France is just so stunning, from North, South, East & West! France possesses such incredible, rich history & such beautiful culture, which actually varies somewhat, from region to region. IMPO, a trip to France will not disappoint & will also be a wonderful & colourful life's lesson. I really believe that the French are so misunderstood, in various ways, but in truth, they're no different to anyone else anywhere. They're a proud people, possessing a very rich, varied & beautiful culture & so they should be, as we all are, for our own respective countries & cultures. Absolutely nothing wrong with that & actually, would be quite odd, if this wasn't the case. I always say to my Western friends, when in Rome, do as the Romans do & this saying, well applies to France & all countries too. The French are polite & very welcoming, but they're also "very aware" of what others say about them, so too, how they're treated when many visit their country. They just ask for something very simple. It's called.....Respect. When you visit France, just be respectful & appreciative, remain open minded, plus learn some basic French, as after all, you're "choosing" to visit France & you'll see a very marked difference on both ends. France is amazing. We shouldn't fight it, but fully open our eyes, our ears, our hearts & just enjoy this marvellous & beautiful country. Peace
We live and die by Rick Steve's books. We are fortunate enough to travel to Europe 4 or 5 times a year. We have never been steered wrong by his books. Lastly, France is an incredibly beautiful country to visit - top to bottom, east to west.
It really is stunning & i can't wait to head back to France. I love the French Alps, Normandy & Brittany, but the South is my favourite. Just super stunning! A wonderful culture too! Take care.
France great churches art galleys.great days were glad with Gistlalaine m friend near Aix le Ban.Most enjoyable we saw the cycling tour in 1980s greeat to see the Tour De France .Spent 3 weeks of great local tours.A must or those that wish to see this area of France. Loved the time with friend.Great food-toursAnn Deakin 2021
As a local Frenchman 🇫🇷 i approve this message 👍 Rick is right. He obviously knows what he's talking about. Bon voyage à tous ceux qui veulent profiter dans notre beau pays. 🇫🇷
I have loved Rick Steves for YEARS! Over 30 years ago I am pretty sure it was his talks on PBS that encouraged my desire to travel Europe... SO happy that I did! And with that as a Basis, traveling South and Central America has more Joy and Curiosity! The World is indeed fascinating!!
To think that during the 200 years that the incredible Sainte-Chapelle was built, until it's completion, approximately 6 to 8 generations had elapsed. Possibly more, as average lifespans were often much shorter back then. A truly amazing thought, as to the length of time that it took, to build such intricate, beautiful & utterly amazing pieces of historic architecture. And to think these days, if we're running a few mins late & are behind the wheel of a car, we can easily stress/lose it & we even lose it, if the tv commercials/adverts are too lengthy & time consuming! lol I say, we need to go back. There are grand life lessons to be learnt there. Ps. Steve, your talks are so wonderful, informative, inspirational & very influential! You have placed even greater interest within me now & have influenced me even more so, to book a trip & revisit France. Thanks for sharing.
17:10 For repeat visits, I’ve really come to like this approach of renting an apartment and staying in one place for a while. I can get to know the neighborhood, find a patisserie and coffee shop I really like, do my laundry at the laverie, normal people stuff.
Lovely! My husband and I absolutely loved the Matisse museum in Nice btw. A picture of a chair, next to the actual chair! Many of his tricks of the trade demonstrated with his actual tools. A real living monument to the work of Henri Matisse and a must-see in our opinion.
So much similarity to Rick’s exuberance! Absolutely loved listening to this full talk! Thank you for such excellent informative travel tips and for heightening the desire to join one of the tours!!
We had NO problem paying for fuel in 2019 in France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland with our Canadian credit card. Of course, we've had chip and pin cards for years. In fact, when purchasing fuel in France at pay-at-the-pump, the onscreen languages changes depending on your country of origin. My English Canadian card triggered English text on French gas pumps. I can't remember if the language changed in the other countries but figuring out which fuel to use is a no brainer given that the fuel cap indicates the type by colour and octane level numerically.
