Things to Do in Europe- College Edition

[wilson49332]

Hello

I was thinking maybe as a final sticky, I should post places to go and see as a college student that are must sees in my thoughts. Feel free to add on as you

see fit. I will also be doing so as I go. This list is NOT comprehensive, only what I had done when in Europe. Check other posts for hints and tricks, as

well as hostels to stay in. We also have a good guide section for more in depth looks at each country, check them out as well as your local bookstore for

travel guides. This is ONLY a list, and ONLY places I myself have been to. You have been to more places then me, so please share your cities!

Germany:
-Munich
Well this is my city. I lived there last summer in the cities suburbs. Ask me if you have questions from it. Downtown Photo:



First of course, check out the New Rathaus or the New City Hall. It has the cool clock tower that rings every four hours. It is located in the center of town

on Marienplatz. That area is also known for its great shopping.

[img]http://www.tropicalisland.de/germany/bavaria/munich/images/MUC%20Munich%20-%20New%20Town%20Hall%20in%20Munich%20with%20tower%20on%20Marienplatz%

203008x2000.jpg[/img]

Also check out the Residenz Museum. The Bavarian Crown Jewels are usually exhibited there. very cheap to go, located just north of the main drag.


website: [link]

Olympic Park Tower (Olympia Turm)
Just a great place to go up this tower, cheap as well. Excellent views of Munich and the City. Also check out the BMW factory and museum.


Website: [link]

German Museum
Just like the Smithsonian to the United States. Discount for students. To do it right plan on an entire day! Awesome exhibits.

website: [link]

English Garden: Check out the beer gardens there. Many locals hang out in the park, great place to act like a local. It is a huge park, due watch out for the

nudes as it is legal in that park only. Check out the Chinese Tower while there in the middle.


Website: [link]

Lastly, I wont name them all, but check out some of the churches in the cities center. They are of course immaculate! Isator Gate is a nice place to site

under and think of the cities long history.


-Berlin

Overview: This city is really the tale of two cities. Every where you turn there is construction. I was really unimpressed with East Germany, and West

Germany was thriving. East Germany is making up ground, but is still VERY bleak, black looking- dirty, smelled funny, still a great deal of trash and old

worn down buildings everywhere. Overall however, the nightlife was great. Some great bars and clubs. It felt sade in West Germany, but Eastern parts of the

city (and you know where you are by looking around without a map) was a bit sketchy at times. Very rude people, but not as bad as Paris people!!! (Nothing

can be worse then those people!)

1.Zoologischer Garten

Welcome to Central Park of Europe. The great thing with this is that it is a real zoo and also an aquarium. The Berlin Zoologischer Garten station on

Berlin's U2 U-Bahn line, its great place to stroll through when you need to cool off in the afternoon under the trees. Its an easy find, right next to

Berlin's second (and old) main train station. Most night trains stop there. The S-Bahn is also easy to take to this location, Zoologischer Garten (S5 + S7 +

S75 + S9 stops) There are some awesome statues there!


[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3d/BerlinZooElephantGate.jpg/800px-BerlinZooElephantGate.jpg [/img]
Website: [link]

2. Parliament Building (Reichstag)

This is a MUST see in Berlin. The wait is usually around 30 minutes to an hour to get to go to the top of the building, but once there the view of the city

is GREAT!! The best thing is, it is ALL free. Some great historical stuff as well that has excellent pictures of the burning and bombing of the city.

Insiders Tip: Book a tour, it is also free. But, they give you a set time to be there, and you have a guide who walks you through some places that the

regular line waiters do not get to see. (And you dont have to wait in line haha!) The link below gives you the information on where to write a letter

requesting a tour (you do not need to be in a group to request a tour, they will place you in one).


[img] [link] [/img]

[img] [link] [/img]

Website: [link]

3. TV Turm (TV Tower)
This is also a cool thing to do if you want pictures from way up high. They also have a high priced place to eat on site, but I didnt eat there due to the

cost. It does cost a few euros to go up to the top, but well worth it with the views you get. Obviously easy to get to, just lookm up from anywhere in the

city. Or, you can take any of the major public transportation systems to Alexanderplatz, then make the short walk. There is also a park next to it to relax

in (or just to sit and watch the clouds go by while resting your feet from a long day of walking), but watch out for the large shirtless local women lol.

[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Berliner_Fernsehturm_-_von_s%C3%BCden_2.jpg/450px-Berliner_Fernsehturm_-_von_s%C3%BCden_2.jpg

[/img]
Website: [link]

4. The Jewish Museum
Well worth the 5 euros. To get there, take the subway (U-Bahn) U1, U6 Hallesches Tor or U6 Kochstrase.

Website: [link]

5. Berlin Wall
While the past location of the wall is depicted with a line in the road/sidewalk etc which is worth a picture, there are still three sections of the wall

that are still up today as a reminder of the cities past. Picture below is located right across the street from Berlins third largest train station,

Ostbahnhof.

[img] [link]
Website: [link]
(There are several others as well. Also, pick up any map of the city for tourists and they point out where to go.

