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As you are all probably aware of, learning a foreign language is much easier and more meaningful if you are surrounded by people who speak that language. So now you speak French, it is time to go and practice your recently acquired skills with native speakers. If you go on your own, you'll have to speak French, since very few French people will speak English and even less Cantonese! So here are not only a few tips and links to help you prepare your visit, but also a recording of all the weird names French people like to give to their cities, monuments and other such things (coming soon)
If you have a Hong Kong or Macao SAR passport, you do NOT need any visa for a short stay in France (90 days at most). If you have a BNO passport, you need to apply for a "short stay" visa. More information on the French Consulate page (français - English).
A tourist guide of course ! Try these online guides: Lonely Planet, Maison de la France (official site of the French Government Tourism Office), World Travel Guide, Tourism in France (official site of the National Federation of French Tourism Offices), France.com, All Travel (by the European Travel and Tourism Bureau), Discover France, Franceway, French-at-a-touch
Paris guides:
The most obvious way is by plane. Two companies offer direct flights to Paris: Air France (French site, HK site) and Cathay Pacific. Most other Asian and European companies can take you there also, and often at a cheaper price, but you'll have to change in Singapore or Bangkok or London or Frankfurt ...
If you feel more adventurous, you can take the train from Hung Hum station to Peking, and from there to the Russian border where you board the Trans-Siberian all the way to Moscow and then to Paris. But I recommend that you read first what previous travelers have to say about this extraordinary experience (1 - 2).
Some people do it the hard way. Have a look at these sites, they may inspire you ! (coming soon!)
The best season is from late spring to early autumn. I recommend June, because July and even more August are just like one long national holiday: many shops are closed, tourists are everywhere, and prices go up. September is also fine of course, but you have to be in school, don't you? As for the weather, take some light clothing, but don't forget to bring a raincoat and a warm jacket or pullover. Evenings may be chilly, especially in the North. Check the weather before you leave Hong Kong.
In Paris, the best way to move around is to take the "métro" (subway). It will take you anywhere, unless of course, you get lost in one of its 100+ stations. There are two different but interconnected networks: the métro (français - English) itself (stays within Paris, lines numbered 1, 2, 3,...) and the RER (goes across Paris to the suburbs, lines lettered A, B, C...). The RATP (Paris bus and subway company) now offer a special tourist ticket, that allows you to go all over the city, using any kind of transportation (métro, bus, train, tram, ...). There is also an extensive bus network run by the same company (a real advantage in case of strike: they can get the whole city on stop!)
To visit other cities, the easiest way is to take the train. The French railway system, run by the SNCF, is modern and efficient. The TGV (High Speed Train) now puts Marseille a mere 2 hours and a half from Paris. Make sure you visit the SNCF site before you leave !
Another solution is to rent a car, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you are a very experienced driver...
Really you ask too many questions ! Maybe you should first do some research about France and its geography, and then you can decide where you want to go and what you want to see. So find a map of France, study it and check for itineraries: @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @
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French regions (interactive map with pronunciation) general guides: FranceWay, French at a touch, le Petit Futé
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Major cities (interactive map with pronunciation) |
You can choose from hotel to camping sites, but please note that if you're taking a French course, your school can probably help you find cheap accomodation in a university hostel or, more interesting but more expensive, in a French family.
hotels: You'll find a whole range of hotels in France, from the cheap and sordid to the most luxurious and expensive, but of course, cheap hotels usually do not advertise on the web. @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @
youth hostels or "Auberges de jeunesse": Fédération Unie des Auberges de Jeunesse
camping sites: How does living cheaply and comfortably sound to you? There are camping sites everywhere in France, especially on the coast, with all modern comfort (electricity, hot water, toilets, ...). You will be charged according to the number of people, tents, cars, etc. and of course the length of your stay. Here are a few sites to help you choose among the 11000 camping sites France has to offer: @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @ | @
That should not be a problem. Nowadays it seems there are French courses everywhere. Most universities will offer French courses for foreigners. There are other institutions as well, either non-profit-making or not. For a updated list of schools, with details and prices, see the site of the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs ( en français seulement !). You can also visit the site of Souffle and Fle.fr. These are 2 associations of schools teaching French as a foreign language, who set strict conditions for joining and thus guarantee quality.
That should not be a problem either. France has something to offer to everybody, no matter what your personal preferences are. Here are a few favorites:
All this sounds boring. Anything more exciting?
Yes of course ! As I said earlier, France has something to offer to everybody ! Try any of these:
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