Some areas are wonderful for gentle leisure cycling, if you come from the US, you might be surprised and enjoy safe cycling tracks along beautiful canals, beach and city, where there is no traffic to worry about. Great for the kids.
This guy has deep knowledge. Slightly odd delivery, but he gets it. Used Rick's France books for years and only recently realized this is the man behind the curtain.
@@lisalu910True, but in a way this is “the man behind the curtain”. Rick Steves is the face of the company, but Steve Smith here has been visiting and then living in France for over 30 years collecting the intel that makes the books possible.
You know a lot about France, I have to admit. Chapeau for that! But to be honest, you are wrong about Spain. Spain (47,35 mil inhabitants)= 94 people within 1 square km while France (67,39 mil inhabitants)= 119 people within 1 square km. Spain has a lot of population density prior in the coastal and eastern regions. The centre of the country is quite an different story, the conglomeration of Madrid excluded ofcourse. But still, I thank you very much for this informative overload!
I had no idea France had other influences Italian German as you travel throughout the country fascinating talk we're going for 2 weeks I've never been to Europe. Feeling a bit ignorant trying to learn
Great educational video. Thank you . As a child we got to live a few years in France due to my fathers work with the US gov. Questions : what are the laws for living in France for extended periods of time?, are you also a French citizen?, what are the laws for buying a house? Is it better to rent?
Very informative but he does cover the same ground as Rick's shows. I also find it difficult to sit through ÀNY presentation greater than 60 minutes, especially ones where so much information is given. It's a bit overwhelming. Steve himself seemed to run out of steam. Maybe focus on one region at a time, rather than trying to give us everything at once. This felt like a James Michener novel. Note to @ricksteves please continue the excellent work you're doing, but consider breaking these talks to 45-60 minutes.
If you split the menue with your partner in a good restaurant, well you might as well order Ketchup. No style. Only allowed if you are very young and very much in love. The waiter will then asume you scrached together your savings to have this evening. Take your time, enjoy your meal. Do not drive a car in Paris the traffic is insane.
OH YES CASH ON HAND!!! We left hotel in wee hours to drive to the train station. Almost missed our train to Paris coz we didn’t have the right change for the toll and credit card didn’t work. We lucked out when a single soul was working in the office. We saw the lights on. After some running around in and out of the office, we were on our way. Whew!
0:53 Orientation
- 6:42 Waiters
- 7:55 Trains
- 9:50 Driving Tips
- 10:45 Speed Cameras
- 11:30 Gasoline/Petrol
- 13:40 Accommodations
- 18:00 Food and Restaurants
24:55 Paris
- 30:19 Museum Pass
- 31:11 Lines!
- 32:02 Getting around
- 35:37 Sightseeing Suggestions / 4 Days in Paris
54:10 Normandy & the Loire
1:11:23 Dordogne & Languedoc
1:23:25 Burgandy & the French Alps
Brilliant. Thanks!
Thx m8
Burgundy
You rock!
France is just so stunning, from North, South, East & West! France possesses such incredible, rich history & such beautiful culture, which actually varies somewhat, from region to region. IMPO, a trip to France will not disappoint & will also be a wonderful & colourful life's lesson. I really believe that the French are so misunderstood, in various ways, but in truth, they're no different to anyone else anywhere. They're a proud people, possessing a very rich, varied & beautiful culture & so they should be, as we all are, for our own respective countries & cultures. Absolutely nothing wrong with that & actually, would be quite odd, if this wasn't the case. I always say to my Western friends, when in Rome, do as the Romans do & this saying, well applies to France & all countries too. The French are polite & very welcoming, but they're also "very aware" of what others say about them, so too, how they're treated when many visit their country. They just ask for something very simple. It's called.....Respect. When you visit France, just be respectful & appreciative, remain open minded, plus learn some basic French, as after all, you're "choosing" to visit France & you'll see a very marked difference on both ends. France is amazing. We shouldn't fight it, but fully open our eyes, our ears, our hearts & just enjoy this marvellous & beautiful country. Peace
We live and die by Rick Steve's books. We are fortunate enough to travel to Europe 4 or 5 times a year. We have never been steered wrong by his books. Lastly, France is an incredibly beautiful country to visit - top to bottom, east to west.
