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Cheap Travel in France as a family of 4/5

There’s a family of 5 on this picture.
Can you see it?
  • How much does it cost to travel in France as a family?
  • Here’s a sample Budget for a week.
  • The cost of life will comprise 5 Domains: Accommodations, Transportation, Landmarks & Culture, Restaurants & Groceries, and Entertainment.
  • The costs in this article will be indicated in Euros, for immediate projection purpose.
  • You can consider that 1$ approximately 1€.
  • It will even out in most cases.
  • Here’s an Euro-Dollar converter.

Smart travel & Itineraries

General considerations
  • What are you looking for in France?
  • For how long will you travel?
  • Booking several months ahead may guarantee you a better fare.
  • Choose your Airport/Terminal.
  • If you’re travelling in Southern France, you could book a flight to one Nice, Marseille, or Bordeaux to reduce costs.
  • Check that all your Passports & Visas are up to date.
  • The same for the medical cards & documents/prescriptions.
Travel Packages (or Vacation Packages)
  • Travel package include round-trip air fare & hotel stay.
  • They may include guided tours or restaurant vouchers and other cost-effective advantages.
  • However, some of them are sold under special conditions.
  • Therefore reading consumer reviews, on Trip Advisor, of the packages is essential.
  • You can compare Travel packages on sites like Kayak, Momondo, Hotwire & Skyscanner.
  • Air France & their partners proposes special offers on flights and travel packages during holidays.
Off-Season & Shoulder Season
  • The off-season lasts from November to March.
  • The shoulder season sits between peak and off seasons.
  • Generally around April-May & October.
  • The tickets, the hotels & most of the services will be cheaper.
  • The roads, the landmarks & most of the places in town will also be less crowded.
  • Off-season & shoulder season have some Drawbacks.
  • Less Tourist offices will welcome you, and may have shorter working hours.
  • Less museums & landmarks propose English-language tours.
  • Though, the largest ones operate all along the year.
  • You should not see the difference if you’re going to a major City.

The Gateway to Western Europe

France grants you direct access to all Western Europe nations.
Travelling by land, wherever it is by car or by train, will allow you to save money on some costly inter-European flights.

  • If you’re in Paris & Ile-de-France there are no access by lands but airports can lead you anywhere at a low cost.
  • Brittany (Bretagne)
  • The Provence region & Southern France is a Close to Italy.
  • It’s also an access to Switzerland.
  • The South West, the Occitanie & Nouvelle Aquitaine are the Closest to Spain.
  • The South West also leads you to the Basque Country.
  • If you are traveling through Alsace-Loraine & Eastern France you can progressively end in Germany without realizing it.
  • And Belgium & the Netherlands are just a little further.
  • Through Normandy & Northern France you can access the United Kingdom via the Eurostar or by boat.

Make the most of your journey by visiting as many countries as possible.

Lodging & Accommodation

Budget 2 & 3-stars Hotels
  • Lodging will be the 2nd biggest expense after Tickets.
  • As hotels are influenced airlines trends in terms of pricing you will win by books in advance.
  • Low cost Hotel chains such as Ibis budget, Premiere Classe, Campanile, Adagio/Hipark, Odalys, Park Inn or Residhome are recommended.
  • There are dozens of low cost hotel chains, the aforementioned chains tends to keep their prices low in most cities.
  • The average hotel stay will cost you between 800 & 1200 euros.
  • For a duration of 8 days.
  • For 2 bedrooms, 1 for 2 adults, the other for 1 adult (child over the age of 17) & 2 children (under 17 yo).
  • WiFi is included, cancelling requires no additional fee, and in most cases All you can eat breakfast are included.
Family Hotels & Resorts
  • Center parcs family resorts
  • Center Parcs are built under large domes.
  • The domes shelter landscaped tropical pools, water parks, restaurants, shops, and spas.
  • Center Parcs also offer outdoor activities.
    • Some common activities are: archery, zip wires, rafting, tree climbing, or horse riding.
  • The multi-bedrooms Cottages are fully equipped.
  • Most of them are situated in Northern & Central France.

1 week stay for 5 person : 2000 – 3000 €

  • Club med
  • The emphasis is put onto Children & Teenager-friendly programs.
  • Many sport-clubs types programs exist.
  • Family-Oriented ski resorts are the most popular.
  • The Club med resorts includes: agoras, récréative spaces, restaurants, shopping galleries & spas.
  • The resorts are free for Children under 4 yo (accommodations, meals & activities).

1 week stay for 5 person (connecting room, 387.5 sqft) : 6000 €

Apartment Rental
  • Apartment Rental has become a popular option in many Cities.
  • As most of them have a kitchen, you can save up some additional money on dining out.
  • If you plan to stay for a month this will be the most cost effective option.
  • A 3 bedroom apartment will cost you around 800-1000 (out of city center) & 1000-1400 (in city center) Euros.

Center ParksClub MedHotelsAppartments
ProsSheltered space
Everything in 1 Place		Everything in 1 Place
Ski resorts		Cheaper than Resorts
Familiar option		Cheapest
More rooms
ConsClosed space
North & Center only		Most ExpensiveNo Kitchen
Stay for 1 month
Chores?

Transportation

  • If you travel through Cities & Metropolises public transportation becomes an essential part of your journey.
  • And can cost quite a lot.
  • Consider buying a City Pass.
  • They are generally Weekly passes & Monthly passes.
  • They include transportation and entry to certain museums & landmarks.
  • Most of the time it will be Buses & Trains, but some passes include Subway.
  • They are available at local tourist offices, attractions, and hotels. 
  • On feet
  • If your journey is longer than a month you may want to consider a Car-Lease Buyback.
  • This option is offered by major car manufacturers.
  • There are several advantages over a traditional car rental.
  • Such as driving a brand new vehicle, and tax-deductible insurance tailored for this short period.  
  • Avis also propose one of the most popular Rent-a-Car option.
  • When it comes to Small towns & Villages where buses are rare, Cars become valuable.
  • When travelling between regions or countries, consider an overnight sleeper train.
  • It could save you the cost of a hotel’s night.
  • In the same vein, open-topped bus is a great way to visit a City and some of them have a dedicated guide.
  • It may come out cheaper than a tour of every city’s landmark & you may remember more things.

Landmarks & Parks

  • Many Landmarks are free to tour.
  • Most of the Cathedrals of France are free to visit.
    • They are some of the greatest monuments, depicting the evolution of France’s history.
  • France harbors many medieval towns & villages.
    • They are spread all over the country.
  • The same goes for Antique, mostly Roman ruins.
    • Most of them are situated in southern France.
  • Paris & Ile-de-France
    • Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral
    • Château de Versailles
  • Brittany (Bretagne)
    • Phare de L’Ile Vierge
    • Alignements de Carnac
  • Provence & Southern France
    • Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde – Marseille
    • Citadelle de Sisteron – Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
  • South West, Occitanie & Nouvelle Aquitaine
    • Bordeaux offers many free activities. The city center is a UN World Heritage Site.
    • Arènes de Nîmes – Languedoc-Roussillon
  • Alsace-Loraine & Eastern France
    • Cathédrale de Strasbourg – Alsace
    • Hospices de Beaune – Bourgogne
  • Normandy & Northern France
    • Cathedral of Amiens have remarkable sound & light shows
    • Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

Cinema, Museums & Culture

  • Paris & Ile-de-France
    • The Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, and many other museums are free for kids up to 18 years old.
  • Brittany (Bretagne)
  • Provence & Southern France
    • Musée Picasso – Antibes
    • Musée Matisse – Nice
  • South West, Occitanie & Nouvelle Aquitaine
    • Musée Toulouse Lautrec – Albi
    • Musée Bonnat – Bayonne
    • Musée des Beaux-Arts – Bordeaux
  • Alsace-Loraine & Eastern France
    • Musée Miniature et Cinéma – Lyon
    • Hôtel-Dieu – Beaune
  • Normandy & Northern France
    • Musée d’art moderne – Lille
    • Palais des Beaux Arts – Lille
Special offers, Reduced fees & Holidays
  • City Passes offer you free access to many Landmarks & Museums.
    • Or reduced tickets
  • There are almost always Students prices.
  • Many Cultural attractions are free or have price cut in half for Children (under 13 or under 16).
  • Many Cultural attractions are free for Children (under 3).
  • Holidays are synonyms of lowered prices or even free entry.

