Oh my mistake... La Defense station on RER A is actually in Zone 3, not Zone 2.
http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif
http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/rer.gif
France 2008 <IMG SRC="http://www.singaporebrides.com/forumboard/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=
- Thread starter rtan
- Start date
Hi all, www.byki.com provide simple languages with vocal..
lovetotravel
New Member
Hi Threasher,
I just uploaded more pics on this website. Hotel Des Alps of Annecy is in it. You can take a look at the room.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwokwp/
I just uploaded more pics on this website. Hotel Des Alps of Annecy is in it. You can take a look at the room.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwokwp/
Cher Threasher,
Comment allez vous?
As a start, try to translate these common French phrases. They will certainly help you in your trip to France.
Bonjour!
Bon soir!
Salut!
S'il vous plait.
Pardon?
Je voudrais un pain au chocolat s'il vous plait.
Ou sont les toilettes, s'il vous plait?
Je voudrais régler, s'il vous plait.
Je voudrais l'addition, s'il vous plait?
Je voudrais une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plait?
C'est bon.
C'est tous.
Ça coute combien?
Ça fait combien?
Merci beaucoup!
Je vous en prie.
De rien.
Un euro cinquante.
Au revoir!
Ciao!
Comment allez vous?
As a start, try to translate these common French phrases. They will certainly help you in your trip to France.
Bonjour!
Bon soir!
Salut!
S'il vous plait.
Pardon?
Je voudrais un pain au chocolat s'il vous plait.
Ou sont les toilettes, s'il vous plait?
Je voudrais régler, s'il vous plait.
Je voudrais l'addition, s'il vous plait?
Je voudrais une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plait?
C'est bon.
C'est tous.
Ça coute combien?
Ça fait combien?
Merci beaucoup!
Je vous en prie.
De rien.
Un euro cinquante.
Au revoir!
Ciao!
Last year we were in Switzerland, and we didn't know a single word of French, not even "bonjour". But we still managed to get by without much problems.
The Swiss are a multi-lingual country. Many of them speak French, English and German. Not the southern French ar..
Do learn at least couple of lines. Later difficult for you ar..
The Swiss are a multi-lingual country. Many of them speak French, English and German. Not the southern French ar..
Do learn at least couple of lines. Later difficult for you ar..
Dear Threasher,
My advice to you is never without reason. But it's your holiday, it is up to you to do as you wish of course. Inix and I are not ganging up on you.
We are speaking from the point of people who have gone there before. Your experience in Switzerland is just that... Switzerland. France is quite different I assure you. Don't come complaining to us that the Parisians are very unfriendly and unhelpful because you couldn't speak some simple French.
Yes, I am renting my car from Europcar.
Why are you considering staying at Bayeux if there is no Europcar there? It's only like 20km from Caen right? Is it due to cheaper accommodation?
Sure, you can check out the usual suspects like Avis, Hertz, Budget... but I do not think they will be cheaper than Europcar though I could be wrong of course.
BTW think about it: where is Europcar based? Where is Hertz based? Why did I choose Europcar and not Hertz? (Hint: I did use Hertz when in Switzerland in 2006, and I have used Europcar twice; 2005 and 2007. Very happy with all car-rental experiences; except for the high price in Switzerland which is not unexpected.)
My IGN map was bought in a supermarket near Lyon, but if you are lucky you may be able to find it in Borders or Kinokuniya here in SG.
My advice to you is never without reason. But it's your holiday, it is up to you to do as you wish of course. Inix and I are not ganging up on you.
We are speaking from the point of people who have gone there before. Your experience in Switzerland is just that... Switzerland. France is quite different I assure you. Don't come complaining to us that the Parisians are very unfriendly and unhelpful because you couldn't speak some simple French.
Yes, I am renting my car from Europcar.
Why are you considering staying at Bayeux if there is no Europcar there? It's only like 20km from Caen right? Is it due to cheaper accommodation?
Sure, you can check out the usual suspects like Avis, Hertz, Budget... but I do not think they will be cheaper than Europcar though I could be wrong of course.
