An American in France

Traveling to Lyon

2009-04-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

If you are traveling to Lyon then there are quite a few options for getting there. Whether you are flying, driving or traveling by train you should be able to find a route that will suit you.

You can fly into Charles de Gaulle airport from London, Brussels or Frankfurt and the town of Lyon is just 20km away from it. You can then get a shuttle bus from the airport and they run every 20 minutes, so you should not have long to wait. They run from 5am until 11.50pm and the bus company is called Satobus. They have a desk in the airport where you can make enquiries and purchase your tickets.

If you are traveling by train then the high speed TGV train would be best. It runs from the airport and also from Paris and Marseilles. If you are further afield it is possible to travel by train to Lyon from Brussels, Geneva and London, should you wish to.

There are good roads in France and so traveling to Lyon by car is also a great option. The journey may take longer than by train or air but you can appreciate the countryside and towns that you pass through and even stop along the way and visit the sites. Traveling more slowly will give you a chance to soak in the French atmosphere and you will be able to choose the route that you think will be the prettiest. As a rough guide, by car Lyon is about 4 hours from Paris, 6 hours from Barcelona and 1.5 hours from Geneva. In Lyon there are a number of long stay car parks which were built to encourage the residents to park there and then use the public transport. This may be something that you want to do as well. There are also park and ride scheme which are great for day visitors to the town and would be useful if you were staying outside of the centre or just visiting for a day trip.

Once you are in Lyon you should find that there is adequate public transport for you. There are trams, metros, Funiculars and buses. The trams metros and buses are rather normal and functional. The Funiculars are a better way to travel as they are a much more picturesque form of transport and connect to the metros. There are three main routes within the city.

There are quite a few cycle paths as well as substantial cycle parks and some places offer cycles for hire. For the ultimate tourist treat you can have a ride in a "cyclopolitain" which is a bicycle with a covered passenger area behind. You can be driven around the city in comfort in a unique vehicle. There are a selection of taxi companies too, if you need to travel somewhere where public transport is not available.

French Cheeses: The Guide to Cheese in France

2009-02-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

When Americans think of where a lot of cheese is made, they think of Wisconsin. When Americans think of where great cheese is made, France comes to mind. French cheeses are known for their exceptional flavor and texture. There is a large variety of French cheeses available so it's easy to get lost when finding the perfect cheese. I've decided to write a this guide on French cheeses to satisfy those who are at a loss when standing in front of rows of cheese at a "fromagerie" (a store that sells nothing but cheese.)

Époisses de Bourgogne - This pungent, strong-odored cheese made from cow's milk is generally left un-pasteurized. The cheese has a dark orange rind which is from the cheese being washed in brine and later with a red wine, usually burgundy. It is washed in brine primarily to achieve the strong flavor that Époisses de Bourgogne is known for. Hailing from the region of Burgundy, Époisses de Bourgogne pairs really well with Burgundy wine.

Tomme de Savoie - There are many different types of Tomme cheese. Each type of Tomme cheese is generally identified by the region they are made in. The most famous of the Tomme cheeses is Tomme de Savoie. This cheese made in the Savoie village of the French Alps. Tomme de Savoie, is a semi-solid cheese with a beautiful gray-brown rind with a pleasant nut-like flavor and silky texture. Because this cheese is made with skim milk, it is known for its low fat content.

Camembert & Brie - I'm putting these in the same category because although they have different flavors, they are made very similarly. Both Camembert and Brie are made from cows' milk and a penicillium camemberti bacterium. A little known fact is that those who are allergic to penicillin have to be careful with eating either Camembert or Brie. I personally prefer Brie to Camembert, but many people will say the opposite! My favorite Brie cheese is Brie de Meaux because of its creamy taste.

Roquefort - Roquefort is a blue cheese made from sheeps' milk. By law, Roquefort can only carry the name "Roquefort" if it has been aged in the Combalou cave in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. This rindless cheese is a crumbly cheese with a slight moisture. The green veins in the cheese have a slight tang and the exterior is salty.

Reblochon - Reblochon cheese is produced in the Savoie region of the Alps. This cheese has a nut-like flavor with a strong herbal aroma. Reblochon also has a very soft texture, which is even softer than Brie. Reblochon is made from the second milking of a cow which results in the very rich flavor of the cheese. Reblochon is best paired with a white wine or a fruity red wine.

After reading the above descriptions, you should feel more comfortable when selecting a new favorite cheese. These are just a few of the many cheeses in France. What French cheese is your favorite?

Wine Country: Bordeaux

2009-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

When the region Bordeaux is mentioned, most people automatically think of wine (and rightfully so.) Bordeaux wines have earned worldwide reputations for being a little extra special. To me personally, I prefer Bordeaux wines more than most because of the flavor that is embodied in each bottle. Wine from Bordeaux is famous for its rich flavor, beautiful coloring, and prestige. Detailed below are the major wine regions of Bordeaux and what each region offers to the wine world.

Médoc
The Médoc wine region is located in the northern part of Bordeaux. Médoc, located in the département of Gironde, is known for its full, fruity, red Bordeaux wines. It is divided into two parts with Haut-Médoc in the south and the northern part which is simply referred to as Médoc. Some of my favorite Bordeaux wines come from the Médoc region. These wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. If you've ever been in the Médoc region, you would also know that this region is famous for its wonderful Roquefort cheese.

Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion, the oldest wine region of Bordeaux, with vineyards being planted here as early as the second century. Although, Saint-Émilion is the oldest wine region in Bordeaux, it wasn't officially added to the Bordeaux wine classification until 1955. Saint-Émilion is famous for its beautiful convent cloister as well as it Reblochon cheese.

Pomerol
Although Pomerol is the smallest wine region of Bordeaux, it is by far not the least important. There aren't many wine "big wigs" in the Pomerol region, but the wine from Pomerol is strong and full-bodied. The wine-making in Pomerol is mainly a family business and there are no formal rankings for wines from this region as in other parts of Bordeaux, but the wine is no less worthy of its pricing. Wines here are high in quality and thus sold at similar prices as other wines from Bordeaux.

Graves
Graves is also one of the oldest wine-making areas of Bordeaux. The Graves area was named for the high amount of gravel in the soil. Because of the gravel in the soil, grapes often ripen more quickly in the Graves region. This is not because of the composition, either! The sun reflects from the gravel onto the underside of the grape vine allowing sunlight to the whole plant. Graves is famous for the fact that it produces all three of the major wine types from Bordeaux.

Sauternes
Within the Graves region is the Sauternes sub-region which has to be mentioned. Sauternes is known for producing dry white wines and sweet white wines. This is refreshing change to the massive amounts of red wines produced in Bordeaux. Sauternes wines are made from grapes with noble rot. Noble rot causes grapes to have a slight raisin effect which makes the wines of Sauternes very rich in flavor. Since there are many different soil types in Sauternes, each winery creates a distinct wine.

With the amazing popularity of wines from Bordeaux, it's almost a sin to pass through Bordeaux without visiting a winery or at least picking up a bottle of wine at a shop. For wine-lovers, a wine tour is almost required. For those who aren't too into wine, Bordeaux is famous for many other gastronomic favorites such as Roquefort cheese, honey, and foie gras. The scenery of Bordeaux is unbeatable, too!

For those looking for a little more information on wines from Bordeaux, I recommend three books. They are all great books, but each book is a little different than the other. The first book I recommend is "Bordeaux: A Consumer's Guide to the World's Finest Wines." This book features information on different wines from the Bordeaux region. This book is perfect for those looking for information on just wine. It also contains some gorgeous photos. The next book I recommend is "Oz Clarke's Bordeaux: The Wines, the Vineyards, the Winemakers." This book features the wines of Bordeaux as well as information on different vineyards as well as featuring several wine makers. The final book I recommend is "Bordeaux and Its Wines." This book is amazing; it contains tons of photos on not just vineyards and wines, but Bordeaux as well!

If You Drink, Let Pascal Drive

2009-01-25T23:42:00.000-08:00

There have been many times where I've driven myself to a party not knowing whether or not I'll be drinking. This can be stressful because I'm not always clear of how I'm going to get home and usually end up staying over at my friends house. I would normally have a chauffeur take me there if I know I'm drinking but don't want to spend the money to find out that I'm just going to sit it out that night. Also, if I drive myself to the party and do drink and end up getting a ride home, I end up worrying the next day about how I'm going to get my car.

Well, a fellow blogger over at The Provence Post has found a chauffeur that will take you to and from places in your own car. This seems like a rather interesting idea for those one way trips. If you need, he can pick up and drop off a rental cars. This chauffeur, Pascal Dumaine, who is quite the good looking man, can also drive trucks to assist with anyone moving. I kind of have to wonder how he gets home after dropping you and your car off, but with those looks I'm sure he has no problem hitching a ride.

Best Places in to Live in France

2009-01-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this tool a while ago and it resurfaced while cleaning out my bookmarks. For those looking for a place to live in France that matches certain likes and dislikes, this short quiz will help in finding that special place. The site is actually in French, but with Google Translate, the task can be made much easier. When I came across this tool, I'd done hours and hours of searching for things like "best places to live in france," "where to live in France," and "quiz on best place to live in France." With those searches I came up with almost nothing until I decided to search in French. (I should have thought of that after coming up fruitless in the first minutes of my search.) Amongst my first French search results, I came across the quiz titled "Quel est votre département idéal?" This translates roughly to "Which Department is Ideal for You?" Enjoy!

Wine Country: Provence

2009-01-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

For lovers of French wine or those who just love the beauty in the vineyards of France, I've come up with this multi-part series on the wine regions of France, the first part being Provence.

Provençal wine is known for being fresh and fruity and is usually paired with seafood. The important red wine grapes of Provence are the Carigan, Cinsaut, and Mourvèdre whilst the important white wine grapes are the Ugni, Clairette, and Rolle. Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Bandol, Cassis, and Bellet, which are all sub-regions of Provence which are known for their wonderful wines so I've outlined each below.

Côtes de Provence

The Côtes de Provence spans from Marseille to Nice which is the area also known as the Côtes d'Azur (French Riviera.) This area is known, in particular, for rose wine. In fact, nearly 80% of the 160 million bottles of wine are produced each year in this region is rose wine and half of all of France's rose wine is made here. Rose, contrary to popular belief, is not made from mixing red and white wines but from either a red and white grape variety or by mixing red and white grapes.