Restaurants, Snack Bars & Cafes

There are many wonderful options for eating out, from street food, to Traditional regional specialties, to Grands Restaurants.
Here are some dishes you’ll want to try with your Children.
Most of them are Pastries & Bakeries, because…

  • Paris & Ile-de-France
    • Les Croissants
    • Brioche de Nanterre
    • L’Opera
    • La Religieuse
    • Le Paris-Brest
  • Brittany (Bretagne)
    • Gavottes
    • Kouign amann
    • Pallets/Galettes Bretones
  • Provence & Southern France
    • Brioches aux Pralines
    • Macarons de Massiac
    • Cassoulet
  • Center France
    • Tarte Tatin
    • L’Ideal Maconnais, (Filled Meringues & Buttercream)
    • Le Belfort
    • Le Rigodon
    • Boeuf Bourguignon
  • South West, Occitanie & Nouvelle Aquitaine
    • Le gâteau à la broche de Bigorre
    • La Crème Paysanne
    • Canelé Bordelais
  • Alsace-Loraine & Eastern France
    • Kougloff
    • Pain d’Epices
    • Flammekueche
    • Quiche Lorraine
    • Gratin Dauphinois
    • Chocolate Truffles
  • Normandy & Northern France
    • la Gâche de Normandie
    • Le Merveilleux
    • Speculoos
    • Creme Chantilly
    • Moule Frites
  • Most Pastries & Viennoiseries can be found around 2-3 euros.
  • Street food will cost you around 5 to 7 euros per person.
  • A lunch in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around 13 euros per person.
  • A 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost you around 50 euros per person.
  • Soda is generally around 2-3 euros & Water under 2 euros (small bottles).

Easy Self-Cater

Breads, Charcuteries, Cheeses, you’ll want to try them all.

  • Paris & Ile-de-France
    • Baguette
    • Pate de Chartres
  • Brittany (Bretagne)
    • Rillettes de Noix de St-Jacques
    • Caramels au Beure sale – Morhiban
  • Provence & Southern France
    • Olive Oil
    • Aioli
  • South West, Occitanie & Nouvelle Aquitaine
    • Saucisse de Toulouse
    • Jambon de Bayonne
    • Huitres Atlantique
    • Tome des Pyrenees
    • Piment d’Espelette
    • Pelardon
    • Figues
  • Alsace-Loraine & Eastern France
    • Saucisse de Montbeliard
    • Saucisse de Morteau
    • Comte
    • Reblochon
    • Moutarde de Dijon
  • Normandy & Northern France
    • Camembert
    • Mimolette
    • Ficelle Picarde
  • Beef is around 7 Euro/pound & Chicken 3 Euro/pound.
  • Most Local Cheeses will be around 6.5 Euro/pound.
  • Milk is around 3 Euro/gallon.
  • Most fruits & vegetable are around 1 Euro/pound.
    • So are rice, pasta & bread (or even under).
  • Soda is generally around 1-2 euros & Water under 1 euros.
Expenses (4-5 persons)Euros €/w
Tickets
Off-season
Off-season – Child
Shoulder season
Shoulder season – Child		600
800
1200
Accomodations
Hotel (8 days, 2 rooms)
Apartment (1 month, 3 rooms)		800 – 1200
1000 – 1400
Communication
Phone + Internet (wifi/mobile)
VPN		20
5
Transportation (weekly pass)
One-way Ticket
Bus + Metro + others
Train (Yearly Discount pass)		1.7 – 2
50-70
399(+ ticket)
Financial services
Agency/Site
Insurance (Health + Home + Life)
112-157
Eat Out
Restaurant/Dinner
Lunch
Snacks/Bakeries		80-100
35-40
10-20
Self Catering
Groceriesup to 150
Entertainment (1 seance)
Cinema
Museum/Landmark		up to 10
up to 10
Categories
Uncategorized

Travel Language – Learn Spanish in a week – Shopping

  • We’re continuing our Spanish week with 2 of the most important topics.
  • Day 5 – For every kind of Shop
    • Clothing
  • Day 5 bis – Money
The State of Mind
  • It will be Fun in the beginning, Frustrating in the middle & Fulfilling in the end.
Essential Phrases
  • How much does it cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
  • How much does [ham] cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta [el jamón]?
  • I’m looking for [Spanish ham].
    • Busco un [jamón Ibérico].
  • Where can I buy [espadrilles]?
    • ¿Dónde puedo comprar [espadrilles]?
  • How much does [this dress] cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta [este vestido]?
  • Is there another color/size/model?
    • ¿Hay otro color?
    • ¿Hay otra talla?
    • ¿Hay otro modelo?
  • I’ll take Two (Three/Four/Five).
    • Voy a comprar dos (Tres/Cuatro/Cinco).
  • Could you give me a discount?
    • ¿Me podria dar un descuento?
  • Can I have 10% off?
    • ¿Puedo tener 10% de descuento?

For every kind of Shop

  • What time does this store open/close?
    • ¿A qué hora abre/cierra esta tienda?
  • What are your business hours?
    • ¿Cuál es su horario de atención?
  • Where can I buy [a gaucho hat]?
    • ¿Dónde puedo comprar [sombreros de gaucho]?
  • Do you know a place where they make/do [summer dress]?
    • ¿Conoce un lugar donde hagan [vestido de verano]?
  • Do you know where they sell [fresh fruits]?
    • ¿Conoce un lugar donde venden [frutas frescas]? 
  • How much does this cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
    • ¿Cuánto vale?
  • Is this on sale?
    • ¿Esto está en oferta?
  • I would like one of those.
    • Quisiera uno de esos.
  • I would like 10 of these.
    • Me gustaria diez de estos.
  • Can I pay by credit card?
    • ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de crédito?
  • Do you have a delivery service?
    • ¿Tiene servicio de entregas?
  • Does this product have a guarantee?
    • ¿Este producto tiene garantía?
  • Could you give me a discount?
    • ¿Me podria dar un descuento?
  • I will come back soon/later.
    • Voy a volver pronto/luego.
  • I will think about it.
    • Lo voy a pensar.
  • I’m only looking.
    • Sólo estoy mirando.
  • Can I have a refund?
    • ¿Me da un reembolso?
  • Can you exchange it for another?
    • ¿Puedes cambiarlo por otro?
  • I do not have the receipt.
    • No tengo el recibo.
  • Can I talk to the manager?
    • ¿Puedo hablar con el gerente?

Clothing, Shoes & other Accessories

  • I need new clothes.
    • Necesito ropa nueva.
  • I would like to try it on.
    • Me gustaría probármelo.
  • Do you have it in [blue/white/red]?
    • ¿Lo tienes en [azul/blanco/rojo]?
  • Can I have 3?
    • ¿Puedo tener 3?
  • One in red, one in purple, one in green.
    • Uno en rojo, uno en púrpura, uno en verde.
  • Can you exchange it for another color?
    • ¿Puede cambiarlo por otro color?
  • I took the wrong color/size.
    • Tomé el color/la talla equivocado(a).
  • What’s your shirt/dress size?
    • ¿Cuál es su talla de camisa/vestido?
  • What pants/skirt size do you wear?
    • ¿Qué talla de pantalón/falda lleva usted?
  • What shoe size do you wear? 
    • ¿Qué número/talla de zapatos lleva usted?
  • Do you have this in [small/medium/large/extra large]?
    • ¿Tienes ésta en talla [pequeña/mediana/grande/extra grande]?
  • Can you exchange it for a [small/medium/large/extra large] size?
    • ¿Puede cambiarlo por una talla [pequeña/mediana/grande/extra grande]?
  • This is too tight/large on me.
    • Me apretado/grande para mí.
  • It fits me/suits me well.
    • Me queda bien.
  • It doesn’t fit me.
    • No me queda bien.
  • It is damaged here.
    • Está dañado aquí.
    • Se ha dañado aquí.

