From France to Monaco: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Adventure!
Forevermore epitomized in literature, movies, and poetry as THE nation of love and liberalism, France is perhaps the most revered country in the world and deservedly so! Meandering cobble-stone streets, glowing golden lights, balconies laden with flowers, and soft music wafting on the air undeniably set the scene for unforgettable romance. Unfortunately, this is about as much as many people know of France however, you’re about to learn that there’s so much more to this incredible country than just mood music and candlelight dinners!
Located in Western Europe, France is one of the oldest nations in the world. The country serves as the most important agricultural center of Europe and is also considered to be one of the most formidable industrial powers in the World. As though this is not enough of an accomplishment, France is also renowned worldwide for its fine wines, delectable pastries, and the invention of more than 200 types of cheese! With preserved medieval towns complete with ancient palaces, unparalleled food, lovely ski towns and azure beaches, France has something for everyone!
Now, much has been written about France that we can’t possibly hope to compete with however, we can, perhaps, give you a different perspective on the country: one where we dial back the romance a little and ratchet up the adventure! What are we talking about!?
Well, how about a little paragliding before your wine and cheese board? Or perhaps a little whitewater rafting after your espresso? And what about kicking it up another notch and enjoying a little fondue after summiting the tallest mountain in France? You may be thinking: Can I really do all of this in France? Of course, you can, and we can show you how! Just keep reading!
Getting to France...
Being one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, getting to France is easy enough from the United States. Depending on how much time you have, you could either fly or cruise there. Of course, flying is the fastest option with most flights departing from the United States at night to help passengers adjust to the time difference between the countries. Depending on where you would like to go, there are airports in every major city in France however most of these airports do not offer nonstop routes to or from the United States. For nonstop flights to France, it’s best to fly to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) where flights are numerous and tend to be cheaper overall.
Depending on where you would like to go, there are airports in every major city in France however most of these airports do not offer nonstop routes to or from the United States. For nonstop flights to France, it’s best to fly to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) where flights are numerous and tend to be cheaper overall. Navigating CDG airport is relatively easy as signs are written in both French and English. Visas are not required for American citizens and border control and customs is done electronically making entry into the country quick and seamless. Additionally, CDG airport is located relatively close to Paris, just a 30-minute ride away by taxi or ride share. There is a train that departs the airport for Paris however the length of the journey is double that of hiring a car and cost is only slightly cheaper making it a less than favorable option in our opinion, especially if you’re traveling in any size-able group!
Even though Charles De Gaulle airport is the only nonstop hub from the United States there are other airports in Paris that are easier to maneuver in if you’re interested in intercity flights. We suggest utilizing Paris-Orly airport if you’d prefer to fly from Paris to anywhere else in France as it is only 20 minutes away from the city center and somewhat less crowded.
Best time to visit France…
Except for winter which can be rather harsh, France otherwise has moderate weather and is a great place to visit during the other three seasons of the year. Of course, each season has its pros and cons, for instance Springtime in France is graced by temperate days and blooming flowers but can be quite rainy.
Unless you’re headed to France for skiing in the magnificent Alps, we suggest that you avoid traveling there in the winter especially if it will be your first visit. This is because the frigid weather can make it difficult to explore tourist attractions such as the Palace of Versailles where you might turn into a popsicle while exploring the extensive gardens.
The high season in France is Summer and, specifically speaking, the months of July and August. These months tend to be warmer with more sunshine and everything including hiking in the Alps is available to visitors. This does mean that hotels are more expensive, and crowds are to be expected everywhere but it’s worth it in our opinion as it’s easier to access every part of the country during this time.
Although we didn’t intentionally plan it this way, we found ourselves in France in early August and were delighted with the warm weather and crystal-clear days. We were warned by many to expect extremely hot days during July and August and while there was a heatwave happening on our first two days in Paris, temperatures improved quickly, dropping from a blistering 90 degrees to a chilly 60 degrees in just one day! As we wanted to visit the snowy Alps and the beaches of the Riviera all in one trip, we didn’t mind the heat so much, although it was a bit of a challenge in places without AC!
Despite their height and snow caps, the Alps were warm in August, with temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit! We only needed light jackets when we took the cable car to the summit of one of the mountains in the Alps, so you definitely don’t need to wear winter gear in France in August!
As for what to pack, we suggest bringing layers with you as even the summer days can get cool. Also, make sure to pack a poncho or an umbrella as rain fall, although short lived, is sporadic and unpredictable, both in the mountains and along the coasts of France.
Pack as light as possible as space is limited, and you may find yourself lacking room in your accommodations if you have too much stuff. We saved space by using compression packs to carry a week’s worth of clothes in just one carry-on!
Getting around France…
Getting around France is easy thanks to its robust transportation system. There are buses, trains, more airports per city than we’ve seen anywhere else in the world, loads of taxis and a bunch of different Rideshare apps to choose from! Oh, and if none of these choices are to your liking, bike rentals are available everywhere throughout the major cities so you can just hop a ride and see France like a local!
Walking and biking are truly some of the best ways of getting around and exploring in the smaller cities so pack your most comfortable shoes!
With so many choices at your fingertips which one is the best and and most affordable? Well, what we noted was that public transport was cheapest if traveling as a single individual or as a couple. When traveling in a group of three or more however, costs were similar between public transport, taxis and ride shares within each city. For instance, the cost of 3 train tickets to the Palace of Versailles was around 18 euros with the journey taking just over an hour while traveling by ride-share was only 20-25 minutes and cost 20-25 euros! This is certainly a little more expensive, but the time saved is priceless!
We recommend downloading GoogleMaps before you arrive to France as it is a huge help in finding your stops if you decide to hop on a train or bus.
In order to efficiently navigate the attractions in each city and avoid the hassles of traffic and finding parking in the cramped cities, we decided to exclusively use Rideshares to get around. This worked well for us as prices were reasonable and we were able to easily find rides with Uber everywhere in France. In addition to Uber, there are several other Rideshare apps that are excellent for traveling throughout France including Free Now, Bolt and Heetch. All of these are reputed to be trustworthy and may even be cheaper than Uber. Of these ones, we recommend giving Free Now a try as it is user friendly and allows for hiring both private cars and taxis. This not only lowers cost a little, but it also gives you more options when it comes to getting around efficiently.