BTW think about it: where is Europcar based? Where is Hertz based? Why did I choose Europcar and not Hertz? (Hint: I did use Hertz when in Switzerland in 2006, and I have used Europcar twice; 2005 and 2007. Very happy with all car-rental experiences; except for the high price in Switzerland which is not unexpected.)
My IGN map was bought in a supermarket near Lyon, but if you are lucky you may be able to find it in Borders or Kinokuniya here in SG.
Hi Raymond,
Of course I will learn a few French phrases, but that's about all that I can do in such a short time and without real practice. If a French person speaks to me, I will still not be able to understand him, unless he says something really simple like "bonjour".
I considered Bayeux as base because almost everyone in the TripAdvisor and VT forums are recommending it over Caen. Also, because Bayeux is much smaller, I thought it might be easier to drive there compared to Caen. But if there is no Europcar there, then we will base in Caen instead, and probably visit Bayeux as a side trip. For accomodation, I do not think that Bayeux will be cheaper since it's more touristy.
In the Europcar web site, we can rent car using different currencies. Does it make a different if I choose SGD instead of say USD?
Also, does the map shows you all the detailed roads in France?
Of course I will learn a few French phrases, but that's about all that I can do in such a short time and without real practice. If a French person speaks to me, I will still not be able to understand him, unless he says something really simple like "bonjour".
I considered Bayeux as base because almost everyone in the TripAdvisor and VT forums are recommending it over Caen. Also, because Bayeux is much smaller, I thought it might be easier to drive there compared to Caen. But if there is no Europcar there, then we will base in Caen instead, and probably visit Bayeux as a side trip. For accomodation, I do not think that Bayeux will be cheaper since it's more touristy.
In the Europcar web site, we can rent car using different currencies. Does it make a different if I choose SGD instead of say USD?
Also, does the map shows you all the detailed roads in France?
Dear Threasher,
Whatever effort you put in to learn a few basic French phrases or words will be greatly appreciated by the locals. Just don't walk into a shop and start speaking in English. It is considered extremely rude.
I usually just pay in Euros because it is the local currency. I think the website normally gives you not-so-favourable conversion rates.
What kind of road detail are you looking for?
Whatever effort you put in to learn a few basic French phrases or words will be greatly appreciated by the locals. Just don't walk into a shop and start speaking in English. It is considered extremely rude.
I usually just pay in Euros because it is the local currency. I think the website normally gives you not-so-favourable conversion rates.
What kind of road detail are you looking for?
lovetotravel
New Member
Hi threasher,
I went to france only speaking Bonjour and merci and did not face any problem at all. Most ppl understand simple english and if u find someone who don't, ask another person. In Chamonix and Annecy, most are friendlier and willing to help.
I went to france only speaking Bonjour and merci and did not face any problem at all. Most ppl understand simple english and if u find someone who don't, ask another person. In Chamonix and Annecy, most are friendlier and willing to help.
lovetotravel
New Member
I suggest to write some words that u think you might need to use and bring it there. so even if u really can't pronounce it, u can still write and show it to the person when situation arise.
Hi Peng,
In that case, I am now better than you then because I can say "How are you?" in French now.
We will print out a list of French phrases and words, probably from a travel guide, and bring along to France. In this way, we can refer to it, especially in restaurants where all the menus are in French. We should have done that when we were in Switzerland last year.
Hi Raymond,
For the map, I am just curious to know... are all the roads, big and small, in France shown on the map?
Also, for car rental, there are other charges like insurance that are charged per day. Let's say I rent a car on Friday afternoon, and return on Monday morning. Does that mean I have to pay 4 days of these charges, even though I have the car for only 72 hours?
In that case, I am now better than you then because I can say "How are you?" in French now.
We will print out a list of French phrases and words, probably from a travel guide, and bring along to France. In this way, we can refer to it, especially in restaurants where all the menus are in French. We should have done that when we were in Switzerland last year.
Hi Raymond,
For the map, I am just curious to know... are all the roads, big and small, in France shown on the map?
Also, for car rental, there are other charges like insurance that are charged per day. Let's say I rent a car on Friday afternoon, and return on Monday morning. Does that mean I have to pay 4 days of these charges, even though I have the car for only 72 hours?
Dear Threasher,
Comment allez vous?