With cheeses like feta, picodon, and pélardon and dishes like tomatoes provençales its no wonder the Côtes de Provence area is also known for its food.

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

The Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence is the second largest region in Provence. This region spans from the River Durance in the north and the Mediterranean in the south. In the heart of the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence is Aix-en-Provence which is a beautiful city built over hot springs. The Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence region is known mostly for its red wine as it accounts for nearly 60% of the wine produced here. The most important grapes of this region are Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsaut.

Bandol

The Bandol region spans between La Ciotat and Toulon. This area is known for some of the oldest vineyards of France. Since Marseille is nearby, the Bandol area has been exporting wine overseas for hundreds of years. Over 70% of wines produced in the Bandol region are red. Due to the coastal climate and soil composition, Mourvèdre grapes have flourished in this area. Red and rose wines from this region must contain at least 50% Mourvèdre grapes in their blend, but due to the full, rich flavor, producers often use a higher percentage of Mourvèdre in their blend. Grenache and Cinsaut are also important grapes in this region. Red Bandol wine is required to age at least 18 months, but most wine drinkers prefer Red Bandol to be aged 10 years.

Cassis

In the area located along the coast between Bandol and Marseille, is the Cassis region. Unlike many surrounding regions, the Cassis region produces primarily white wine. The weather in the Cassis region paired with the limestone that makes up a large portion of the soil composition have allowed grapes such as Clairette, Ugni blanc, Sauvignon blanc, and Marsanne to flourish. The wine production of Cassis currently cannot meet up with the demand so many local laws have been created to protect vineyards from residential and commercial development. The low acid, full-bodied Provençal wines from this region are paired best local seafood.

Bellet

Bellet is a small region which surrounds the city of Nice. Because of the steep land grade in the Bellet region, machines cannot be used to aid in the production of wine, thus less than 100,000 bottles are produced here. White wines produced in the Bellet region are primarily made from Pignerol and Mayorquin grapes while red and rose wines are primarily made from Fuella and Braquet grapes.

While in Provence, don't forget to just enjoy yourself! There is a lot to do in the cities of Provence and the countryside is unbeatable. With idyllic villages and large seaports, the activities here are endless!

Places to Visit: Aups

2008-12-29T19:56:00.000-08:00

For those located in Marseille, Nice, or Aix en Provence, Aups is a worthy of a day trip. Although a small town with a population of under 2000 souls, Aups has much to offer. Aups is a pleasant town full of fountains, trees, and shops. Many homes here date back at early as the 17th century. Aups is located in Provence, near the Alps in the Espiguières hills.

Aups is best known for its truffles which are prized for their rich, earthy flavor. Known as 'black gold,' truffles from this region (the third largest black truffle market in France) can easily fetch over $500 a pound. Those who go truffle hunting in Aups generally use the help of dogs, although pigs were historically used. Pigs are usually better at finding this prized fungus, but are often more difficult to control. Those interested in buying truffles while there, the markets generally span from November to February. The area is also known for its honey, goat cheese, and olive oil.

Although Aups is more widely known for focusing more on agriculture than tourism, it is a prime place to travel for those interested in staying off the beaten path. For those interested in art, Aups has an amazing art museum, Musée Simon Segal, which mostly features paintings.

Marseille Travel Guide

2008-12-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

One of my personal favorite places to visit in France is Marseille. As one of the Mediterranean ports of call, Marseille is warm year round. Marseille is the second largest city in France so there's much to do here. Since Marseille was founded around 600 BC by Greek sailors, the city is full of rich culture and history.

Marseille travel can be quite fun as the city has over 100 quartier. Each quartier has its own village, church, and individual flavor. Because of its complex design, Marseille is one of the most unique cities in Europe.

While visiting Marseille, I recommend visiting Jardin des Vestiges (Garden of Ruins.) The Jardin des Vestiges is a beautiful area containing ruins of first century docks and various towers and walls. An underground aqueduct can also be found here. Another favorite site of mine in Marseille is the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica which was built in the 19th century. In the 13th century, there was a chapel on the same hilltop which became a priory for the monks of St. Victor. The chapel was fortified in the 16th century to guard against attacks from Spain. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, although younger than many architectural sites in the area, is a beautiful and interesting stop in Marseille. Another cathedral I recommend visiting is the La Major Cathedral which is a great example of Romano-Byzantine architecture. For lovers of the Count of Monte Cristo, the Chateau D'if, is located just off the coast of Marseille. The Chateau D'if was first built as a fortress, but later became the prison which was the setting of Alexandre Dumas' classic tale The Count of Monte Cristo.

Being the second largest city in France, there is no shortage of fine dining. There are restaurants for pretty much any taste and budget. For those interested in shopping, I recommend the Centre Bourse, a large shopping center which is located by the Jardin des Vestiges. For those interested in watersports, Marseille is the place to be with over 20 beaches in its environs. Sailing, fishing, and tennis are very popular in Marseille. Marseille is also known for its spas and salt water therapy for those looking to relax after a long day of soaking up the sun.

For those interested in learning more about Marseille travel, I recommend reading the book Wallpaper City Guide: Marseille. For those who can read in French, I strongly recommend the book Marseille (Lonely Planet). Lonely Planet is one of my favorite book series and it's a shame they do not publish this book in English, but for those who can read French, you luck out. After reading either of these books you'll quickly find out why I strongly recommend anyone coming to France whether for travel or to live to visit Marseille.