G7 taxi is the biggest cab company in Paris. If you prefer to travel by taxi, then download the G7 app so that you can conveniently book and pay for your rides.
Driving in France…
Now, we realize that we just spent a lot of time telling you to use ride-shares to get around so you may be wondering why you would ever need to rent a car especially when you have so many easier choices at hand. Well, we did mention earlier that our plan is to show you a more adventurous time in France than just sipping coffee and munching on croissants, right? To achieve that, embarking on an epic French roadtrip is a must, something that sadly cannot be done without a rental car. Don’t worry though, driving in France is mostly straightforward if you follow our advice and will cost you only a few fistfuls of hair!
Driving in France is done on the right-hand side of the road and an international driver’s license is not required for US citizens. Drivers from other nations should check France’s official government website for recommendations on acquiring an international driver’s license prior to arrival.
Although traveling around from city to city in France can be done by train, bus or flying, these options can be incredibly expensive when traveling in a group and can take longer than you may expect. This means that having a rental car not only gives you flexibility but saves time as well. If departing from Paris, we recommend renting a vehicle from Paris-Orly Airport as this airport is closer to the city center than the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Do not, we repeat, DO NOT rent cars from any inner-city rental companies if you can avoid it. If you do, you may find yourself waiting half a day or more for a rental car to become available!
Even if you can drive a manual vehicle, we recommend getting an automatic vehicle if you can as this will save you a lot of stress when you find yourself on a tight hilltop needing to make a 3-point turn!
As far as driving throughout France went, we thought it was very manageable. The highways and inner-city roads were well kept, safe and easy to navigate using Apple Maps, Google Maps, or WAZE. Road signs and warnings displayed universal symbols but were exclusively written in French so familiarizing yourself with them beforehand could be really helpful. Although we did not see any police, monitoring by speed camera was frequent along France’s roadways. These areas were not speed traps however and were clearly marked. Just pay attention to your GPS and slow down whenever you received a warning that you’re entering a speed enforcement zone.
The speed enforcement zones also show up on Waze with a police icon making them even easier for you to recognize. Expect a ticket in the mail if you decide to speed in these zones!
Tolls are common in France and, in fact, most of the intercity driving we did required the use of toll roads. This was the most costly and frustrating part of our road trip as the tolls were rather expensive and the antiquated toll ticketing system created a good bit of congestion on the roadways. Despite the hefty tolls though —driving from Paris to Chamonix cost us almost 80 euros! — driving through the country was still our most cost-effective travel option. Just be sure to hold on tight to your toll ticket otherwise, like us, you might find yourself frantically crawling around the floor of your car looking for it! We should mention that if you do lose your toll ticket, the penalty is a fine that is equivalent to the cost of tolls for that entire road. A sure-fire way to ruin your mood and put a dent in your travel budget, wouldn’t you say?
There are many excellent service plazas with good food, reasonably priced gas, and clean bathrooms off the toll roads in France.
While driving in France really wasn’t too difficult, parking in France, on the other hand was another story. First, parking spots in every city were limited, tiny and hard to find which meant having to use underground parking garages. We’re sure this doesn’t sound too terrible, but we’re here to tell you that the underground parking garages were in fact often awful as they seemed to be made exclusively for matchbox-sized cars. The spaces were so narrow that parking required a driver and two people on the outside giving directions to the driver to avoid scraping off the vehicle’s side view mirrors! Frankly speaking, avoiding parking catastrophes was the driving force that led to us using our rental car only on the highways and using ride shares everywhere else!
If you are fortunate enough to find street side parking then make sure to note the color of the lines or any words written in the parking spot. The word “Payant” means that you need to pay at a parking meter. Parking spots outlined in blue require a special parking pass that allows parking for a limited time in that area and can be purchased at precise locations such as general stores and gas stations. Parking spots outlined in white are free!
Currency used in France…
The Euro is the official currency of France, as with most other European nations. Although just about every city in France is modernized and accepts credit cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay, cash is still preferred in many places, particularly the smaller grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. Although you can get by without exchanging money, we suggest that you obtain Euros when you arrive as it’s good practice to have some local currency on hand wherever you travel just in case an emergency pops up. For instance, one restaurant we dined in in Paris required cash payment which we didn’t know before we ate the meal. If we didn’t have a little stash of Euros on hand, we’d probably still be scrubbing pots in Montmartre right now! Also, we would’ve missed out on some truly luscious grapes from a local grocer in Marseilles if we didn’t have a few Euros in our pockets which, if you ask us, would’ve been an even bigger tragedy!
Anyway, getting cash is easy as ATMs are numerous throughout France. ATMs are safe to use, just make sure to select ones located in bright, open spaces and keep an eye on your surroundings as you use them. In our case, we utilized our fee-free, international debit card at an ATM located in the airport to obtain Euros at the start of our trip.
How is the food and water in France?
We know you’ve been waiting with bated breath to hear all about this, so we’ll cut to the chase: French food is phenomenal! Literally everything we ate in France was delicious and very different from the American version of French food that we’d been plied with before our trip to France. To us, each dish we tried was a masterpiece, showcasing the artistry and creativity of French cuisine. Even better than the food was the enormous selection of delectable pastries and unique dessert creations that we sampled all across France. From escargot and lamb confit to croissants and pain au chocolate, every bite we savored in France was impeccable and delicious. Honestly, we think the only reason you need to go to France is the food! And as the food is clean, preservative-free and prepared in such a well-balanced way, no one in our party gained a pound despite never skipping dessert!
Check us out here for the inside scoop on our favorite restaurants in France!
As for the water in France, tap water is safe to consume everywhere in nation! Unfortunately, we didn’t know this ourselves which led to us buying too much bottled water. This was a tragic misstep as we tried 5 different brands of bottled water and they all tasted terrible! We did, however, enjoy every sip of tap water served to us in restaurants throughout France. Although we did not commonly see filling stations throughout the cities, having a refillable bottle and filling up from the faucet in your room is a good way to save on waste and to save a few dollars while enjoying good tasting water!