Insiders tip: I think the best spot (having seen all locations) to look at the wall, and actually touch it without worry of others bothering you is the north

location near the wall park. Here you can get a picture close up, and most tourists dont go to this location as it is a bit off the beaten path- but hey what

are you here for- explore!!

6. Brandenburg Gate
Well what is there to say about this? Just a great place to take a picture is all. A must see however, not to far off the beaten path. Located on Unter den

Linden U-Bahn station and strasse (road).

[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c2/Brandenburg_Gate.JPG/800px-Brandenburg_Gate.JPG [/img]
Live Webcam View:
[img] [link] [/img]

7. Checkpoint Charlie and The Museum for it next door
Well here you can pay a few bucks as a gag and get your picture taken next to the checkpoint along with a couple soldiers dressed in old uniforms along with

the checkpoints famous sign "leaving the american sector" which still stands today. Next door is a small museum where you can view the history of the wall,

and along with several great exhibits depicting several escape atempts. You can also purchase a chunk of the wall as well- small pieces to large its your

choice. It is only 5.50 euro for students to visit the museum and I would say well worth it, especially if you like history. Not for those who dont like gory

images however!! Both are located at the subway U6 Kochstrasse station.

[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Berlin-checkpoint-charlie.jpg [/img]
Website: [link] and [link]

Dont Forget: Check out the neat world clock that appears to run off solar power, its right off Potsdamer Platz, another location you will need to check out

if you enjoy shopping. All of the worlds great buisnesses and cutting edge stuff is lcoated there.




Other: Oberammergau:
See this cool little city. Reminds me of Whistler to Canada. It has some excellent handicraft stuff homemade, and is a GREAT city to go ski in the Alps,

nestled in the middle of a valley surrounded by mountains in which the climb up them on any road out is quite steep. Couple museums and an awesome monks

church there as well. They make homemade liquor, the only place in the world to get it. Some great yodelers there and the Ricola people are there doing there

big horn haha. The locals are awesome, very friendly. Reallly German if thats what you want. They even have a beer fest every weekend and have a great time,

they dance in the old style lederhosen.

[link]

Here:


Other: Castle(Schloss) Hohenschwangau and Schloss Neuschwanstein. Nestled in the souther Alps actually near Oberammergau. Be prepared to hoof it to

the top to see it, or pay for a horse carriage. You can hire a bus to take you as a tour from Munich, or take the Deutsch Bahn train system to Fussen, then

bus RVA/OVG 73 direction Steingarden/Garmisch-Partenkirchen or bus RVA/OVG 78 direction Schwangau to Hohenschwangau. Both castles are next to each other.

[link]

Here:


Make SURE to see the Marienbrucke Bridge next to the castle, it has an awesome view of the castle:



Austria:
-Innsbruck
This city really is the capitol of the Alps. Great skiing and some good times all around. Good old fashioned Austrian people willing to show a tourist a good

time at any club or bar in town. Visit the Golden Dome when there though. Other then that, if you are going in the summer and dont want a place to relax,

nothing here.

Ambras Castle is cool, but not something to go out of your way for. This town is known for its skiing and its great bars/clubs.

Castle website: [link]

Downtown:

Website: [link]















-Vienna

What can I say? One of the greatest wonders in Europe. Lots of stuff to do if you want to do it right. Here goes an attempt:

1.


[img] [/img]
Website:

2.


[img] [/img]
Website:

3.


[img] [/img]
Website:

4.


[img] [/img]
Website:

5.


[img] [/img]
Website:












-Interlocken


1.


[img] [/img]
Website:

2.


[img] [/img]
Website:













-Salzburg

1.


[img] [/img]
Website:

2.


[img] [/img]
Website:

3.


[img] [/img]
Website:




England:
London- All I have seen here, Ivy can tell you much more as she lives in the area.

I am just going to list this, and give you links to several places that have much more detailed stuff. This would take forever, and since this is only meant

as a guide for those of you looking for key places to visit, here are the places with links:



Italy:
Rome- (Roma)


1.


[img] [/img]
Website:

2.


[img] [/img]
Website:

Florence- (Firenze)


1.


[img] [/img]
Website:

2.


[img] [/img]
Website:

Venice:


1.


[img] [/img]
Website:

2.


[img] [/img]
Website:


Amsterdam:


1.


[img] [/img]
Website:

2.


[img] [/img]
Website:


More to come!

[lcooke]

Would you mind re-posting your places to see in Berlin? The images and descriptions did not come across for that city. I'm headed there with PTG in September and only have one day completely free - I want to pack in as much as I can! Thanks

[thrisiakaye]

Beautiful places... I think it would be great if we visit those places, we'll be in for a month..
How many hours will it cost from spain to germany ?
_________________
Get to know the & it's !

[jabroni79]

What happen to the rest of the pictures?

[wilson49332]

Sorry, I keep trying to add to this, but I haven't had time. Feel free to do so if you wish!

