France 2008 <IMG SRC="http://www.singaporebrides.com/forumboard/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=

[rtan]

Hi Nana7,

I'm glad you enjoy the pictures. F&amp;E is always cheaper (especially if four go together since you can rent a car and split all costs 4 ways), and you get to see much more. But of course the thing is that you must plan a lot more and read up on your own.

To answer your questions:

1) I have not been to St Malo, but friends who went there say it is nice. I've only been to Mont St Michel (over-run by tourists

) and to Cancale (nice non-touristy place) for wonderful seafood.

Never been to Jersey so can't comment.

You might also want to consider La Rochelle; the seafood is arguably the best in France, and cycling at Il de Re is just great. It's also one of the sunniest places in France.

2) Unfortunately I have not been to Normandy in 24 years, so I cannot comment. For Bretagne, I've only stayed in Rennes, which in itself has not much in terms of tourist attractions, but is good as a base. There is a most fantastic patisserie in Cesson Sevigne that arguably makes the best pastries that we've ever had in France (and mind you, we *are* picky). If you need the details, I can fish it out.

 

[nana7]

Hi Raymond,
Thanks for your information.

There are 3 of us actually. Yes, F&amp;E is always cheaper and fun. I did it in Turkey in 2001, and many other places. It is just navigation and lots of reading, planning and printing of maps! hahaha. Sorry folks, no offence, but I don't like package tour... too many comparision with Singapore and Singaporean mentality and kiasuism is often displayed onboard....

After much delibration, we are not going to Channel islands, probably giving St Malo a miss. As it will be too tight schedule. We are only having 11 FULL DAYS there.

Therefore, we will have more time at Normandy, Brittany and Loire Valley.

Can I request for a list of MUST BUY, MUST EAT patries and food there!!!! Food is our love, we eat only what the locals eat!!! We love especially small towns and mom and pot shop! Just lovely!

So excited, I am leaving next Wednesday!

Thanks again!!

 

[rtan]

Hi nana7,

I'll reply you tonight here; I can dig up the name of the patisserie in Rennes (Cesson Sevigne); but are you going there in the first place?

Where are you staying in Loire valley? We stayed there for a week in 2007. If you stayed near to where we stayed, I can give our recommendations.

Completely agree with you about package tours, that's why we avoid them like the plague. But that's for another thread.

 

[rtan]

Hi nana7,

The boulangerie / patisserie in Rennes is:

Vincent FIGUERES
8 Cours de la Vilaine
35510 CESSON SEVIGNE

 

[nana7]

Hi Raymond,
I may not go to Rennes.

Loire Valley, I have not decide on where to stay. I welcome your recommendations!

Thus far, only managed to book accomodation for Paris, been busy with work. But will have all my time for the next 3 days! Our itinery is more defined now.

ON Latin Quarters
ON Eretat/ Le Havre
ON St Malo/ Dinan
ON Angers
ON Orleans
ON NICE

ON = Overnight

Above still subject to change. I am in charge of planning Paris, My friend in charge of Nice, my hubby in charge of in between. So kind of cloudy for the middle journey for me as I have not read enuff!!! This trip was quiet a last minute plan!

 

[rtan]

Hi nana7,

Your itinerary looks good.

Just two things I don't quite understand.

(1) Why go to Orleans after Angers?

(2) How are you going to Nice? It's a very long distance from the Loire Valley.

Last time, we stayed near to Tours. There are many castles and chateaus. We visited Chambord, Cheverney, and a few others. Our personal highlights were the gardens of Villandry and the intimate lovely chateau at Montresor. The rest were a little too full of tourists for our liking.

The Loire valley produces wonderful wines. You *must* eat seafood at Etretat / Le Havre. And I hope you're not driving in Paris; it's a nightmare. Taking the Metro and RERs will be a much better option.

You can also check out accorhotels.com; we like the IBIS hotel range.

The planning is a little last minute; but perhaps you can get away with it since this is not the peak season.

 

[nana7]

Hi Raymond,

(1) It will be nearer to travel to CDG the next day

(2) As in (1), we will be flying to NICE. We don't want to waste time travelling in a car or train.

Seafood sounds fantastic!!!

No, we are not driving in Paris, I have booked accomodation at $80 euros just next to Luxembourg Station, near Jardin Du Luxembourg, just 100m away! Yippy! I know Ibis are good, however, sometimes I will source for lower prices and better locations or even ensuite hostel. We always keep Accorhotels in mind!