Money

  • Where is the ATM?
    • Dónde está el cajero?
  • Where’s the nearest [bank]?
    • ¿ Dónde está [el banco] más cercano?
  • Do you have change for a 500 euros bill?
    • ¿Tiene cambio de un billete de quinientos euros?
  • This is the wrong change.
    • Este es el cambio equivocado.
  • Do you take credit or debit cards?
    • ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito o débito?
  • Only cash.
    • Sólo efectivo.
Categories
Uncategorized

Travel Language – Spanish in a week – Restaurants & Food

  • We’re continuing our Spanish week with 2 of the most pleasing topics.
  • Day 3 – Visit Restaurants & Cafes
    • Day 4 – Self-Carter & the Markets
  • Day 3 bis – Opinions & Hobbies
The State of Mind
  • It will be Fun in the beginning, Frustrating in the middle & Fulfilling in the end.
Essential Phrases
  • Can I have [a coffee], please?
    • ¿Me pones [un cafe], por favor? 
  • I would like [a cocoa], please.
    •  Tomo [un cacao], por favor.
  • Can you give me [a tea], please?
    • Me das …
  • I would like [a fruit cocktail], please.
    • Quisiera [un cóctel de frutas], por favor.
    • Me gustaría [un cóctel de frutas], por favor.
  • Do you have [a table for two]?
    • ¿Tiene [una mesa para dos]? 
  • Is there [a bathroom]? (used to ask for nearby Places)
    • ¿Hay [un baño]?
  • What time is it?
    • ¿Qué hora es?

Restaurants

  • A table for [two, three, four], please.
    • Una mesa para [dos, tres, cuatro], por favor.
  • I have a reservation.
    • Tengo una reserva.
  • I would like [a menu], please.
    • Quisiera [un menú], por favor.
  • Where is the bathroom?
    • ¿Dónde està el baño?
  • On the left/right.
    • A mano izquierda/derecha.
  • Would you like a drink?
    • ¿Quieres tomar algo?
  • I would like Tap water/Bottled water.
    • Me gustaría tener agua del grifo/agua embotellada
  • Regular or Sparkling Water?
    • Sin gaz/Con gaz.
  • For you?
    •  ¿Para usted? 
  • For me, [a Gazpacho Salad with Serrano].
    • Para mi, [una ensalada de gazpacho con Serrano]. 
  • And for her/him, [a hamburger with fries].
    • Y para ella/él, [un Hamburguesa con patatas fritas].
  • A Sandwich, please.
    • Un Torta, por favor.
  • What do you want to drink?
    • ¿Qué quieres para tomar?
  • I’ll take [a milkshake], please.
    • Tomo [una batido de leche], por favor.
  • What would you like to eat/drink?
    • ¿Qué quieres comer/beber?
  • Are you ready to order?
    • ¿Estás listo para pedir? 
  • I’m not ready yet.
    • Todavía no estoy listo.
  • I need more time.
    • Necesito más tiempo.
  • What would you recommend me?
    • ¿Qué me recomiendas?
  • I am vegetarian.
    • Soy vegetariano.
  • I would like [an appetizer/a desert], please.
    • Quisiera [un entrada], por favor.
    • Me gustaría [un postre], por favor.
  • Will you bring me more bread?
    • ¿Me traes más pan? 
  • Do you have [another knife]?
    • ¿Tienes [otro cuchillo]?
  • The check, please.
    • La cuenta, por favor.
  • Please. Will you bring me the bill?
    • Señor./Señorita. ¿Me traes la cuenta?

Self-Carter & Markets

  • How much is it?
    • ¿Cuanto cuesta?
  • Where is the cheese section?
    • ¿Dónde está la sección de queso?
  • Where is the vegetable section?
    • ¿Dónde está la sección de vegetales?
  • Do you have [mineral water]?
    • ¿Tienes [agua mineral]?
  • I’m looking for [poultry].
    • Estoy buscando [aves de corral].
  • What is its expiration date?
    • ¿Cuál es su fecha de vencimiento?

Spanish markets, much like the French & Italian ones, will enchant you with a plethora of charcuterie, cheeses, special breads & Mediterraneans/Atlantic fishes.

It’s also a great occasion to discover Regional products, and not only food.

Finally, it’s one of the best places to practice your Spanish listening skills since you’ll be exposed to many different dialects & accents.
And even maybe other languages…

  • What local specialties should I try?
    • ¿Qué especialidades locales debo probar?
  • What would you like to eat/drink?
    • ¿Qué quieres comer/beber?
  • What do you recommend?
    • ¿Qué me recomienda? 
  • I would like five.
    • Me gustaría tener cinco.
  • Can I have a discount?
    • ¿Puedo tener un descuento?

Opinions & Tastes

You may want to enjoy some company while you dine.
Why not strike a little conversation?

Opinions
  • I like [1].
    • Me gusta [1].
  • I Prefer [2].
    • Yo prefiero [2].
  • What do you think about[jazz]?
    • ¿Qué opinas del [jazz]?
  • What’s your favorite[song]?
    • ¿Cuál es tu [canción] favorita?
  • How did you find the [movie]?
    • ¿Cómo encontraste la [película]?
  • What did you think about the [movie]?
    • ¿Qué te pareció la [película]?
  • Do you prefer potatoes or pasta?
    • ¿Prefieres las patatas o la pasta?
  • I prefer [potatoes/pasta].
    • Prefiero [patatas/pasta].
  • Why?
    • ¿Por qué?
  • They are soft/creamy/ample.
    • Son suaves/crema/muestra.
  • What’s your favorite [place in Barcelona]?
    • ¿Cuál es tu [lugar favorito en Barcelona]?
  • Where should I go in [Granada]?
    • ¿Dónde debo ir en [Granada]?
  • What’s the top restaurant around here?
    • ¿Cuál es el mejor restaurante de por aquí?
  • What’s your favorite [restaurant in town]?
    • ¿Cuál es tu [restaurante favorito en la ciudad]?
  • What are the best cafes in [Salamanca]?
    • ¿Cuáles son los mejores cafés de [Salamanca]?
  • That was delicious.
    • Estuvo delicioso.
  • I like eating a lot.
    • Me gusta comer demasiado.
Hobbies
  • I like [singing].
    • Me gusta [cantar].
  • I Prefer [drawing].
    • Prefiero [dibujo].
  • [Playing music] is great for the brain.
    • [Tocar música] es genial para el cerebro.
  • [Writing] helps you to express yourself more freely.
    • [Escribir] te ayuda a expresarte más libremente.
  • I would like to be an [Illustrator].
    • Quiero ser un [Ilustradora].
  • What do you do?
    • ¿A qué se/te dedicas?
    • ¿Qué es lo que haces/hace?
  • I work as a [programmer].
    • Trabajo como [programador].
  • Is it difficult?
    • ¿Es difícil?
  • Yes/No.
    • Si/No.
  • What is the most challenging thing as a [programmer]?
    • ¿Qué es lo más desafiante como [programador]?
  • Problem solving.
    • Solución de problemas.
  • Do you enjoy it?
    • ¿Lo disfrutas/disfruta?
  • It allows me to develop video games as a hobby.
    • Me permite desarrollar videojuegos como un hobby.
  • Would you like to turn your hobby as a full-time job?
    • ¿Te gustaría convertir tu hobby en un trabajo a tiempo completo?
  • I want to.
    • Quiero hacerlo.
  • Why did you learn Spanish?
    • ¿Por qué estudiar español? 
  • I wanted to visit Spain.
    • Quería visitar España.
  • How did you learn Spanish?
    • ¿Como estudiar español?
  • I read & listened for an hour a day.
    • Leí y escuché durante una hora al día.
  • Then I spoke for a 10 minutes a day.
    • Luego hablé durante 10 minutos al día.
Categories
Uncategorized

Travel Language – Spanish in a week – Common Phrases

  • We’re beginning our Spanish week with 2 of the most widespread topics.
  • Day 1 – Introduction & Greetings
  • Day 2 – Directions, Transportation & Accommodation
  • The essential questions that will get you everywhere.
  • What’s your favorite place in Castille?
    • ¿Cuál es tu lugar favorito en Castilla?
  • Where should I go in Bilbao?
    • ¿Dónde debo ir en Bilbao?
  • What time is it?
    • ¿Qué hora es?
  • The State of Mind
    • It will be Fun in the beginning, Frustrating in the middle & Fulfilling in the end.