You can also bring along a small French-English and English-French dictionary.
For the map, you can take a look at:
http://maps.google.com/
The road detail will be around the medium zoom level.
Yes, car rental insurance is charged per day. Personally I did not take any extra insurance (basic insurance is already factored into the car rental price).
Car rental is charged based on 24-hour blocks. Fri afternoon to Mon morning is about 60 hours right? Whether you rent a car for 60 hours will cost the same as renting for 72 hours or 49 hours, i.e. it is considered as 3 days of rental.
Comment allez vous?
You can also bring along a small French-English and English-French dictionary.
For the map, you can take a look at:
http://maps.google.com/
The road detail will be around the medium zoom level.
Yes, car rental insurance is charged per day. Personally I did not take any extra insurance (basic insurance is already factored into the car rental price).
Car rental is charged based on 24-hour blocks. Fri afternoon to Mon morning is about 60 hours right? Whether you rent a car for 60 hours will cost the same as renting for 72 hours or 49 hours, i.e. it is considered as 3 days of rental.
Hi Raymond,
For Europcar rental, the following is what is displayed for each car:
Price includes
Unlimited mileage
Road Tax & License Fees (LAF)
Collision Damage Waiver (reduced excess may apply) CDW
Theft Waiver (Excess may apply) THW
VAT included
Price excludes
Personal Accident cover (PAI) (8.01 EUR per day)
Personal Accident Cover Plus (SPAI) (5.02 EUR per day)
Actually it is not compulsory to take the personal accident cover right?
For Europcar rental, the following is what is displayed for each car:
Price includes
Unlimited mileage
Road Tax & License Fees (LAF)
Collision Damage Waiver (reduced excess may apply) CDW
Theft Waiver (Excess may apply) THW
VAT included
Price excludes
Personal Accident cover (PAI) (8.01 EUR per day)
Personal Accident Cover Plus (SPAI) (5.02 EUR per day)
Actually it is not compulsory to take the personal accident cover right?
lovetotravel
New Member
Hi threasher,
It is not compulsory but if it gives you a peace of mind, pls do purchase it. I buy additional insurance at Europcar just to play safe.
It is not compulsory but if it gives you a peace of mind, pls do purchase it. I buy additional insurance at Europcar just to play safe.
Dear Threasher,
Personally I don't think it is worth it, as the premiums they charge are quite ridiculous (multiply the per-day charge by 365 days for one year and you get some sense of it), and for that price you can easily take other types of insurance. Anyway, your personal travel insurance as well as personal accident and hospitalisation plans should take care of that.
That's just my opinion; I had perfect piece of mind without buying the extra car rental insurance as I am already adequately covered. If it is your first time, why not, to get piece of mind as Peng says; for me I grew up in Europe and have already driven in France many times so I am used to driving there, so less "danger" for me I guess. Honestly, the drivers there are so much more considerate and polite (and skillful!) in France than those in SG. Except Paris of course, where as in any large city, chaos and stress is the order of the day. That's why I've never driven in Paris.
Personally I don't think it is worth it, as the premiums they charge are quite ridiculous (multiply the per-day charge by 365 days for one year and you get some sense of it), and for that price you can easily take other types of insurance. Anyway, your personal travel insurance as well as personal accident and hospitalisation plans should take care of that.
That's just my opinion; I had perfect piece of mind without buying the extra car rental insurance as I am already adequately covered. If it is your first time, why not, to get piece of mind as Peng says; for me I grew up in Europe and have already driven in France many times so I am used to driving there, so less "danger" for me I guess. Honestly, the drivers there are so much more considerate and polite (and skillful!) in France than those in SG. Except Paris of course, where as in any large city, chaos and stress is the order of the day. That's why I've never driven in Paris.
Hi Raymond,
Actually is it really necessary to buy travel insurance? I didn't buy when I went to Switzerland last year, but I did buy when I went to London/Paris 5 years ago.
I checked on-line with NTUC Income, and the premium for my trip will cost $71 for me alone. Still, it is a lot cheaper than the one offered by Europcar.
Actually is it really necessary to buy travel insurance? I didn't buy when I went to Switzerland last year, but I did buy when I went to London/Paris 5 years ago.
