Major efforts have
been made since World War II to improve and modernize the extensive
French transportation system and to lessen its historical focus on
the Paris metropolitan area. Train service, provided by the state, is
fast and efficient, especially on the more than 12,000 km (7,456 mi)
of electrified track. The French National Railways' Trains
à Grande Vitesse (TGV, "high speed trains") are world
famous. In 1988 a consortium of French and British construction
companies began work on the English Channel Tunnel or "Chunnel,"
completed in 1993, which established the first direct rail link
between France and Britain. Airlines are also state run; Air France
is one of the world's largest airline companies.
France's road system
provides access to all parts of the nation. The network of
expressways (7,000 km or 4,350 mi) is in the process of being
expanded. In 1990 there were 23 million passenger cars and more than
5 million trucks and buses. Waterways carry much of the nation's bulk
freight; the three principal waterways deep enough to accommodate the
1,500-ton barges common in Europe are the Rhine River, the Seine
between Le Havre and Paris, and the canalized section of the Moselle
below Metz.
Commentary
The French, a nation
of Latin origins, have a very relaxed attitude toward meeting
agendas, appointments, and dinner engagements -- as a rule -- by
comparison to people of Anglo-Saxon and Germanic cultures. This is a
topic frequently mentioned in books and seminars meant to enlighten
expatriates living and working in France (or contemplating doing so),
to prepare them for an unfamiliar pace, differing priorities and
contrasting motivations between the cultures, both in the business
world and in day-to-day relationships. (A notable exception: you can
set your watch by a Frenchman's stomach, when it comes time for
lunch!) Therefore, it may seem oddly contradictory that the French
have developed such advanced technologies in transportation (the
Concorde and the TGV) and communications (the Minitel and the French
telephone system), that are among the fastest in the world. While
their television programs may not start at the programmed hour, you
can count on their transportation system to be fast, efficient, and
on-time!
Ian C. Mills, Webmaster
Air
Travel
The major gateways
to France include Paris' Orly Airport (phone: 01-49-75-52-52) and
Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) Airport (phone: 01-48-62-22-80). Flying
time is 7-1/2 hours from New York, 9 hours from Chicago, and 11 hours
from Los Angeles.
Carriers with routes between the U.S. and France include
Air France (800-237-2747), American Airlines
(800-433-7300), British Airways (800-247-9297),
Continental (800-231-0856), Delta (800-241-4141),
TWA (800-892-4141), United Airlines (800-241-6522),
and USAir (800-428-4322).
Flying from the U.K. to France are: Air France (phone:
0181-742-6600), British Airways (phone: 0181-759-2313), and
Caledonian Airways (phone: 01293-567100). Charter flights
from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham are available from
Bluebird Express (phone: 01444-235678).
Domestic service within France is provided by Air Inter
(phone: 01-45-46-90-00), with flights between Paris and all major
cities. A timesaver for longer journeys, though rail travel is
always much cheaper.
Driving In France
A valid U.S. driver's license is required
for all U.S. citizens who wish to drive in France. Minimum age for drivers is 18. Proof of
insurance coverage is necessary. Distances are in
kilometers (1km = .62 mile; 1
mile = 1.6km).
Car rentals are very expensive if
you initiate the transaction in France. Rates start at 375FF (US$60.47) a day and 1225FF
(US$197.53) a week for an economy model with unlimited mileage, NOT including the 20.6%
sales tax (VAT).
Substantial savings are possible by
reserving your car
in the U.S. before leaving. DiscoverFrance.net is pleased to offer our own network of
car rentals which can
be booked online prior to your departure. Our sophisticated
quotations form will generate comparative rates for several different rental agencies
in your choice of body style and equipment.
A recent search (11/99)
for Paris, France returned a rental rate of $124.74/week for an economy car with unlimited
mileage from Hertz!
For longer trips or time periods, some
manufacturers (such as Peugeot) offer lease-back programs which can mean big savings, or
will even arrange for an auto purchase and ultimately shipping the vehicle back home. In
the latter case, however, it is best to check with your own Motor Vehicles Department
first, to ascertain registration requirements and/ or regulations pertaining to installed
emissions equipment
The major car-rental
companies represented in France are:
Alamo (800-327-9633)
Avis (800-331-1084; in Canada, 800-879-2847)
Budget (800-527-0700; in the UK, 0800-181181)
Dollar (800-800-4000; in the UK, 0990-565-656)
Hertz (800-654-3001; in Canada, 800-263-0600; in the
UK, 0345-555-888)
National InterRent (800-227-3876; in the UK,
01345-222525)
Air France: Boeing 777 Guided Tour
Take a look at the latest addition to the fleet: 270 seats, individual video screens
with 12 video channels and 10 interactive games, two bars, seat-beds, arm-rest LCD
telephones, and more comfort touches!
Airports in Paris
SmartWeb provides detailed information on the Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) and Orly
Airports, including tips on ground transport.
Concorde - Myth and Reality
If sipping a glass of champagne at 59,000 feet while traveling at Mach 2 (2200 km/hr or
1370 mph) is more your speed, the Concorde can whisk you from Paris to New York in 3:45
(faster than the sun!).
Fatal Events Since 1970 for Air France
Statistically, airplanes are still the safest form of transport to go anywhere. However,
for our agoraphobic friends, this site presents some less illustrious moments in air travel.