Introduction

  • What is your name?
    • ¿Cómo se llama? (Formal)
    • ¿Cómo te llamas? (Casual)
  • My name is [name]. Pleased to meet you. (Formal)
    • Me llamo/Mi nombre es []. Encantada de conocerle.
  • Hello, I’m [name]. Nice to meet you. (Casual)
    • Hola, soy []. Mucho Gusto.
  • I’m [age].
    • Soy [age].
  • Where are you from?
    • ¿De dónde es? (Formal)
    • ¿De dónde eres? (Casual)
  • I come from [country].
    • Soy de [pais].
  • What do you do?
    • ¿A qué se dedicas? (Formal)
    • ¿A qué te dedicas? (Casual)
  • What is your job?
    • ¿Cuál es su trabajo? (Formal)
    • ¿Cuál es tu trabajo? (Casual)
  • I’m a [job]
    • Soy [job].
Introducing someone else
  • This is [name/title/relationship with].
    • Este es […].
  • Allow me to introduce you to [name/title/relationship with].
    • Permíteme presentarle a […].
  • Her/His name is [name].
    • Se llama […].

Greetings

  • Good day/afternoon/evening.
    • Buenos días/tardes/noches.
  • Pleased to meet you.
    • Encantada(F)/Encantado (M).
  • Nice to meet you.
    • Mucho gusto.
  • How are you?
    • ¿Qué tal?
  • What’s new in your life?
    • ¿Como esta?
  • What about you?
    • ¿Y usted?
  • Thank you.
    • Gracias.
  • You’re welcome.
    • No hay de que. (Formal)
    • De nada. (Casual)
  • See you later/See you soon.
    • Hasta luego.
    • Hasta la proxima.
  • Yes/No
    • Si/No

Transportation, Directions & Accommodation

Directions

What to listen to

  • Are you visiting?
    • ¿Está visitando? (Formal)
    • ¿Estás visitando? (Casual)
  • On the left/right.
    • A mano izquierda/derecha.
    • Gira/doble a la derecha/izquierda.
    • Está a la derecha/izquierda.
  • Straight ahead.
    • Derecho/Recto.
  • Go down or Get off/Go up or Get on.
    • Bajar/Subir.
  • Outside/Inside.
    • Fuera/Dentro.
  • At the corner.
    • En la esquina.
  • In [one, two, three, four] blocks.
    • A [una, dos, tres, cuatro] cuadra.

What to say/ask

  •  I’m looking for [place].
    • Estoy buscando [place].
  • Where is [Street/Avenue name] Street/Avenue?
    • ¿ Dónde está la calle/avenida [Nombre de la calle/avenida]?
  • How far? 
    • ¿A que distancia?
  • Where is the tourist information office?
    • Dónde está la oficina de infomación turística?
  • Excuse me, could I have a map?
    • Disculpe, un mapa por favor.
  • Excuse me, I need a map.
    • Disculpe, necesito un mapa.
  • I do not unterstand.
    • No comprendo.
    • No entiendo.
  • Do you speak English?
    • ¿Habla inglés?
  • Yes, a little, No.
    • Si, hablo inglés.
    • Si, hablo un poco. (a little)
    • No, no hablo inglés.  
  • Is there anyone who speaks English?
    • ¿Hay alguien que habla inglés? 
  • French/Italian/German
    • Francés/Italiano/Alemán
Transportations
  • How much does [a bus ticket] costs?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta [un billete para el bus]?
  • I would like a 1-way ticket.
    • Quisiera un billete simple.
  • How much does a ticket to [Seville] cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta un billete para [Sevilla]? 
  • A ticket to [Grenada] please.
    • Un billete para [Granada] , por favor.
  • Where can I get a taxi?
    •  ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un taxi?
  • Where can I catch the bus?
    • ¿Dónde puedo coger el bus?
  • Where’s the nearest bus stop?
    •  ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús más cerca? 
    • ¿ Dónde está la estacion de buses más cerca?
  • Where’s the nearest railway station?
    • Dónde está la estación de ferrocarril más cerca? 
  • Where is the nearest train station?
    • ¿ Dónde está la estacion de tren más cerca?
Accomodations
  • I’m looking for a hotel.
    • Busco un hotel.
  • I would like/need a room (with a bathroom).
    • Yo quiero/necesito un cuarto (con baño). 
  • Could I have a non smoking room?
    • ¿Podría tener una sala de no fumadores?
  • I would like a non smoking room.
    • Quisiera una habitación para no fumadores, por favor.
  • I would like a room for 2, please.
    • Quisiera una habitación con cama de matrimonio, por favor.
  • Does this include breakfast?
    • ¿Está incluido el desayuno?

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Travel Language – Learn Spanish essentials in a week

  • You’ve got an important meeting to Spain in a week.
  • You’ve discovered you’ve got a relative in Spain & they invite you to come in.
  • You just got a lot of cash and want to learn Spanish quickly.
  • Can you become fluent in a week? No.
  • Can you talk to people about food, money, culture & arts? Yes.
  • And this will kick-start your way to conversational fluency if you’ve enjoyed your journey, and plan to go live in Spain.

Pick your topics

  • Where will you go?
  • How long is your trip?
  • Who will you talk to?
    • What do you need to ask?
    • What do you need to answer?
  • What passionate you the most?

50 min a day Listening, 10-15 min a day Speaking

  • That’s our baseline.
  • It will be enough to get you started on your new habit.
  • Reading, Listening & memorizing for 50-60 minutes.
    • Video-format or podcast, for more convenience.
  • Speaking about a specific, narrow topic for 10-15 minutes, without the least amount of pauses.
  • Our 7 days topics will be : shopping, travel, rest, cinema, games, food & people
    • How do you get the most of your shopping?
    • Why do you travel? To visit Landmarks.
    • Where do you rest? In a Park (at the hotel?).
    • What movie do you want to watch today?
    • What game do you want to play today?
    • What do you want to eat? Where?
    • What’s their goal? Their hobbies? Their favorite things?

How will you learn?

  • Videos
    • Language – Innovative Language Learning & SpanishPod101.
    • Culture – Langfocus, for historical/geographical insight & language comparison (with other Romance languages).
  • How to speak if you know no Spanish speaker?
    • Find a learning partner.
    • If no one is will to make the jump with you, well it’s sad.
    • But you can always go for conversational exchange.
    • Conversation Exchange is great place for this.
  • If you have more than 20 min/day on your hands an want a book you can pick:
    • Madrigal’s Magic Key to Spanish,
    • Breaking Out of Beginner’s Spanish,
    • Lonely Planet’s Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary.
  • Mindset
    • It will be Fun in the beginning, Frustrating in the middle & Fulfilling in the end.

