Rick Steves Best of Travels in Europe - France
Join popular PBS personality Rick Steves as he gets a real feel for the people he meets. Find a true understanding of treasured local customs in Burgundy, Provence, The Loire Valley, The French Riviera, Paris, The Dordogne, Normandy, and Brittany. Extra Features: Paris Day Trips; Paris Sights; Limoux Wine Festival; and Rick’s Back Door Travel Tips
Customer Review: Takes the scary out of traveling to Europe.
Rick Steves always makes his commentary seem like he’s speaking directly to YOU, the viewer. As he describes the highlights of France, it’s as though he is holding your hand through the adventure. Rick also wants you to enjoy the same things as much as he, and only chooses the cream off-the-top for future travelers. In his tour of Paris he highlights the best, but not necessarily the most popular or most traveled places. In doing so, he wants you to have a more intimate experience, and have less fear of trotting around Paris on your own.
One important hint Rick Steves tossed out to the viewers in his DVD, was to “be polite”, say “hello” when entering someone’s shop (which usually double as their home). Rick also cautions NOT to try to fumble with the names of monuments and places in “correct” French etc. Just be a nice American, not too bold or loud and say “Merci”. It’s doesn’t hurt to try to learn a little French before your trip. My husband and I found this very helpful and were pleasantly surpised to find the locals really opened-up when we practiced our limited French, and had some good laughs trying to chat-it-up.
If you haven’t travelled to Europe before I would highly recommend reading Rick Steves’ travel books along with Fodor’s. A little preparation and you won’t be sorry. Rick Steves’ DVDs can only wet your appetite for more!