Road Rules: An American Driving in France

2008-11-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

As tourists, Americans can drive in France with their American license, but it's recommended to get an international license. New residents in France are required to obtain a French license after one year of stay. American licenses from the following States can be traded for a French license: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Carolina or Virginia. All other Americans must apply to take a French licensing exam.

To get a French drivers license, Americans can enroll in an English speaking driving school in France where information on the driving tests are taught. The written test has forty multiple choice questions. A maximum of 30 seconds per question is allowed on the exam and at least 35 questions must correctly answered for a passing score. The driving test lasts about twenty minutes where drivers will have to show competency in parallel parking, driving across intersections, driving on the highway, changing lanes, as well as a few other things.

Dotted road marks imply parking spaces. White spaces are generally allow free parking where those marked 'payant' are spaces where there is paid parking. Yellow markings mean that the space is reserved. Dotted yellow lines on the edge of pavements means that stops can be made, but for a short period such as picking up a friend (without the driver getting out of the car.) If a driver's car breaks down, it is required for them to place a warning triangle behind their car. Drivers are encouraged to carry a set of bulbs and reflectors to replace any that break during travel. Driving without proper lights and reflection can result in a fine. Cars should also have proper stickers showing country of registration. As in the US, if there is an accident drivers are required to help those involved in the accident. Carrying a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher will allow drivers to help someone out during an emergency so I suggest drivers carry these in their car.

In France, cars are driven on the right side of the road as in America. It is the law country-wide for seat belts to be worn.

The speed limit through towns is 50 kph, 80 kph for Paris area, 90kph for main roads, 110 kph for dual-carriage ways, and 130 kph for motorways. Also take note that the speed limit on roads is lowered by 20 kph on days where there is snow or rain. Only buses, taxis, or bicycles are allowed to travel in the bus lane.

In case of any accident or injury, you should dial 15 for an ambulance or 18 in case of fire. You can also call 17 (the police) to notify them of drunk driving or of road blockages.

Following these rules will not only ensure your safety and that of other drivers, but can prevent you from being ticketed in France, which can be a hefty fine. Driving in France is not too different from driving in the US, but it's important to note any differences and follow French law when driving in France.

A great book I recommend those who are going to be driving in France is The Essential Driving Guide for France. This book is very specific to France and offers a lot of information about road rules as well as road etiquette. For those who are not just going to be traveling in France, but going to be traveling throughout Europe, I suggest Driving in Europe 101 which talks a lot about the differences of driving in the US and Europe as well as information on insurance and information specific to driving laws in different European countries.

Celebrating Christmas in France

2008-11-10T22:47:00.000-08:00

As most people are aware, Christmas is celebrated differently around the world. The people of France are known for celebrating Christmas more elaborately than Americans. No, I'm not talking about children getting more toys or more gifts given at work, I'm talking about the way Christmas is celebrated. The minute you take a step in France, you'll notice France is about their food. Christmas celebrations in France are no different.

Traditionally, if there is a Christmas tree it is decorated with candies, nuts, and small toys by Père Noel (Santa Claus) when he visits on Christmas Eve. French children will leave their shoes by the fireplace or by the door for Père Noel to fill with gifts.

French homes are commonly decorated by a crèche (nativity scene.) There are many beautiful handmade crèche figures sold every Christmas season in Marseille and Aix where large Christmas festivals are annually held. Although, some French homes have Christmas trees, they've never been highly popular and the focal point of Christmas in France has always been around the crèche.

Even now, in many Cathedral squares, the story of Christ's birth will be re-enacted by players or puppets.

The French are also known for their beautiful display windows in stores, showing Christmas treats that are for sale. Candied fruits, cookies, and cakes are widely available as well as delicious breads. My personal French Christmas favorite is salted butter caramels.

If you'd like to know more about the Christmas traditions in France, I recommend the book, "Christmas in France." It's more of a textbook than a book for reading, but that's what made it interesting for me. Whether you're a French teacher looking for a way to share Christmas with your students or a homemaker wanting to have a traditional French Christmas, this book is absolutely amazing.

Speaking English in France

2008-11-04T00:52:00.000-08:00

While getting by in France without speaking French can prove quite difficult, this doesn't mean that you will be cut off from the English speaking world. The purpose of this post is to share where you can get your fix on the English language while you're staying in France.

The Connexion - If you've not heard of the Connexion, you're missing out. This is a newspaper where you can get French news in English. You can also read the happenings in France right on the Connexion website which is helpful if you're not at newspaper's reach.

If you're a TV buff, you can get the same television stations you get back home in the US (or UK.) CITYSAT, servicing the Paris area, is one such company that will come to you home and install satellite television. It's an easy way to get your favorite American shows playing on your French tv!

In the Nice area, if you stumble across the restaurant (more like a pub, really) called 'Woody's in Vieux Nice,' you're in massive luck! Enjoy a beer in an English speaking environment and watch some television... in English.

If you're going to be in France for a long duration, it's also handy to know that there are several English language libraries in France. One of these Anglo-friendly libraries is the American Library in Paris. You can find out more about this library here.