[politicslovr]

Paris - Tackling the City of Lights

For more details, consult the Student Universe Destination Guide -> [link]

You cannot see all of Paris, no matter how long you stay there. I'm sorry, but it's just not possible. One French guy told me he had been living and working there for at least a year and still hadn't seen all of the city.

How long should you stay?
Bare minimum = 4 days. If you don't enjoy Paris, the city cannot be blamed. You didn't stay long enough!
Okay time = a full week. You may fit ONE close excursion and possibly Versailles. If Paris is part of a larger European tour, stay the week.
Great time = 2 weeks.

Getting There
Although certain cruise lines have transatlantic routes, the most popular way from by far is by plane.

From outside Europe
Paris has two main airports: Orly (ORY) and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Some budget airlines fly out Beauvais (BVA), which is a bit farther away from Paris compared to the other two. Avoid them.

Lucky for you, there are roughly a million ways to get from Orly/CDG to your hotel/hostel. In order of price, from cheapest to most expensive:
1. Public Transport (1.50 - 9 euros).
From Orly: Take Bus 285 from Terminal Sud (South Terminal) to Villejuif-Louis Aragon métro station. From there, connect to the appropriate métro line(s) for your destination. (1.50 euro).
...or...
Take the Orlybus to Denfert-Rocherau, then connect via the RER Denfert-Rocherau stop to the appropriate métro line(s). (6.10E)

From CDG: Take the RER line B from the station inside the airport in the direction of Gare du Nord or Saint-Rémy-lez-Chevreuse. From line B, connect to appropriate métro line(s). (8.20E euros).
...or...
Take the Roissybus to the Opéra stop, then connect to the métro. (8.60E).

2. Airline coaches. (9-16 euros, depending on the line.) Air France runs coaches from Orly and CDG into the city. They have four different lines; each has different stops.
Information: [link]
FIRST, Disable popups for "www.airfrance.us" THEN click "Lines, information and fares."

3. Taxicab. (depends on destination and company, varies greatly.) Usually, people don't "hail" cabs - there are specific marked taxi stops/lanes where people pick them up. Find out where you can catch a cab here -> [link] If you are traveling with family or have a lot of luggage, this option works best.


Some hotels have complimentary shuttle services. Inquire when you make reservations. If you are reserving a hostel, ask a representative which is the closest métro station/what's the best way to get there.

From Great Britain
There are a few ways to travel to Continental Europe, but the easiest way is through the chunnel.

Take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Purchase "youth" tickets if you are under 26, EVEN IF you have a Rail Pass. The Passholder fares are more expensive. Cheaper trains leave early in the morning mid-week (Tues-Wed-Thurs).

Tickets - [link]

The Eurostar also serves Ashford, UK and Brussels, Belgium.

From Somewhere else in France/Europe by Train
Your arrival station in Paris depends on the location of your departure. Coming from the South? You'll arrive in Gare de Lyon. Stopping in from Eastern France or Germany? You'll say Bonjour in Gare de l'Est. If you arrive in one of these six, you are in Paris. The same principle applies to trains leaving Paris as well. NB: if possible, take an RER train to the stations. It's quicker.

The Six Central Train Stations in Paris are:
Gare du Nord - on RER lines B, D, and E; métro lines 4 and 5
Gare de l'Est - on métro lines 4, 5, and 7
Gare de Lyon - on RER lines A, D, B; métro lines 1 and 14
Gare d'Austerlitz - on RER line C; métro lines 5 and 10
Gare Saint-Lazare - on métro lines 3, 12, 13, and 14
Gare Montparnasse - on métro lines 4, 6, 12, and 13

If you are taking an Artesia night train to/from Italy, the train will depart/arrive at Bercy (on métro lines 6 and 14)

Sites

I won't bother listing all the sites in the city. Paris IS a historical monument. Every corner has a piece of history. Also, everyone has different tastes. Some people want to live in the Louvre, while others just want to go pub crawling around the Latin Quarter. You already know about the Eiffel Tower; it's big and made of metal.



Guides

No one knows Paris better than the French. The best guide available is published by Michelin (yes, they make car tires, too). The Michelin Green Guide to Paris (French version = Guide Vert) is unbelievably thorough, helpful, perfectly organized, and portable for the most actively curious of travelers. You can find it at any major bookstore, online and in meatspace. I bought mine for $13.57. I like them because the French themselves use them for tourist destinations around the world. You can be a tourist, but an educated one!

When I studied about in Aix-en-Provence, the company also gave me a copy of Let's Go France, which I found to be rather entertaining. These pages, written by Harvard students, are geared towards the younger generation. Unlike the Green Guides, they give tips on hostels and night life for young people, etc. I recommend this one as well. Let's Go can be found online. Amazon currently has it for $15.53.

Enjoying Paris

There's a right way and a wrong way to visit Paris. If you try to "see" everything, you'll miss most of it. Let the city show itself to you Don't be afraid to take a break from sightseeing and just chill.


security guard in Jardin des Plantes. Parisians are nice...be nice to them.