I checked on-line with NTUC Income, and the premium for my trip will cost $71 for me alone. Still, it is a lot cheaper than the one offered by Europcar.
Dear Threasher,
Insurance is one of those things you hope you don't need to use. And when something unexpected happens and you didn't buy, then you wish that you did. Personally, I only buy for the minimum period (3 or 4 days) to cover the plane trip there. Since it is you or your wife's first time driving in Europe, I would recommend that you buy travel insurance for the entire trip. When you get more confident, then you can cut down on the travel insurance because it will be less likely that you get into an accident and also you will become more streetwise.
Insurance is one of those things you hope you don't need to use. And when something unexpected happens and you didn't buy, then you wish that you did. Personally, I only buy for the minimum period (3 or 4 days) to cover the plane trip there. Since it is you or your wife's first time driving in Europe, I would recommend that you buy travel insurance for the entire trip. When you get more confident, then you can cut down on the travel insurance because it will be less likely that you get into an accident and also you will become more streetwise.
Hi Raymond,
Thanks. It didn't occur to me that we can buy insurance for part of the trip only. But I'll probably buy for the entire trip.
One more thing... in Paris, I understand that we can buy a set of 10 tickets for the Metro. Can this 10 tickets be shared between me and my wife?
Thanks. It didn't occur to me that we can buy insurance for part of the trip only. But I'll probably buy for the entire trip.
One more thing... in Paris, I understand that we can buy a set of 10 tickets for the Metro. Can this 10 tickets be shared between me and my wife?
Dear Threasher,
Yes, the carnet of 10 tickets can be shared. The prices are shown here:
http://www.ratp.info/informer/tarif_ticket_t_plus.php
Do not ever buy from any random person selling to you even if it looks cheaper. They are almost certainly out to con you. Usually they sell reduced-price tickets (child tickets) to unsuspecting tourists, and if you get caught, it's a hefty fine. Just stick to buying always from the counter or a machine and you'll be fine.
Yes, the carnet of 10 tickets can be shared. The prices are shown here:
http://www.ratp.info/informer/tarif_ticket_t_plus.php
Do not ever buy from any random person selling to you even if it looks cheaper. They are almost certainly out to con you. Usually they sell reduced-price tickets (child tickets) to unsuspecting tourists, and if you get caught, it's a hefty fine. Just stick to buying always from the counter or a machine and you'll be fine.
Hi Raymond,
The price is 11.10 Euros. But do you know what is this 5.50 Euros for reduced tariff?
Also, let's say that my journey consists of a Metro train and follow by an RER train. Do I buy the Metro ticket first, take the Metro, and I only buy the RER ticket at the RER station when I am about to take the RER train?
The price is 11.10 Euros. But do you know what is this 5.50 Euros for reduced tariff?
Also, let's say that my journey consists of a Metro train and follow by an RER train. Do I buy the Metro ticket first, take the Metro, and I only buy the RER ticket at the RER station when I am about to take the RER train?
lovetotravel
New Member
Hi threasher,
the carnet of tickets can be use for metro and RER. U don't have to buy seperate ticket. By the way, if u going to versailles, u cannot use this set of ticket.
the carnet of tickets can be use for metro and RER. U don't have to buy seperate ticket. By the way, if u going to versailles, u cannot use this set of ticket.
Dear Threasher,
I believe the t+ ticket can be used only on the metro and the RER within Paris (Zone 1 I think). For places outside Zone 1 like Chateau Versailles, you have to buy a separate RER ticket that brings you direct to Chateau Versailles. You have to buy a return ticket.
I believe the t+ ticket can be used only on the metro and the RER within Paris (Zone 1 I think). For places outside Zone 1 like Chateau Versailles, you have to buy a separate RER ticket that brings you direct to Chateau Versailles. You have to buy a return ticket.
From my Hotel de Rouen near the Lourve Museam, how do I get to Versailles? The RER line C seems to split up and goes several directions.
Also, if I need to buy a return ticket, where do I buy it? Does the ticket allow me to board Metro and RER trains? Does it restrict me on a certain route that I must take?