I am looking forward to Macaroons (Spelling correct?) Gosh I love this! Their pastries, tarts etc etc etc... I am a glutton!! I don care about my waistline, nvm, hubby also don mind! hahaha

 

[nana7]

Oh, I just flipped back your comments,

1) I have not been to St Malo, but friends who went there say it is nice. I've only been to Mont St Michel (over-run by tourists )

- We are going to both of these places


2) Unfortunately I have not been to Normandy in 24 years,

- Gosh, you are so senior (Pun intended) !!! I may be 20 yrs younger than you!!!!

 

[rtan]

Hi nana7,

One hint for finding good food; avoid restaurants that have menus in English (there are some exceptions in the bigger towns and cities); in general, restaurants that have too many tourists are not good; if you see mostly French (or even better, all French people!), you're in for a treat. As usual, try to stick to crowded restaurants; and if there's a queue for something, there is a reason; French people are as picky about food as us; they will travel across town for the best patisserie, etc.

Try to visit the street markets everywhere you go; they are full of authentic French produce and you must try the fruits that are in season! I think cherries and strawberries... after that you'll never eat them again in Singapore. Also try their fruit juice (e.g. jus de pommes, etc.); they make Marigold taste like sh*t (because Marigold, shall we say, does not use the best quality fruit, so it's 100% lousy-quality fruit juice). Their fruit juice is made from the choicest and freshest fruits.

Some cooked food worth trying at street markets are pizzas, roast chicken, and anything else that catches your fancy. Remember the queue thing again and you can't go wrong.

Some roadside stores sell very fresh fruits; for example, you'd often see a grower hawking his cherries on the road, for about EUR 2.50 to EUR 3.00 per punnet. Often times you can even do a little tasting, but ask first (the French word is "degustation").

At fruit stalls, never touch and pick as you do in Singapore; it's considered very rude. Have a 100% hands off policy, unless the shop owner gestures you to pick on your own (it's not that common). Tell the shop owner exactly what you want and he will pick the best for you.

And oh, if you see at the street market, someone selling nothing but say, strawberries (say, three or more different types), they must be good; else he would have gone bankrupt by now.

These are all the great stuff that you can try since you're thankfully not going on a package tour! Immerse yourself in the culture, the sights, talk to the people, get to know them!

Remember that French people do not smile a lot; they are not like Americans; it's just their culture. Don't walk around smiling broadly to everyone; it makes you look like a lunatic. When you meet them, give eye contact, and a very brief smile; then talk in your best French. And they'll love you.

BTW I hope you know a few French phrases; it helps a lot!

I'm not that old, haha. But my age is a secret.

 

[rtan]

I hope you know about the pickpockets, especially in Paris and in the larger towns. They are 100% professionals and anything in any pocket, whether open, buttoned, or zipped, or even any waste pouch, is in danger. The best is to have a neck pouch hung inside your shirt (for the guys); for the ladies, have your valuables at the BOTTOM of your backpack. It's not Baghdad, but you don't want the unlikely event of having your stuff stolen to spoil your holiday. Keep your wits around you and don't look blur like a tourist. Try to look like a poor but smart student familiar with the place.

 

[rtan]

For example, when you exit a metro station for the first time, you won't know where to go. Tourists who want to be pickpocketed will do this; they will stop, point here and there, take out their map, stand there and decide. BAD idea.

Instead, just keep walking in one direction; even if it is wrong, turn back once you are out on the street. This is part of being streetwise; but I'm sure you know already. This is just for the benefit of the other forummers.

 

[rtan]

Beware also when you're queueing up to buy something; my friend almost got her handphone stolen from her backpack when she was queueing at Macs (which in itself, is a big sin; eating at Macs when in France; haha.

). But her phone was not at the bottom of her bag so she was asking for it...

 

[nana7]

Its a SIN to eat Macs in FRANCE!!! Fast food is a no-no!! Please forgive her....

On the pickpockets thing, I tot the best and most skilful folks are in Italy! Wow, Paris too!! Will take note and extreme care!!

I love street food, no worries, I will try that!! Those makeshift roadside fruit stalls are also my favourite! They have really juicy and fresh fruits!!! We used to buy bags of fruits while we were driving during holidays. We have this habit, 3 folks, 3 different bags of fruits!