For those of you who aren't yet in France, I hope I'm not scaring you. There are many people in France who speak English, but it's more polite for you to speak French. This is just a guide to 'get away' from the French speaking world and speak English like 'back in the old country.'

More French Music!

2008-10-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

By popular demand from the younger crowds, I've decided to post some more French music that I like. The first song is À Contre Courant" by Alizée (my favorite French singer.) I loved this song right away and listen to it quite often.

As a fan of electronic music and pop, I fell in love with this techno pop type song called "Aller Plus Loin" by Kidtonik. The song is by a teen/pre-teen group so if it sounds a little young for you, I don't blame you.

Another song that is for the younger crowd is "Drôle de Creepie" by LISA. The girl who sings this song has a really thick French accent so if you catch yourself singing to it, you might be helping your accent a bit.

Moving to France: Some Questions, Some Answers

2008-10-23T01:48:00.001-07:00

I've recently seen a barrage of questions from various readers asking about moving to France. Some people want to test the waters and are wondering whether moving to France can actually happen for them and some are ready to jump in. Wherever you are at in the journey, I must say that it's worth it. However, France isn't the land of milk and honey. While, I enjoy life in France more fully than I did while living in America, not everyone will. There are sacrifices you'll have to make to get some of the good things. It just depends on what you need to keep and what you're willing to give up.

For those of you looking to retire to France, you probably have tons of questions regarding taxes, pensions, the economy, etc. Rightfully so! However, the best way I can direct you is with the book "Retiring in France: A Survival Handbook (Retiring in...)". Take particular attention to the chapters that talk about affordability (in unit three) and the more fun chapters (in unit four) that talk about where to live.

For those of you who want to move to France and are on the "dreaming about it side" of things, I suggest reading the book "Culture Shock! France". The book is fairly difficult to find, but it's worth it. I didn't have this exact version, but upon first moving to France, I clung onto this thing for dear life. It offers a lot of advice and is a fun book to read. This book sums up what life is like in France, so that you're not shocked when you get here. It also paints a realistic picture of France so that you can get an idea of whether or not France is really for you.

France for Retirement

2008-10-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Many Americans at retirement age, find themselves in a new home somewhere around the world. France is becoming increasingly popular for those who wish to retire abroad. You may have many questions as to your retirement is handled in France.

First off, if you've a pension plan from the US, you probably have a lot of questions regarding that, I mean you definitely don't want to be double taxed. You can take your US pension plan to France free of tax and then pay French income tax on it. There is a US form you'll fill out after you move to France which will basically tell the US government that you're paying French tax on your income instead of American tax. Under French law, pensions are taxed very similarly to regular working income.

You're also probably wondering about your access to the French health care system since you've not grown up in France and never really paid a any tax here (besides any sales tax.) Well, lucky you, you're covered. There are many expats who also find themselves with insurance as well. Insurance doesn't increase the amount of care you receive, it just handy if you'd like some of the hospital luxuries like a single room.

Another big thing that might prey on your mind is where to live. I would recommend to stay away from Paris unless you've got beaucoup d'argent (lots of money.) There are some great smaller cities and also the countryside to find a place to live. I, personally, would love to be in the countryside with access to a larger city.

I found a book that can help you get a better idea of how pensions, taxes, and location works for those retiring in France. It'll probably help you better than I can since I'm not yet near retirement age. "Retiring in France: A Survival Handbook (Retiring in...)

Banking in France

2008-09-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you've not yet opened a bank account in France, you're probably wondering why (I mean, you found this article, am I right?) This article is designed to hopefully take away some of the mystery that is French banking.

The first thing that you should probably know is how to open a bank account, who can open one, and what you need to do so. I've written this guide to clear up any questions that you may have about banking in France.

Who Can Open a French Bank Account:
Anyone who has been resident (or is going to be) a resident of France for more than three months.

You will need a proof of residence in France which will usually include your carte de sejour. You will also need proper identification. You will also need proof that you are living at the address you say that you're living at. This will be something like a utility bill or something else with your French address on it. You will also need your proof of status, which is a student card if you're studying in France or a document showing your earnings if you're here for work.

Upon opening a checking account, you will usually be given a carte bleue, which is something like a debit card and is useable at many establishments in France.

When writing checks, make sure there is sufficient funds to cover the amount. This seems like common sense, but have you never bounced a check? Bouncing a check in France is illegal. If you get caught bouncing a check you could lose your check writing ability for up to five years. Furthermore, writing checks that are post-dated or open-dated is also illegal.

A Taste of French Music

2008-09-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

I've not made many posts here stating my likes and dislikes of things French, so I would kind of like to break into that a bit. I've really started to come to like French music. I would like to share with you, some French music that I like.

First I'd like to start out with Alizée which is pop music. I really like Alizée's music and I like many songs including "J'ai Pas Vingt Ans," "à Contre Courant," "Moi Lolita," and "Je'n ai Marre" which is known for being the blood elf dance in World of Warcraft. The following is a video from Youtube of the song "J'ai Pas Vingt Ans" which translates to "I'm Not Twenty."

The next song I like is by Yannick Noah and is really political and it's called "Aux Arbres Citoyens." I really agree with the message the video portrays. This one can't be embedded in this post due to Youtube's rules, but check it out on Youtube here.