When dining in restaurants, make sure to specifically ask for tap water. If you ask for “still” water, you may find yourself paying upwards of 9 Euros a liter for Evian!
Do you need to know French before you visit France?
You do not need to know French before you visit France since most people in the major cities speak some English. It is helpful to know a few words of French, however as road signs and public buildings are marked only in French. We managed to learn a small bit of French before our arrival and, although our pronunciation was atrocious, we were able to successfully communicate a bit with locals in smaller towns who only spoke French. And contrary to popular belief, speaking even poor French was well-received by the gracious locals who, even though amused, appreciated our efforts!
Make sure to download French on Google Translate, we promise it’ll come in handy!
The Ultimate French Roadtrip
We’re firm believers that the best way to truly see a country is by road-tripping across as many cities as we possible can in the time we have. Honestly, what better way can there be to find adventure than to meander through a country, uncovering its secrets for yourself, right? Well, following our own advice, we set out on an epic 8-day roadtrip through France that took us from bustling Paris through the French Alps and into the heart of the French Riviera before returning once more to the glamor of Paris. Want to know how we did it and what secrets we uncovered? Keep reading to find out!
Paris
The capital of France and one of the most legendary cities in Europe, Paris hardly needs an introduction. The city serves as the main center for commerce and tourism of the nation and is the main port of entry for many visitors — us included! As such, Paris was automatically the first stop on our France roadtrip.
Where did we stay in Paris?
Divided into 20 distinct districts known as Arrondissements — each with their own political centers and unique offerings— choosing where to stay in Paris was decidedly more than a little complicated. The arrondissements are numbered 1 through 20, making it easier to pinpoint where you are in the city however this is where the simplicity ends! In what we can only presume to be an artistic take on city organizing, Paris’ arrondissements are laid out in a spiral —akin to that of snail’s shell— with the 1st Arrondissement being at the heart of the city. This arrangement makes navigating the city interesting, to say the least, as areas that sound as though they are nearby can actually be quite far away. For instance, the 16th arrondissement is much closer geographically to the 8th arrondissement than it is to the 20th arrondissement, courtesy of the spiral! Anyway, all this to say that a map of Paris is a precious commodity when it comes to planning your stay.
Check out www.print.com for a detailed map of Paris and a listing of popular attractions by arrondissement.
For our time in Paris, we chose two Airbnbs in locations that seemed optimal to us. The first Airbnb was a small but luxurious apartment located on Rue Felicien David in the 16th Arrondissement. From here, we were within a 10–20-minute car ride of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and the Arc de Triomphe. The apartment was somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle and was in a quaint neighborhood with cafes and bakeries within easy walking distance.
Our second stay in Paris found us in the 17th Arrondissement, on Rue de la Felicite. Our apartment was, once again, beautifully appointed and located in a historic building. We found this neighborhood to be much quieter than the first and possessed of a local’s vibe while still being within a 10–15-minute drive of many of the popular attractions. Overall, we thought our Airbnb stays in Paris were affordable yet luxurious and charming, allowing us to have more flexibility and space than we would otherwise have in a hotel.
Residential buildings in Paris offer several layers of security including coded entrance doors, staircases, and even coded elevators! This means checking into Airbnbs can be a little more complicated however the minor hassle is worth the safety and peace of mind!
Top things to do in Paris
Of course, the list of to-dos in Paris is long and, unless you’ve got years to spend exploring just this one city, you’ll likely have to be circumspect in what you elect to do. Even if you have only a handful of days to spend in Paris though, we’re positive that you’ll not only be able to see the major attractions but will also be able to experience the laid-back vibes for which Paris is famous.
Take a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower
Now, whether it’s folly to do so, we’re going to go ahead and assume that the Eiffel Tower is at the top of your to-do list for your first time in France. And if it’s not, then we must insist that you make it a priority to see it! Admittedly, you’d have to try hard to NOT see the Eiffel Tower when in Paris being that it is the tallest building in the city, however, it is more than worth an up-close visit.
Located in the 7th Arrondissement, the Eiffel Tower has three levels that are open to visitors: the first and second floors and the summit. There are several ways to enter the Eiffel Tower. First, tickets can be purchased from the official Eiffel Tower website directly or at the ticket office beneath the tower. Tickets should be purchased in advance as they sell out quickly. Second, booking a guided tour of the Eiffel tower is a surefire way to get into the tower without having to stand in line for tickets although this option can be double the price of just purchasing tickets to the tower. Lastly, make a reservation at one of the restaurants in the Eiffel Tower. Having a reservation to either Jules Verne or Madame Brasserie in the Eiffel Tower will enable you to have special elevator access to the restaurant and the reservation includes tickets to the Eiffel tower so not only do you get to skip the lines you will also be able to enjoy the tower in a unique way.
The Eiffel tower can be accessed by elevator (most common choice) or by stairs. If taking the elevators, make sure to arrive at the time listed on your ticket or you may be denied access to the Eiffel tower. If tickets for the elevator ride up is sold out, consider buying tickets to walk up via the protected stairs. If you do decide to climb then be prepared for a 35-40 minute, moderately strenuous but scenic walk.
Once in the tower, there’s plenty to do to keep visitors busy. The first floor of the tower is home to Madame Brasserie, a portion of the historic staircase and a glass deck that showcases just how high above ground you are. The second floor features a two-level observation deck providing 360-degree, breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. And the summit of the Eiffel Tower is yet another observation deck with stunning views of the city.
For those planning to visit the summit of the Eiffel Tower, note that there are two sets of elevators to take that will get you there: one from the ground to the second floor and one from the second floor to the summit. If you’re absolutely keen on getting to the summit, then make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be ready for long lines at both of these elevators.
Now, the Eiffel Tower, although majestic in the daytime, is even more stunning at night courtesy of the lights. This means that you absolutely must visit the tower both during the daytime and the nighttime. Make sure to visit the Eiffel Tower website for details on timing of the light shows as they can vary seasonally.