Transportation

The Métro is your friend. If you are there for more than a few days and plan on taking the métro more than 10 times, buy a Carte Orange Hebdomadaire (weekly métro pass). You will need a passport-sized photo of yourself, which you can get at most big métro stations. While you'll at the counter, ask for a Paris Poche (=pocket-sized métro map).

Happy Metro Websites
1. Métro fun - this website plans your entire route. [link]
Click British flag -> Finding your way -> Itinerary
2. Interactive métro map - [link]
3. Print out your own métro map! - [link]

When you need to switch lines, avoid switching at larger stations. NEVER switch at Montparnasse, Gare du Nord, or Gare de l'Est. NEVER make eye contact with people on the métro. ALWAYS keep your ticket/pass until you have left the station. On rare occasions, they check for them. If you use the RER (regional line), you need your ticket to enter AND exit the métro.


Gare Montparnasse - it's pretty....and huge.

If the métro is your friend, the RER is that awkward person you don't talk to unless you absolutely need something. The Réseau Express Régional is a network of trains connecting the city to outlying suburbs. Visitors to the city will only need the RER for a few things, like:
1. Paris-airport - (line B - blue) - also useful for crossing the city quickly North-South
2. Paris-Versailles (line C - yellow) - useful for going to tourist destinations by the Seine
3. Line A - useful for crossing the city quickly East-West

Print out your own map of the RER - [link]

NB: BEFORE boarding any RER train, CHECK THE STOPS! Not all trains stop at all stops. Look for a black sign like this one, hanging from the ceiling. Make sure your stop is lit. Hint: at the airport, get on the train with the least amount of stops in between the airport and Gare du Nord. Less stops = Quicker ride.


RER stop for the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Also, the lines SPLIT INTO MORE LINES. For example, line C can take you to Versailles Rive Gauche, Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Pontoise, Saint-Martin d'Etampes, or Dourdan-la-Forêt. Only one of them has the chateau - Versailles Rive Gauche. When in doubt, ask someone.

Saving Money

Paris is expensive. To save money, buy groceries instead of eating out and take advantage of Youth/Student rates at attractions. For example, the Louvre is free on Friday nights for people under 26 -don't buy a ticket, just walk until someone stops you at an entrance and show an ID with your birth date.


Awesome pyramid at the Louvre. Don't use this entrance. Enter through the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre métro entrance instead.

Here are some other ways to have fun without emptying your wallet:

1. Neighborhood wander - can be FREE if you don't use public transportation. Which neighborhood? Depends on how you feel that day. I would ABSOLUTELY visit the Quartier Latin, regardless of the duration of your stay. And don't be afraid to go past the millions of tourists crowding around the St. Michel fountain. It GETS BETTER around [m] Cluny/La Sorbonne and [m] Odéon.
2. Explore the métro - I love the métro. If you will be there for more than 3 days or so, get a Carte Orange Hebdomadaire! There are some pretty awesome lines and stations. Par exemple, ligne 6: it's mostly above ground, so you'll get great views of the parts of Paris that most people don't see, all for 1,50 E! The Michelin Guide has a list of interesting métro station in the front flap - perfect for the (many) rainy days in Paris


Line 6 between Bir Hakeim and Passy. Take this line at night and see the Tour Eiffel light show.

3. Explore the numerous parks found in Paris. FREE. They are all beautiful; you just have to find your favorite!
4. Walk by the Seine. FREE. What's more romantic than the smell of fresh urine next to a polluted river surrounded by rude tourists and booksellers selling useless junk? Seriously, it can be quite nice in the evening in some parts of town. Use the river as a navigational tool as well. Left Bank = Rive Gauche / Right Bank = Rive Droite. To find any major tourist destination on foot, walk by the Seine, then follow street signs to the attraction.
5. Enjoy a Parisian baguette while people-watching. You knew one of them had to involve bread! Watch them in parks, at tourist attractions, at major intersections...endless entertainment.


Being Safe in Paris
Apparently, France has criminals, just like every other country on the Earth. The key is not to live in fear, but to live smartly. Even though I technically lived with my mother, we parted ways every morning and didn't see each other until dinnertime, so I was on my own. I'm a 20-something female, but I didn't feel truly scared in the big city.

Helpful Tips That Will Keep You Out of Trouble
1. Speak QUIETLY! I have a loud voice, so this was a hard one for me. The French are very reserved people. If you start shouting, you'll attract the wrong kind of people.

2. Your outfits should blend it with the local crowds. That means no torn up jeans, no shorts, ABSOLUTELY NO F@NNYPACKS, no big designer glasses, no obvious American T-shirts. You don't need a wardrobe made of gold; just dress modestly. Cover up. Take off that baseball cap! I think that most of the pickpocketing victims in Paris are just so darn conspicuous, it's almost like they are begging to be robbed.

3. Valuables should remain OUT OF SIGHT. A French lady randomly walked up to a French tourist standing next to me on Bastille Day. She pointed at his digital camera - he had it in a case attached to his waist. With frightening ease, she took it. She wasn't a thief - she was simply explaining to him why so many cameras have been stolen lately. She returned the camera, after teaching us both an important lesson.

