle. If you’re one of those people, here are a few tips to help you with renting a car in Paris.

Plan Ahead – It’s always a good idea to rent your car ahead of time, before you leave for your trip. This way there is less of a chance of any surprises once you get there, and you don’t find yourself stranded without the transportation you were anticipating. A good rule of thumb is to book your rental car at least three weeks prior to your trip.

Know Where You’re Headed – There are a lot of options and locations where you can rent a car in Paris, so it helps to have a clear idea of where you plan on spending the majority of your time. For instance, if you plan to use the rental car outside of Paris city, it’s recommended that you rent a vehicle in Versailles, because it is easily accessible, but much less busy.

Come Prepared – The rules of the road apply in France, just as with most countries, and you’ll want to familiarize yourself with them before you hit the road. For example, both U.S. and Canadian driver’s licenses are accepted in France, but you must show proof of said license before you can rent a vehicle. If you think your travels may bring you into Western Europe, however, you will need to get an international driver’s license.

Know What to Expect – Keep in mind that, due to a higher rate of automobile accidents, most U.S. insurance companies won’t insure you while driving in Paris.  Expect to pay anywhere from $10-$30 per day for insurance through the rental agency.  Also, be aware that most vehicles in France are small, compact and feature stick shifts. Finally, familiarize with the traffic signs and signals before you hit the road to avoid any possible mishaps.

Be Careful – It sort of goes without saying, but if you’re planning on getting behind the wheel of a rental car in Paris, do so with caution. The streets of the city are often quite congested, and traffic is known to move pretty fast. Additionally, finding adequate parking can be a challenge as well. Be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, and that you’re comfortable driving in a different country before you take the plunge and rent a vehicle.

If you’re planning on spending the majority of your trip in the city, you’re probably better off skipping the rental car and just using the ample public transportation options. On the other hand, if you plan on heading outside the city limits, and exploring the less populated areas, a rental car can be a great tool to help you with your sightseeing adventures. If you do choose to rent a vehicle, just be sure that you understand the risks and are well prepared ahead of time so there aren’t any unexpected mishaps along the way.

French Holiday Delicacies

When it comes to fine food and delectable cuisine, the French certainly know a thing or two.  From escargot to Coq au Vin to mouthwatering pastries and perfectly aged cheese, a trip to France is always a delicious gastronomical journey.  The holidays are no exception, as highly anticipated traditional dishes make their appearances at parties and feasts to the delight of hungry guests.  Here are just a few of the many French holiday delicacies that top the “must-taste” list.

Foie Gras

This incredibly savory dish is made from the liver of either a goose or duck that has been specially fattened by what’s known as gavage, or force-feeding.  It’s considered to be a holiday delicacy because it’s a luxury that is only consumed on special occasions such as Christmas and New Year’s.  Foie Gras is prepared a variety of different ways and can be served either hot or cold.  It’s typically made into a mousse, parfait, or pâté, which is served with bread or sometimes as an accompaniment to a main dish, such as steak. Whichever way it’s prepared foie gras offers a rich, flavorful taste and spectacular aroma.   Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s such a coveted dish in France and throughout the world.

Oysters

France happens to be the largest oyster producer in all of Europe, and the fourth largest in the world.  That’s why it’s somewhat surprising that nearly half of the annual oyster production is consumed during the holidays of Christmas and New Year’s.  When it comes to seasonal delicacies, oysters are at the top of the list for the French.  There are two species and seven regional varieties of oysters that are harvested in France and each is equally as delicious.  They are typically paired with a white wine or Champagne that is meant to complement and enhance the unique flavors of the shellfish.  If you’re looking for an opportunity to taste one of these delectable little morsels you needn’t worry.  They are served just about everywhere you can dine throughout the country.

Sauternes

What visit to France would be complete without a taste or two of the fine wine produced there?  Sauternes is a delightfully palatable white wine that hails from the Bordeaux region.  It’s got a distinctly sweet and delicate flavor and is quite expensive, which only adds to its appeal.  Its price is also one of the reasons it’s considered to be a holiday delicacy.  Sauternes is paired perfectly with foie gras because the flavors balance one another so well.   It also goes well with lobster and fish and makes an excellent dessert wine by itself.  One sip will reveal just why this wine is considered to be such a holiday treat.

France has long been known for their sophisticated cooking and delectable cuisine.  During the holiday season this fact is accentuated even more with the incredible delicacies that begin to make their annual appearances on tables throughout the country.  From delicious duck or goose pâté to sumptuous shellfish to exquisite wine, visitors are in for a culinary treat when they spend the holidays in France.

BOO!! Time for Halloween in France!

It is said that, along with Ireland and Britain, France was one of the first to celebrate Halloween. Why is it a relatively “new holiday” today and still growing its roots in the country? The history with Halloween is that it originated among the Celts in Ireland, Britain and France as a pagan Celtic harvest festival, but the traditions in France faded a long time ago. Eventually, the holiday made its way across the ocean to the USA, where it became the popular children’s holiday it is today. Then, in 1982, the American Dream

bar/restaurant in Paris began celebrating Halloween, and in 1995 Philippe Cahen, president of Optos Opus, claims that he single-handedly “imported” Halloween. Since then the holiday has been gaining popularity throughout the country.

