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France

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France

France occupies a mythic place in the eurocentric consciousness. No country is more grand, opulent, dramatic, or tragic. It’s the idea of France and the French way of life that is ever enticing; life is full of adventure, passion, and love. The French appetite for living and living well is what enchants the rest of the world.

With diverse landscapes, medieval towns and abbeys, stunning architecture, high mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines, and never-ending lavender fields, France is perhaps the most majestic country in Europe.

Though we’ve both traveled throughout France, we’ve only traveled to Paris together.

This post links to products and services we love, which we may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!! – Sabrina and Kati

Versailles Gardens

France Basics

Official Name: République française (French Republic)

Capital: Paris

Government: Unitary Semi-presidential Republic

Regions: Mainland France is divided into 13 administrative regions. France also has 5 overseas regions. Until December 31, 2015,  the country was divided into 22 administrative regions.

  • Metropolitan Regions: (1) Grand Est, (2) New Aquitaine, (3) Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, (4) Burgundy-Franche-Comté, (5) Brittany, (6) Centre-Val de Loire, (7) Île-de-France, (8) Occitania, (9) Hauts-de-France, (10) Normandy, (11) Pays de la Loire, (12) Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), and (13) Corsica
  • Overseas Regions: (1) French Guiana, (2) Guadeloupe, (3) Martinique, (4) Mayotte, and (5) Réunion

Population: 67 Million

Official Language: French

Currency: Euro

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping isn’t obligatory in France. In a fine restaurant, you can tip up to 5% for exceptional service. In a casual dining setting, €1 to €3 is sufficient.

Water Quality: Tap water is safe to drink throughout France.

Something Interesting: You can legally marry a dead person in France. If there is sufficient proof that the deceased had the intention of wedding their partner while alive, a French person can receive permission from the French president to marry posthumously.

 
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On ne fait pas d’omelette sans casser des œufs.

 

 

 

French Proverb

You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.

Where to Go in France

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Destinations
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  • Julian Alps, Slovenia. Three years ago, we hiked hut-to-hut from Vršič Pass to Lake Bohinj, a trip which cemented our love for this region. We’ve revisited every year since, unable to resist the call of these gorgeous limestone mountains. Have you hiked in the Julian Alps?
  • 5 things to do before going on a hut-to-hut hike: 1. Download a few books on your Kindle or preferred e-reader. 2. Download relevant maps on Map.me, so you can navigate offline. 3. Cut your toe nails. 4. Pack your passport and Alpine Club Membership Card. 5. Print train/transit tickets. #hüttenleben #hüttentour #hüttenwanderung #weitwandern #weitwanderweg #hüttenrunde #huttohuthiking #huttohut #huthiking #hüttenzauber #hüttenurlaub #hüttenleben #hüttensommer #huttohuttrekking #huttohuthikes #hikingblog #hikingeurope #hikingthealps #alpshiking #rgphoto #afarmag #hikingtrip #hikingvacation
  • New Dolomites Trail Guides on www.moonhoneytravel.com: 🥾Lago di Braies to Hochalpenkopf 🥾Val di Funes to Tullen Summit 🥾 Gran Cir 🥾Alpe di Siusi to Rifugio Bolzano and Rifugio Alpe di Tires 🥾Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail in Val di Funes Happy hiking! Sabrina & Kati
  • Sunrise walk on Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm, Mont Sëuc). One of the luxuries of staying on the plateau is being able to easily experience sunrise. From @hotel_steger_dellai, we set out on an early morning walk, savoring the solitude and stillness of the plateau. It’s the most magical time of day. A few hours later, the same trails are overrun with e-bikes, cyclists, large groups, and even horse-drawn carriages.
  • Rätikon High Trail Circuit in Austria and Switzerland. We‘d do this hike again in a heartbeat. What’s the most beautiful hut to hut hike you’ve trekked?
  • Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) in South Tyrol, Italy, is the largest alpine pasture in Europe. The rolling plateau is home to wonderful huts, hotels, and of course hiking trails. Here are some places/trails we recommend: 1. Rauchhütte is a gourmet hut well-known for their fine selection of wine and food. This is a great place to eat when hiking the Hans and Paula Steger Trail. 2. Alphorn concert. Each week, an ensemble of alphorn players casually gathers together at a hut on Alpe di Siusi to play. You can show up and listen (no fee/no registration needed). The destination changes each week. You can ask @alpedisiusi.seiseralm when and where the next concert is. 3. Gostner Schwaige (alpine pasture hut). They produce their own dairy products. If you visit, you have to try their Heublütensuppe (hay flower soup). More tips in our Alpe di Siusi Guide (Link in bio).
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