Also, if I need to buy a return ticket, where do I buy it? Does the ticket allow me to board Metro and RER trains? Does it restrict me on a certain route that I must take?
lovetotravel
New Member
metro and RER ticket is for zone 1 & 2. (zone 1 & 2 basically covers all the tourist attraction ex: louvre, champs elyees, tour eiffel, latin quatier, montmantre etc) so you don't have to worry you are out of the zone and your carnet of ticket covers it.
As for Versailles it is considered out of paris zone so you need a seperate ticket. You can just go to the counter and tell them you want to purchase ticket to versailles.
If I am not wrong, u can try this route.
from palais royal musee du lourve station, take train to concorde station and change train (looking at purple line) to invalides station. From invalides, u can go straight to Versailles.
hope it helps
As for Versailles it is considered out of paris zone so you need a seperate ticket. You can just go to the counter and tell them you want to purchase ticket to versailles.
If I am not wrong, u can try this route.
from palais royal musee du lourve station, take train to concorde station and change train (looking at purple line) to invalides station. From invalides, u can go straight to Versailles.
hope it helps
lovetotravel
New Member
just to add, u can buy the ticket from whichever station you intend to start the journey. The ticket to versailles will cover metro, rer all the way to versailles.
Dear Threasher,
Inix is indeed right. Some research of my own turned up this.
Firstly, you have to go to the right website, not RATP. The correct website is:
http://www.transilien.com/
From there, you search for the following:
From: Boulevard de La Défense - Nanterre
To: CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES - Versailles
Notice that there are at least three train stations at Versailles, and they have slightly varying walking distances to the Chateau. I believe the nearest ones are Versailles Rive Gauche, then Versailles Rive Gauche, and the furthest one is Versailles Chantiers.
Either way, be prepared for lots of walking. Bring your best walking shoes.
Hope this puts you on the right track (pun intended).
Inix is indeed right. Some research of my own turned up this.
Firstly, you have to go to the right website, not RATP. The correct website is:
http://www.transilien.com/
From there, you search for the following:
From: Boulevard de La Défense - Nanterre
To: CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES - Versailles
Notice that there are at least three train stations at Versailles, and they have slightly varying walking distances to the Chateau. I believe the nearest ones are Versailles Rive Gauche, then Versailles Rive Gauche, and the furthest one is Versailles Chantiers.
Either way, be prepared for lots of walking. Bring your best walking shoes.
Hope this puts you on the right track (pun intended).
Dear Threasher,
Since your wife is driving, it is advisable to get the international driver's license from AA.
http://www.aas.com.sg/services/permit.htm
Since your wife is driving, it is advisable to get the international driver's license from AA.
http://www.aas.com.sg/services/permit.htm
nicoletalyn
New Member
Hi Raymond,
From this thread & others, can see that u r quite familiar with Europe. May I get ur opinion on affordable & recommended accommodation in Paris? Maybe somewhere near to Disney in Paris?
Thank u.
p/s: dun mind others' opinion as well.
From this thread & others, can see that u r quite familiar with Europe. May I get ur opinion on affordable & recommended accommodation in Paris? Maybe somewhere near to Disney in Paris?
Thank u.
p/s: dun mind others' opinion as well.
Dear Threasher,
Sorry I don't know. We did it the well-known way in May 2005; we took a metro to Pont D'Alma and bought a return train ticket to Versailles. No experience otherwise and we won't be going back to Versailles anytime soon.
Dear Lynne,
Firstly, I won't recommend Euro Disney. I think the others Disneys are better. Furthermore, to go to Paris and to waste one day at Euro Disney is to me quite bad use of the time (e.g. I think a day trip to Champagne region is much better.) But I haven't been there and this is just the general sentiment that I've gathered.
The other thing is Euro Disney is not exactly near to Paris. So unless you intend to spend days at Euro Disney (which I don't think is a good idea at all), you would not want to stay near Euro Disney and have to spend lots of money and time travelling to Paris. It's better to stay in Paris and make that one day trip to Euro Disney.
We've always used IBIS hotels (http://www.accorhotels.com), but if you hunt around you can get good deals too. I'm not sure what is your budget as you did not specify, but anything between EUR 50-100 per night is a steal depending on the location.
