Ok so I need the lowdown on France. In particular I am going to be in Rennes, France which is about 2 hours away from Paris. I dont know if anyone has any first hand experience with Rennes, but It would also be helpful to know if there is any way I can easily and affordably travel to Paris from Rennes. I think it would be a shame to go all the way to france and not visit Paris. But also interested in what I should look out for while in Rennes, what foods to eat, what to do, where to shop, etc... Ive never been to France and who knows when I'll get there again, so trying to make the most of it.
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"Deep down you may still be that same great guy I used to know. But it's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you" Rachel Dawes, Batman Begins
Train travel roundtrip between Paris and Rennes will be around 30 Euros I think, but you can double check at www.sncf.fr. I know roundtrip to Caen is 60 euros...
Rennes is in Normandy, known for its creamy sauces, andouille, and mussels. I would recommend also trying a bit of Calvados (trou normand) in the middle of your meal. As for the Mussels, Moules Mariniere are delicious.
If you get a chance, you MUST go to Le Mont St. Michel. Absolutely amazing, gorgeous, awe-inspiring, and breathtaking. I also much enjoyed the D-Day beaches. I personally thought the museum in Caen was boring, but if you're a big WWII history buff it might be worth it. Going to Deauville is also fun, just to see a ritzy beach town.
A lot of guidebooks recommend seeing the tapestries in Bayeux, but I personally thought they were mind numbingly boring. I think the true beauty of Normandy lies in the countryside, the people, and the food. If you have a car, or know someone with a car, try to go out into the countryside.
If you want to know any more info, just let me know. I lived in Paris and the suburbs for a year a half, and just got back from a trip to Paris yesterday, so I can give you lots of info about Paris as well.
Thanks! I hate to say this, but now my plans have changed and I'll be in Cologne, Germany instead. After reading your post, im really sad now that I wont get to see Rennes... It sounds really great, and you gave soo much interesting info and there were alot of things I was looking forward to seeing :( But again, just wanted to thank you for your help and taking the time to give me some info. If i ever end up in france again, I'll definitely be contacting you :) :)
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"Deep down you may still be that same great guy I used to know. But it's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you" Rachel Dawes, Batman Begins
Sorry to hijack the thread, but...I'm going to Paris on Thrusday 12/21 and was just about to ask if anyone has any last minute "you HAVE to do ____" reccomendations....when I saw that gingembre1 just got back!
I've been before, but am wondering if there are any great exhibits on or restaurants or anything too new to know about after a few months of research.
My DH and I are going from Friday thru Tues so we're there for Xmas.