Moneybelts UNDER your clothes = good. "Normal" backpacks, not those giant backpacking backpacks = good. Purses = okay, if you watch them with all three of your eyes.

4. For the ladies - French men are more "physical." If they like you, they will make it abundantly clear. By "physical," I mean, Jacques might place his hand on your shoulder for a few seconds. However, cultural differences are no excuse for harassment. If you ever feel uncomfortable, let him know. If a stern "non" does not do the trick, just walk away. If that doesn't work, shout "laissez-moi tranquille!" = laysay mwah trah keel! And if that doesn't work, kick him as hard as you can. Thankfully, I have only had to go that far once. A teenage boy in Paris got prominent bruises on his arm and leg after causing me trouble. I spent 48 days in France; he was the only rude French person I ever encountered. Most French men are wonderful.


Pont Neuf on the night of Bastille Day. It's fine to explore Paris at night, but make sure you stay near crowds/public places. If you're unsure of where you are going, act confident anyway.

La Politesse
If you can only learn three words in French, let it be these. The French are huge on etiquette. If you are not polite, they may treat you like crap without warning or explanation....but don't fret; just know these three words/phrases:

1. Bonjour - ALWAYS ALWAYS greet a person in a store with a Bonjour during the day or a Bonsoir (bon swar) in the evening. Do not walk into a place without acknowledging a shopkeeper/owner. The person will be 500x times nicer to you and helpful after you say this ONE word.

2. S'il vous plaît = seal voo play - Your mother told you to say please. Don't stop saying it when you get to France. Add it onto any request.

3. Merci = mare see, not like the English word "mercy." - Even if the person hasn't helped you at all, say thank you. It can't hurt

4. (Extra Credit) - Excusez-moi de vous déranger = excuse-ay mwah de voo day ro(n) jay Make the last jay very smooth - not hard. It means "sorry for bothering you." It's a great introduction to ask a French person for help (After saying Bonjour, of course!)

Gypsies
Before I went to Europe, I researched a bit. In descriptions of crime, gypsies became a recurrent theme. I've been lucky to have only encountered a gypsy trick once. A woman by the Seine picked up a ring and said "Wow, I think it's gold! Is it yours?" I said "Non" and sped up my pace. They focus on tourists. Where there are tourists, there are gypsies. I have seen the greatest number in front of the Louvre. I have never seen one do anything violent, so don't be terrified of them. However, some want to acquire your money without using the friendliest of methods, so you do need to defend yourself. They will ask you, "Do you speak English?" ALWAYS LIE and say "Non." 100% of the time, after I answered in the negative, they walked away from me.

Where to Stay
There is a whole thread dedicated to hostels and such. ( [link] ) You may read a review of the hostel I slept at here -> [link] .

----

Background
In the summer of 2007, I spent 2 weeks in an apartment on the border of the 7th and the 15th arrondissements. I would never claim to "know" Paris. I simply know how to survive it

For more tips, PM me or consult the many, many stickies in this forum
_________________
Certified Franceologist.

[politicslovr]

France (excluding Paris) work in progress. More details and pictures are on the way.

Website for any French city:
"www.ville-cityname.fr" , for examples, Arles is "www.ville-arles.fr"
Paris, "www.paris.fr", is an exception. Avignon is "www.avignon.fr" Look for links to the "Office de/du Tourisme."

Helpful words that will make you feel slightly more confident
1. Gare SNCF = train station. Usually within walking distance of the town.
2. Gare TGV = train station for high speed trains (= train à grande vitesse). Some regular train stations handle TGV trains, while others do not. Some towns have two train stations, one for local trains and one for high speed trains (ex. Aix and Avignon). It's important to know which one you need. Often, the TGV stations are outside the town itself, but there are shuttles (= navettes) that take you into town (= centre-ville). In Paris, all six main train stations handle high speed trains.
3. Gare routière = bus station
4. Office du Tourisme = Guess what this means. These offices are extremely helpful when you are exploring France. They can give you FREE maps, advice, information on the surrounding area...whatever. Look for a sign with an italicized "i" on it.



5. Billets = tickets. Billets d'avion = plane tickets. Aller-Retour = round trip. Aller-Simple = one way
6. Periode de pointe = rush hour = tickets will be more expensive and trains will sell out quicker.
7. Car = short for autocar, meaning coach bus. It can be a tour bus or a shuttle. Our cars are voitures.
8. Nonfumeur = supposedly nonsmoking. Varies from place to place.
9. Carafe d'eau = small pitcher of tap water. Important, because it's FREE. cah-rahf dough. Eau gazeuse = carbonated/seltzer water. Eau plate = regular water.
10. Un Coca, s'il vous plaît = when you just can't think of anything else to order.

Delightful map of France
[link]

I can't post pictures of everything, but I have some more here: [link]

Places to Visit
The cities/towns are roughly organized by distance from Paris, with the closest first. The Région names are in parentheses.

