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Hi Inix,
I am not the one asking the question on applying Visa. Have a great day...
I am not the one asking the question on applying Visa. Have a great day...
France 2008 <IMG SRC="http://www.singaporebrides.com/forumboard/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=
- Thread starter rtan
- Start date
Hi Inix,
We've been to Geneva during our Switzerland trip last year. As far as I know, people visit the Alps all year round, and some activities like hiking are during the summer. So it is not just all skiing.
Skiing is not important to us, and it's not available in May. We could go during late April though. For skiing, I know that we can rent the boots and skis, and they have beginner courses there. But do we need to bring our ski pants, gloves, etc?
I don't really like to bring a lot of clothing. Last year, when we went to Jungfrajosh in late April, we only wear a jacket and jeans. Temperatures at 0 degrees are quite ok for my wife and me, unless it is windy.
We've been to Geneva during our Switzerland trip last year. As far as I know, people visit the Alps all year round, and some activities like hiking are during the summer. So it is not just all skiing.
Skiing is not important to us, and it's not available in May. We could go during late April though. For skiing, I know that we can rent the boots and skis, and they have beginner courses there. But do we need to bring our ski pants, gloves, etc?
I don't really like to bring a lot of clothing. Last year, when we went to Jungfrajosh in late April, we only wear a jacket and jeans. Temperatures at 0 degrees are quite ok for my wife and me, unless it is windy.
From what I know, no visas are required for Singaporeans and Malaysians for visits to the UK, France and Switzerland. For Switzerland, I can confirm that because my wife, who is Malaysian, and I (Singaporean), went there last year without visas. Anyone can confirm that visas are not required for UK and France for Malaysians and Singaporeans?
Hi Inix Zhixing,
Ca va? Je vais bien, merci.
Oops sorry to get your gender wrong. Thanks for the information! Will check out the aquarium in La Rochelle. Did you visit Ile de Re while at La Rochelle? We're thinking of doing a cycling trip there as well as eat oysters of course!
Dear threasher,
For France, certainly no visa requirements for Singaporeans. Have been there three times in the last three years. This year will be four out of four.
Ca va? Je vais bien, merci.
Oops sorry to get your gender wrong. Thanks for the information! Will check out the aquarium in La Rochelle. Did you visit Ile de Re while at La Rochelle? We're thinking of doing a cycling trip there as well as eat oysters of course!
Dear threasher,
For France, certainly no visa requirements for Singaporeans. Have been there three times in the last three years. This year will be four out of four.
hi threasher,
Yah, you can hike during summer and probably spring (but I reckon it would be chilly), but having said that, Chamonix is famous for its Alps and its Ski. Supposed to be the best in Europe...
As for Visa,
Singaporeans do not require Visa for both France & UK. We get 6 months re-entry FOC in UK and 3 months re-entry in France. For Malaysians, I'm not so sure about France. You might need to check.
If you're not been to UK, do not be surprised that you get questioned like no tomorrow at Heathrow / Luton Airport. Since you're a Singaporean, I suggest that you go first during the queue and ask your wife to say that you're on your holiday with her husband. That usually clears up the way for most people.
Otherwise, Malaysians do find it tougher to get into UK at times.
Yah, you can hike during summer and probably spring (but I reckon it would be chilly), but having said that, Chamonix is famous for its Alps and its Ski. Supposed to be the best in Europe...
As for Visa,
Singaporeans do not require Visa for both France & UK. We get 6 months re-entry FOC in UK and 3 months re-entry in France. For Malaysians, I'm not so sure about France. You might need to check.
If you're not been to UK, do not be surprised that you get questioned like no tomorrow at Heathrow / Luton Airport. Since you're a Singaporean, I suggest that you go first during the queue and ask your wife to say that you're on your holiday with her husband. That usually clears up the way for most people.
Otherwise, Malaysians do find it tougher to get into UK at times.
Hi Raymond Tan (rtan),
Didn't go there. I went La Rochelle during Christmas and it was all about the food with some close friends. And yes, Oysters in La Rochelle is FABULOUS.
BTW, there is this restaraunt in La Rochelle which is more then 100 years old (I think). Can't remember the name. Do look around. Their food is fabulous, and their price, very reasonable.
Didn't go there. I went La Rochelle during Christmas and it was all about the food with some close friends. And yes, Oysters in La Rochelle is FABULOUS.
