As I write this, fall is well-rooted in France. Temperatures have fallen to the low to mid-60s and there’s rain in the forecast all week. Southern France might do a bit better, but not for long. Winter is coming.
The arrival of winter might make us think about holidays. Maybe you haven’t begun hearing Christmas tunes yet in the stores, but it’s not too early to think about ordering gifts for travelers on your list for Christmas or Hannukah, especially those who love France and/or are planning to visit sometime in the next year or so.
Here are some great ideas from Oliver’s France.
Learning Travel French
DID YOU KNOW…
You can give Real French for Travelers online travel French course as a gift for someone? When you go to the link and check out, you’ll be asked if it’s a gift. They’ll walk you through the process of giving that to someone you think would love to learn to speak travel French. (Even if that person is you!!) There are 3 levels you can choose from.
The Foundations (roughly the first half of the course), or what I call Situational French, a continuation of the foundations (or for those who have learned the basics already), or the whole thing! The courses are clearly broken down, with pronunciation, exercises, travel-specific vocabulary, and a full workbook. In addition, there are cheat sheets and listening
practice. A lot of popular courses don’t cover listening practice (unless they simply throw you into the deep end to figure it out yourself!)
Click here to learn more about course options and topics covered.
You might prefer to give a gift to yourself instead!
Real French for Travelers (The Book) Here’s a take-along version of the Real French course. Actually, the book was written first, but either format is super-helpful and clear for the language learner. Learn more.
Amazon OR Oliver’s France Store
Travel Guides
As you may know, Oliver’s France now has paperback guides and eBooks available right on the website. Or you can find them at Amazon or order from your local physical bookstore. (Support Oliver’s France by buying direct! Allow 2 weeks for delivery.)
Magical Paris
Check out the ever-popular Magical Paris: Over 100 Things to Do Across Paris.
This is the only travel guide I am aware of that covers all 20 districts of Paris. Yes, there’s something cool to see in each one. A former French student and friend recently went to Paris and took her copy of the book. She was determined to work her way through the book and see at least something in all 20 districts!
You might not have time to do that, but the book will give you many insider details you won’t find elsewhere. And it’s laid out differently, so you’ll NEVER get lost in the City of Lights. Armed with that confidence, you’ll be able to fearlessly explore every corner you desire.
Amazon OR Oliver’s France Store
Outside of Paris
Hit the Road: 9 Road Trip Itineraries Across France
I just love road trips in France and try to do one every year. But sometimes, it’s hard to know where to go. Need ideas? How about done-for-you itineraries? Hit the Road: 9 Road Trip
Itineraries Across France is the book you need. It covers the whole country, from Normandy to Bordeaux and many regions between.
Amazon OR Oliver’s France Store
A French Garden: The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley… what an enchanted place. The book A French Garden: The Loire Valley breaks down the entire Loire Valley into four quadrants that are easy to access by car and allow you to see more during your trip. This breakdown makes planning a breeze, too. In
addition, there are suggestions for various itineraries, hotels, and restaurants. Along with castles and tours, of course, you’ll find many other excursions and ideas.
Amazon OR Oliver’s France Store
Planning and Making Memories: A Travel Journal
Lastly, how about a travel journal that you can use anywhere (not just France)? Planning and Making Memories is the compact travel journal that does two important things. It helps you plan and keep track of information as you travel, AND it offers space to take notes and record memories, like a diary. It’s small and easy to take but does both. Learn more!
Amazon OR Oliver’s France Store
More advantages of Oliver’s France Guides
- Oliver’s France guides aren’t six inches thick (like other guides, and of course I’m exaggerating) don’t weigh 19 pounds in your suitcase. They’re compact and easy to leaf through. Ask any owner of Magical Paris.
- Oliver’s France guides are designed to be EASY to use, navigate, and plan your trip. They include what you need, and not everything you don’t (like the entire history of France. Who needs that? There’s just enough history to be relevant to what you’re seeing.)
I’ve just helped you plan some of your holiday gift-giving. (You’re welcome!) The travelers on your gift list will be thrilled to have such practical tools in their hands.
Bonnes Fêtes et bon voyage!