I also enjoy listening to MC Solaar which is Rap/RnB. There are several good songs, one of which is "Caroline" as follows:

Getting There: Driving Times in France

2008-09-14T15:54:00.001-07:00

For those who find themselves looking for the amount of time it takes (on average) to get from one city to another in (or near) France, I've constructed a handy table... which is far from complete. Remember that these times aren't exact as traffic can be heavier at certain times of the day and whether or not there's a festival of sorts at the place you're headed. If you want me to add the driving times to a specific city, let me know by sending a message or leaving a comment and I'll add it.

Paris to/from:
Bordeaux - 6 1/2 Hours
Brest - 6 Hours
Brussels - 3 Hours
Dijon - 3 Hours
Lyon - 5 1/2 Hours
Marseille - 9 1/2 Hours
Metz - 3 Hours
Strasbourg - 4 Hours
Rennes - 4 Hours

Lyon to/from:
Dijon - 2 Hours
Marseille - 3 Hours

Strasbourg to/from:
Dijon - 4 Hours
Lyon - 6 Hours
Metz - 2 Hours

Bourdeaux to/from:
Bayonne - 2 Hours
Toulouse - 2 Hours

Marseille to/from:
Avignon - 1 Hour
Bordeaux - 6 Hours
Nice - 2 Hours

Strasbourg Travel

2008-09-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

One of France's most underrated cities is Strasbourg. This picturesque city on situated on the Ill River where it meets the river Rhine, is known for not only its historical sights, but for being the capital of the European Union If you're the city type who would rather experience culture at a less "touristy" level, I suggest Strasbourg. One drawback to going to a place that is not a major tourist attraction is the lack of information on a place. There aren't many Strasbourg travel guides available, so I've decided to create this Strasbourg travel guide.

Being close to the German border, Strasbourg is the French city with German flair. With signs in both French and German, beer and wine being equally popular, and the side availability of choucroute (French for sauerkraut,) you almost wonder what country you're really in. Keep this in mind if you've never been to Europe, because many people can find this disorienting and can almost making Strasbourg travel kind of stressful!

While there you'll want to check out Strasbourg Cathedral, pictured above, which is a beautiful example of Europe's finest Gothic architecture. Strasbourg is also a great place to stop if you plan on going on a day trip to Baden Baden or Heidelburg.

There are many different things to do in Strasbourg. For those interested in traveling Strasbourg by bike, there are many places to rent a bike in Strasbourg. With over 400 km of bicycle paths, Strasbourg is a considered a bicycle friendly location. As stated before, Strasbourg is located on the Ill river. That being said, one of the best ways to see the city is to take a cruise. By taking a cruise, visitors can see the beautiful architecture of La Petit France. La Petit France, an island surrounded by bridges and canals, is a very gorgeous neighborhood with beautiful timbered houses. The neighborhood is filled with the inviting aromas of nearby restaurants and planters are always bursting with whatever is in bloom. For those looking for other things to do in Strasbourg, there is large, two-floor shopping mall called La Places des Halles which is filled with many popular stores and a grocery store.

For those who are going to be spending their vacation in Strasbourg or are thinking of moving to the Strasbourg area (and want to know more,) I strongly recommend the book Strasbourg Travel CitySpots. It's a Strasbourg travel book and I've found it to be very useful. It's a bit hard to find, but definitely worth it.

Health Care in France

2008-08-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

The French healthcare system has been ranked number one by the World Health Organization and there are many reasons why. As a tourist or a new citizen of France, you may be unaware of the different features of the French Healthcare system. This post was created in hopes of clearing up any questions you may have about the French health care system. Plus, what would a blog about France be without covering the healthcare system?

As a tourist in France you are able to use the French healthcare system, but it won't be totally free of charge. You can see any doctor you would like, including house calls. Seeing a doctor will cost you about 22 Euros. If you have an emergency, you can also be treated at any hospital in France. They won't talk about any payment until after you receive treatment unlike in the US where they have to book you into the system first. However, if you are not a part of the French Social Security System, then you won't be reinbursed for any charges that may be accrued from using the French healthcare system.

When getting a prescription in France, remember that medications have different names. Since it can be confusing for those who are new to France, consult a pharmacist or take a look at the list of common medications and what they're for:

Septidiaryl - Diarrhea
Angistray - Tonsilitis
Gelusil - Indigestion
Strepsil - Sore throat
Fervex - Common cold

Preventative care in France is a very important part of the healthcare system, which makes a lot of sense because in the end it can save you from getting sick and save tax payers money. By law, all companies must provide their workers with an annual checkup. At this annual checkup, workers are given referrals to other doctors if any health problems are found.

For maternity care, women generally stay in the hospital for three to six days after the birth of the baby. Maternity leave in France, by law, is at least 16 weeks long with additional time for mothers who are breastfeeding. In addition to that, there is paternity leave for new fathers which is about two weeks.

France's health care system isn't all that Michael Moore has cracked it up to be, but it has definitely given me peace of mind compared to the US system. And yeah, taxes are on the high side, but to me it's definitely worth it!

If you're looking for more information on this, I recommend reading the book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Medical Tourism." This book covers more than France, but if you're in France you may find yourself traveling across Europe. This guide contain helpful information on finding a doctor, emergencies, etc.