The Eiffel Tower light shows are trademarked and require permission if photographed for commercial purposes. This means that night photos of the Eiffel Tower can only be posted on personal social media accounts and cannot be reproduced or printed without explicit permission from the tower’s management. Photos of the Eiffel Tower during the daytime however are not restricted and can be used freely.
Step back in time at The Louvre Museum
Being one of the oldest nations in the world, it’s no surprise that France is home to droves of priceless art, relics, and artifacts. To store and display these treasures, there are more museums scattered throughout France than almost anywhere else in the world. In fact, it’s rumored that there are more than 140 museums in Paris alone! Some of the most popular of museums include the Musee d’Orsay, the Picasso Museum, and, of course, the Louvre.
You can purchase a Paris Museum Pass which provides multi-day access to over 60 museums and monuments for a reasonable price here . The passes allow easy access and skip-the-line entry at many of the included sites.
Perhaps the single most famous museum in the world, the Louvre is as majestic as one might expect. If you’ve only got time to visit one museum in France, then make that one museum the Louvre. From its lovely setting along the Seine River to the grandeur and sumptuousness of each exhibition, the Louvre spears no expense when it comes to giving its guests a truly transcendent experience. Although the museum is one of the star attractions in Paris, it is surprisingly not overcrowded thanks to the reservation system currently in place. To visit the museum, tickets can be purchased onsite or online however it’s best to purchase tickets online and reserve an entrance time as tickets tend to sell out. Once through the glass pyramids, visitors are free to roam the magnificent exhibits at will! No tours are required but self-guided audio tours are available for purchase once inside the museum.
The museum is open everyday except for some holidays however the hours of operation can vary from day to day. Make sure to check opening times on the museum’s website before reserving your entrance time. And be sure to leave, at the bare minimum, three hours in your schedule to browse the fabulous art.
Spend a day in Montmartre
A vibrant and artistic neighborhood, Montmartre is in the 18th Arrondissement in Paris and is home to the grand Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. If you ask us, the basilica is the best starting point from which to explore the district as sits at the highest point of Montmatre and offers dreamy vistas of Paris. Visitors are welcomed in the church but must show respect to worshippers by maintaining silence.
Votive candles and collector’s coins are can be purchased by credit card within the church.
Funnily enough, Montmartre is known for both the splendid church and the nearby raunchy cabaret shows. We suppose this makes some kind of sense: perhaps pray for absolution first then commit your sins? Anyhow, to find your way through Montmartre a little easier we suggest setting your GPS to Moulin Rouge from the Basilica which will take you downhill and through the beautiful, cobbled streets of the district. Vendors and cafes of all kinds line these streets so come prepared to explore!
See a Cabaret Show
If you ask us, the best way to end a day in Montmartre is at one of the many glamorous cabaret shows. Although a little raunchy, the Cabaret shows are classy and entertaining and offer a glimpse into the theatrical history of Paris. Many cabaret shows are upscale, and guests arrive dressed in their Sunday-finest to enjoy the performances along with a gourmet meals. There are many Cabarets to choose from in Paris, some of which are traditional while others are more innovative and modern. The most famous of Paris’s Cabarets is, of course, Moulin Rouge however tickets to this show are quite expensive. We chose the La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret show in Montmarte which we found incredibly entertaining. Not only were the performers engaging but the venue was lovely, the nudity was kept to a minimum and was artfully executed and the performers spoke English which meant that we could understand the jokes!
Go shopping along the Champs-Elysees
One of the best-known avenues in Paris, the Champs-Elysees is a lovely, tree-lined road that connects the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. The 2km long avenue is located in the 8th Arrondissement and is well-known for high-end shopping and street-side cafes. While shopping along the Champs-Elysees may literally break the bank, window shopping is free to all and is worth doing down this spectacular street.
See the Arc de Triomphe
Erected in honor of those who died for France in the French Revolution, the Arc de Triomphe monument is uniquely positioned at the juncture of twelve avenues. The Arc is located at the western end of the Champs-Elysees however there are no street-level crosswalks to allow access to the Arc from this area. To truly visit the Arc, visitors must access the underground tunnel that runs beneath it. The tunnel is large and well lit and is the only means by which to cross the circular intersection in which the Arc stands. Tickets to visit the Arc can be bought at the ticket office located in the tunnel and allows access to a special entrance leading out onto the Arc de Triomphe plaza. It’s worth also noting that beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, another monument worth visiting.
Thanks to its size and position, tickets are not needed to get great pictures with the Arc. Simply wait for a green light to cross from one side to the other of the Champs-Elysees and snap your pictures when you’re in the center of the road!
Visit the Palace of Versailles
Serving as the seat of power in France from the 1600s up until the French Revolution, the Palace of Versailles is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the grandeur of the French monarchy. The golden palace is located some 30 minutes away from the Paris city center and is easily reached by train, taxi, or ride share.
RideShare is the quickest way to get to the palace as using the metro can take up to an hour or more.
The estate of the Palace of Versailles includes the palace itself, the Estate of Trianon, the Gardens, and the Park. All these sites are connected and within walking distance of each other. Tickets are required to enter the Palace and are timed. Buying tickets ahead of time is prudent as they do sell out quickly onsite. As each attraction on the palace grounds requires a separate ticket to visit, we suggest purchasing the “Passport” ticket option as it allows access to all the sites and saves a fair bit of time.
The Passport ticket includes access to the special exhibitions, so no additional tickets are required in order to see them if you have this pass. Also, the grounds are expansive so consider taking the “Little Train” which is really just an open-air bus that continuously travels from site to site on the palace grounds making it easier for visitors to get around. If you forget to buy a ticket for use of the bus, don’t worry as you can pay to ride at any of the stops.
