Traveling by car, though more expensive, offers greater freedom to explore the countryside. In fact, many of the country’s most popular monuments are inconvenient or expensive to reach by public transportation. France is blessed with a well-maintained and exceptionally complete network of roads. Nevertheless, traveling by train is probably the most comfortable—and often the most economical—way to get where you’re going. France’s system of high-speed and local trains connects all but the most minor towns. For those places unreachable by train, there is usually a bus system, though sometimes they can be unreliable. Fares are either aller simple (one-way) or aller-retour (round-trip). “Period returns” require you to return within a specific number of days; “day return” means you must return on the same day. Unless stated otherwise, Let’s Go always lists single one-way fares. Round-trip fares on trains and buses in France are simply double the one-way fare.
For small-scale travel on the continent, Let’s Go suggests budget airlines for budget travelers, but more traditional carriers have made efforts to keep up with the revolution. The Star Alliance ...more
Transportation Listings: Center-Out. Let’s Go employs the “center-out” principle for transportation listings: for each town, we describe only how to reach towns of similar or greater importance ...more
European trains and railpasses are extremely popular, but in some cases buses prove to be the only option. Traveling by bus is generally inconvenient in France and typically only useful for short trips ...more
Cars offer speed, freedom, access to the countryside, and an escape from the town-to-town mentality of trains. Many places in France—especially many of the most popular tourist attractions, like the ...more
Most European ferries are comfortable; the cheapest ticket typically still includes a reclining chair or couchette. Fares jump sharply in July and August. Ask for discounts; ISIC holders can often get ...more
With a mountain bike, you can do some serious natural sightseeing. Some airlines will count your bike as your second free piece of luggage; others charge extra (around US$80-160 one-way). Rules vary ...more
Mopeds and motorized bikes don’t use much gas, can be put on trains and ferries, and are a good compromise between costly car travel and the limited range of bicycles. However, they’re uncomfortable ...more
Let’S Not Go. We strongly urge you to consider the risks before you choose to hitchhike. We do not recommend hitchhiking as a safe means of transportation, and none of the info presented here ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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