French Real Estate: Steps in Buying Property in France

2008-08-20T17:44:00.001-07:00

Many Americans who move to France live in apartments, but there comes a time when some of these expats want to buy property in France. I've thus written this guide to (hopefully) clear up any doubts you may have about buying a property in France.

First, I'll start off with a few tips about buying property in France:

The process of buying property in France is fairly straightforward. Under French law, you have various protections as a buyer... in my experience, more so than American law... but enough about consumer law.

If you don't know French or do not have a good grasp of it, you'll want to hire a translator. This is for your protection, since you'll be dealing with contracts. If you remember how contracts are written back home in the US, you'll fully understand why you'll want a translator for something like this.

Mortgages in France come with some good rewards, including major tax advantages. Consider going with a loan from a French bank.

The day before the contract closes, make sure everything in the house you are buying is as it should be. You don't want to sign the contract to find that the previous owner took all the light fixtures a week before the contract closed. Take pictures if possible. This might seem strange, but it happens.

You'll want your own notaire instead of using a mutual notaire or the seller's notaire. I'll tell you why later in this post.

Making an Offer

Once you make an offer (even a verbal one,) you have committed to the contractual process. There need not be a written offer, so be careful not to accidentally say, "I'll buy it." Once the seller agrees to your offer, they will generally send a certified letter saying they agree. Under French law, you are given seven days from the date of receiving the letter of confirmation to pull out without penalty.

It is against French law for a seller or agent to ask you for any kind of deposit when an offer is made. That being said, don't hand over any kind of deposit to the seller or agent. You should only be asked to give the deposit when the actual sale is being made.

Buying the Property

There are two different types of contracts, the Promesse de Vente and the Compromis de Vente. There isn't really much that differs between the two. You'll likely use a Compromis de Vente as they are more commonly used.

Notaires usually use their own version of a contract, which may be of advantage to one of the parties involved in the agreement. That's why it's important to have your own notaire present to make sure that the contract is fair for you.

Once you sign the contract you are obligated to actually purchase the property subject to any conditions set by the contract and the seven day "cooling off" period. So, of course, don't sign a contract unless you're sure about it.

You use a notaire for purchasing the property instead of an agent. A notaire is a publicly appointed official who can often times be cheaper (cost is based on a fixed scale set by the French government.) If the seller insists that you not use a notaire, you have reason to be suspicious. Plus, a notaire is under the legal responsibility that you know what you're signing. That being said, don't pretend you know what's being said. It's better to play it safe and there are no dumb questions.

If you would like further information on buying a home in France, I suggest picking up the book Buying a Home in France, 7th Edition: A Survival Handbook (Buying a Home in France). This book has more information that I can possibly share with you in a short guide. I strongly recommend reading this book before buying property in France.

Travel to Paris

2008-08-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

France is the world's number one tourist destination and most of these visitors travel to Paris. Paris is usually the first place to come into mind when thinking of different cities in France and is known for being the number one romantic destination. Those who've never been to Paris may wonder what the draw is. Well, there's plenty!

For those already making plans to travel to Paris, you may want to think ahead of time of the major things you'd like to see. Since Paris is so large, it's been broken up into 20 sections called arrondissements. If you keep in mind what you'd like to see, that will help you in deciding where to stay. Knowing what you want to see and planning where to stay from there, is key in a large city such as Paris.

My favorite monument in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe, which is best seen from the Louvre. The view from the Louvre is probably one of the best in the city, making it major must go!

And you MUST see the Eiffel Tower. Why? Because it's just overwhelming to see it in person. It is the one monument that defines Paris. Even in elementary school back in the US, we learned that the Eiffel Tower is in Paris. Even on some maps back in Elem, the Eiffel Tower would be the icon marking where Paris was in Europe. Many people think that the Eiffel Tower is overrated, but what kind of trip is it if you travel to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower?

If you'd like to see what it looks like in Paris right at a certain moment (or you're just bored,) I suggest checking out a live city web cam site. This sites is nifty for just seeing different places in France and bringing them alive. This can also be used as a great classroom tool (in American classrooms) for having students describe what the weather is like in French!

Busted! Common Myths About the French

2008-08-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

There are many myths that are told about the French people that are told in the US and a lot of people think this stuff is true... when it's actually not. So I'm going to clear some of these up here in hopes that I can help those Americans who just don't like the French (why is that again...?)

Myth #1: The French are Snooty & Rude
Untrue. In my experiences in France, I have found the French to be among the most helpful and friendly people I've encountered. There are some cultural differences that Americans should understand before calling a French person rude. With a little education for the situation, you can find yourself getting along with the French just fine. There are of course some rude people in France. That's a fact of life. There are rude people everywhere. This to me is one of the most interesting French myths, because I find many Americans rude!

Myth #2: French People Smell Bad
What? Hygiene is practiced in France... just as it is in the US.

Myth #3: The French Hate Americans
I'm pretty sure that the French are able to separate the American people from the administration that runs the US. The French are against the war in Iraq... but then again I am too. I've not really had any problems with any French people hating me.

Myth# 4: French Women Don't Shave Their Armpits
As one of the most popular French myths, this myth was probably spread by some guy seeing the one French woman who hadn't shaved in a week because I've not yet seen a woman with hairy armpits in France. I'm sure that there is some women in France who don't shave their armpits, but as with that there are probably an equal percentage of women in the US who don't shave their armpits.