To enter the Palace of Versailles, make sure to arrive at the scheduled time to the entrance marked on your ticket. Visitors must go through security at the gate to the grounds then once again inside the Palace before beginning the tour. Once inside, getting around is fairly easy and maps are readily available. As you may have guessed, the Palace is enormous and requires 1-2 hours of brisk exploration or longer for those interested in examining every inch of its ornate carvings, artwork, and tapestries. In addition to seeing the rooms themselves there are also special exhibitions held at the Palace which will undoubtedly keep you exploring even longer than you might expect. Once you’re able to tear yourself away from the splendor of the palace, make your way to the Gardens to enjoy the lavishly landscaped grounds and the beautiful fountains. From the gardens, the Park which features a maze, the Grand Canal and the Lake of the Swiss Guards is visible and quite a sight to behold. We suggest walking from the gardens, through the park and to the Estate of Trianon.
Built to be less stately and therefore more intimate and relaxed, the Estate of Trianon has two parts: the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon palaces. The Queen’s Hamlet and other ornamental gardens can also be found here. Both of these quaint palaces are located within a 5-minute walk of each other and within a 20-minute walk of the main palace. In case you’re wondering if these additional sites within the estate are worth a visit, then the answer is yes! Not only are there less crowds at the Estate of Trianon but to take a step into the rustic and well-preserved palaces truly feels like taking a step back in time!
Stroll across the Love Lock Bridge
Formally known as the Pont des Arts, the Love Lock Bridge is but a short walk of the Louvre Museum and spans the Seine River. Historically, lovers visited the bridge with the intention of securing a padlock with their names unto it. Keys to the locks were then tossed into the Seine and this was supposed to signify eternal love. Unfortunately, the weight of thousands of metal locks eventually compromised the structural integrity of the bridge leading to a partial collapse and subsequent removal of all the locks. Nowadays, the Pont des Arts bridge is simply a bridge however, despite it now being illegal to place them, some locks can still be seen secured along the bridge. Although it is not what it once was, the bridge is worth a visit for its history and the wonderful views of the Seine River
Many Seine River cruises are available from this area so you can save time by visiting the bridge then hopping onboard a river cruise here. Oh, and some Seine River cruises even include tickets to the Louvre!
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
At the junction of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps sits the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc commune. This charming hamlet is essentially a world class ski resort providing easy access to the Alps for snow sports in the winter and hiking in the summer and is a sought-after holiday spot of locals and travelers alike. Nestled beneath the majestic Mont Blanc massif that includes mountains over 15000 ft in height, Chamonix’s vistas include snow-capped peaks and glaciers that are visible just about everywhere in the valley, even in the summertime! Sounds enchanting? Well, it is! And us being us, we could never resist the call of such splendor and adventure which is why we set our sights on Chamonix first after leaving Paris.
Setting out from Paris, we drove directly to Chamonix in just under seven hours. For the most part, the drive was simple and done via highways. As we drew closer to the town, though, we found ourselves on curvier mountain roads however, being in great shape and barricaded for extra safety, they were not a challenge to traverse. Pulling into town, we found ourselves in a world entirely different from Paris; one where looming mountain, rushing rivers and charming log-cabin-eques buildings laden with petunias on every windowsill took center stage. To say that we were thrilled to arrive in Chamonix would be an understatement!
Chamonix can also be reached by high-speed train from Paris. The high-speed train leaves from Paris Gare de Lyon station and drops off at St-Gervais-les-Bains. From there, travelers must take the Mont-Blanc Express train to Chamonix.
Where to stay in Chamonix?
Although small overall, the Chamonix Valley has plenty to offer in the way of accommodations with everything from hostels and hotels to Airbnbs. We chose an Airbnb located in an aparthotel by the name of Residence Pierre and Vacances. The Aparthotel was nicely located and was within a five-minute walk of lots of restaurants and shops and the cable car station. There was a nearby parking garage as well which was useful given the limited street parking and general lack of parking lots in town. We were quite pleased with our apartment as it was spacious, secured, and clean and had a balcony overlooking the mountains and a huge glacier to booth!
Thanks to the mild summer climate, most buildings in Chamonix do not have AC. Expect to keep your windows open or to use fans to cool down on warmer days in the valley.
Top things to do in Chamonix
Take the Telepherique Panoramique du Mont Blanc to L’Aiguille du Midi
The Telepherique, which is a very large and panoramic cable car, departs from Chamonix and climbs the Mont Blanc massif to terminate at L’Aiguille du Midi. Tickets to ride the cable car can be purchased at the embarkation point or online. We strongly suggest buying your tickets online and specifying the date and time of your visit otherwise you may find yourself out of luck when you get there! Oh, and in case you think we’re being dramatic, we arrived to the cable car at 9:30 am on a random Tuesday in the middle of August to a huge crowd standing lined up outside and overhead announcements that tickets were sold out for the entire day! We guess what we’re trying to say here is that there’s no “downtime” in Chamonix, even in the summer so make sure to come prepared!
There are several different cable cars that access other high elevation sites and hiking trails so don’t be dispirited if tickets do sell out for the Telepherique. Consider buying a day pass to the Chamonix area as it is fairly priced and allows access to several lifts and the two trains serving the area.
The journey from Chamonix to L’Aiguille du Midi involves taking two cable cars: one from Chamonix to a mid-way station then another from midway station to L’Aiguille du Midi. The incredibly scenic ride up is around 20 minutes and, once at the top, a return time is assigned to each visitor. This doesn’t mean that you must leave at the assigned time however as the departure time is just an estimate of the soonest possible time you can ride the car back down. Departing the cable car, step through the rock tunnel and out onto the observation deck for breathtaking views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and Mont Blanc. Make sure to step into The Void, a glass box jutting out of the mountain that will set your heart to pounding when you notice that there’s not much between you and the ground that is over 3000 feet below you!
Plan to spend at least half a day here. There are several restaurants at the peak so no need to bring your own food. Also, make sure to bring your passport along if you plan to take the gondola to Pointe Helbronner in Italy..
Hike the Grand Balcon Nord
Being a premier hiking destination, Chamonix boasts trails for hikers of all skill levels. Some of the more famous hikes include Lac Blanc, Glacier du Tour, Mer de Glacé and the Grand Balcon Nord. Now, we certainly didn’t have time to tackle more than one of these and, after a lot of internal debating, chose the Grand Balcon Nord to Mer de Glace trail. This decision made sense to us particularly as accessing the trail required the use of the Telepherique cable car which we were already planning to take to the top of the mountain. Convenient, right?