4 or 5 times a year. That’s incredible. I need to change. Careers.
It really is stunning & i can't wait to head back to France. I love the French Alps, Normandy & Brittany, but the South is my favourite. Just super stunning! A wonderful culture too! Take care.
France great churches art galleys.great days were glad with Gistlalaine m friend near Aix le Ban.Most enjoyable we saw the cycling tour in 1980s greeat to see the Tour De France .Spent 3 weeks of great local tours.A must or those that wish to see this area of France. Loved the time with friend.Great food-toursAnn Deakin 2021
As a local Frenchman 🇫🇷 i approve this message 👍
Rick is right. He obviously knows what he's talking about.
Bon voyage à tous ceux qui veulent profiter dans notre beau pays. 🇫🇷
I have loved Rick Steves for YEARS! Over 30 years ago I am pretty sure it was his talks on PBS that encouraged my desire to travel Europe... SO happy that I did! And with that as a Basis, traveling South and Central America has more Joy and Curiosity! The World is indeed fascinating!!
To think that during the 200 years that the incredible Sainte-Chapelle was built, until it's completion, approximately 6 to 8 generations had elapsed. Possibly more, as average lifespans were often much shorter back then. A truly amazing thought, as to the length of time that it took, to build such intricate, beautiful & utterly amazing pieces of historic architecture.
And to think these days, if we're running a few mins late & are behind the wheel of a car, we can easily stress/lose it & we even lose it, if the tv commercials/adverts are too lengthy & time consuming! lol
I say, we need to go back. There are grand life lessons to be learnt there.
Ps. Steve, your talks are so wonderful, informative, inspirational & very influential! You have placed even greater interest within me now & have influenced me even more so, to book a trip & revisit France. Thanks for sharing.
Hello friend good morning 🌄🌄
Thanks for great sharing nice presentation 👍👍👍
Lisieux, Alencon, Caen, Nevers, Lyon, Lourdes….oh to visit!
I love that he corrects himself with "Manet to Monet" but not "Taxed was not booze." 🤣🤔
17:10 For repeat visits, I’ve really come to like this approach of renting an apartment and staying in one place for a while. I can get to know the neighborhood, find a patisserie and coffee shop I really like, do my laundry at the laverie, normal people stuff.
Lovely! My husband and I absolutely loved the Matisse museum in Nice btw. A picture of a chair, next to the actual chair! Many of his tricks of the trade demonstrated with his actual tools. A real living monument to the work of Henri Matisse and a must-see in our opinion.
Been binging on you awesome travel presentations while buckled down because of the Covid. Thank you for contributing such amazing magic!
Hii
46:00- "Tax was not boozed." I loled. Let's get a beer sometime Steve.
So much similarity to Rick’s exuberance! Absolutely loved listening to this full talk! Thank you for such excellent informative travel tips and for heightening the desire to join one of the tours!!
Great description of France... but sooo long..
Very informative..
Greetings from Paris 👋
Hii
We had NO problem paying for fuel in 2019 in France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland with our Canadian credit card. Of course, we've had chip and pin cards for years. In fact, when purchasing fuel in France at pay-at-the-pump, the onscreen languages changes depending on your country of origin. My English Canadian card triggered English text on French gas pumps. I can't remember if the language changed in the other countries but figuring out which fuel to use is a no brainer given that the fuel cap indicates the type by colour and octane level numerically.
Some areas are wonderful for gentle leisure cycling, if you come from the US, you might be surprised and enjoy safe cycling tracks along beautiful canals, beach and city, where there is no traffic to worry about. Great for the kids.