I am not like those folks in a supermarket who throws or select fruits hoping to find a super PERFECT pick, especially those finger nail mark!! My husband always "SUAN" them, the fruits will be BRUISED! hahaha

 

[rtan]

Hi nana7,

Looks like you're all set for France, both in terms of logistical preparations as well as mental and cultural preparations. That's great, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the trip a lot more than the other folks, if you know what I mean.

How's the French coming along?

 

[nana7]

Haha, French... I only knows peanuts.

My superior is a French ironically. Next time my children will learn French, then I will learn from them! Never too late!

We are in the midst of making some changes... may drop St Malo, just go to Mont St. Michael and ON at RENNES.

I have my maps almost all done up, thanks to Google!!! kekeke

 

[rtan]

Dear nana7,

Since you'll be in Rennes, do check out the Sel de Guerande if you have the chance and visit a salt farm. Arguably the best sea salt in the world!

Bon voyage.

 

[nana7]

Hi Raymond,
Thanks for the information.

I still haven't pack my luggage, stuffs, complete booking accomodation! hahaha

Latest Itinerary Update
3N Paris
1N Paris - Rouen - Etretat - Le Havre
Question: Is it worth to go Monet Garden?
We will also be going to Arc de Joan

1N Le Havre - Honfleur - Vimoutiers (Camembert) - St Michel - Rennes
(This one very ambitious, but really not enough time, husband loves Camembert, a place he cannot miss!)

1N Rennes - Angers - Tours
1N Tours - Orleans - Paris
1N Paris - Nice - Cannes - St Pol du Vence - Nice
1N Nice - Monanco - Nice
1N Nice - Paris (SHOPPING DAY!!!)
Home Sweet Home

Very ambitious trip, and rush!! My boss is a French and he mentioned if you go to Nice, u need to go St Pol Du Vence and Cannes. So OK, here we go!!

I will miss my babies, my cat and my parents!!

 

[rtan]

Hi nana7,

Honestly I think your F&amp;E is a little too ambitious; 1 night here and 1 night there (the Paris - Le Havre - Rennes - Tours - Paris leg) is very rushed. We did 2 nights at different places before and even we felt that it was too rushed.

Remember that F&amp;E is not about touch and go...

Anyway do enjoy the trip and let us know how it went.

 

[homwa]

Hi all,
I will be spending 4D 3N in France coming from Switzerland from 19-22May . Pls advise for my itineries in France.

Day 0 Night
a. Overnight travel from Switzerland (Bern or Zurich) to Rennes (dunnoe whether isit possible yet.. emailed eurail for help)

Day 1 - Rennes to Mont St Micheal
1. Rennes Railway station – Portonson (take a bus (Illenoo public transport-3 euros) - 1hr 30min
2. Portonson – Mont Sain Micheal(Maneo bus link-2 euros) - 15min

-Night outside Mont Saint Micheal (30 euros pax)

Day 2 - Rennes to Versailles
1. Bus to Rennes (10 euros) -2hrs
2. Train from Rennes to Versailles (not sure whether possible)
3. Train from Versailles to Paris
4. Some Museums if possible
(pls advise me whether i got time for this part)
-Night @ Paris

Day 3
1. Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle
2. Louvre
3. Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees
4. Jardins Tulieries
5. Moulin Rouge
6. Sacred Coeur and Montmartre

-Night @ Paris

Day 4
1. Galeries Lafayette and Paris Opera House
(LV shopping at the duty-free)
2. Eiffel Tower
3. To CDG Airport

Impt purchase:
1. 5 days youth pass (do i need this??)
-i got problems to find train for Milan to Zurich and from Zurich or Bern to Rennes
2. 2 days Museum pass

Pls Advise. Hope my grad trip will turn out fine..

 

[nana7]

Hi Raymond!
Back on Sunday! Jet lag for 2 days, cannot sleep, hopefully I can sleep like a pig today!

Starting on my car ride...

21st March Saturday
Paris - Rouen - Etratet - Le Havre
- We took the small roads, pass by the farms and houses. Architecture is different and has some 'English Influence'. Smell of manure everywhere when we wound down our window! ORGANIC leh! hahaha
- Etratet is beautiful! I did not have seafood. We are not into 'shell' products
- Le Havre, really look sad, probably due to WW2 bombed out. The houses were built by Belgium Architect and looks very "communist"

Had dinner in Le Havre and we found a good restaurant called Le G3. I was surprise that it was such a quiet estate but there are 3 restaurants there and they are full or almost full! We had typical french food and it was superb!