The Grand Balcon Nord trail can be hiked from the mid-way station downhill to Mer de Glacé or from Mer de Glacé uphill to mid-way station. We suggest taking the downhill route as the views are fantastic and the hike is much more moderate than the other option which would require hours of uphill climbing. And at high elevation no less!
To access the trail, we hopped off the cable car at the mid-way station. Exiting the cable car station, we made our way to the lone restaurant/bar on this part of the mountains and found signs directing us to the different trails in the area. Following the signs, we began our 4-mile, mostly downhill hike to Mer de Glacé. The trail was in great shape and and was easy to follow. Making our way across glacial streams and a few rockfalls, every twist and turn of the trail brought us spectacular views of Mt Blanc and the Chamonix Valley and eventually deposited us at Hotel Montenvers — the access point of Mer de Glacé — to begin the next part of our adventure.
If you’ve still got a little gas in the tank at the end of the hike, then look for the trail leading down to Mer De Glacé and the Ice Caves. It is an additional mile down however you won’t have to hike back up as you can take a cable car back to Montenvers station after you explore the caves.
To return to Chamonix once at Hotel de Montenvers station, hikers can either take the 2–3-mile trail to town or can hop onboard the historic Montenvers Railway for a 15-minute ride back. As the Montenvers train is an attraction in itself, we highly recommend getting on board if you can! The cost of the train ride is covered by the Chamonix Day Pass if you have one. If you don’t have a pass, then you can purchase a ticket for a ride at the gift shop next to the train station.
There are only two restaurants at Montenvers, both of which tend to be busy. The Restaurant du Montenvers requires reservations while Bar des Glaciers is more a cafeteria style experience.
Visit Mer De Glace and the Ice Caves
The largest glacier in France at almost 4.5 miles in length, Mer de Glace is a valley glacier that is the focus attraction at Montervers station. The glacier, as well as several waterfalls, can be easily seen from Hotel du Montenvers station area. As mentioned previously, there are two main ways to explore Mer de Glace: by hiking or by a cable car that departs the Montenvers station.
To get to the glacier, we used our Chamonix Day Pass to board the Cable Car for a ride down. The entrance to the cable car could be found just in front of the Bar des Glaciers restaurant where steps lead down to a pathway that terminated at the cable car. A quick ride in the cable car brought us to another, much longer, flight of stairs that we then descended to enter the Ice Caves. We should mention that although built into the glacier, these ice caves are man made rather than natural. Entering the caves we made our way through the rooms depicting various important factoids about the glacier while experiencing just how surprisingly cozy being in a house made of ice could be!
Raft the Arve River
Cutting through the Chamonix Valley, the rushing Arve River provides another great opportunity for adventure. There are rafting trips daily in the summer, most of which take about 45 minutes to an hour. Check out the Compagnie des Guides website to book!
Monaco
Although not a part of France, we simply couldn’t miss the chance to see Monaco, the tiny city-state that turned out to be one of the most epic stops of our grand roadtrip. Recognized as the second smallest independent nation in the world, Monaco is nestled between France and Italy along the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its tiny size, Monaco is renowned for its wealth and extravagance and with events like super-yacht festivals and the Formula One Grand Prix, it is quite literally the playground of the rich and famous. The city-state is lovely to behold with its colorful buildings, palm tree lined avenues, and azure beaches. Toss in the wonderfully mild summer climate graced with warm days and soft breezes and you’ve got yourself a bonafide tropical paradise!
Visas are not needed to visit Monaco. Oh, and Monaco does not have its own airport. The closest airport to the nation is in Nice, France.
Despite being independent of France, the main language spoken in Monaco is French. You need not worry though as English is also quite prevalent as well. The main currency used in Monaco is Euros and cashless payments are accepted everywhere. Due to its size, getting around Monaco on foot is reasonably easy. Uber/Lyft and other such ride shares are available however rides are hard to find so getting around is best done by taxis.
If you want to drive in Monaco but don’t want a luxury rental then to check out Mobee, the car share company that connects users via an App to electric rental vehicles scattered throughout the country.
Where to stay in Monaco…
Monaco has much to choose from in the way of accommodations although much of it is quite expensive. To save a little on cost, we rented an Airbnb apartment with an address in Beausoleil. But where is that? Well, Beausoleil is a French town bordering Monaco along the Mediterranean Coast and is the closest town to Monaco. As a matter of fact, Beausoleil is so close to Monaco that we crossed a border every time we entered our Airbnb. That’s right folks! Outside the door of our Airbnb was located in France while inside was considered to be in Monaco! We’d be lying if we said we didn’t delight in the many “Welcome to…” text messages we received from our phone carrier every time we crossed the border!
Most attractions in Monaco are within a reasonable walking distance of Beausoleil making it an excellent and cost-effective alternative to staying within Monaco itself.
Of the many places we stayed during our trip to Monaco and France, our Airbnb in Beausoleil was our favorite! We stayed at Laurent’s Place, an updated and modern apartment located in an impressive historic-appearing building. Laurent’s Place was located up a hillside and was clean and surprisingly spacious with a large living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a balcony with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Additionally, it was within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and the beach. The absolute best thing about this Airbnb, if you ask us though, was the air conditioning, something that we simply couldn’t live without during Monaco’s balmy summer days.
Many homes along the French Riviera and Monaco don’t have A/C therefore, if this is a must-have for you, make sure to enquire about it before booking.
Top things to do in Monaco
Visit Larvotto Beach
Larvotto Beach with its pebbly shore and gorgeous blue-green water, is the only public beach in Monaco and, while lovely, it is rather small. Although you might expect that one small beach serving an entire country would be overcrowded, this was actually not the case at all. Come prepared to spend a day in the Mediterranean as Larvotto Beach is well developed with an elaborate promenade and lots of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Consider bringing water shoes. Larvotto Beach is a pebble beach and may be a challenge for some to walk on with bare feet!
