There’s no city in the world that has the allure of Paris. For centuries, the City of Light has drawn visitors from near and far, all eager to explore the rich history, iconic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and, of course, its penchant for romance. Or, simply, to sit for hours at a cafe like an artistic bohemian expat in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises.” The French Riviera, stretching the length of the country’s Mediterranean coastline, is no less romantic nor lacking in vibrant cultural offerings.
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How to Plan a Stress-Free Trip to France: A Guide for Your First Big Trip
Bringing the two destinations together is a dream trip for travelers the world over. But without some inside intel, it can be hard (not to mention time consuming) to make that dream trip a reality. With the help of Acqua Travel’s Paris and French Riviera tour, going on the perfect trip to France can be stress-free.
The best way to see Paris and the French Riviera
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The last thing you want when planning a big international trip is to realize you’ve forgotten a crucial detail just before leaving. Sometimes email just likes to make it hard to find that train ticket or hotel reservation you swore you made. Booking the Paris and French Riviera tour with Acqua Travel ensures a smooth and stress-free experience due to the company’s meticulous knowledge of travel through France and the fact that you’ll have a dedicated agent handling all of the bookings for you.
The tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that includes iconic landmarks — including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris — as well as the charming coastal towns of the French Riviera. Acqua Travel’s local specialists collaborate with you to customize the journey, ensuring your preferences are prioritized. This personalized approach allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history, artistic treasures, and timeless beauty of France without the hassle of organizing logistics.
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The coolest thing about the Paris and French Riviera tour is that, unlike many tour operators, everything from the dates of your trip to specific stops along the way are customizable. It’s not a staunchy, pre-packaged jaunt, but a trip built around seeing the best of these incredible locales on your terms. In effect, you’re getting the freedom of executing a trip your own way, without having to stress about putting it all together.
This means adding in the cultural sights, museums, and landmarks that top your list, and ensuring a reservation at that restaurant a friend back home raved about (you don’t want to miss Sacrée Fleur, of course). After finalizing your itinerary, Acqua Travel handles all the logistics, including bookings and confirmations, providing you with detailed travel documents and 24/7 customer support in the weeks leading up to your trip. All you need to do is prepare to enjoy the journey – and, of course, do a bit of hands-on research about regional wines before heading out.
What to watch out for and know in advance when traveling to France
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When traveling to France, it’s important to be aware of cultural norms and etiquette. The French value politeness, so always greet shopkeepers, waitstaff, or anyone you interact with by saying a simple bonjour (good day) or bonsoir (good evening) along with ça va (how are you). Likewise, addressing people with monsieur or madame is a sign of respect. While many people in major cities like Paris speak English, making an effort to use basic French phrases can go a long way in creating positive interactions.
Restaurant culture in France differs from some other countries. Waiters do not check on diners frequently, and service can be more relaxed, so patience is key. Tipping is not obligatory, as a service charge is often included in the bill, but leaving small change is customary for exceptional service.
France has an excellent public transportation system, with efficient trains, metros, and buses. Pickpocketing can be an issue, but touring with a local expert significantly reduces the risk. You may choose to keep valuables secure using crossbody bags with zippers while on the go, but lodgings secured by Acqua Travel feature safes and on-site staff to prevent any issues.
Many stores and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon, especially in smaller towns, so planning ahead is essential. If visiting during peak tourist seasons, purchasing tickets for major attractions in advance can save time and avoid long queues. Finally, France has strict rules regarding driving and speed limits, including the requirement for an international driver’s permit for non-EU visitors.
Notably, though, Paris and the French Riviera are accustomed to travelers and have excellent infrastructure to support them.
How booking with Acqua Travel ensures the smoothest experience
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One major benefit of booking with Acqua Travel is that most major concerns regarding traveling internationally won’t be an issue. You won’t have to drive, and therefore won’t need the international driver’s permit or have to navigate those famously tight European roads. Also, all of your tickets and entrance fees will be taken care of in advance, so there’s no worry of long lines or sold out attractions.
You’ll always be accompanied by knowledgeable local experts who are familiar with the safest routes, areas to avoid, and how to navigate busy tourist spots. In case of emergency, you have direct access to 24/7 support, ensuring you’ll never be left to navigate challenging situations alone. Largely, everything is taken care of in advance.
I’m interested. What’s included in the tour?
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The Paris and French Riviera tour with Acqua Travel includes visits to Paris, Marseille, and Nice. The tour of the “enchanting beauty and culture of France” begins in Paris with a night tour in a classic Citroën 2CV, a hop-on-hop-off city tour, and visits to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. The tour proceeds to the Palace of Versailles, then travels to Marseille for a historical city tour, continuing to Nice on the French Riviera with tours to Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Eze, Cannes, Antibes, and St. Paul De Vence.
The kicker is that booking through Acqua Travel includes entrance fees to the sights you’ll visit, along with English-speaking local guides as applicable. Hotel and airport transfers are taken care of, as is breakfast each morning. Some lunches and dinners are set in advance and covered, others you’ll have the chance to choose and explore on your own (be sure to make at least one impulse cafe decision).
The Paris and French Riviera tour highlights include:
- The enchanting streets of Paris. You’ll head to the second level of the Eiffel Tower to take in Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs Élysées, and enjoy a one-cruise on the Seine River (A swim in the Seine with Mayor Anne Hidalgo not guaranteed, however).
- Marseille, a bustling port city known for its vibrant culture and stunning Mediterranean views.
- Nice, where the azure waters of the French Riviera line charming Old Town streets (and the beaches are absolutely beautiful).