Versailles (Ile-de-France)
Louis XIV's humble dwelling.
Getting there: In Paris, connect the the RER line C. Take the RER train line C5 to Versailles - Rive Gauche.
Enjoying it: Consider renting a bike for an hour (about 6E). Ask someone in a uniform for details. *vocab - je voudrais louer un vélo = je voodray loo-way uhn vay-low
Upside: Picturesque and beautiful.
Downside: Giant crowds and long lines.
How long should you stay?: Allow a full day for the gardens and chateau. The gardens themselves can be seen in an afternoon.
What it looks like:


The gardens and palace of Versailles

Chartres (Centre)
Home to one of the most famous examples of Gothic architecture.
Getting there: Take the train (consult train stickies for additional info)
Enjoying it: Explore the town as well as the cathedral.
How long should you stay? - 1 to 2 days
What it looks like:


The cathedral (Source: Encarta)

The Loire Valley (Centre, Pays de la Loire)
Land of Castles and Wine.
Getting there: A bit tricky. Look for a coach bus tour from Paris on the internet.
Enjoying it: Don't miss the following famous chateaux: Amboise ("Ever After" was filmed here!), Chambord, and Chenonceau.
How long should you stay? - Depends on the number of chateaux. CANNOT be done as a day trip from Paris. Only visit the Loire Valley if you will be in Paris itself for a full week.
What it looks like:


Chateau de Chambord (Source: Frenchduck.com)

Strasbourg (Alsace)
The German part of France.
Getting there: Use the brand-spanking new TGV Est line. Paris-Strasbourg takes under two and a half hours. It makes a great day trip from Paris.
Enjoying it: Walk around. It's a pretty town. See the single-spired cathedral in the center of town. It's famous for its giant...clock?
Upside: Has a cute river flowing through it.
Downside: Never have i seen/heard so much German in my life! J/K, German is almost as good as French!
How long should you stay? 1 day.
What it looks like:


Inside the cathedral Notre Dame de Strasbourg

London
The French can't really take credit for this one, but it's a great day trip from Paris if you want to see/hear real English!
Getting there: Swim - or take the Eurostar.
Enjoying it: As with Paris, you can't see all of it, so just enjoy what you can see.
Upside: Less translating
Downside: There's just so much to do! wear a raincoat.
How long should you stay? - As long as possible. Like Paris, you can never see all of it.
What it looks like:


Always sunny in London Actually, it cleared up in the afternoon and was sunnier than Paris.

Caen (Basse Normandie)
Quiet town, can be used as a "base" for WWII sightseeing.
Getting there: Take the train
Enjoying it: Can be easily explored on foot. Visit William the Conqueror's castle ruins and the Abbaye aux Dames/Abbaye aux Hommes.
Upside: Has L'Escapade bar (across the street from the train station) which serves the best steak-frites I've ever tasted. The guy let me pay with a credit card even though I was under the minimum total. Kindness + Good Food = Win.
Downside: Can't think of any. the cafés were cheaper than the ones in Paris. The tourist office was quite helpful. The weather was nice...
How long should you stay? 1 to 2 days. Allow additional days for the beaches.
What it looks like:


View of the town from the castle

Lyon (Rhone-Alpes)
Meeting place of the Rhône and the Saône rivers. One of the biggest cities in France.
Getting there: Take the lightning fast TGV to Part Dieu or Perrache stations.
Enjoying it: I really can't give any information about this town, on account of me visiting it on a whim with no background information. If you have an extra day on your Rail Pass in France, I'd suggest spending it here. Apparently, there is a famous church of sorts on the hill.
Upside: Close to South and Paris alike. The Rhône looks pretty here.
Downside: Has a man in an SUV that tried to kidnap me.
How long should you stay? 1 full day
What it looks like:


A public square of sorts

In Provence
In my opinion, the closest thing to heaven on Earth.

Aix-en-Provence
Thriving student town that can be conquered by foot. Will be tackled in the next post.

Avignon
Home of the gigantic Palais des Papes and Pont St. Bénezet (AKA Pont d'Avignon). A giant wall still serves as the traditional city borders.
Getting there: 1)Take the regular train to Avignon Centre, or; 2) Take the TGV to Avignon Gare TGV and then catch a shuttle to the city.
Enjoying it: Take advantage of their "pass" system: the more monuments you visit = lower admission prices for monuments. Inquire at the Tourist Office or the Palais des Papes.
Upside: Has giant Papal Palace. HAS FREE, CLEAN RESTROOMS!!
Downside: Worst crêpes ever. the Rhône is hideous.
How long should you stay? 1 to 3 days.
What it looks like:


The Papal Palace. It is bigger than YOUR IMAGINATION.