Typically, Halloween in France is celebrated by costumed people of all ages going to parties at friends’ homes, restaurants, bars, or clubs. The costumes tend to be traditionally scary, like mummies, ghosts, goblins, witches, and vampires, rather than the cute costumes like princesses, superheroes, and celebrities. Trick-or-treating is getting to be more common. It started out as a store-to-store activity, but now house-to-house is picking up. Additionally, stores, malls, restaurants, offices, and homes have begun decorating their windows, and pastry and candy shops make up special desserts and candies.

However, Halloween in France is rather controversial, due to the perception of corporate and cultural influence. It is also not an official French holiday and citizens don’t know why it is celebrated. In some people’s eyes Halloween is seen as an American celebration, therefore they refuse to enjoy it.

Interestingly though, the French have been celebrating the idea of Halloween (respect for the dead) for centuries. All Saint’s Day, November 1, is a wonderful day to visit cemeteries, where tombs are lavishly decorated with flowers and personal items. It is also a day for honoring saints and attending religious ceremonies. School is not in session and most businesses are closed. Keep this in mind if you plan to visit France for Halloween. Furthermore, big cities, like Paris and Nice, are the best places to see the holiday’s decorations and traditions in full swing.

Happy Halloween!!

5 Things to Know Before Traveling to France

1.  Watch the Signs
The French drive on the right-hand side of the road and some major road signs resemble those in North America. Stop signs say “STOP.” Remember that any measurements will use the metric system (France being its birthplace thus kilometers). There may be some that you don’t recognize but as a cyclist many of these won’t concern you anyway. Signs can be confusing sometimes when following road numbers; in that case, just stick to following the name of the town. Note: blue signs indicate auto routes – avoid that color! Red signs indicate national roads – avoid those too if they tell you how to get to a town. Yellow/white signs are smaller roads – so follow that color with the town name when in doubt.

2.  Road Rules
Roads in France are generally well marked, paved and maintained. That said, the traffic you encounter can be horrendous if you happen to find yourself on the wrong road. As a cyclist you should make every effort to put yourself on the best cycling roads, even if they take you a little out of your way. Far better to take a little longer to get on a route that is safer and scenic. After all, you’re there to enjoy yourself!

Avoid all “A” (Autoroute / toll roads) and as much as possible all “N” (national highway) roads. “D” (departmental) roads are smaller and well suited to cyclists but look carefully at your map; some can be busy. Even smaller are “C” roads and “D” roads and their subsets like D213a, for example, which would be a branch of D213.

3.  Garçon,..? Service?
Breakdowns happen. On a cycle trip of any considerable length, this is something that you may have to contend with. Even if you don’t end up snapping a chain or bending a derailleur out of shape, you may want a quick performance tune up while you stop to have lunch. Keep an eye out for the velociste or a magasin de vélo. Note that many bike shops also service motorcycles and mopeds or scooters.

4.  Myriad Maps
The word cartography, the science or practice of drawing maps, comes from the French word carte (for map). As a cyclist you may be overwhelmed with your choice of maps — there are tons! Whichever ones you choose, be sure to go with a scale size of no more than 1:250,000. IGN, France’s equivalent of the UK’s Ordnance Survey, makes some really exceptional maps at 1:100,000 and 1:50,000 that are perfect for cyclists.

 
5.  Lock It Up
Unless you plan on never letting your bike out of your sight, a top quality lock is an absolute must. Don’t skimp here on a cheap chain or wire lock. Spend the extra money and get something sturdy. Petty theft is rampant in France and an estimated 400,000 bicycles are stolen every year. Your shiny, unlocked bike won’t be sitting there very long if left unlocked and unattended.

La Marche

What is one activity that all visitors should experience while in France? Yes, there are many, but I’m thinking about “le marche”! The markets are not only addictive, but they are also an integral part of life in virtually all French towns and large villages.

Most towns host a market once a week; however in larger towns markets may take place twice a week, or even every day. French markets are a mix between the farmers’ market and a traders’ market, with stalls offering fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, baked goods, poultry, and sometimes items such as wine clothes, jewelry, toys and kitchenware.

Most markets sell an array of goods, but there are also specialized markets throughout the country. I couple well known specialized markets include the flea market at the Porte de Clignancourt in Paris, the flower market in Nice, the Christmas market in Strasbourg, the olive markets in Provence, and the fish market round the old port in Marseilles. There are wine markets in Bordeaux, and famous gastronomic markets in Perigueux.

Generally speaking, markets are a local or regional event, attended by local producers, craftsmen or traders. Do try and visit at least one while you are on your France holiday as it is such a good way to immerse yourself and the family in French culture.

Enjoy a video taking through a typical Saturday Market outing: Saturday Market in Tours, France