A Course in French Food

2008-07-31T01:40:00.000-07:00

I'd always heard comments when I was younger on how the French are prided for their food, (rightfully so) but I'd never really known what foods were really "French." When you think of Italian food, you think of spaghetti, lasagna, and the like and with German food you think of sauerkraut and sausages, but what of French food? It wasn't until I actually came to France until I really discovered why I couldn't pinpoint what French food is. That's because French food is extremely diverse and depends highly on the region of France.

Coastal regions of France will have food that rely heavily on seafood as a main ingredients, whereas inland regions will have more foods made from things that are farmed like cheese and meat from cows and bread from grain. Also, in areas near Germany, you will find a lot of German food and in areas near Italy, it's not uncommon to find a more Italian diet.

If you are visiting France for a food tour, it's important to know which regions go with which foods so you know where to visit. In the Mediterranean area you will find dishes with a lot of olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs. In the Northwest of France, you will find a lot of foods made with apples, butter, and crème fraiche. In the Northeast, there is a strong German influence in food for those with a taste for German food.

If you're going to Paris, remember that it's a major metropolitan area, so you'll find any food that you can think of. So if you're wanting sushi, Paris has got you covered! From my personal experience, French food is amazing and you likely won't be disappointed. If you would like a taste of French food before you leave the US, I recommend a French cookbook (in English) called the French Farmhouse Cookbook. This book has some amazing recipes that you'll take with you, even to France.

Tips for Learning the French Language

2008-07-24T22:37:00.001-07:00

When you start to learning a new language, it can be very stressful and learning French is no exception! You probably feel like you are so far from learning French fluently, but let me tell you... I have felt like this so many times and it's something a lot of people feel. When you're struggling with something in chapter 3 of a 25 chapter French 1 book, it's easy to throw your hands up and quit. Don't let it get to you, everyone feels like this about something or another.

That's why I've decided to share some tips I've found useful in learning French.

-One of the best ways I've found in learning French is to watch the news in French. You're not going to understand much of what they're saying, but there are a lot of French words that sound similar and mean the same as English words that you may recognize. The news also has a lot of pictures and videos up in the corners to kind of guide you.

-Another great thing to use is a colloquial dictionary. You'll want to be careful so that you're not saying something offensive, but this is a great way to get interested in a language and learn how to really communicate! It's the difference of saying "Hey, do you have the time," instead of "Excuse me, good sir, can you direct me as to the time," to a teenager. There is this great book called Hide This French Book (Berlitz Hide This Book) that I recommend for learning French colloquialisms. The book has really interesting (and dirty) words to learn and makes it fun with some weird facts about France. If you, for some reason, have no interest in learning the French language but still have the daunting task ahead of you, I suggest starting out with this book. It'll definitely spark some interest.

-With learning any language, you will learn a lot of new vocabulary words. There are two awesome ways to learn new words. The first way is to write them on index cards. You can always buy index cards with words already written on them, but it's just not the same as writing them for yourself. It's kind of like writing definitions to words in middle school, you really learn a lot from the old do-it-yourself, even if you don't necessarily want to do it. Also when you read the words, say them out loud. The other great way to remember vocabulary words is to force yourself to say these words when you're out an about and see objects. For example, when you see a car say "voiture." This is really great when you're grocery shopping as well. People may think you're crazy, but you're on a mission, right?

-If you're just not in the mood to learn French, then don't do it. There are two really good reasons for this: You won't learn anything. If you're not interested in what you're leaning it'll just be a pain and a waste of time. Also if you force it then, you'll be less likely to want to continue learning it in the future. If you find yourself not interested at all in learning the French language, you might want to identify why and try to find a way to solve the problem. Basically, you'll want to find a way to make you interested in the language. Immerse yourself in French culture and see if that helps!

-Get a workbook! Like I said, it's easier to learn a language when you're forced to write it down. If you an your spouse both need a workbook, don't share it, because one of you won't be able to write in it, and instead, will see the other spouse's answers already written. Just get two books if there are two of you. It doesn't cost that much more and the value of learning the language outweighs the cost anyway. I personally recommend French Now! A Level One Worktext because of it's approach. It's also one of those books that are fun to complete.

I'm always open to more tips, if you guys have some really good ideas, let me know and I'll be sure to add more!

Cigarette Smoking in France

2008-07-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

France has just recently taken on major changes in smoking laws by create smoking bans in stores, workplaces, restaurants, etc. While 22% of France's population smokes, the recent laws may curb this number down. Smokers who get caught face fines of up to 450 euros and business owners face fines of up to 750 euros for any violations found on grounds.

This may seem harsh, but since smoking has been marked as France's number one killer, these laws may help out a lot. In the US, the media hasn't quite admitted that smoking kills. The surgeon general's warning on cigarettes in the US, is so small that if you smoke regularly, you may not always see it.

In France, the warning catches your eye every time with large print words that say fumer tue, which literally means 'smoking kills'. This may seem a little blunt, but let's be honest... it probably helps people quit... since it's a constant reminder staring you in the face. I think France went the right direction in making this law! Yeah, you might not see French actress Eva Green smoking here now that there are new laws, but you can breath easy!