Shopping district & Markets

  • How much does it cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
  • How much does [ham] cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta [el jamón]?
  • I’m looking for [Spanish ham].
    • Busco un [jamón Ibérico].
  • Where can I buy [espadrilles]?
    • ¿Dónde puedo comprar [espadrilles]?
  • How much does [this dress] cost?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta [este vestido]?
  • Is there another color/size/model?
    • ¿Hay otro color?
    • ¿Hay otra talla?
    • ¿Hay otro modelo?
  • I’ll take Two (Three/Four/Five).
    • Voy a comprar dos (Tres/Cuatro/Cinco).
  • Can I have a discount?
    • ¿Puedo tener un descuento?
  • Can I have 10% off?
    • ¿Puedo tener 10% (diez por ciento) de descuento?

Parks & Landmarks

  • The most valuable advice will come from a barman/barber, the hotel personnel since they speak to so many people.
  • Ask to restaurant & shop personnel, or any other person knowledgeable about what’s to do in the City/Town you’re in.
  • Look for interesting & unusual paths recommendations.
  • What’s your favorite place in Castille?
    • ¿Cuál es tu lugar favorito en Castilla?
  • Where should I go in Bilbao?
    • ¿Dónde debo ir en Bilbao?
  • What’s the story of Merida?
    • ¿Cuál es la historia de Mérida?

Museums, Art Galleries & Cinema

Spain is an old country with a rich history dating back to antiquity.
They’ve also invested quite some money in new techs, especially machine learning.
So, wherever you’re an history enthusiast or a futurist-to-become, there will be something for you.

  • What is your favorite piece of art/Movie/Album/Book?
    • ¿Cuál es tu obra de arte, película, álbum o libro favorito?
  • How did you 1st discovered it?
    • ¿Cómo lo descubriste?
  • I’m looking for the City of Arts and Sciences (in Vallencia)?
    • Estoy buscando la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
  • How much is the entry fee?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta la entrada?

Restaurants & Cafes

Spanish gastronomy, markets, fresh products, Ham,..

  • What’s the top restaurant around here?
    • ¿Cuál es el mejor restaurante de por aquí?
  • What’s your favorite restaurant in town?
    • ¿Cuál es tu restaurante favorito en la ciudad?
  • What are the best cafes in Salamanca?
    • ¿Cuáles son los mejores cafés de Salamanca?
  • A table for [two, three, four] people, please.
    • Una mesa para [dos, tres, cuatro] personas, por favor.
  • I want a [menu].
    • Yo quiero un [menu]. 
  • Would you like a drink?
    • ¿Quieres tomar algo?
  • I would like Tap water/Bottled water.
    • Me gustaría tener agua del grifo/agua embotellada
  • Regular or Sparkling Water?
    • Sin gaz/Con gaz.
  • What would you like to eat/drink?
    • ¿Qué quieres comer/beber?
  • What do you recommend?
    • ¿Qué me recomienda? 
  • Where is the bathroom?
    • ¿Dónde està el baño?
  • On the left/right.
    • A mano izquierda/derecha.

Transportation & Directions

This is the only section where we will put words since when it comes to directions & transportation we often answers with words.

  •  I’m looking for […]
    • Estoy buscando […]
  • How much does [a bus ticket] costs?
    • ¿Cuánto cuesta [un billete para el bus]?
  • I would like a 1-way ticket.
    • Quisiera un billete simple.
  • Where can I catch the bus?
    • ¿Dónde puedo coger el bus?
  • Where is the [bus station/train station]?
    • ¿ Dónde está [la estacion de buses]?
    • ¿ Dónde está [la estacion de tren]?
  • Where is [Street/Avenue name] Street/Avenue?
    • ¿ Dónde está la calle/avenida [Nombre de la calle/avenida]?
  • Where is the ATM?
    • Dónde está el cajero?
  • Where is the Bank?
    • ¿ Dónde está el banco?
  • Where is the tourist information office?
    • Dónde está la oficina de infomación turística?
  • On the left/right.
    • A mano izquierda/derecha.
  • Straight ahead.
    • Derecho.
  • Bajar/Subir.
    • Go down or Get off/Go up or Get on.
  • Outside/Inside.
    • Fuera/Dentro.
  • At the corner.
    • En la esquina.
  • In [one, two, three, four] blocks.
    • A [una, dos, tres, cuatro] cuadra.
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Living in France: Should you learn French?

  • Do you need to learn french? No.
  • If you want to, you should.
  • If you’re planing to install in France for a few month, or if you intend to live there for a couple of years, learning the language will only make your life better.

Do you need to learn French?

  • Financial services, Real Estate companies, Legal professionals, all of them have their ways with the English language.
  • They will be able to provide advice in both languages with no troubles.
  • Contracts have to be written in a language understood by the parties that’s integral to the European dynamics of inclusiveness.
  • The biggest, most reliable french companies all have an international division.
  • If they don’t, look for another.
  • Every Publics services from Security to Heath to Tax services is equipped to assist you.
  • Education can be delivered in both languages in both languages in many schools & institutes.
  • Entertainment
    • Most cinemas propose non-dubbed versions of the movies or English-subbed versions.
    • The biggest museums & art galleries have bilingual guides.
  • Restaurants
    • Most restaurants have their menues in both languages.
  • Self-Catering & the Markets
    • Almost every super/hypermarket will be English friendly.
    • Many markets have English label nowadays.

If you want to live in France, and enjoy your french mates.

  • You could say Pastries, or Patisseries.
  • Bakery or Boulangerie.
  • And so on.
  • There are very few languages in the world that as a close to English as French.
  • French vocabulary has been introduced into the English language since the Normand invasion of Britain up to the XXth century.
  • English is classified as a Germanic language, but up to 2/3 of its vocabulary is directly inherited from Romance languages, namely Latin (1/3) & French (1/3).
  • If anything, learning French will allow you to discover new English words.
  • Similarly, English is an easy language to learn if you are already speaking french, and is of great value if you wish to understand the evolution of French language as the 2 languages are so intertwined.

Travel & Taste

  • Les Marches locaux (Markets) are probably one of the best places to learn French.
  • Because you’ll learn French in its rawest form.
  • Local producers won’t try to tailor their speech for the customers, they’ll speak their way.
  • That’s also why markets are the best place to learn dialects.
  • And also the best places to discover regional specialties.
  • Try to visit as many cities, towns & villages as you can especially at the border of Spain, Italy & Germany.
  • The cities, towns & generally the Regions bordering these countries will have a lot of foreign communities but also give you access to regional languages such as Occitan, Savoyard or Languedocien.
  • That’s as many open doors for you to the rest of Europe.
  • Travelling is a game, Play.

The Joy of thinking in another Language

  • Linguistic flexibility in 1 of the many that allows to enjoy Cognitive Joy.
  • When you’re able to understand what the main character says in this movie you’ve always watch with subtitle, and understand the emotion behind the words you’ll be golden.
  • It brings us back to the reason why you decided to move: you wanted it.
  • And you probably want to speak the language of the country you’re living in just to interact with others.
  • But maybe even more so to remind yourself that you wanted to satisfy yourself.
  • Being able to switch from French to English & back to French is a pleasure in itself.
  • So much so that we’re now learning true foreign languages such as Arabic or Japanese.
  • Japanese is an especially challenging one & probably one of the hardest languages to learn period.
  • Even so, Enjoyment > Difficulty.
  • You may already know that feeling if you’ve got a couple of foreign languages under your arm.