BTW, there is this restaraunt in La Rochelle which is more then 100 years old (I think). Can't remember the name. Do look around. Their food is fabulous, and their price, very reasonable.
Hi Inix,
Thanks for the information. Is it this restaurant?
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/larochelle/D42423.html
Thanks for the information. Is it this restaurant?
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/larochelle/D42423.html
Threasher I don't think it will be any tougher for your wife than it is for anybody else (though I think they tend to scrutise those with Islamic sounding names a little more). I have a UK residence visa and I still get questioned by the immigration officer. Guess they are just doing their job so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
threasher (threasher),
Heathrow have always been a terrorist target, but the risk is not any more then any other American City. Rest Easy.
As for your wife, its still best to do so as they have a tendnacy to quenstion Malaysians more. In 05 when I was there, I saw a Malaysian guy who flew with me from Paris called into the room for further investigation despite being in UK for holiday only.
It does not help that there are more Malaysians working in the various parts of UK in some of the Chinese Restaraunts as compared to Singaporeans...
Heathrow have always been a terrorist target, but the risk is not any more then any other American City. Rest Easy.
As for your wife, its still best to do so as they have a tendnacy to quenstion Malaysians more. In 05 when I was there, I saw a Malaysian guy who flew with me from Paris called into the room for further investigation despite being in UK for holiday only.
It does not help that there are more Malaysians working in the various parts of UK in some of the Chinese Restaraunts as compared to Singaporeans...
Hi Raymond Tan (rtan)
The restaraunt name is Restaurant "La Marée"
This is their website - http://www.la-maree.fr/
The restaraunt name is Restaurant "La Marée"
This is their website - http://www.la-maree.fr/
Hi Inix,
Turkish Airlines are basically quite the same as other airlines that I have took before (I have flown with more than 10 airlines). As long as they bring me the food, it is good enough for me.
However, the price that I got was during last year. At that time, it was advertised on one of the travel agent pages during the Natas promotion.
Turkish Airlines are basically quite the same as other airlines that I have took before (I have flown with more than 10 airlines). As long as they bring me the food, it is good enough for me.
However, the price that I got was during last year. At that time, it was advertised on one of the travel agent pages during the Natas promotion.
threasher (threasher)
hehehe.. I paid $2.2K for Sing - CDG last sep and $2.1K just couple of weeks ago. SQ is pretty steep, but boh pian de lar..
And I think its pretty worth it. The new 777-300ER is nice. The Inflight is HUGE!
Oh, if you're no1 consideration is price, look at Sri Lankan Airlines. They're running a promotion now. I htink under $1K inclusive of tax can reach Europe.
hehehe.. I paid $2.2K for Sing - CDG last sep and $2.1K just couple of weeks ago. SQ is pretty steep, but boh pian de lar..
And I think its pretty worth it. The new 777-300ER is nice. The Inflight is HUGE!
Oh, if you're no1 consideration is price, look at Sri Lankan Airlines. They're running a promotion now. I htink under $1K inclusive of tax can reach Europe.
Hi Threasher,
Air France is only very slightly cheaper in terms of price, and arguably worse than SQ. Plus they can go on strike at any time. Why take the risk?
We like direct flights, hence the reason for SQ. Also no chance that your luggage gets "lost" at the transit airport.
For Paris hotels, we usually choose an IBIS or a Mulhouse near Gare de Lyon.
Air France is only very slightly cheaper in terms of price, and arguably worse than SQ. Plus they can go on strike at any time. Why take the risk?
We like direct flights, hence the reason for SQ. Also no chance that your luggage gets "lost" at the transit airport.
For Paris hotels, we usually choose an IBIS or a Mulhouse near Gare de Lyon.
Hi Raymond,
I guess if you compare SQ with all the other airlines, then of course SQ is better. But in terms of price, SQ is also much expensive. For Air France, I found that if you travel by end April to Geneva, the fare is about $1400.
From my experience, I find that in terms of service, the various airlines that I have taken are about the same. Probably I would give a lower rating to those American ones. I would say that if given a choice, I would like to fly with EVA airline again.
I guess if you compare SQ with all the other airlines, then of course SQ is better. But in terms of price, SQ is also much expensive. For Air France, I found that if you travel by end April to Geneva, the fare is about $1400.