Outstanding information!😊
Incredible travel experience
thank you Rick''
Steve thank you very everything you do. Your are very good at covering France and the culture
Good to know about Paris' cool neighborhoods.
realmente muy entretenido y super util informacion! thanks a lot!!!!
This guy has deep knowledge. Slightly odd delivery, but he gets it. Used Rick's France books for years and only recently realized this is the man behind the curtain.
Actually the guy in this video is NOT Rick Steves.
@@lisalu910True, but in a way this is “the man behind the curtain”. Rick Steves is the face of the company, but Steve Smith here has been visiting and then living in France for over 30 years collecting the intel that makes the books possible.
You know a lot about France, I have to admit. Chapeau for that! But to be honest, you are wrong about Spain. Spain (47,35 mil inhabitants)= 94 people within 1 square km while France (67,39 mil inhabitants)= 119 people within 1 square km. Spain has a lot of population density prior in the coastal and eastern regions. The centre of the country is quite an different story, the conglomeration of Madrid excluded ofcourse. But still, I thank you very much for this informative overload!
Very informative..and excellent presentation..I learnt a lot...thank you
I sure like listening to Rick, I'm sure this guy knows his subject. But guess I got spoiled on Rick's personality 😊
France is a place full of history and a guide for Normandy and the day when the allies came in 44 is always welcome.
Normandy is very moving. Everyone should see that place and see what happened that day.
I believe YOU
Marais district, a cool backdoor neighborhood. Unintended pun? Lol
I had no idea France had other influences Italian German as you travel throughout the country fascinating talk we're going for 2 weeks I've never been to Europe. Feeling a bit ignorant trying to learn
Nice am from India❤❤
A carnet is a book and a carnet de dix is a booklet of ten metro tickets. Carnet doesn’t mean 10 of something. Otherwise excellent info.
Great educational video. Thank you . As a child we got to live a few years in France due to my fathers work with the US gov.
Questions : what are the laws for living in France for extended periods of time?, are you also a French citizen?, what are the laws for buying a house? Is it better to rent?
About credit cards, I think pre-paid card may work. You can buy it at a tobacco store in France.
Very informative but he does cover the same ground as Rick's shows.
I also find it difficult to sit through ÀNY presentation greater than 60 minutes, especially ones where so much information is given. It's a bit overwhelming. Steve himself seemed to run out of steam. Maybe focus on one region at a time, rather than trying to give us everything at once. This felt like a James Michener novel.
Note to @ricksteves please continue the excellent work you're doing, but consider breaking these talks to 45-60 minutes.
You guys know my country better than I do !
If you split the menue with your partner in a good restaurant, well you might as well order Ketchup. No style. Only allowed if you are very young and very much in love. The waiter will then asume you scrached together your savings to have this evening.
Take your time, enjoy your meal.
Do not drive a car in Paris the traffic is insane.
OH YES CASH ON HAND!!! We left hotel in wee hours to drive to the train station. Almost missed our train to Paris coz we didn’t have the right change for the toll and credit card didn’t work. We lucked out when a single soul was working in the office. We saw the lights on. After some running around in and out of the office, we were on our way. Whew!
Great video but you need to update the info on Notre Dame (malheureusement).
Steve gives me strong Jordan Schlansky vibes
At Montmatre I hated the cheap Hotdogstands
58:15 - B52s didn't exist in WW2. DUKW (duck) was a 6 wheel drive 2 and 1/2 ton amphibious truck used to move troops and goods over land and water.
Dont mean to be rude. The term is Espresso not
" Expresso"
fresh french cheese pastry
scotts douglas pudding hasty
toulon france tracy
A B52?
Those are Anglo-Francais or Chien Francais Tricolore; not Bloodhounds.
speaker talks too fast sometimes hard understand in English
This really strikes me as travel advice for baby boomers who have never left the United States in their lives.
1:12:17 How barbaric
If you have no imagination or ability to plan for yourself and want to be herded around like a sheep, this is for you.
lol