Did not manage to visit a salt farm, but I did see salt sold in Honfleur. I did not buy, it is about 100g for 6 euros!!! *Faint*



22nd March Sunday
Honfleur - Mont St Michel - Rennes
- Honfleur is also beautiful, we had lunch in the car with our bread, brae, Camembert and Salami/ Ham and bought a bottle of Brut and Calvados
- Head off to Mont St Michel, love this place. Interesting built around some quick sand, and the place that we parked, sometimes will be covered by tide!

Had dinner in Rennes, we went to a Creperie and gosh, it was so GOOD, we had 2 CREPES each!!

Don't ask me what name... I din picked those up, but I took pictures of all the dinner that we have!!! We did not polish up our French when we were there too! So we do a lot of tikgum!! I worked on the philosophy that normally the first item in the specific category is 'recommended'!

Update again another day!!

 

[nana7]

Hi Alvin,
If I remember correctly, if you are <25yrs old, Museum is 1/2 price. I got a 2 day museum pass for 32 euros, we cheong to

1) Lourve (Abt 8.50 Euros)
2) Museum D O'say (Abt 8.50 Euros)
3) Pantheon (Abt 8.00 Euros)
4) Chateau Varseille (Abt 13.00 Euros)

* If I remember correctly, the price is thereabout. Go early to Varseille, there is a queue to buy tickets which is about 50m long, and a queue to go in, which is about 200m long. TERRIBLE, that was about 10.30am. It was SOOooOOOooOOOo crowded that inside is jammed packed. You skipped the 1st queue if you have a museum pass.

If you happened to go on Sunday to museums, some are free, either free on Sundays or 1st or last week of Sunday. Go and find out.

For your Day 4
LV shopping is terrible in Galeries, more terrible than Champ Elysees. But if you go early, should be find. Seems like LV is free. I bought LongChamp, not a fan of LV.

Be prepared to queue at Eiffel Tower ~1/2hr depending on the time and crowd. But we did not go up. We went there in the day and night and take buses circuling it. I bought unlimited day pass for 3 days. Thus, we hopped up and down and travel by bus in Paris, and we love it, seeing the Parisans daily life.

 

[homwa]

i was sooo worried no one reply me.. Thanks!!

noted.. so i will get the museum pass. is my itinery too pack?

sigh.. i yet to find a way to maximise the 5day pass. i wont use it in italy so its not worth it. I hope i can purchase the museum pass somewhere when im taking train from bern to rennes.

france is full of tourist round the year?? i planned in may hoping we can take pic of the place not tourist..

 

[homwa]

i would like to share the following link :
http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en?seqnr=2&amp;ident=9r.011546132.1238606606&amp;changeQueryInputData=yes&amp;view0=yes

This is a train planner. Juz input from and to. It gives you the time and transfer (if have).

 

[lovetotravel]

Dear Alvin,

I don't think you need a train pass. You can easily purchase and print your own ticket from France website. They have good and cheap deals if u book early.

Versailles is a huge place,after walking the whole day, I don't think u still want to visit another museum. Louvre or Musuem D Orsay are worth visiting. You don't need museum pass unless u are spending lots of time visiting museum. with only 2 full days in Paris city, I think it will be quite rush.

Take a walk along river seine and Latin Quatier area. Lovely place to explore and don't forget to slow down, go for coffee and watch the world goes by.

 

[lovetotravel]

By the way, your day 3 is super pack. You may want to spend half a day in versailles and the rest of the day in Paris city.

As for day 4, what time is your flight? Eiffel Tower is beautiful as it lights up at night.

 

[rtan]

Hi Alvin,

Here are some suggestions that I posted in another thread:

Here are some suggestions that I posted for someone else in another thread:

1. Rent a bicycle and cycle in one of the numerous parks.

2. Visit a tea room.

3. Catacombs.

4. Pere Lachaise cemetery.

5. Day trip out to champagne region.

6. Join a walking tour.

7. Visit Bastille market (only on certain mornings).

8. Marais and Bastille.

9. 6th arrondissement.

etc.

