France What to Pack

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Just practical stuff really

by Elodie_Caroline

A decent handbag that is not easily gotten into, don't leave the zip open if you don't want pickockets to filch your purse etc. Suitable locks on suitcases for exactly the same reason too. A bumbag for just general sightseeing would be much safer for you and your belongings. Good walking shoes, how can you expect to walk around and seeing the sights if you are wearing uncomfortable shoes? High heels for evening wear only. Casual wear that is smart and tidy for day wear, no one wants to view slobs on holiday. Evening wear is what you feel most comfortable and glamourous in. Any medicines that you have to take, remember to get a Medical passport for such things as Insulin and needles etc., otherwise they may think you're a drug addict at Customs. A small first aid kit would also be handy. Remember to always carry a first aid kit in your car if you are travelling this way to or around...

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Entering France, visa and such

by ATLC

For information about this, either contact the French embassy in your country, or for some initial information, see this link of the French Foreign Affairs Department (you can't get more official!):http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france_159/entering-france_2045/index.htmlor click hereFor US citizens, click here

Mobile Phone Charger's require 2 pin Adaptors.

by spacedust

Hi,Remember to carry a two pin adaptor for your Mobile Phone Charger. Many newer Cell Phone adaptors have three pins. These will not go into the two holed sockets that the French use. So do carry a converter in case your cell phone has a 3 Pinned adaptor plug.

The Backpacker Guitar

by opb.photos

In Marseille I met a guy from San Diego. Steve, that is his name, travels with a special guitar for backpackers. It is a lot lighter and smaller than a normal guitar, so it saves space and it's easy to carry. The price is around 200$US

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Stamps

by ATLC

You don't need to go to a post office (La Poste) if you simply need stamps for your postcards. Any 'Tabac' sells them. A 'Tabac' is a bar (light snacks, drinks, coffee) that sells tobacco and stamps. As of 2006:The tariff for post cards or letters up to 20 gram: outside Europe is €0,85. Inside Europe it's € 0,60.For a destination in France, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyane, Réunion: € 0,54 (express) and € 0,49 (economy).You can recognise the 'Tabac' sign by its red, longish diamond shape. Guyon says it is supposed to look like a carrot that was used to keep tobacco moist.

leave the fake bags at home

by uysijessa

don't even dare to bring any of those fake louis vuitton bags with you. or any french-branded bag/luggage for that matter. you're in france remember? you'll be spotted as a poser a mile away. there's something about france that makes you wanna dress up a little bit more than the normal. people just seem to be so fashionable and dressed to the nines. best to keep your casual clothing in your luggage and bring out your fashionista outfits especially in paris. time to shine people! the french are known to be a tad bit snobbish especially when you can't speak their language so best to brush up on your french-speaking skills before visiting this country. otherwise it would be handy to have a french-english (or whatever language you speak) dictionary or phrasebook with you if you want to get a word out of their mouths.

Power point adapters

by tiabunna

France uses the European three pin plug – one fixed on the wall socket and two on the plug itself, running at 220V. With the numerous power consuming gadgets we now carry, it is imperative that you have a suitable adapter for your appliances if your country uses something different. I’d recommend you take it with you, because finding a suitable adapter could be difficult: and imagine how infuriating to have a digital camera with flat batteries which could not be charged because of the plug! I've put this under the "Photo Equipment" heading, but it could apply to many other electrical gadgets, from phones to shavers.

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Pack lightly

by guernseydonkey

A knapsack leather biking gear. a few black t shirts , a pair of black jeans . black trainers , black socks and black calvin klein's . LOL Tooth paste and brush, after shave deoderent . Disposable camera in case you drop it while taking picture on the bike! trunks and a towel . very important , bike log book , insurance details all original documents .

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Pack to Rennes

by dr.firas

Don't forget your camera equipments and also take good pills for headache when you are there for working, and never forget to take a scotch, yes that's how I fixed my hole in the shoe, to survive the other 5 remaining days! then I throw it in the garbage of course LOL!

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Things for the Tour de France Viewer

by Hopkid

Day pack to carry your supplies and to stow the swag you get from the sponsor caravan. Rain gear, hat, sunglasses, fleece/jacket (if you'll be viewing the stages on the north coast) Sun screen, band aids, Definitely bring a camera! I recommend bringing extra batteries as well. Blanket or towel to sit on, folding camping chair or stool would also be nice Cow bell (to let the riders know you're cheering for them!); reading material; radio (if you understand French you can catch the live commentary)

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Top 3 Hotels in France

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Hotel Gutenberg  Strasbourg

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Questions and Answers

Mongy profile photo

Q:  Dear all, Does anyone knows whether it is possible to get a phone sim card in France for use during a short term/traveller stay... 

gwened profile photo

A: get it at any mobile phone provider Bouygues, SFR or Orange. I use Orange. very easy http://agence.orange.fr/search?query=paris&st_like%5BSERVICES%5D%5B%5D=%25 have... 

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Jun 21, 2012 
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