Travel Tips: Popular French Phrases

Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Okay, I’ll admit I had a little trouble learning Spanish in high school (and college) but I got through it. Since that time I’ve developed an interest in new languages. I’ve left Spanish behind for now and started digging into Latin. No one really speaks Latin anymore but it’s useful when you deal with words all day.

Before your next trip try learning a few words fromthe local language. You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes. All of the sudden you are able to communicate with someone from the other side of the world. And it at least shows you are trying!

Picking up a few French phrases for example, is also a great way to keep your mind active and healthy before your trip.

Common French terms

• Good Morning – Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR”)
• Good Afternoon – Bonsoir (phonetics)
• Hello, my name is…- Salut, Je m’appell (zhuh muh-PELL)
• How are you? – Ça va? (sah vah)
• Goodbye – Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR)
• Do you speak English – Parlez-vous anglais? (PAHR-lay voo zahn-GLAY)
• How much? – combien? (co-by)
• Where is the hotel? – Où se trouve l’Hôtel? (oo eh low tel)
• Thank you – merci (mair-see)

Monaco Travel Information

Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009

Monaco is a popular stop on several Mediterranean cruises, as well as tours of France & surrounding areas.

The currency is the Euro. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Monaco is the second smallest state in the world (after the Vatican City) and is surrounded by France on three sides with the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. The current ruling Grimaldi family secured control in the late 13th century, and a principality was established in 1338.

Monaco enjoys an almost perfect climate with mild winters and warm summers. There are more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Monaco has a dress code and appropriate clothing must be worn in public areas and jackets and ties should be worn by men in the casino.

Food and drink:  Classic French cuisine dominates along with certain regional specialties such as pissaladière (onion tart with anchovies and black olives), barbajuans (a savory pastry) and Langoustines à la Provençale (seafood). A variety of French wine is available as are imported liquors. Tap water is safe to drink.

Best Buys:  Luxury goods are widely available in Monaco’s large jewelers, art galleries and boutiques. The main shopping precinct is near the Place du Casino or for more reasonably priced items try Boulevard des Moulins.

Seine River Paris

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Seine River divides Paris into two halves, the right and left bank. The Right Bank conjures up an image of bourgeois respectability. Historically the stronghold of merchants and royalty, it remains today the home of commerce and government. Faubourg Saint Honoré offers the luxury of 'haute couture' and jewellery shops, also the authority of the President’s palace, whilst the Champs Elysées claims the shops, film and advertising and airline companies.

France Travel Tips and Information

Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009

From the beautiful Dordogne to the Chateaux of the Loire, or the romance of Paris to the grandeur of the Alps, France is one of the worlds truly must-see-destinations. A country steeped in history, you will experience medieval castles, incredible food and wine and some of the best mountain scenery in Europe. A visit to France will fill amaze and delight in equal measure, and provide memories for a lifetime.

Weather:

Northern France enjoys a temperate summertime climate. In the Northeast, the Auvergne, Burgundy and Rhone Valley the climate is more ‘continental’, with warm summers and colder winters. The southern half of the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate all year round, with hot to very hot summers and mild winters. Very strong winds (such as the Mistral) can occur throughout the entire region. The Atlantic influences the climate of the western coastal areas from the Loire to the Basque region; the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall distributed throughout the year. The French slopes of the Pyrenees are warm and sunny in the height of spring to late summer.

Best Time to Travel:

France is at its best time in spring and autumn, weather-wise. Peak season is July and August, when many French citizens go on holidays to beach resorts in France and the rest of Europe, businesses close, including museums and restaurants during this period. 

Additional Tips:

An adaptor is recommended...plus with 2 round pins are the most common @ 220 volts.

You can get around in France by taxi, bicycle, train, and it is a great city for walking.

Email is easily found in Paris in various internet cafes and shops. In smaller towns throughout France, each post office has a terminal available to the public.

Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle is located 14 miles northest of Paris. Because of traffic, a taxi to the ity center will take around 45 minutes, and will cost approximately 32 Euro.

Bordeaux Airport is located 7.5 miles from Bordeaux. Over 50 taxis are always available at the airport. The airport can also be reached via shuttle bus. Jet Bus operates a service from Bordeaux city center to the airport (about 40 minutes with stops).

The International dialing code for France is +33