BTW, as Peng has said, your itinerary is the typical kiasu Singaporean super-packed rush-around-till-you-die but never really see anything sort of tour. Please don't do that. If possible, take it slow, and do some of the non-touristy things that I've listed above. Paris is not meant to be rushed.

 

[rtan]

Dear nana,

Sounds like you had great trip! I'm happy for all of you. Glad you enjoyed the food as well.

EUR 6 for 100g of guerande sea salt is CHEAP. You have not seen the price here in SG.

Dear Alvin,

Try to avoid the LV at Champs Elysees; there are other LVs in Paris that are much less touristy and much more pleasant to shop in; do your homework.

Another problem with visiting only the touristy places is that you'll find you end up queueing 30 mins here, 1 hour there, 1 hour 30 mins there, so in the end in one day you spend a few hours queueing for the various attractions. That cannot be an efficient use of your precious time in Paris.

 

[nana7]

Hi Raymond,
Maybe it is becos of the season, that is why LV at Champs Elysees was not crowded around 5pm when I was there. It was horrible at Galeries, not even a standing place at the display counter!!

I agree with you statement about queueing, it really surprises me in Paris, even those patisserie.

For that salt, 6 Euro is CORSE/UNREFINE, the fine salt I think is about 10 Euros if I remember correctly. My spending power for salt has not reach that level!

Seriously, Ihave not seen those you mentioned in Singapore yet. Maybe bcos I have a big family, I go to economical supermarket, I skip the premium ones to lighten my wallet.

BTW, I bought 25 macaroons back! I brought my own box, so that they will not be crashed. Previous experience in Belgium has taught me a lesson, I had 50% damaged when I ETA SIN!!! Arghhhhh

When I was in Paris, we visited Rue Mouffetard twice for dinner. They have many nice restaurants over there. It was a nice walk in the evening in that "market" too.

Hi Peng,
Agreed with you on the museum thing. 2 museums per day really is more than sufficient!

 

[nana7]

Continued...

23rd March Monday
RENNES - VITRE - TOURS
- This is a more relaxing day, we went carrefour supermarket and bought a roasted chicken and had it with bread. Again, we had lunch in the car. You must be wondering... why nana always eat in the car!!!! hahahaha, my hubby says, easy on lunch but we will have GOOD dinner... bo bian, becos I am a leech, I say ok lor. Gagagagaga

Then we head of the VITRE to see a small castle, mini disneyland lookalike, very small one as compared to the rest. 1st warm up, I am glad we started off with a small castle.

Next, we head off to TOURS for our night. Dinner at TOURS was horrible, we were searching for a recommended restaurant by the lonely planet only to find it CLOSED!!!! No choice, this time our tikam FAILED. The restaurant we had chosen, the food was a REAL disappointment!


24th March Tuesday
TOURS - ORLEANS - PARIS
- We visited the cathedral in TOUR before we head off to our 1st Chateau, Chenoceau. Very beautiful and the history is interesting. Shall not elaborate here, you guys should know better than me! Along the way, we had a pit stop at Blois. It is really a amazing town. The buildings are so gorgeous! Looks mytical when we were standing at the other side of the river overseeing the town. Very picturesque.

(Sorry, I am not a good at writing, lousy usage of adjectives and vocabs, but still interesting right??!!! Kekeke)

When we reach CHAMBORD, I feel like I am in disneyland minus the disney characters!!! This is what I meant by starting with a small castle at Vitre and moving to one of the most fantastic one. It is really amazing, huge and pretty!!! This one, is a must for everyone if you go Loire Valley, IMHO!

After this, we head off to Orleans to see Joan, and had our dinner at this cute little retro place that serves HOT POTS, recommended by Lonely Planet. A pity we did not order duck, I saw the table next to ask having finger licking good!!! If you guys really want to know the name of those restaurants, I will have to dig out my receipts. Otherise, you can look up in Lonely Planet. Then, off we go to Paris to sleep!


As you see, we have modified our original itinerary. I will load some food pictures when I am free.

 

[rtan]

Dear nana,

Thanks for sharing your adventures. Sounds like you really had fun.

We had quite decent food in Tours; I think you were just unlucky. When looking for a restaurant in France, we have several criteria and we seldom go wrong with it: (1) Must not have an English menu (2) Menus scribbled on chalkboards (in French only) are GOOD, a sign of authentic local cuisine, and they cook what is fresh from the market (3) Relatively crowded but not so full that we cannot get a seat (4) Full of French people, and not a whole busload of Asian tourists.

