by Gary / 0 comments - Orginally published:13th July 2016

This is the story of how I came to love France

I originally wrote this post in 2016: I thought after a few more trips, plenty more experiences, and as we embark on the plans for another road trip in 2024 in our EV, I thought it was time for a refresh.

I can trace my love of France back to a moment on Friday, June 18th, 1993. How can you be so specific? I hear you ask. Well, let me explain. I was in France, in Le Mans, during the race weekend for the world-famous Le Mans 24-hour race. On the Friday before the event, I was walking along the pit lane of the Circuit de la Sarthe. I was tailing behind a group of newly formed friends, glass beer bottle in hand, marvelling at the level of access you had as a regular spectator.

The pin image of the post - 'My love of France'
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As I stepped from a garage, a huge French official bowled over and started to gesture to my beer while attempting to explain the issue. Unfortunately, my French was limited to just ordering a beer. As I struggled to understand this giant of a man who looked like a character from Asterix, he turned into Marcel Marceau. He explained, in mime, that the issue was not the consumption of beer, but I needed to take care not to drop the bottle in the pit lane. I nodded my acknowledgement, and he left me, beaming a huge smile.

A wonderful introduction to the warmth of the French people.

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The best of France

Vive la difference

The weekend was fantastic, despite a lack of sun cream (Who knew I would need it in the middle of summer when I was out in the open all day!), the horror of the French ablutions and the absolute exhaustion of watching a 24-hour race.

I enjoyed it so much that I returned every year until 1999. Circumstances changed, and the annual pilgrimage ended.

During those years, I came to love that 'laissez-faire' approach. I have fond memories of the fair at the race circuit, unlike anything I had seen before.

The drives in our white Transit mini-bus along the 'N' roads to and from Le Havre were magical; who knew they could be? Often en route to the circuit, Union flags would be waving; the race is held around the longest day, June 21st, two weeks after the anniversary of D-Day - they hadn't forgotten.

The shoreline and bay of Arromanches from on high. You can view, both on the beach, and out to sea, the remains of the 'temporary' mulberry harbour constructed for the D-Day landings.
The bay at Arromanches, Normandy
Rolly, the event organiser, on occasion, planned a detour. One such time, we ended up in Bayeaux, not to see the tapestry, but to enjoy a little French culture, in a bar.

Discovering more of France

Then we both fell for the 'Je ne sais quoi'
We returned in 2001 for a weekend break to Sancerre. After that France became a regular destination. Whether that be a mini-break to Paris on the Eurostar rail service, or part of a longer road trip. To date, (June 2024), we have had four mini-breaks and nine separate road trips, and as mentioned, another planned for this year.
The lush rolling landscape of the Champagne region of France. The view is punctuated by a bright red tractor in the distance withing the vines.
Working the vines, Champagne
We have covered large parts of the country, but the good news is that there’s still plenty to explore.

Looking for more inspiration?

We have created a series of posts, each with a selection of places we think are worth visiting; why not take a look for a little more inspiration?
Featured image for “16 of our much-loved towns and cities in France”
Mar. 13, 2018

16 of our much-loved towns and cities in France

Featured image for “Our favourite towns and villages in France, part deux”
Jun. 14, 2019

Our favourite towns and villages in France, part deux

Featured image for “Charming towns and villages to visit in France, part III”
Oct. 27, 2020

Charming towns and villages to visit in France, part III

Featured image for “Where to visit in France, a little something for everyone – Part IV”
May. 18, 2021

Where to visit in France, a little something for everyone – Part IV

Featured image for “Beautiful towns and villages to lure you to France, part V”
Aug. 02, 2022

Beautiful towns and villages to lure you to France, part V

Featured image for “Visiting delightful towns and villages in France, part VI”
Feb. 13, 2024

Visiting delightful towns and villages in France, part VI

France, the good and the bad

So it’s all roses then?

Afraid not. There’s the occasional moment when the ‘entente cordiale’ breaks down.

We have never had an issue in Paris, and a surly waiter is all part of the experience.

A small cafe in Paris, typical of France's capital.
A Parisian café
Sometimes, you have to go with the flow, learn enough French for the basics, plus pleasantries. It took us a while, but we're now trying to learn a little more of the language with the Duolingo app. It will help but don't expect a conversation in French anytime soon.
A view of Place du Charles de Gaulle at dusk, under a blue sky, with the Column of the Goddess in the centre and the La Voix du Nord offices in the background.
Place du Charles de Gaulle, Lille
However, the worst experience was during a road trip in 2010. Our last destination on our little Burgandy wine trip was Arras, which is the capital of the Pas-de-Calais. Somebody decided overnight to run a sharp object, probable a key, along one-side of the car. I picked up the bill of nearly £1,000. That was just not nice, but only the action of one sad individual.

But you still love the French, right?

Of course, how could you not?
There are some wonderfully frustrating things that amaze me. Planning a trip still needs a bit of care as the French love to do things their way, but we love them for it.
Like so many towns in France, Honfleur has a wonderful, historic, carousel.
The carousel in Honfleur,
The first time you turn up at a 'supermarche' at 12:45, well, it may be closed because it's lunchtime—it's a supermarket! - 'oh mais, tu es en France'. The same can be true of a boulangerie. What happens if you want to pick up a lunchtime snack? Well, you go to a cafe or bistro, of course. These are minor bumps you, just need to learn how to navigate.
A cobbled street scene in Avignon, France, with tables and chairs lined up outside a cafe
Lunchtime in Avignon
Our fondest of memories come from interactions, the one that springs to mind was outside a cafe in Aÿ, in the Champagne region of France, a group of men, all friends, workers in the Champagne industry, when one of them struck up a conversation, about rugby of all things. Our new friend was a fan of Martin Johnson, the captain of the 2003 English World Cup winning squad, and loved 'Le Crunch', the Six-Nations cup match between France and England.
A view along a quiet street of Ay to a roundabout featuring a granite globe.
The cutest of towns, Aÿ in Champagne
Although, some memories are just of sitting back, with refreshments, and watching the world go by.

Crit'Air vignette required for driving in France

If you’re heading to France from the UK with your own vehicle, you’ll need a Crit’Air ‘clean air’ car sticker.

Just like our low-emission zones in the UK, France now legally requires the display of a Crit’Air vignette. The good news is, these stickers are readily available and affordable online through the official French government website.

The Crit’Air sticker lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, so it’s a one-off purchase. The RAC website offers an in-depth guide to everything you need to know and your requirements.

Are you inspired to visit France?

And why wouldn't you?
Don't say 'because of the French, that's not nice...). It's a beautiful country, with so many beautiful regions to explore from the Alsace to Provence & the South, to the Champagne region, the historic Normandy, and great cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseilles and so much more.
A street view of the quayside at Villefranche-sur-Mer with its pastel-coloured buildings and quaint cafés.
The quayside at Villefranche-sur-Mer
So what are you waiting for?

I love nothing more than planning a trip through France and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books.  I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.

We used a previous version of this book to plan our French road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.

DK France Cover

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