Your daily french games

  • Order a full meal in French.
  • Watch a cookery show (’emission de cuisine’).
  • Ask for directions.
  • Treat yourself to your favorite meal, as long as you can read it out loud.
  • Read a Hugo’s poem, a LaFontaine’s fable.
    • other writings: Le Horla Guy de Maupassant, À la recherche du temps perdu Marcel Proust or Vingt mille lieues sous les mers Jules Verne.
  • Watch a whole movie twice: with & then without subs.
    • examples: Céline et Julie vont en bateau Jacques Rivette, A Bout de souffle Jean-Luc Godard,  Shoah Claude Lanzmann or La Règle du jeu Jean Renoir.
  • Listen a whole song trice a week: listen, sing along, sing without.
    • examples: any popular song you like.
Try Random Expressions.
  • Think of French as a regional dialect of English (or vice-versa).
  • All you need to learn is the accent.
  • Some key phrases to get you started:
    • La grande illusion, c’est le passé.
    • Les portes de l’avenir sont ouvertes à ceux qui savent les pousser.
    • Puis-je vous aidez avec votre sac?
    • Vous avez de magnifiques toilettes.
    • Je préfère les chats sans poils.
  • Make up your own phrases with random words.
  • You could even make a song out of this.
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Travel Gamification – the Way to Fun

  • A park will often be relaxing.
  • A meal in a restaurant can be delicious.
  • You can learn something from your visit at the museum.
  • A monument can be inspirational.
  • But is it Fun?
  • What about Disneyland, Wet n’ Wild, Movie World?
  • Isn’t travel about being entertained?
  • What about having fun anywhere you go?

Outline of the Article:

  • Your Team
  • Let your Hobbies guide you
  • Rewards & Unpredictability
  • Resting & still having fun
  • Your World Map

Gamification for Travel

  • Thinking about making Travel funnier?
  • Travel is transporting.
  • It’s relaxing.
  • It’s allowing you to discover things.
  • But is it really Fun?
  • You may say yes, but do you enjoy it as much as you enjoy your Hobbies.
  • Travel is a great Hobby, but it’s not the most popular one.
  • And Money is not the only variable.
  • Most of the popular hobbies are Expensive.
  • Hunting is expensive, if you’re into sports you’re putting a ton of money in equipment, and nowadays people are training with coaches.
  • More & more people get into Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Scuba Diving or Sky Diving.
  • These are expensive.
  • Even Reading isn’t cheap if you are buying a new book, at 10-20$, every week or every month.
  • Maybe Drawing can be construed as cheap is you only buy regular A4 and use the same pen & pencil for the whole year.
    • But even there, you know you’ll get the fancy stuff.
  • All of that is extremely engaging though.
  • Because it shows people value Experiences over Money.
  • And Travel is all about Experiences.
  • The issue is Travel can be boring or tedious.
  • 1 of the common complain about travel, especially in the case of theme parks, is that you have to wait to get to the attraction/landmark and in the end it isn’t that great.

Your Team

  • Can you go alone? Of course.
  • Wouldn’t give you more possibilities to extend?
  • The ability to look for more things, to achieve more.
  • The alternative is to make use of locals & guides as indirect team members.
  • It’s less personal, but it does the job.
  • On the plus side, you meet people.
  • 2 is the start of a team.
  • 3 is the start of a versatile team.
  • 4 is an optimal number in our opinion.
  • 1 of the biggest aspects of cooperation is arguing.
  • You can argue when you’re 2 or 3.
  • As a matter of fact you can even argue with yourself.
  • Although when you’re 4 can start to polarize the opinion while at the same time benefiting from diverse opinions.
  • These intense discussions, especially if they end to be big successes & big failures, will become the memories you are looking for.
  • Our Travels Posts are divided in 4 categories : Shopping districts, Landmarks, Parks & Restaurants.
  • Now, your team could have 4 types of Adventurers: The Shopper, The Explorer, The Rester & The Fooder.
  • And it will only make the journey smoother.
  • You will always have someone who knows what to eat, where to rest & what the plan is in every place you go.

Let your Hobbies guide you

  • What are your hobbies?
  • How can they enhance your journey?
  • What if you were guided solely by the things that will always bring you joy.
  • Even if you don’t go to all the ‘essential places’ in Madrid or Miami during your travel, you would have only done what you wanted.
  • What you truly wanted.
  • An essential part of games is Customization.
  • You are your character.
  • What does your character want?
  • What did she build up to now?
  • How will she show it to the rest of the team and hence be helpful?
  • You’ve got a top 10 list of the things you need to do in the place you are visiting.
  • Do you want to do them?
  • Or does your characters has other plans?
  • If you’re a reader/writer, become a storyteller.
  • If you’re a drawer/painter, craft a piece which depicts where you are.
  • If you’re a sportif, give them a quick session.
  • For every Attraction, every Place you are visiting craft Quests.
  • Give your team members step-by-step tutorials, and then let them play.
  • Let them go through a nice steep progression curve so that they can feel a sens of accomplishment.
  • Balance is the key.

Reward & Unpredictability

Where does your pleasure comes from?

  • What’s your favorite color?
  • 1 of the greatest rewards is ownership.
  • You’ve already been to Barcelona and now you can show everyone around.
  • You know the best restaurants & museums in the city & can give a private tour.
  • Owning your setting, owning your game brings you the opportunity to build a narrative.
  • You can monitor the attachment to the setting.
  • You can give your team a sense of protection through your ownership, which in return will entice them to show you more of themselves.
  • You can help them achieve Personal victory conditions though experiences tailored for them.
  • You can develop a progressive system of rewards adapted to the difficulties encountered.

  • Another essential element of games is Replayability.
  • You’ve visited all the stadiums in the United Kingdom?
    • Will another match look the same?
  • You’ve visited all the museum in Berlin, can you visit them again?
    • How will you proceed?
  • You could try another sport, another type of visit, but would it be enough to surprise you?
  • Make a small deck of cards with the names of the places you want to go to and let your teammates pick 3 of them at random.
  • Make another deck with the things you could do in these places & repeat the process.
  • Unpredictability is a core element of fun.
  • What about allowing things to be unpredictable?

Resting & still having fun

  • Traveling can be extremely taxing.
  • But resting can be difficult as well.
  • Especially if you’re visiting a bubbling metropolis.
  • Unless you’re in a cool village in the country, finding a calm space can be difficult.
  • Meditation will become a challenge.
  • Find a quiet spot in a park & breathe.
  • Your Rester will help.
  • Ask her what you should do.
  • She can propose you any type of relaxing games.
  • If you’re in a water garden, or another open space that allows you to broadcast music it could be the perfect opportunity to learn outdoor meditation.
  • It may feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but you own this uncomfortable situation.
  • Controlled discomfort really is the path to fun.
  • Another great place to chill are cafes.
  • They’re more obvious too.
  • How do you turn this into a game?
  • Do you want to turn this into a game?
  • You really don’t have to, but if you want it’s easy.
  • If you’re in a foreign country, order in the language.
  • It requires a little bit of speech preparation but if you’re there for a couple of days it can be achieved fairly fast.
  • Now, this is tedious, and you have to learn the language and whatever…
  • Do you have a dice in your pocket? Probably not.
  • Do you have a dice app on your phone? You could download 1…
  • And now, random order.
  • There should be at least 6 items per page on the menu.
  • Still there?
  • Ask for 10% off.
  • Not on your order, on the bill.
  • Most of the time your interlocutor will be really surprised.
  • They may tell you “This is [whatever chain brand], you know?”
  • Answer, “I know, but it would make me a really happy customer.”
  • Only do that if you’re in a Big Brand location.
    • We don’t want to cripple small businesses.

Your World Map

  • The forest fades into a lonely mountain passage.
  • Stark & cold, all you can hear is the bursting gust.
  • The Sun is at its zenith but you can barely see the light through the canopy.
  • As the floor trembles your body shakes even more from inside.
  • You need to run.
  • The path is clear, you see a light at the end, but it’s not Sunlight.
  • It is shining, and silvery.
  • You get closer, the light turns slightly bluer.
  • The shape becomes squarer.
  • It’s just a phone.
  • Someone must have dropped it.
  • The phone is brand new, it must have happened recently.
  • There’s a bear behind you.
  • Did you like it?
  • That’s how I get my fix.
  • What about you?
  • Will you hike, will you climb, will you dive?
  • Or will you go through the ordeals of the Concrete Jungle?
  • Imagine you only have 3 days to visit Tokyo or Hong-Kong.
  • How will you proceed to optimize your time-use?
  • Where will you go 1st?
  • Where will you go next?