You'll be amazed; we can get very decent meals for EUR 10 - 15 per person.

Arriving early for dinner helps as usually the French don't start coming in till after 8pm.

That's what I like about F&amp;E; you get to try all sorts of food and see all sorts of things that no other forummer here has seen before. You get to see what you really want, and everyday is a new adventure. Isn't it so much more interesting than say, the standard Paris - Zurich - Milan tour? But then again I'm probably just talking to myself. Haha.

 

[nana7]

Hi Raymond,
Yah, agreed, we were unlucky in TOURS.

After that, we flew to NICE.

NICE-CANNES-ST POL DE VENCE- MONACO
I think this is pretty standard, sun, sea, sand, sports car, branded ladies from head to toes. Most interestingly, I saw a Rolls Royce printed in LV design!!!!!

We had a close shave in Monaco, my friend dropped his Singapore passport before we got up the train back to NICE. Rush back to the palace and luckily, someone found it and returned back to the police!

We had St Jacques, Poisson, Scampi in NICE, dinner for the 2 nights are good! Early bird discount also!! We get free drinks and discount for ala carte food cos we eat before 7pm. Hehehe

BTW, now beowing Japan. NorthWest got promotions for $476 per pax, all in!!! Travel before JUNE!!!!

 

[rtan]

Dear Nana,

That's great. I think we need to translate for the forummers.

St Jacques = scallops; big, fresh, juicy scallops.

Poisson = fish

Scampi = shrimp (not your hei bee, but prawns actually)

You didn't try huitres?

 

[homwa]

Dear all,

I understand my itinery is super KIASU!! im trying to fix them. Im consider getting the museum pass due to the ticket prices.
1) Lourve (Abt 8.50 Euros)
2) Museum D O'say (Abt 8.50 Euros)
3) Pantheon (Abt 8.00 Euros)
4) Chateau Varseille (Abt 13.00 Euros)

(And I read alot of forum saying about using the toilet with the pass. Cos Im travelling w a ger, it might come handy for her.)

Ya. The LV shopping will be done at Lafayette. (thanks for your reminder!!)

Peng - can you give me details where I can obtain train tickets and their price. The eurail is really very ex. (211 Euros for 5day pass- youth n 340 for adult)

I need infos on these train rides. Hope someone has done it before.
1. Milan to Bern
2. Bern to Rennes
3. Rennes to Versailles
(if i dun use eurail pass, where can i get this tix? any links? I tried to go to the train companies website but its not user-friendly enough)

O ya. If i purchase the train tix, isit must fixed on the timing or its open end?

My flight is scheduled 2200. I think I will leave for airport at about 1930.

Many thanks to you guys!! Pls feel free to comment!! I value them as its from your experience!!

 

[nana7]

Oh Raymond, we don't eat Oysters or Mussesls as well. So that is why we did not have seafood at Etratet then and also in Nice.

Among the shell thingy, we only eat Bamboo clams and Scallops.

In France, the presentation is so well done, that really prompts me to try!! But still no guts! hahahaha

 

[lovetotravel]

Hi Alvin,

Certain timing or days to museum can be free or at discounted rate. for example, its free on friday evening for young people under 26.

http://www.louvre.fr/llv/jeunes/alaune_plus.jsp?bmLocale=en

Toilet very important to me too. My bladder is weak..haha. Supermarkets, dept store have free toilet and easily acessible. some fast food have free toilets as well.

As for LV, I think Raymond is trying to tell you that you can get it from other towns in France and not just in Paris. Lafayette is not a good place to purchase LV. In Lafayette after buying, you still need to go to another counter to do the duty free stuff etc. I have been to both Champ Elysees and Lafayette, Champ Elysees better service and more attentive. Go in the morning just when the shop opens to avoid crowd.

I have only purchase my train ticket from SCNF website. Previously from Switzerland, I purchase it from Travelex but now no longer in S'pore. I know Collyer travel agency in Raffles place sells Europe train ticket. You can enquire to better understand what you need.

http://www.tgv-europe.com/en
http://www.collyers.travel/rail.aspx

1930 leaving the airport is abit tight. You will need 45 mins plus minus for journey to airport. Also u need to queue for tax rebate etc. Try to go to the airport earlier.