Arles
Source of Van Gogh's inspiration. Don't miss the amphithéâtre and the Roman Arena (les Arènes), both of which are still used today. Fortunately, they have bullfights in the arena instead of killing Christians.
Getting there: Take the train
Enjoying it: Visit the tourist office to get information on the four walking tours.
Upside: Great view of the town from les Arènes
Downside: Overpriced Café La Nuit because of Van Gogh
How long should you stay? 1-2 days.
What it looks like:


View from les Arènes

Marseille
Second biggest city in France. Hustle and bustle of New York meets southern sun of Provence. Don't miss the Chateau d'If, unfortunate home of Dumas's Count of Monte Cristo. Catch the boat at the Vieux Port to get there.
Getting there: Take the (TGV) train to Marseille St. Charles.
Enjoying it: Catch the little tourist train at the Vieux Port. It will carry you up the steep hill to Notre Dame de la Garde. From there, appreciate the Romanesque/Byzantine architecture and the huge dents in the wall left from bombing campaigns in World War II.
Upside: Has great couscous and bouillabaisse.
Downside: A bit dirty in some parts...but what city isn't
How long should you stay? 1 to 2 days
What it looks like:


View from Notre Dame de la Garde

Villages of The Lubéron
Considered the "real" Provence. Towns include L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, home of the biggest outdoor market outside of Paris (on Sundays), Roussillon, famous for its red ocre cliffs (Le Sentier des Ocres), and Gordes, a sweet cream-colored town with a nearby monastery
Getting there: NOT accessible by train - rent a car or use a tour instead. Ask for information at a tourist office (Aix, Arles, Avignon).
Upside: Tiny towns, adorable, breathtaking atmosphere.
Downside: Hard to get to, throngs of tourists make everything crowded
How long should I stay: up to 3 towns can be done in a day
What they look like:


The Sorgue river - it wraps around the whole town, making it an "ile".


Le Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon. The picture doesn't do it justice. It's like Mars...out of this world.


View from a road in Gordes - These perfect vistas become standard in Provence.
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[politicslovr]

Aix-en-Provence - work in progress. Pictures and more information to follow.

Overview
Aix-en-Provence can best be described a charming Provençal town with the attitude of a ritzy urban area. Paul Cézanne's Mont Sainte Victoire watches over the town's narrow streets, filled with sophisticated shops and scores of eager people. The town is surrounded by pristine countryside, but one need not leave the town to experience big city life. This delightful mix of affluent boutiques and cheap crêpes form the great place that is Aix. To top it off, Aix is a huge student town, so there is no shortage of activities for young people.


Llamas. One of the many surprises you may find in Aix.

People at Tourist Office = Your Friends
Aix-en-Provence has a great tourist office right by la Rotunde. They can give you maps, information on tours, excursions to nearby places, upcoming events...they possess a wealth of information.



Location
Aix-en-Provence is in the South of France, in the region commonly known as Provence. The nearest major city is Marseille. For those wishing to visit some of France outside of Paris or for those who need a place to stop in between Paris and Italy, Aix-en-Provence provides both.

City Plan


La Rotunde - the town's most famous landmark.

The city itself is fun to navigate because of its listless, winding streets. The "center" (cultural, not geographical) of town is Place de la Rotunde, a giant fountain. From La Rotunde, several avenues radiate to other parts of town, including the Cours Mirabeau, the most famous street in Aix. There are two major sections of the city: Vieux Aix (Old Aix) and the Quartier Mazarin (Mazarin Quarter). Which one is which? Vieux Aix has the narrow, aimless streets; the Mazarin Quarter has straight, parallel streets, like most American towns.


North of la Rotunde - Vieux Aix. South of la Rotunde - Mazarin Quarter.

Getting there
Nearest airport - Marseille's Marignane International Airport (code: MRS)
[link]
If flying directly to Marseille, expect at least one connection. Shuttles to Aix-en-Provence are available. These shuttles drop off passengers at the Gare Routière (bus station) in town.

Train Stations
It should be noted that there are two train stations that serve Aix-en-Provence: 1) the Gare SNCF in town; and 2) the Gare TGV located about 20 minutes outside of town, which is linked to Aix by frequent shuttle service.

The Gare SNCF is located off of Avenue Victor Hugo, one of the spurs of La Rotunde. Currently, it is undergoing renovations. The former train routes have been replaced by autocars (coach buses). Travelers arriving in Marseille St. Charles train station should take the autocar to the Gare SNCF and catch a taxi.


Marseille St. Charles train station.

Travelers arriving in another major city in France (ex. Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Lyon, etc.) should take the TGV (high speed train) to the Aix en Provence Gare TGV. From there, a shuttle to the Gare Routière can transport visitors to the town itself.


TGV station in Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport

Weather
Overall, very mild. Subject to the Mistral, strong winds that strike the South of France in 3 day periods. Pleasant in June. Can be very hot in July. Dress for warm weather, but don't forget your sweaters.

Local Transportation
In Aix, the best form of transportation is oneself. Aix is a pedestrian's dream, with its tiny streets and spacious sidewalks on the main boulevards / cours.


Beautiful Aix.

Although the city can be crossed on foot in under two hours, Aix-en-Provence provides public transportation connecting travelers and natives alike. Aix-en-Bus, the city's bus system, has several lines with stops in and right outside of town. Frequent users should purchase a carnet, or group of tickets to save money on fares.

