We recently visited the south-west corner of France, specifically the Aquitaine region, and have some helpful tips to share for improving your trip if you plan to visit.
Learn Some Basic French Phrases
It’s crucial to know some basic French phrases. Think about how you’d feel if someone approached you in your country and started speaking in French. Here are some must-know phrases:
– Always start with “Bonjour” (Hello) or “Bonsoir” (Good evening), followed by “Mademoiselle” (Miss), “Madame” (Mrs.), or “Monsieur” (Mr.).
– When ordering something, end with “s’il vous plaît” (please). These essentials are seen as courteous in France and set a positive tone for interactions. If you’re keen to learn more, consider getting a French phrasebook.
Rise and Shine
If you plan on visiting a city or major attraction, it’s wise to get an early start. Skip breakfast at home, dress the kids, and head out. Arriving around 8 a.m. can save you the hassle of finding a parking spot. For example, when we arrived in central Bordeaux at 8 a.m., there were 483 parking spaces; an hour later, only 53 were left.
Starting your day like this avoids the frustration of morning traffic in a foreign place. Treat yourself and your family to Café au Lait and Pain au Chocolat as a reward. The combination of caffeine and sugar feels almost like pure joy.
Book in Advance
If you’re planning to visit major tourist spots like the Peche Merle caves, make reservations online ahead of time. Showing up without a booking means you might have to wait hours to enter, as visitor numbers are limited. Inside the damp, dark caves, you’ll find ancient wall paintings that are over 20,000 years old, making it an educational and fascinating experience.
Try Staying at a Bed & Breakfast
Consider staying at a Bed & Breakfast (Chambres d’Hôtes in French). It’s straightforward because the government regulates these accommodations. You can search for options on the Gites de France website, which lists 10,000 Bed & Breakfasts and 45,000 holiday cottages for longer stays in rural areas. For a more immersive experience, book a “Table d’Hôtes,” which means you’ll have dinner with your hosts. It’s a great way to interact with local French people and enjoy regional dishes prepared by the hosts, far removed from the typical restaurant experience.
For Garden Lovers
If you love gardens, visit the Eyrignac Manor gardens. The admission is €12.5 per adult or €39 for a family pass. We chose to spend our money at their lovely restaurant, which overlooks some of the beautiful gardens.
Happy traveling!
suansuan