Stroll through the Princess Grace Japanese Garden
Located on Av. Princesse Grace next to the Grimaldi Forum and just a five-minute walk away from Larvotto Beach, the Princess Grace Japanese Garden is an intimate and small garden that is free to visit. Despite its small size, the lush and beautifully landscaped garden features several small Koi ponds, a Zen garden, and a tea house. If you need a little respite from the hustle and bustle of Monaco, then head to these gardens for some peace and quiet.
Try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo
If there’s a place that you absolutely cannot skip on your trip to Monaco, this is it! The Monte-Carlo Casino is perhaps the best recognized casino in the world. Cloaked in wealth and glamorous beyond reason, the Casino is the ultimate nightlife spot in Monaco. It is located in Casino Square where both the Opera de Monte Carlo and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo can be found. Anyone can enter the casino and explore the atrium however tickets are required to enter the gambling rooms. And, as a matter of fact, the only free gambling room in the casino is a small room of slot machines!
Interested in the Monaco car scene? Visit the Monte-Carlo casino at night where you’re apt to see some of the rarest and most beautiful supercars ever created.
Hike to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Dramatically positioned above Port Hercule, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco remains the residence of choice of the monarchy of Monaco. This ancient palace has served as the official residence of the Prince of Monaco since 1297 and retains both its charm and prestige. Getting to the Palace requires some stamina as it involves a steady, uphill climb from the Port however the walk is relatively short, and the views of Monaco and the Port are stunning! There are no restrictions when entering the palace grounds however visitors wanting to see the decadent interior of the Palace’s Grand Apartments must purchase tickets either online or at the booth just outside the gift shop.
Wear shoes with good grips for this walk as the ramp leaving up to the doors of the Palace are laid with tiles that tend to be slippery even when dry!
See an exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum
Serving as the main exhibition venue of Monaco, the Grimaldi Forum is the place to be to experience unique, international art and performances. The forum hosts everything from the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra to auctions of collectible cars!
Explore Port Hercule
Just at the foot of the hill on which the Prince’s Palace of Monaco can be found is Port Hercule, the most important and grandest of Monaco’s marinas. Lined by restaurants and casinos, the lively marina is a vibrant place to stroll while enjoying some premium ice cream and views of the super yachts!
If you’re in Monaco in late September then be sure to check out the Monaco Yacht Show.
Attend the Monaco Grand Prix
Held since 1929 on the narrow streets of Monaco, the Monaco Grand Prix is an internationally revered Formula One race. Considered one of the most challenging circuits in Formula One, the Monaco Grand Prix captivates and excites as onlookers have front row seats to a one-of-kind show of racers barreling around tight turns and into and out of the infamous “Tunnel.” To experience Monaco at its height of revelry, visit during the Grand Prix when everyone, including the rich and famous, crowd the roadways to watch this thrilling race!
Cote d’Azur
Cote d’Azur, the romantic name given to the French Riviera by a renowned poet refers to the Mediterranean coast of France that is home to gorgeous beaches and chic waterfront towns like Saint-Tropez and Cannes. While there are no official borders, the French Riviera seemingly extends from the town of Menton on the France-Italy Border to just east of Marseille and encompasses some of the most beautiful coastline in the world.
Although a part of the Cote d’Azur due to its location, Monaco is an independent country and therefore not technically a part of the French Riviera.
As is wont to happen on vacation, our glorious time in Monaco eventually ran out but we weren’t too bummed as we were excited to delve into the heart of the famed French Riviera. Setting out from Monaco, we made our way down the Mediterranean coast, stopping as we pleased to explore and enjoy the views. Here are some of the cities that we loved along the Cote d’Azure.
Nice
The capital city of the French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its splendid art and architecture. In fact, simply strolling the streets of this charming city is an education in architectural design and accomplishment. With its prime location right on the coast of the Mediterranean, the city is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the Riviera. While we’re sure you’ll be spoiled for choices when it comes to things to do in Nice, we do want to point out a few attractions that you just shouldn’t miss! Make sure to visit the Marc Chagall National Museum, the Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, the narrow alleyways of Old Nice, and the Colline du Chateau. Now, if you have time for just one of these things then we highly recommend making the Colline du Chateau Park it! Not only does the park have beautiful gardens and a waterfall, it also offers some hard-to-beat panoramic views of Nice!
Cannes
A tour of the Cote d’Azure just wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Cannes, the city commonly referred to as the “capital of cinema.” Unless you’ve spent the last 70 years or so under a rock, we’re willing to bet that you’ve at least heard of the annual Cannes Film Festival. The star-studded event attracts millions to Cannes annually, making it a wealthy and sought after destination along the Riviera. Although that particular event is only for the crème de la crème of the celebrity world, the rest of us hoi polloi can still enjoy the incredible luxury hotels, premium shopping, and gorgeous beaches of Cannes throughout the rest of the year. If you’re in the vicinity, we recommend checking out the Palace of Festivals and Congresses of France and the fabulous Boulevard de la Croisette that runs along the Mediterranean. Oh, and did we mention that we just absolutely loved making an impromptu stop to take a dip in Mediterranean at one of Cannes pristine beaches?
Marseille
Wrapping up our tour of the French Riviera, we found ourselves in Marseille, an ancient port city that still serves as the largest port of commerce in France. More removed from the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille possessed the air of a local’s city rather than the beach town vibes we experienced at the other coastal resort towns. Narrowed, hilly streets, lined with pastel-colored buildings tightly packed together all lead down to the lively Vieux-Port aka Old Port with its delectable restaurants and enticing shops. And if you need a little extra persuasion to add this phenomenal city to your to-do list, then we should mention that Marseille is where the mouthwatering Bouillabaisse was invented and remains the best place to try it!
Where to stay in Marseille...
