FRANCE TRAVEL INFORMATION

People: The French are often described as arrogant, and I do certainly recognise that. I don’t think I have ever met people more arrogant than the French. As arrogance is not a real virtue to me, I do sometimes have a hard time dealing with the French. Obviously I am generalising and fortunately it seems to be much less the case with the younger generation. Nevertheless, not a high score here. Score: 4

Landscape/Nature: France has a lot going for it. A beautiful capital, dramatic coastline, rivers, canyons, beaches and the Pyrenees and Alps as mountain ranges. Nothing really stands out, but it certainly is attractive. Score: 8

Transport/Infrastructure: the roads are good. Also public transport is in place, and the TGV brings you extremely quickly from north to south and vice versa and across borders to Belgium and The Netherlands. With The Tunnel also the UK is easy and quick to reach. Score: 9

Fauna/animals: the birdlife is quite prolific, but other than that don’t expect too much. The French like to hunt, hence there is not much left. Apparently some brown bears are still roaming the Alps and even the Pyrenees, but don’t expect to see them. Flamingos can be found certain times of the year at the Mediterranean coast. Reptiles and Amphibians are still there. Score: 6

Food: Haute Cuisine is a French concept, so you might expect something special. That counts for dinner (inevitably with wine), but breakfast is rather dull with always the baguet. Lunch is better with some good cheeses. Score: 8

Climate: France has got everything, from cold and wet in the north and the mountains to warm and sunny in the south. It is not always my favorite, but it could be worse. Score: 7

Culture: France has got a rich history and as such a lot of old buildings will remind you of that. The present day culture is unfortunately overshadowed by the French arrogance, I would say. Score: 6

Hygiene: can be questionable, many will remember the bathrooms at fuel stations along the major routes which can be filthy. Otherwise western standard. Score: 8

Travelling costs: also western standards, so don’t expect cheap. Some areas are ridiculously expensive, like Paris of course and the Riviera. Score: 6

Safety/Stability: France is generally safe, but be careful in big cities like Paris, Marseille or Lyon. Score: 8

Excitement/Challenge/Adventure: there is lots to do, like hiking, rock climbing and kayaking for those who are looking for it. The real wild areas are not present though, as in the whole of Europe. Score: 7

Overall score: 6.7

With this score France will NOT enter our top 10 of most attractive travel countries.