From my experience, I find that in terms of service, the various airlines that I have taken are about the same. Probably I would give a lower rating to those American ones. I would say that if given a choice, I would like to fly with EVA airline again.
Hi Raymond,
Roughly what kind of rates do you get for hotel rooms in Paris? Does it include breadfast?
For Mulhouse, is the below link showing the correct hotel? The rates do not look cheap.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/lyon-mulhouse-bastille.en.html
For IBIS hotels, is the below link correct?
http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/home/index.shtml
Actually the following web site also allows you to find hotels in Paris. I can find hotels for around 50 Euros.
www.venere.com
Roughly what kind of rates do you get for hotel rooms in Paris? Does it include breadfast?
For Mulhouse, is the below link showing the correct hotel? The rates do not look cheap.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/lyon-mulhouse-bastille.en.html
For IBIS hotels, is the below link correct?
http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/home/index.shtml
Actually the following web site also allows you to find hotels in Paris. I can find hotels for around 50 Euros.
www.venere.com
Hi Threasher,
1400 for end-April. Unfortunately we are flying in May, and thus the difference between Air France and SQ prices were negligible. We also did consider flying by other airlines that transit, but all the transit times we saw were unacceptable in at least one direction (more than 5 hours).
For hotels, check out http://www.accorhotels.com
1400 for end-April. Unfortunately we are flying in May, and thus the difference between Air France and SQ prices were negligible. We also did consider flying by other airlines that transit, but all the transit times we saw were unacceptable in at least one direction (more than 5 hours).
For hotels, check out http://www.accorhotels.com
threasher (threasher)
Still is. I just came back from a Sing - Paris - Barcelona - Geneva - Paris - Sing trip and just did my sums. In total, including of my wife's Air Tix, Hotel, Food & Shopping, we spent around 4K cash for 2 weeks.
Assuming I add in Paris Hotel + Paris Air Tix with them, I will need to add probably another 2K, which will add up to around $6K.
Still very doable.
Still is. I just came back from a Sing - Paris - Barcelona - Geneva - Paris - Sing trip and just did my sums. In total, including of my wife's Air Tix, Hotel, Food & Shopping, we spent around 4K cash for 2 weeks.
Assuming I add in Paris Hotel + Paris Air Tix with them, I will need to add probably another 2K, which will add up to around $6K.
Still very doable.
I managed to reserve Air France air tickets at $1396 per person. Fly into Paris on 23 Apr, then transit to Geneva. On the return trip on 7 May, we will fly back from Paris without going to Geneva.
When we reach Geneva, we will take a private coach at 25 Euros per person to Chamonix. A hotel room there costs almost 60 Euros per night.
So far, this is what I have planned. Now I need to add in the accomodation for other places, and how to travel there.
Boy, planning this trip is quite stressful! Committing a lot of money, and worrying what could go wrong.
When we reach Geneva, we will take a private coach at 25 Euros per person to Chamonix. A hotel room there costs almost 60 Euros per night.
So far, this is what I have planned. Now I need to add in the accomodation for other places, and how to travel there.
Boy, planning this trip is quite stressful! Committing a lot of money, and worrying what could go wrong.
Does anyone has experience in taking trains in France? I can't find any web site in English that allows you to input departing place and arrival place, and shows you the train schedules. For Switzerland, all these can be done with www.sbb.com, and I also can find the entire rail map of Switzerland. For France, I don't know why it is so difficult.
Hi Inix,
Can take train, but how to get to the airport?
Also, I'm sure flying is for between bigger cities like Lyon and Paris. If you want to get to places like Tours, I think we should take train, right?
For Switzerland, it seems so much easier. The train route map is available on line, and we can easily check the schedules on line too. On the train station itself, they also have the schedules. I'm not sure whether the schedules are pasted on the walls of the train stations in France.
Can take train, but how to get to the airport?
Also, I'm sure flying is for between bigger cities like Lyon and Paris. If you want to get to places like Tours, I think we should take train, right?
For Switzerland, it seems so much easier. The train route map is available on line, and we can easily check the schedules on line too. On the train station itself, they also have the schedules. I'm not sure whether the schedules are pasted on the walls of the train stations in France.
It seems that train travels in France is at ridiculous prices. I went to www.sncf.co.uk and check for schedules from Lyon to Tours in April. All the prices are more than 125 pounds for 2 persons, and you have to transit train at Paris. With this inconvenience and expensive tickets, I wonder how to go free and easy with trains.