How many days do you intend to spend in Paris? Where are you going, and for how long? What is your interest? Is it your first time?
Sorry I don't know. We did it the well-known way in May 2005; we took a metro to Pont D'Alma and bought a return train ticket to Versailles. No experience otherwise and we won't be going back to Versailles anytime soon.
Dear Lynne,
Firstly, I won't recommend Euro Disney. I think the others Disneys are better. Furthermore, to go to Paris and to waste one day at Euro Disney is to me quite bad use of the time (e.g. I think a day trip to Champagne region is much better.) But I haven't been there and this is just the general sentiment that I've gathered.
The other thing is Euro Disney is not exactly near to Paris. So unless you intend to spend days at Euro Disney (which I don't think is a good idea at all), you would not want to stay near Euro Disney and have to spend lots of money and time travelling to Paris. It's better to stay in Paris and make that one day trip to Euro Disney.
We've always used IBIS hotels (http://www.accorhotels.com), but if you hunt around you can get good deals too. I'm not sure what is your budget as you did not specify, but anything between EUR 50-100 per night is a steal depending on the location.
How many days do you intend to spend in Paris? Where are you going, and for how long? What is your interest? Is it your first time?
Threasher, i went to Chateau De Versaiiles. From my trip to versailes is very easy mainly because most of the officer are good in english. To avoid i pronounce wrongly, i point the versailes station in the map to the officer then they will gave you tickets. If im not wrong, the cost have no different no matter where you boarding.Just make sure that you board the correct TRAIN NAME, cox different name going diferrent way.
I paid Euro16 to enter versailes. hope this help
I paid Euro16 to enter versailes. hope this help
Hi Lynne, 2 cents from me..
I stayed in paris for a week. I have rented a small 2 person apartment in paris and i'm very grateful that i have rent this aparment. Although it is VERY SMALL, but it provide all neccessary equipment. Because most of their everyday food are sandwichs,and western steak..im so grateful that the aparment have oven !! we bought their readymade packet food from supermarket and make it hot by oven, and we brought some maggie cups fr sg..super nice to eat maggie in cold wether expecially tomyam!! AND one more thing is that mostly all of the hotel does not provide kettle nor water !!! You got to buy mineral water else boil water. our apartment allow us to boil water...wat else,mmm also got things like washing machine (i nvr use cox in france wory spoilt it)..etc
I stayed in paris for a week. I have rented a small 2 person apartment in paris and i'm very grateful that i have rent this aparment. Although it is VERY SMALL, but it provide all neccessary equipment. Because most of their everyday food are sandwichs,and western steak..im so grateful that the aparment have oven !! we bought their readymade packet food from supermarket and make it hot by oven, and we brought some maggie cups fr sg..super nice to eat maggie in cold wether expecially tomyam!! AND one more thing is that mostly all of the hotel does not provide kettle nor water !!! You got to buy mineral water else boil water. our apartment allow us to boil water...wat else,mmm also got things like washing machine (i nvr use cox in france wory spoilt it)..etc
fioon - not sure if u r still reading this thread. I booked my louvre tickets online too (the wed after 6pm ones). You just print out the confirmation and pick up from any of the withdrawal point in france (mainly virgin stores etc.) I am planning to pick mine up from the Gare De Lyon's Virgin Store. Buying it prior to visiting the museum will help beat the Q.
threasher - i booked my car (manual..coz auto is too exp) in Jan for my trip later this month. the earlier u book, the cheaper the rate. Europcar gives very competitive rate. Also, filling up at the supermarket is cheaper than the petrol kiosk on the autoroute.
I am hunting around the michelin local map #332 but doubt i can find it in local book stores..to have it shipped by amazon before my trip will cost too much so I have to rely on raymond's advice and pick it up at the supermarket in france!
threasher - i booked my car (manual..coz auto is too exp) in Jan for my trip later this month. the earlier u book, the cheaper the rate. Europcar gives very competitive rate. Also, filling up at the supermarket is cheaper than the petrol kiosk on the autoroute.
I am hunting around the michelin local map #332 but doubt i can find it in local book stores..to have it shipped by amazon before my trip will cost too much so I have to rely on raymond's advice and pick it up at the supermarket in france!