 

[homwa]

Hi Peng,

Sigh I was camping on this page to wait for your reply and I missed it till now. The page din refresh properly.

I will miss the offer for friday evening. I note your point about going to airport earlier.

I will only go to Rennes and Paris. I guess I got to do it in Paris. (a gift for my mum n sis, if not i wont even go there)

i'm still contemplating whether I should get the 5days eurail pass as its expensive.

The major train rides are:
1. Milan to Bern (55eruos)
2. Geneve to Rennes via Paris ()
3. Rennes to Paris

Then the other rides will be in Italy which I heard is very cheap and not worth it to use with eurail pass.

Anyone can advise me on this?

Thanks again!

esp Peng for your prompt replies!

 

[lovetotravel]

Hi Alvin,

just try a search for you from Milan to Bern. 3 pax cost around 88CHF. The rest, u can try and search to check out prices.
http://www.tgv-europe.ch/fr/reservation/panier

Just curious, how many days do u have for this trip? It seems like u are going to 3 countries (Italy, Switzerland and France). YOu will enjoy it more if u just select 2 countries to visit. Note the distance from one to another takes time and u don't want to spend your holiday mostly on trains and not be able to appreciate the scenery around.

But I also realise that u are young right since u can purchase youth pass etc so you may be able to hop from places to places without feeling tired. hee.

 

[homwa]

Hi Peng,

The tix you find are cheaper! Why?? I search from Italy National train company and the same trip cost me 55euros for one!


My whole trip is 18 days!! I'm heading to london then italy ending it off with france. My friends want to visit their friend in Switzerland, thats why we make a 2days stop there. I just want to go switz to see snow. haha.. im sua ku..

I follow this link, http://www.collyers.travel/rail.aspx. The tix price are in SGD and quite ex.

meanwhile, im checking out the prices for the train rides.

cheers

 

[lovetotravel]

Switzerland is beautiful and worth more than 2 days. Try to go Grindlewald, vevey and Jungfraujoch if you have the time.

You may want to post train travel queries on www.tripadvisor.com for more info and response. Have a good trip.

 

[rtan]

Dear Alvin,

I'm not sure if Peng meant 88 CHF for all three persons together, or 88 CHF per person. I think it's the latter.

In any case, EUR 55 per person is the normal price. Usually crossing countries is more expensive.

 

[homwa]

Hi ppl,

I did a check. Its 88CHF for 3 pax!! can be collected in a place in milan.

my friend will do up the full itineraries by next week.

i went to virtualtorist, got one guy who stay in versailles suggest that i take a bus from Rennes to Versailles. but the bus website is down then i cant check the price and timings.

 

[rtan]

Dear Alvin,

Well done... that's why it's possible to find cheap fares and accommodation if one searches hard enough... so Europe is not as expensive as everyone thinks it is.

 

[homwa]

hi ppl,

i've juz finished w my exams.. now to finalise my trip.. I wan to know more about Mont St Michel.. anyone juz went there?? can share w me how you get there and the pricing. Thanks!!

 

[rtan]

Hi Alvin,

We drove last time. It's very crowded, and the crowd only starts to clear at 4pm or so. My personal take is that while it is nice, it is a bit too crowded and touristy; food at the restaurants there are quite prohibitively expensive, and probably not all that great either; we didn't bother to try it.

 

[homwa]

thanks raymond.. i wan to view its night beauty!! its so nice when i see pictures.. im leaving on tues.. wish me luck!!

 

[homwa]

hi all,

anyone stay outside Mont St Michel before? any hotel to recommend?

 

[rtan]

Hi Alvin,

You'd have better luck trying www.tripadvisor.com or www.virtualtourist.com

Anyone saw today's article on Fontainebleau in the Sunday Times, Lifestyle section? If you're in Paris, it's a great off-the-beaten-track place to visit especially if you manage to catch the street market; only a 30 minute train ride away. Quite a well written article with many suggestions on places to eat, etc. This is where you'll find the REAL France; not in Champs Elysees, or in the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc.

 

[natalie06]

hi peng, do u mind sending me ur intinary?
[email protected]

thanks heap!

 

[brur79]

hi peng, do u mind sending me ur intinary?
[email protected]..

Planning a trip in Oct.. =)

 

[ete]

Did anyone purchase Michelin map or did you print from internet?