For more information concerning schedules and fares, ask the tourist office in Place de la Rotunde. All buses stop at La Rotunde; it's just a question of which bus to take.

Enjoying it
Stay overnight if possible. Appreciate the 18th and 19th century apartment buildings. Walk around the town. Try not to "plan" anything.

Wander into the bookshops, anglophone and francophone alike. For francophone books, check out the Librairie de Provence on the Cours Mirabeau. For English books, visit Book in a Bar in the Mazarin district (south of the city). They have a little café and give you cookies with every order

Edible Delactables
A. Crêpes. At. Every. Corner. Yum. Who makes the best crêpes? That's a fierce debate. I recommend Crêpes a Go-Go in the underground passage near La Rotunde or a VitamFruit stand. The stand in Place des Prêcheurs serves good crêpes, too. The vendor gives candy with them.


Mmm, nutella...and a Sprite.

B. French meals. Can get rather pricey. As a general rule, the closer to the Cours Mirabeau, the higher the prices will be. I would poke around Forum des Cardeurs, right around Place de l'Hotel de Ville. It's this almost hidden "street" filled with cafés. Chez Laurette has excellent lasagna.


Four Cheese Pizza. You can never go wrong with pizza!

C. Sandwiches. Plenty of sandwich shops around Place des Prêcheurs. Great food for lunch at a nominal price.


Sandwich poulet. The chicken is underneath the fries....somewhere....

D. Ethnic Food. There is a hidden alleyway somewhere off of Rue Maréchal Foch with a dizzying array of ethnic food right around Place Ramus, including an excellent Chinese-Vietnamese place - Anh Dao. Anyway, this alley/place has Chinese food, Vietnamese food, Indian food, Thai food....everything - all priced extremely well.

E. Pizza Capri - the best pizza I've ever had.
Location: off of Cours Mirabeau or in Place Richelme.
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Attractions in Aix
1. Cathédrale Saint Sauveur - This cathedral was built over several centuries; its architecture reflects the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The cloister (le cloître) is beautiful. Getting in is tricky. If you spot a tour group gathering around the door, follow them in! It's a great church with a gorgeous sounding organ. If you see a guide, ask him/her to show you the magnificent wooden doors. They are intricately carved. Because of their fragile nature, they remain covered most of the time.
Location: Rue Gaston de Saporta in Vieux Aix




Le Cloitre

2. Fountains - They're everywhere in Aix! The most famous is La Rotunde, in Place Charles de Gaulle at the end of the Cours Mirabeau. They make great meeting places.


My friends met at this fountain in Place de l'Hotel de Ville numerous times. That's a Roman Column.

3. Cours Mirabeau - Rated the second most beautiful street in France, right after the Champs-Elysées. One side has ATMs, the other has cafés, including Les Deux Garçons, frequented by literary giants. Appreciate the beautiful trees that line the Cours. At the end of the street, say hi to Le Bon Roi René, the last king of Provence before it became a part of France.


The sidewalks are bigger than the road itself. That is not an exaggeration.

4. Pavillon de Vendome - a mini-Versailles of sorts. Meticulous flower gardens, petit chateau. GREAT place for a picnic or lunch. Stay off the grass - use the benches instead. Make sure you use the rest room BEFORE you visit, lest you prefer taking care of your business in a hole in the floor...
Location: Off of Rue Van Loo off the Cours Sextius.



5. Parc de la Torse - giant recreational park. Great for jogging and biking. It's a bit of a walk from the city center, but it's worth it.
Location: Cours Gambetta -> Travers Saint Pierre (pass the stadiums and such)-> entrance to the park

6. Markets - On Saturday, the artisan market takes over the Cours Mirabeau. I bought a cute necklace there. I got a discount for speaking French!

In fact, the entire town is a market on Saturdays. It is based around Place des Precheurs, but it expands into the neighboring streets, selling clothes, shoes, CDs, whatever! I think you can haggle at these markets...I've never tried myself, but I've never been discouraged from trying, either.

Each major Place has a market. There are flower markets and food markets every weekday (Place Richelme, Place de l'Hotel de Ville, Place des Precheurs).

If you are seriously interested in market shopping, take a day trip on a Sunday to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. This tiny town has the biggest markets outside of Paris.

7. Cézanne walking tour - This famous painter was born in Aix, worked in Aix for most of his life, and died in Aix. He has near-deity status. Just follow the golden "Cs" on the ground around the city to visit each place that played a role in his life. You can even visit his studio (it's on a steep hill; bring stamina!) on Avenue Paul Cézanne north of Vieux Aix.

8. Musée Granet - For the art fiends. It boasts a lovely collection for a small town.

Nightlife
There is not shortage of nightlife in Aix. My favorite nightclub is Le Castel, on Avenue Victor Hugo, a swell basement on Avenue Victor Hugo with no cover charge. Themed nights, disco ball, pool table, bar - and an exciting atmosphere.
More clubs -> [link]
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