How will you use your world map?

How will you use the World?

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20 Best Cities/Towns of France to live & work

Lyon
  • Have you ever though about France?
  • For holidays, maybe.
  • What about 5 years holidays?
  • What about living & working there?

Here are for you 20 of the best towns of France where it’s good to live & work:

  • Rennes
  • Clermont-Ferrand
  • Lyon
  • Bordeaux
  • Montpellier
  • Tours
  • Grenoble
  • Annecy.
  • Angers
  • Brest
  • Strasbourg
  • Nantes
  • Toulouse
  • Nice
  • Lille
  • Dijon
  • Metz
  • Orleans
  • Nancy
  • Rouen

A little thing about Paris & Ile-de-France

  • The capital is an amazing place to be, especially if you’re from outside of Europe.
  • However, in the last few decades many French workers (cadres) have began to massively quit Paris & Ile-de-France.
  • If you are moving to France because you went there on travels and find the country expensive, try towns & cities like Toulouse, Bordeaux or Dijon.
  • The metropolises experience multiple issues with Safety & Transportations systems.
  • Same for the other large Metropolises, such as Marseilles.

About the Cities/Towns in the list

  • Most of the Cities/Towns in the following list offer services & amenities comparable to those offered in metropolises.
  • Culture & Education are central policies, they all host a least 1 State University and in most cases private schools (‘Ecoles supérieurs’).
  • They all hold a Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, large-scale hospital linked to a university.
  • The transportation web is consistant & performant.
  • Real estate is reasonable & infrastructures are good.
  • Safety is also more sustainable assured, since they are less populated & the amount of agent per citizen is higher.

Why live in these Cities/Towns?

  • The Quality of Life & High is the atmosphere is highly desirable.
  • Most of them are close to the sea, the mountain, or both in some cases.
  • Climate is soft & the place is sunny most of the year. 
  • Environmental condition are superior to most of the country, wherever it is air quality carbon footprint, or low amount of hazardous industrial sites.
  • Waste management is greener & Cycling is becoming the norm.
  • The use of concrete is limited. 
  • Again, transportation is more modern & more up to date to the newest policies in terms of sustainable Urbanisme.
  • The TGV lines are dispatched to connect to airports.
  • The 4G cover is good.
  • The transition to 5G has began. 
  • Real estate is reasonably priced, wherever it is rental or buying.
  • Culture & Entertainment, including restoration, are on par with those of metropolises.
  • Education is the prior public policy, there’s a large choice of high schools & Universities.
  • It is easier to access to a general practitioner, a dentist, or other specialized medical practitioners.
  • Safety is assured, with access to many Police stations & Gendarmeries bureau.
  • Every one of them has at least 1 Precinct, and most of them have more than 3.

Why Work in these Cities/Towns?

  • Employment market is sturdy, with many new jobs offers flourishing.
  • Unemployment rate is low & is getting lower as more people move in.
  • Most white-collar jobs have a faster career progression.
  • Structures Financing businesses have a low barrier to entry.
  • Construction/Civil engineering & Real Estate are 2 of the biggest sectors that attract people creating a snowball effect: more people in, more buildings & roads needed.
  • Subsequently, Industrial & Retail Real Estate tend to see their prices rapidly diminish even if they are still consequent.
  • The same effect has not be witnessed yet on Office real estate, where Teleworking is an advantageous alternative.
  • There are more High-Tech companies than anywhere else in the country, compared to the number of inhabitant.
  • This enhances the development of sectors such as Web/Mobile development, Digital marketing & Graphic Design.
  • This encourages the implementation of Teleworking in companies.
  • There’s a large number of students & specializations are diversified, so are career paths. 
  • Young Bachelors & Masters degrees owners find a job easily.
  • R&D is rising. 
  • Most of the population is well-off & consumption rate is high, wherever is domestic or from tourists.
  • The number of hotels is high. 

The case of Rennes : an emerging metropolis

  • The top city of western France in term of Life Quality.
  • Almost 90% of Rennes inhabitants recommend their city to a person willing to move.
    • Housing is inexpensive.
    • Transportation may become more congested as Rennes becomes quite popular.
    • Atmosphere is great with high environmental quality, and a very clement climate.
  • A welcoming Employment market in most sectors.
    • Dynamism is high relatively to the rest of the country.
  • Cost of Life is low to medium depending on the district you live in.
  • Entertainment is diverse, and parks are plentiful.
    • Museums, Art galleries & Cinemas are promoted by the inhabitant and many value offers exist.
    • Restaurants & Snack bars are on par with those of metropolises.
  • Services are responsive & Infrastructures are of high quality.
    • The City possess a CHU & multiple Hospitals.
    • The University is one of the city’s pride.
    • Education is 1 of Rennes top strengths.

The Case of Lyon: Mature & Large and even more attractive

Jardins des Curiosités, Lyon
  • Lyon may be a tricky 1.
  • It quite a large metropolis, developed & presenting some issues of the larger metropolises (traffic, safety, pollution).
  • Even so, more than 80% of its inhabitant would recommend it to someone willing to move.
  • Another city with such high recommendation ratio is Strasbourg.
  • Strasbourg is an eastern France city, rapidly developing, close to the German border & highly integrated in the European development.
  • Meaning that the Lyonais (Lyon’s inhabitant) are highly confident in the attractiveness of their city.
  • It is still considered 1 of the best alternatives to Paris is you want to live in a metropolis.
  • Wherever you are a domestic or a foreign investor.
  • Multiple European & International have installed a division or a subsidiary in Lyon.
  • Lyon is a large metropolis which knows how to adapt to remain attractive.
  • Not as much as the emerging cities & town but more than the other metropolises.
  • Many entrepreneurs & experienced professionals, especially foreigners, may want to turn to Lyon for bigger businesses opportunities.

The case of Annecy: to keep in mind

Annecy
  • Annecy possess an ideal geographical localisation.
  • The atmosphere & Climate are some of the best in France.
  • Unemployment is very low.
  • Buying power is very high.
  • This is partly due to the fact that a consequent wedge of its population is working in Swiss where salaries are globally higher.
  • Other Cities/Towns by the German/Swiss border function on a comparable model.
  • This capital injection tends to rise Real Estate’s prices but also population creating to the aforementioned snowballing effect.
  • So, we may see a rise of the Construction sector in Annecy in the upcoming years.
Annecy
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Ever thought about Teleworking in France?

You can do teleworking anywhere.
Why in France?

  • The Very nature of Teleworking does not attach you to any country.
  • Why choose France then?
  • In many countries Managers, HR directors & executives have acknowledge it, and it is great.
  • In France, the State has acknowledged it.
  • In a press release released on March 16, 2020, the Ministère du Travail (Ministry of Labour) declared that 4/10 jobs in France are now compatible with teleworking.
  • Not should, nor could, ARE.

80% of HR Directors & Managers want to implement Teleworking in the long term.

  • Teleworking will improve work conditions in the long run.
  • A fourth of the employees may become Teleworkers for 2 days a week in the near future.
  • Teleworking is an opportunity to reduce costs & gain in productivity says the majority of French HR Directors.
  • Why?
  • They realized employees adapt fast to the agile method of project management.
  • Almost 2/3 of them are convinced that the Informatics/Logistics costs will be minor and largely compensated by the gains in Real Estate occupation & upkeep.
  • They also consider that Teleworking will boost their attractiveness while allowing them satisfying their customers more easily.

How will it be implemented?