Dear threasher,
The website you are looking for is http://www.voyages-sncf.com and you should then scroll down to the little Great Britain flag at the bottom left of the page. I've come to the stage where I just do everything in French; not that I actually understand all the French words, but familiarity and pattern matching help.
You have to book train tickets early, else the cheap tickets get snapped up really fast. If you're travelling in April, I'm afraid you may be too late. You should start booking four months in advance for train tickets in France.
Take note that if you're enquiring about train tickets for two persons, the price shown is the total price; not price per person. For example, I've managed to find tickets for two persons totalling EUR 110.80 (EUR 55.40 per person) from Lyon to Tours on Mercredi 30 Avril.
The website you are looking for is http://www.voyages-sncf.com and you should then scroll down to the little Great Britain flag at the bottom left of the page. I've come to the stage where I just do everything in French; not that I actually understand all the French words, but familiarity and pattern matching help.
You have to book train tickets early, else the cheap tickets get snapped up really fast. If you're travelling in April, I'm afraid you may be too late. You should start booking four months in advance for train tickets in France.
Take note that if you're enquiring about train tickets for two persons, the price shown is the total price; not price per person. For example, I've managed to find tickets for two persons totalling EUR 110.80 (EUR 55.40 per person) from Lyon to Tours on Mercredi 30 Avril.
Oops, I think those tickets I quoted go via Paris. Not good.
Just as a side note; I have already booked tickets from Nice to Lyon costing EUR 25 per person (2nd class), and tickets from Lyon to Paris costing EUR 24 per person (1st class!). These are for end-May and early June. So it is very possible to travel cheaply around France; just that you have to book early; four months in advance, as I've mentioned.
Just as a side note; I have already booked tickets from Nice to Lyon costing EUR 25 per person (2nd class), and tickets from Lyon to Paris costing EUR 24 per person (1st class!). These are for end-May and early June. So it is very possible to travel cheaply around France; just that you have to book early; four months in advance, as I've mentioned.
Hi Raymond,
You can no longer search the SNCF web sites in English. This is confirmed by people in Virtual Tourist. That site you gave... you can click the GB flag, but in the end you will still end up with a French site.
The best web site that I found to check train schedules, given by folks in Virtual Tourist, is:
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
The suggestion: don't use Internet, don't reserve, just go to the station and buy the ticket.
Here is the link to my question in Virtual Tourist:
http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-406147-1-1-Travel-0-0-France-discussion.html
You can no longer search the SNCF web sites in English. This is confirmed by people in Virtual Tourist. That site you gave... you can click the GB flag, but in the end you will still end up with a French site.
The best web site that I found to check train schedules, given by folks in Virtual Tourist, is:
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
The suggestion: don't use Internet, don't reserve, just go to the station and buy the ticket.
Here is the link to my question in Virtual Tourist:
http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-406147-1-1-Travel-0-0-France-discussion.html
Ah yes... I found the EUR 47.40 tickets that they were talking about on http://www.voyages-sncf.com
For example, Mecredi 23 Avril:
12h39 - LYON PART DIEU
17h54 - TOURS GARE
TER
16842 2e classe Sans réservation
Durée : 05h15
Durée : 05h15
+détailsx
94.80 €
1e Passager (26 à 59 ans) : 47.40 €
Tarif normal : Billet échangeable et remboursable soumis à conditions.
2e Passager (26 à 59 ans) : 47.40 €
Tarif normal : Billet échangeable et remboursable soumis à conditions.
I suggest you book your tickets online as I believe the tickets get more and more expensive; I'm not sure how good an idea it is to buy your tickets at the train station.
For example, Mecredi 23 Avril:
12h39 - LYON PART DIEU
17h54 - TOURS GARE
TER
16842 2e classe Sans réservation
Durée : 05h15
Durée : 05h15
+détailsx
94.80 €
1e Passager (26 à 59 ans) : 47.40 €
Tarif normal : Billet échangeable et remboursable soumis à conditions.
2e Passager (26 à 59 ans) : 47.40 €
Tarif normal : Billet échangeable et remboursable soumis à conditions.
I suggest you book your tickets online as I believe the tickets get more and more expensive; I'm not sure how good an idea it is to buy your tickets at the train station.