When speaking about coming to France, the first things that cross the mind of the person include listed landmarks such as the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, or the posh streets of Paris. However, in order to feel France Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist, you will have to go a step further and not visit only the usual photo destinations but get into the culture, history, and the charm of the country. France is not merely a place, it is a feeling which is in its cobblestone streets, in its village cafes, in the experience of people who are there to make it even more real. Be it the France Holiday Packages you are making or you are tailoring your trip with France packets with Oman, knowing how to live like a local will make your trip an experience to remember.
At Gokite Oman, we are of the opinion that traveling is not just a sightseeing activity, it is also about the soul of a place. You need to take your time, watch, eat, and communicate in order to enjoy France Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist. Walk local markets, chat with Cafe owners, visit village festivals and discover those places that few tourists explore. France ranks those who are inquisitive and persistent, those who prefer the real to the convenient, and the connected to the checklist. This guide will assist you in realizing the process of accepting that mindset, and revealing the actual nature of France.
1. Start with the Local Mindset
In order to visit France Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist, you need to think like one rather than having an itinerary. Tourists find meaning in what they see and travelers find meaning in what they do. Rather than hastily moving about Paris, decide to learn how they move at their own speed, how people in Paris start their mornings by eating a croissant and espresso, or how people flock together in parks and have picnics together. Learn some French words like bonjour, merci and s ile vous pla nd. It is good that the visitors are making the effort to use their language, the locals feel appreciated and they are interested.
Attempt to lodge in local guesthouses or boutique hotels as opposed to big chains. These will be filled with family-run places where the owners are always ready to tell you about their neighborhoods and share tips. A chat with them may be taken to a little-known perspective, an individual art gallery or a cafe with the most delightful croissants in the city.
2. Go Beyond Paris
France is more than Paris is beautiful. In order to feel France As a Traveler, Not a Tourist, one of the best ways to visit the country is to go to those places that represent the wide range of French culture and landscapes.
Provence – It is characterized by lavender fields, vineyards and quaint stone villages. Go to some local Aix-en-Provence markets and feel the leisurely pace of village life.
Alsace -It is a combination of both French and German, and has gained fame due to its half-timbered houses, Christmas markets and white wines.
Brittany Wild coast, Celtic culture, and yummy crêpes.
The Loire Valley The Loire Valley is the home of fairytale castles, vineyards, and bicycle trails that follow the river.
Normandy – Ideal to those who love history; visit the beaches of D-Day, the quaint fishing towns and cider houses in the area.
Booking France Holiday Packages, request your travel consultant (i.e. the ones at Gokite Oman) to incorporate both the large cities and the country retreats. This mix provides you with a better idea of the French life.
3. Taste Real French Food.
French food is an art, and one of the most pleasing experiences to have in France Like a Traveler Not a Tourist is by food. There is no need to check the fast food or restaurant chains, find family-run bistros, bakeries, and farmer markets.
France has got its own specialties per region. In Lyon there are also the bouchons who make rustic dishes such as quenelles and coq au vin. Brittany, take galettes (savoury buckwheat crêpes), whereas the South serves a hearty seafood stew, the bouillabaisse of Marseille. One should not miss a chance to visit the local wine vineyards to taste wine or doing a cooking course to learn about creating French pastries.
French people do not just eat but have an experience with food. Dining is a communal affair that should be taken at a leisurely pace, possibly with more than one course, and pleasant chatting. Go with this speed, and you will feel like one of the locals.
4. Travel by Train or Bicycle
To discover France Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist, think like the locals and travel like them. The train network in France is quite good as it links big cities and small towns. By taking a train ride in the French countryside, you have a scenic view of vineyards, villages and hills which you may not see when taking a flight.
In order to be even more immersed, consider cycling. Biking is also friendly in the country particularly in areas such as the Loire Valley, Burgundy and Provence. You will pass by small cafes, vineyards and local markets in your way- they are the best places to recreationalize and interact with locals.
5. Stay Longer, See Less
Attempting to see everything is one of the greatest errors that tourists commit. France is large and abundant in marvels but in order to Get France Like A Traveler, Not a Tourist, it is more about depth than distance. Rather than trying to fit five cities in a week, spend even more days in one city.
Spend some days in one city and visit the neighboring villages. Attend a community cooking lesson, volunteer in a farm or attend a local festival. Such slow experiences make relevant memories and relationships. You will not only go home with pictures but also stories.
6. Go to Local Markets and Festivals.
The French life is fueled by markets. Virtually all towns and villages have weekly markets where townsfolk purchase fresh products, cheese, meats and baked goods. Going to such markets allows getting in touch with the local merchants, tasting their local delicacies, and feel the pulse of the community.
Similarly, the visit to festivals provides an insight into the local traditions. It could be the Fete de la Musique in June, the celebrations of wine harvests in Bordeaux, or lavender festivals in Provence and these occasions demonstrate the colorful French culture that is not marked in tourist brochures.
7. Adequately Respect Local Traditions and Manners.
In order to be able to experience France Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist, one must have an idea of cultural etiquette. The French value courtesy and tact. Always welcome people with a kind bonjour to either pose a question or walk into a shop. Wear decent clothes, particularly in churches and restaurants.
In the street, one should avoid loud speaking and should learn to recognize the French art of being subtle. Even the little signs of respect will go a long way in establishing positive interaction with the locals.
8. Discover Small Villages and Hidden Gems.
The beauty of France is usually in the minor destinations of the country. By-pass the busy places, and explore such destinations as Colmar, Annecy, or Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. These are slower and give one an opportunity to experience real French life.
Visit local bakeries, family-owned vineyards or small art-galleries. Go nowhere–it is better to lose the road occasionally in order to discover the true France.
9. Learn and Participate
The best way of traveling like a local would be to become part of the culture. Take French language course, participate in art classes or attend wine picking. These practical experiences enhance your knowledge on the culture and create you with memorable experiences.
10. There has been growing responsibility concerning sustainability in travel activities.
An authentic traveler admires the nature and society. Invest in local businesses, commute, and do not gather in crowded tourist areas during tourist season. Eco-conscious traveling is not just better to the planet, it is also better to you, because it provides access to communities where authenticity is appreciated.
Conclusion
Exploring France Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist is the book about slow traveling, all about plunging into the culture, enjoying the food, and people. You do not have to hurry to the next attraction, but spend time to enjoy the finer details of French life. Roam in vineyards, speak to craftsmen and hang around cafes where people gather. It is the way you discover the soul of France.
France Packages from oman is provider of France Holiday Packages and France Packages by offering both a comfortable and enriching plan of the trip. You can ride through Provence like a local or spend a day sipping wine in Bordeaux and traveling locally is the only way to see another side of France. Go slow, therefore, unclose your heart, and make France show herself–one experience after another.
