If I could only visit one place for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be France. But I remember being VERY anxious leading up to Matt & I’s first European trip together- I had no idea how to plan something like that! The concept of getting around in another country frightened me, and I know I’m not the only one who’s experienced that kind of feeling.

If you missed the big announcement, I’m teaching a workshop in Paris, France with Katherine Bignon this summer! The Signature Atelier is an intimate destination workshop designed to educate and inspire photographers looking to develop their signature style, and build a luxury, high-end, business.

As we have a feeling that a few of our attendees may never have traveled on their to France before, Katherine & I wanted to share a few of our BEST tips for navigating travel on your own!

Paris, France photography workshop | The Signature Atelier | Abby Grace Photography

Abby-
Use Kayak to find & purchase flights.
I’ve been utilizing Kayak for three years now and it is GOLD. It’s how I managed to snag a flight to France in February for $550, how we managed to find similar prices for our flights this past September, it’s where I book ALL of my travel through. I love that Kayak allows you to narrow down by how many layovers you’re willing to take, how LONG you’re willing for those layovers to be, and more. It’s the only place I book through anymore!

Katherine-
If you want to save costs for meals, pop into the local bakery!
 When I lived in France, I was on a tight budget for the year, and figuring out how to take the cheapest lunches I could find was at the top of my list. Enter, la boulangerie. French bakeries make the most delicious baguettes and pastries, but what you may not realize is that most of them also serve [reasonably-priced!] baguette sandwiches! My favorite way to wander France was to find the local bakery in whichever town I was in and pick up a sandwich and a pastry, sit down in the closest garden I could find, and sketch.

Abby-
Take advantage of the Euro rail system!
European public transportation is so. much. simpler than in the US. Maybe it’s because everything feels closer together than in America, but getting around Europe without a car in typically a cinch. THIS is the site I use to book all my train tickets! Unlike most trains I’ve taken here in the States, a train in France does have assigned seats. So if you’re traveling with a partner, make sure to book together!

Paris, France photography workshop | The Signature Atelier | Abby Grace Photography

Katherine-
Pack light
Yes I know, it’s France, we all must look our absolute best to fit in with the chicest of the chic! I get it!! But the truth about a classic French woman and her wardrobe?! It’s completely about quality over quantity, a single perfect accessory, and simplicity. Pack a basic mix and match wardrobe that will travel easily; one pair of comfy-meets-cute shoes, black jeans, a few white and gray flowy t-shirts, and then one accessory to bring that makes you feel fancy. You’ll spend less time worrying about what to wear each morning, less effort dragging your suitcase behind you, and way more time enjoying every second that you’re wandering around.

Abby-
Don’t be afraid of Airbnb!
The thing I love most about Airbnb is the fact that it gets you into the home of a person who lives in the place you’re visiting, so you’re getting a more authentically-local experience than simply staying in a hotel. Most big-city hosts are also willing to provide recommendations for things to see, places to go; one of my Paris hosts last April is the one who sent me to Le 52, which is now my favorite restaurant in the city!

Katherine-
Invest in a little wallet size crossbody purse
Something just big enough to fit your passport, wallet, key, and phone! It’ll afford you the luxury of being able to pop out of your hotel room for an afternoon walk without having to take your entire backpack. It lets you keep your passport in a secure place WITH you instead of simply being slipped into a larger bag, or getting lost amidst your purse (if yours looks anything like mine!). Travel in Europe is fun, and pretty easy-peezy, but it’s worth noting that pick-pockets do still exist, so finding a simple and secure way to keep your must-have things with you at all times will make your trip so much easier!

Did we miss anything? Chime in with a comment if you have a must-know tip for France travel!

Paris, France photography workshop | The Signature Atelier | Abby Grace Photography

 

Tips for traveling in France

January 4, 2017

  1. Christine K says:

    These are great tips! I would also add that it would be wise to download an app or pick up one of those pocket translation guides and memorize the basics (hello, goodbye, I’m sorry, do you speak English, maybe even some numbers, etc) before heading over. Knowing a few simple phrases in French made a world of difference my second time in Paris- the people were a lot more friendly if I greeted them in their language!

  2. Jenn says:

    oh la boulangerie. Possibly my favorite French thing! Ok, one of many fave French things, but still – totally drooling at the thought of a proper baguette right now.

    These are great tips!!

  3. Karen aka Mom says:

    I recommend getting an RIFD, or RFDI, whatever it’s called, as it will protect your credit cards in case someone is scanning and can find your card and it’s information. They are really small. You can get wallets, purses, even paper ones to put with your cards. We’ve had to learn this the hard way. It’s a very cheap and easy way to protect yourself.

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