France Travel Resources
(Trains, hotels, car travel and rental, excursions, language learning, etc.)
Here are some travel resources to help you plan and travel to France. I hope you’ll find them helpful!*
Train Travel
French Trains The train system is still called SNCF but Ouigo is one of the lines offering discount travel to limited destinations. Here’s your link for schedules and rates for TGV fast trains. For regional trains, click here.
For a primer on French Train Savvy, see the post.
When to Book: You can check train itineraries and order tickets up to 3 or 4 months in advance. If you’re too early, they’ll email you as soon as the schedules are posted.
Hotels
Booking.com I use this company every time I travel. They offer a huge variety of hotels and apartments all over France. They are convenient and competitive. They also have flights, car rental, and other helpful services in a one-stop site. Check out their banner on the sidebar.
Gites de France: What’s a Gite? It’s an independent lodging (house, villa, apartment) in rural areas, near towns, or by the sea. Gites have been around for decades in France. There are over 60,000 to choose from. It’s perfect for your off-the-beaten-track getaway. Click and find out more.
Chambre d’Hotes: The original French Bed and Breakfast! Reserve yours anywhere in France.
Tip: If you book your hotel directly with the owner, you can often get better rates and special deals!
Car travel
To calculate tolls, click Here. Calculating tolls is helpful in budgeting for your trip. Along with gas, tolls are significant in France, but you can still save money and have more freedom by renting a car. See the post Driving in France: What You Need to Know for more helpful facts.
For car rentals, here is the company I use every time I travel to France. I have found them to have lots of choices and to be the most reasonable. They are available in many cities throughout France (and elsewhere, too!) Click on the banner below for more information.
Paris Metro Map and information click HERE (free)
Excursions and tours
Paris City Vision
*Some of the above-listed resources are affiliate links, which means Oliver’s France gets a small commission at no extra cost to you. Other links are simply for your help and convenience for a great trip!
BOOKS See the (brand new!) Oliver’s France Store
Did you know you can get Oliver’s France eBooks or paperbacks directly from this site? For more information, click HERE.