Being the largest city along the south of France, there are lots of fantastic neighborhoods to choose from when selecting a place to stay in Marseille. If you’re looking for the most central neighborhood then the Vieux-Port area is considered the best place to be. In our case, we chose an Airbnb located higher up in the city. We stayed at Renee’s Place on Rue Lamartine, about a 10-minute drive away from Old Port. We were pleased with our choice given the peacefulness of the surroundings, proximity to Old Port and our bird’s eye view of the city and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Top things to do in Marseille
Visit Vieux-Port
Although it is the main commercial port of Marseille, Vieux-Port, aka Old Port, is also a gathering place for locals and visitors looking to have a bit of fun. Old Port is unique in that it blends local and tourist activities in a way that we have never witnessed elsewhere. Fancy hotels across from hawkers plying their wares and upscale restaurants just down the road from fishmongers selling their daily catch is but a tiny fraction of the juxtaposition of local life and tourism that can be seen throughout Marseille. Spend a day here exploring the port, taking in the live music, and sampling the best Bouillabaisse you’ll ever have!
Walk the streets of Le Panier
Located across the square from Old Port, Le Panier is a historic district that is, in essence, an open-air museum. The narrow, hilly streets are known for their murals, museums, and artisanal shops. Spend a day discovering the three hills of Le Panier to get a true glimpse of Old Marseille. While we didn’t have as much time to explore Le Panier as we would’ve liked, it remains one of our favorite stops in France!
Explore the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde
Visible from nearly every corner of Marseille, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde is situated at the highest point of the city. First erected in 1214, the enduring and splendid Basilica is topped by a golden Virgin Mary statue and is referred to as “the Good Mother.” While the undoubted purpose of the Basilica is that of worship, there is much more to this church than you might expect. With a shop, a restaurant, and a museum of its own, there’s much to explore in this Basilica!
Hike Calanques National Park
Offering the most unique of swimming and hiking opportunities as compared to any other place in France, Calanques National Park is a natural wonder that should not be missed when in Marseille. If you’re not sure what a Calanque is then don’t worry, we didn’t know either! Simply put, a Calanque is a cove surrounded by tall, limestone cliffs. Calanques National Park is home to 26 such coves, some of which are protected and others that can be accessed for swimming.
Reservations are necessary for anyone interested in swimming or backcountry hiking within the park.
To get to the park, we drove from Old Port to the Luminy University Science Campus. Parking in the free lot in front of the school of Arts and Architecture, we followed the small stream of hikers towards the back of the parking lot, walking uphill until we came to the entrance of the park. We were met by guides at the entrance who checked registration and provided maps and hiking tips. Of the many Calanques, we chose Sugiton Calanque as our destination as it was situated closest to the entrance of the park. As we did not intend to swim and only wanted to hike the short distance, we were able to enter the park without a reservation.
Hiking shoes aren’t required on the main trail but is necessary if you intend to explore any backcountry trails.
From the entrance, we took the main trail which was only intermittently marked but was really easy to follow. Heeding the advice of a few online articles, we allotted an hour for the round trip to Sugiton so imagine our surprise when, thirty minutes in, we encountered another welcome station where we were told to expect another 40 minutes of hiking! Talk about bad advice, right? Suddenly faced with double the hiking time and with our subpar footwear, the sweltering sun and our general unpreparedness for a 2–4-hour hike, we were sadly forced to turn back before getting there! Although we desperately wanted to see Sugiton we simply couldn’t spare anymore time given that we had a five-hour drive ahead of us after the hike! Anyway, despite us not making it a Calanque ourselves, Calanques National Park is a nature lover’s paradise and is more than worth the visit. Just know that you’ll have earned our eternal envy when you achieve what we couldn’t by finding your way to the cool, crystal clear, blue-green waters of one of the Calanques!
The hike to Sugiton Calanque is around 1 hour to 1.5 hours one way. Plan to spend at least half of a day at the park if going to Sugiton and longer if you want to visit other Calanques. We should mention that the Calanques can also be reached by boat so you can avoid all the hassles of hiking by hopping on a catamaran in Old Port and cruising there!
Lyon
Finally leaving the azure coast of the Mediterranean, we began the last leg of our epic French roadtrip with the intention of traveling from Marseille to Lyon and ending, once again, in Paris. But, with so many pretty French towns to choose from, why did we pick Lyon? Well, did you know that Lyon is the best foodie city in France? And do you remember us telling you that we mostly travel for food? Well then, how could we possibly miss the chance to eat our way through yet another city!
Currently the third largest city of France, Lyon is another French jewel with its medieval architecture, its own tiny Eiffel Tower and, not one but two rivers running through it. The city is widely recognized for its gastronomy and is home to multiple food halls showcasing unique takes on traditional French cuisine. Unlike many of the other cities of France where the streets could sometimes feel a little too narrow and crowded and the air a little too oppressive, Lyon was remarkably bright, spacious, and clean and, surprisingly, was the only city we visited that we long to return to!
Where to stay in Lyon?
There’s much debate on where to stay in Lyon however we think you can’t go wrong by staying on the peninsula between the Rhone and Saone Rivers. For our stay in Lyon, we chose Olivier’s Place on Airbnb. Olivier’s place was spacious and beautifully appointed and was located on Quai Saint-Vincent, right on the banks of the Saone River. From there, we were within a short walk of a vibrant bar and restaurant scene and directly across the street from the Saone River.
Top things to do in Lyon
Explore Lyon’s Food Halls
Scattered throughout the city, Lyon’s food halls are one of the best ways to really discover what the city is all about. The elaborate food halls showcase both international and local Lyonnaise cuisines and often include not just restaurants but full markets selling the freshest and finest local ingredients. For an unforgettable experience, we recommend visiting Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a food hall that has been capturing hearts and satisfying cravings since the 1800s!
Go on a dinner Cruise
With two rivers, the Rhône and Saone, running through the city, it should come as no surprise that there’s much to do in way of water sports and activities in Lyon. Of the many things to choose from, we highly recommend going on one of the Saone dinner cruises. This way you’ll get a great dinner while you experience the river and the pretty views of Lyon at night. Check out Les Bateaux Lyonnais to book your cruise!
Visit the Theatre Gallo Romain
Built around 15 BC, the Theatre Gallo Romain is an open-air amphitheater located on Fourviere Hill in Lyon. The ancient theatre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a fantastic way to explore centuries-old building techniques. Although the theatre is mostly a preserved tourist site, visiting during the annual Nuits de Fourviere Festival which features a circus, live music, and dance and even film presentations is the perfect opportunity to see the theatre come to life!