  • Most HR managers propose the redaction of a Charter (charte de télétravail).
  • This Charter will fix the practices & procedures to adopt in order to prevent the most important issues of Teleworking:
    • The reduction of belonging feeling.
    • The reduction of cohesion.
    • Psycho-social risks.
  • A rotating system, on a 2 days a week basis, should help to prevent most of these.
  • Other measures, such as a personal monitoring, and on-the-job support & feedback are also in preparation.
  • Most of the functions in companies can be turned into the Teleworking process in the near future.
  • Although, there is 1 domain where Teleworking will be difficult to implement: logistics.

The New Management

  • Managers will be implemental in the implementation of teleworking.
  • A shift from management per task, judged too rigid, to management per objectives is already viewed as necessary in the current business development.
  • According to managers in french industries & B2C businesses teleworking could be the greatest opportunity to develop new product management & marketing practices attuned to the end consumers needs in terms of reshaping.
  • Marketing professionals from Orange Business Service already declare that management via teleworking would be a definitive way to attract & retain customers, namely the inner customer: the employee.
  • According to managers & executives the economy of resources (e.g. time & money), the synergy between planning & implementing help employees to do more and therefore see the end-goal sooner.
  • Teleworking is a door to more meaning-visible work.
  • According to multiple Work Barometers realized since 2015, more than 70% of the French population wants to work at home.
    • Managers & executives have begin to acknowledged it.
  • More than 90% of HR responsables interrogated know that teleworking will crack open the actual managerial practices to give birth to new ones.
  • The managers post-Covid will become a skills-developer.
  • This will be achieved by developing Competence Charters & increasing feedback between executives & team members as well as dialogue between services.

Remote working & Teleworking

  • You’re convinced you want to become a Teleworker in France?
  • Now you need to know which sectors & jobs are about to see this change happen the fastest.
  • Generally speaking, IT, Finance, Law, HR & Marketing are more encline to be executed remotely.

Sectors

  • The principals sectors that will experience Teleworking in France the fastest are Digital Marketing, Web/Mobile development, Machine Learning, Financial services, and many other IT based services.
Web/Mobile Development & Machine Learning
  • Web/Mobile & Machine Learning software Developer.
    • These jobs benefit from a huge leverage for teleworking since they are highly sough after (‘metier en tension’).
    • Furthermore, the nature of the job allows you to telework more easily.
  • UX/UI Designer
    • The same goes for the App Designer.
    • Wherever it is prototype creation, tests, feedback implementation, all that is required is reliable communication tools for the job to be exercised remotely.
Digital Marketing
  • Community Manager
    • The Brand ambassador.
    • Engage & animate communities.
    • One of the most “teleworkable” jobs.
  • Digital Artist
    • Realizes the commercial bundle.
    • Naturally inclined to teleworking, as a contractor or as an employee.
  • Web Editor (‘Rédacteur web’)
    • Responsible of the editorial content of the brand.
    • Coordinates the creation of the content published on the official website.
  • Translator
    • That’s an integral part of marketing.
    • It takes a lot of culture & context knowledge to perform a proper localization campaign.
    • Translators, you are marketers.
Financial services
  • Accountant
    • The computerization of documents & the development of tax/accounting softwares has transformed the accounting profession in less than 20 years.
    • The closing of the annual accounts, preparations of tax returns or pay slips can now be carried out remotely.
  • Actuary
    • Ever dreamed of becoming a risk manager?
    • The actuary is specialized in corporate risk management.
    • Often practiced in insurance, finance & strategy, this profession is open to remote work, if you have a few years of background.
Online Teachers
  • Because you have to learn all these skills.
  • And if you have the knowledge already, you’ll need more.
  • Wherever it is a Trainer, a Mentor, or a Coach online service become plentiful.
  • You can access courses via platform such as Udemy or Skillshare, but many Teacher have their own course & their own private group.

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Ever thought about Working in France?

  • Want to work lesser hours, more focused, more intensely?
  • Wish you had more time for your friends & family while developing a side business?
  • Want to change of atmosphere?
  • Think your skills are under-appreciated where you live?
  • Move to France.

An Outline of the article:

  • Work-Life Balance
  • 35 hours work week
  • Where to Work?
  • In Which Sectors?

Work-Life Balance

  • Will your work-life balance be any different if you move to France?
  • Ultimately, it depends on you.
  • But if you’ve decided to move it must mean that you intend to make it happen.
  • Maybe you moved for transportation fluidity, which will make you save an extra hour every day.
  • Maybe for a better atmosphere, which will grant you a better health & will allow you to save time & money on medical treatment.
  • Maybe you’ve adopted a minimalist lifestyle when moving which will ,again, allow you to save time & money.

35 hours work week

  • What would you do if you had an extra 5 hours every week?
  • An extra hour every day?
  • Spend more time with friends & family?
  • Start a side project?
  • Yes, you can.
  • And you don’t even have to cut another hour of leisure time.

Where to Work?

  • In Paris, Marseilles or Lyon?
  • Yes, you can.
  • Although the 3 biggest cities of France are less & less sough after.
  • The reasons?
  • Pollution, criminality & congested traffic.
  • Maybe the same reasons why you quit your country in the 1st place.
  • If you want to have a glimpse of the French Metropolises, you could always live in the suburbs, or just out of the center.
  • There are also options like Aix, Bordeaux or Dijon, which offer more reasonable housing options.
  • Working in Western France?
  • French people want to work in Western France.
  • Why?
  • Unemployment is low, and it decreases.
  • The train & aerial web is consistant & effective.
  • This is true for most of France, but even more so in the West.
  • The degree of integration of young people in the market is higher.
  • The median wage is high.
  • Regions such as Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Pays de la Loire & Bretagne are more & more attractive to French people.
  • Bretagne(Brittany), has long been a favorite of travelers, especially British, and foreigners who wished to install in France.
  • Today Rennes is 1 of the top choices for French people & people from abroad alike.
  • If you prefer a bigger city & warmer climate Bordeaux, the capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine would suit you.
  • If you are fine with something more temperate & prefer a calmer, smaller place, Angers is for you.
  • Example of western french Cities & Town you may consider: Lyon, Grenoble, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Annecy, Chambéry, Tours et Clermont-Ferrand.

In Which Sectors?

Transportation, Logistics & Supply chain:

  • The Cariste (Forklift operator) manages merchandises stocks (transportation, checking & quality control).
  • The Agent de fabrication (processing agent) is managing the conception of products mainly in automobile, plasturgie, electrical/electronic appliances, automotive & aeronautics.
  • Conducteurs de poids lourds (truck drivers) is another job where offers explode.
  • Finally, Techniciens de maintenance (service technicians) is the job category that recruits the most.
  • All these jobs are now qualified as ‘metier en tension’, or highly sough after jobs.

B2B Marketing:

  • Customer Success Specialist, this one requires a sense of information flux management, managing the balance between marketing & adds, but also knowledge of financial services.
  • Community Manager, this 1 will be sough after in the domains of Marketing & adds, of course, but also Local Branding, PR, and Sports.

Civil engineering, Construction & Real Estate

  • These jobs will be in demand because New Cities (e.g. Strasbourg) are emerging & metropolises (e.g. Lyon) are growing.
  • There is another reason.
  • In certain parts of France, real estate becomes inappropriately over-priced.
  • The solution? Build new buildings & sell them.

Agriculture & Food engineering.

  • This is where you’ll find some of the Frenchest jobs such as Viticulteur or Sommelier.
  • But also Ingénieur agronome as well as œnologue.
  • Central France invests heavily in Food engineering, especially town like Angers.
  • More & more universities & institutes are specialized in Agriculture & Agro-engineering.

Machine Learning & Cyber Security

  • If you’re already a computer scientist/engineer, a programmer or a software engineer you will integrate easily to the market, wherever you are in AI or not.
  • Know that France is 1 of the biggest investors in machine learning, probably the 1st in Europe.
  • So, if you’re honing your Python & Tensorflow/Keras skills, France could be the country for you.