France
This French rail journey makes our own XPT trains seem luxe
It’s a free-for-all. Passengers rush on to the train, cramming their larger luggage onto seats and in the aisles.
- by Kristie Kellahan
Opinion
Paris
It stinks, it’s polluted and I wouldn’t swim in it, but I love the Seine
French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hildegard promised earlier this year that they would swim in the Seine before the Olympics. It’s possible Macron called an election to avoid the task.
- by Lee Tulloch
Major tourist attraction set to close in Paris
Centre Pompidou, Paris’s famous contemporary art gallery, will start to close for renovations in the northern autumn before a complete shutdown next year.
- by Julietta Jameson
You’ll never look at a van Gogh the same way again after visiting here
Every time you see a van Gogh painting, you’ll think of this place, hot in the sun and exploding with colour and passion.
- by Brian Johnston
To win over the locals, this is the one thing travellers must do
French people are the rudest, most arrogant people in the world. Is it really true, or simply a cliche perpetrated by a bitter Brit?
- by Belinda Jackson
Opinion
Paris
The best hotels in Paris are not the five-star ones
Eye-wateringly expensive in every detail, from laundry charges to cups of tea, Paris’ luxury hotels are designated “palace” hotels for a reason.
- by Lee Tulloch
Opinion
Opinion
It’s just bread and butter, but it might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted
On my list of most memorable mouthfuls, this knob of butter from a market in France is simply mind-blowing.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★½
Train journeys
It’s not fast or smooth, but this European train is a holiday highlight
This historic route travels to the foot of Europe’s highest mountain, with spectacular mountain scenery en route.
- by Flip Byrnes
You could spend all day at Europe’s grandest palace without going inside
Arguably Europe’s most grandiose royal stronghold, the Palace of Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris.
- by Mark Daffey
Paris is (still) the world’s best playground for travellers
Few countries can offer such a stunning, historical and cultural backdrop to sporting greatness. And the winners will be visitors to the City of Light for years to come.
- by Tim Abrahams
Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/traveller/topic/france-9ug