France | Travel Information
France rewards looking a little beyond the obvious. I can recommend Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Nantes, each for very different reasons. I have more guides in the pipeline.
- Carcassonne is best known for its extraordinary medieval citadel. The ancient cité is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular film location, and it’s easy to see why as you walk the 3 km of ramparts and pass through its 52 towers.
- Toulouse, not far away, is the so-called “Pink City”, defined by its terracotta brick architecture, strong food culture, and links to the aerospace industry. For me, though, the highlight was Halle de la Machine, home to vast, theatrical steampunk machines, including a 14-metre-high Minotaur you can ride. I also travelled southwards from Toulouse into the Pyrenees and crossed over the border to the Principality of Andorra.
- Nantes has more mechanical marvels from the same creators at Les Machines de l’Île, where the most famous resident is Le Grand Éléphant.
Here are some useful things to know about France, to help you plan your visit.
- Capital: Paris
- Language: French is the official language. English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Visas: France is part of the Schengen Area. UK, EU & US citizens can visit visa-free for short stays (subject to Schengen rules).
- Electricity & adapters: Standard European plug types (C/E/F) with 230V power.
Let these guides help you plan your visit, and I will be adding more. I have a regular newsletter, you can join if you would like updates. I hope you enjoy France!