Also:
Alitalia,
KLM,
TWA.
Paris Airports
France Tourism and Travel offers its own version of detailed info
on both Paris airports.
TWA Airport Information
Information on TWA flights and gate numbers at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Ambassadors
Club, ticketing, check-in counters, baggage claim, shuttle buses, trains, taxis, rental
cars, etc.
Automobile:
Association des Sociétés Françaises d'Autoroutes
The Association of French Motorway Companies (ASFA) is a group of eight companies managing
the 6716km network of French toll roads and highways. They offer several brochures, and
broadcast traffic conditions on 107.7FM.
Auto France
Direct from the Peugeot factory, a brand new vehicle at a cost lower than most rentals,
with all-inclusive rates covering mileage, zero-deductible collision, and 24-hr. roadside
assistance. 1-800-572-9655
Auto Rentals Rate Comparison
Enter your destination city or airport, preferred body style & equipment, and
estimated arrival/departure dates: the form will indicate availability of your
preferences and generate realtime quotes from several different car rental agencies.
You can then book your choice online, using the secure reservations system.
Europe By Car
Factory-direct, brand new cars as low as $19 a day, from Peugeot, Renault, Citroën.
Save the usual 20.6% VAT (sales tax) by reserving in advance.
iTi - The Right Itinerary
Enter your departure point and destination city using the simple form, and this useful site
will calculate total distance, driving time, fuel requirements, toll road charges, and either
the scenic or most direct route.
Sytadin
This site offers a color-coded online map of Ile-de-France, updated every few minutes,
reporting on the status of travel conditions: road clear, traffic jam, road closed,
construction, or accident.
Bicycling:
Bicycle Rentals
It's easy to rent a vélo in Paris; the tough part comes in riding it without
getting hit by a bus or a Peugeot.
Bicycle Tours
Take a scenic tour through some of Paris' most charming and intimate neighborhoods, or
see the city at its quietest times -- in the early morning, before the madcap motorists
shatter the tranquility!
Railways:
DiscoverFrance.net 1999 Guide to European Railpasses
If you envision a foray by train through the provinces of France or other countries
in Europe, be sure to purchase a Eurailpass before leaving the U.S., as this is
substantially cheaper than buying train tickets in France. Use our easy form to generate
realtime quotes on discounted passes for adults, children, and/or groups, then order them
online through our secure server. (We offer Eurailpass, Europass, and BritRail, covering
35 countries in Europe.)
EuroStar
Construction on the "Chunnel" was begun in 1988 and completed in 1993. High-speed TGV
"Chunnel" trains hurtle between London and Paris in about three hours. Here you can
check their timetables.
SNCF
Use the French National Railways timetable to plan your intercity journey. SNCF also
organizes bus excursions within France.
Thalys
Similar to the EuroStar, this TGV will speed you between Paris and Brussels, Belgium.
Subway & Buses:
History of the Paris Métro
Renowned as one of the world's oldest and most efficient forms of public transportation
in use today, the Paris métro is indispensable for natives and tourists alike.
History, travel tips, maps, ticketing, and hours of service.
How to Ride the Métro
Alexandre Polozoff offers insights on riding the Métro and its suburban counterpart,
the RER.
Métro Routes (Subway Navigator)
Click on a departure station, then choose your destination. The Subway Navigator will give
you a route and estimated travel time. An
e-form version is also available.
Waterways:
Barge Cruises
The French Government Tourist Office provides an overview of the péniches
which have been converted into luxury hotel-barges, plying the canals of France away from
the hustle-bustle of main tourist routes.
Locaboat Plaisance
Rent your own comfortable Pénichette® suitable for 2 to 12 people, from a fleet
of 350 and 24 starting points, then cruise the more than 5000 miles (8500km) of canals in
France at your leisure.
Paris by Boat
Did you know that with a métro ticket, you can ride some boats to the Eiffel Tower,
Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Hôtel de Ville? Dominique le
Marchal offers his commentary on a charming way to navigate around Paris.
Self-Drive Boat Rentals
Enjoy your own private itinerary: there are around 2000 boats available for rental, both
from local companies and through agents in the U.S., for navigation on the canals through
France's breathtaking countryside.
[Warning: results may be hilarious!]
AltaVista provides a
translation feature which will re-load this page in French. Machines and software
are far from perfect, as you will see, because idiomatic expressions and even
certain aspects of text formatting can confuse them terribly. However, at the very
least, you may get a good laugh or even be amazed at what "artificially intelligent"
programs can do these days!
Explore the fascinating history of the prophet from Provence,
Nostradamus.
Read the reviews of our carefully selected travel guides and
recommended reading, then click to save 20-40% on
books you purchase, with the convenience of home delivery.
Can't find your favorite French movies at the video store or
library? Check out our selection of videotapes and DVDs featuring
French movie icons like Depardieu, Deneuve, Montand, and many more.
Then click to
save 10-30% on your own personal copy delivered to your door!
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For more information, please contact our
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Air
Travel
Driving In France
Construction on the "Chunnel" was begun in 1988 and completed in 1993. High-speed TGV
"Chunnel" trains hurtle between London and Paris in about three hours. Here you can
check their timetables.
