Join host Tracy Collins in episode 37 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast as she chats with Jo Karnaghan from France Travel Planning.
Jo shares her top tips for first-time visitors to France, offering advice to help you plan an unforgettable journey. Discover tips on crafting the perfect itinerary, navigating the country, and avoiding common travel mistakes. Jo also shares budget-friendly advice, cultural etiquette, must-try foods, and her ultimate recommendations for first-time visitors.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your next adventure to France, this episode is packed with inspiration and guidance.
Click the blue button below to listen:
Episode 37 – Summary
n Episode 37 of the Global Travel Planning podcast, host Tracy Collins welcomes Francophile and travel expert Jo Karnaghan to share invaluable tips for first-time visitors to France. The episode kicks off with an amusing nod to “Emily in Paris,” emphasizing that while what’s depicted in the show is fiction, there are nuggets of truth about French cultural nuances that can benefit Anglophones.
Jo offers advice on public behaviour in France, stressing the importance of moderate voice levels and polite greetings like “bonjour” to enhance interactions in restaurants and shops. She gives a rundown of French dining norms, noting the rigid meal times and advocating for exploring local markets for both shopping and insider culinary tips.
Foodies will appreciate Jo’s recommendations of must-try dishes like snails, oysters, and duck confit, as well as her encouragement to indulge in different breads and pastries. She highlights “plat du jour” for an authentic dining experience and suggests luxurious yet affordable afternoon teas at 5-star hotels in Paris for a unique treat.
Travel logistics are also covered extensively; Jo asserts that cars are unnecessary in French cities due to excellent public transportation, particularly the efficiency of TGV trains for intercity travel. She advises using maps for planning, allowing ample travel time between locations, and avoiding the common mistake of overscheduling to ensure a more relaxed and meaningful experience.
Jo concludes by stressing cultural awareness and spontaneity—encouraging travellers to embrace the French leisurely dining style and seize unexpected opportunities. The episode wraps with Tracy’s plans for a trip to France, budget travel tips from Jo, and a preview of the next episode, which will cover Tokyo, Japan.
Listeners are encouraged to check out Jo’s website, join her Facebook group, leave a voice message, subscribe to the podcast, and, importantly, embrace the joy of immersive, spontaneous travel in France.
What you’ll learn in this episode 🇫🇷✈️
- 🌍 Cultural Insights: The importance of moderating voice levels and saying “bonjour” to get better service.
- ⏰ Restaurant Norms: Be aware of set meal times, like lunch typically from 12 to 1:30 PM.
- 🛍️ Market Etiquette: Allow stallholders to serve you and ask about produce and cooking tips.
- 🍽️ Must-Try Foods: Indulge in snails, oysters, duck confit, and discover the joy of French bread and pastries.
- 🍵 Dining in Style: Enjoy afternoon tea at luxurious hotels without breaking the bank.
- 🚆 Train Travel: Learn why trains are the best way to travel between French cities.
- 🗺️ Map Use: Understand the geography of France to plan your trips better.
- 🕒 Travel Time: Plan for at least half a day to travel between locations.
- 🎒 Avoid Overscheduling: Tips to balance itineraries and allow for spontaneous experiences.
- 🍷 Dining Etiquette: Embrace the slower, more deliberate pace of French dining and avoid rigid schedules.
- 🥖 Budget Food Tips: Discover affordable meal options from French supermarkets.
- 🏡 Affordable Stays: Recommendations for budget accommodations like “Gites de France” and “Logis de France.”
- 🎫 Train Ticket Advice: Book TGV tickets in advance for the best prices.
- 🇫🇷 Language Basics: The importance of learning basic French phrases.
- 😅 Common Mistakes: Tips to avoid common planning mistakes and cultural faux pas.
- 🗺️ Jo’s Favorite Spots: Insights into Jo’s favourite locations outside Paris, like Lyon and Provence.
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Paris: Highlighted for its dining experiences, including afternoon tea in 5-star hotels and casual terrace dining.
- Ritz, Maurice, Crillon: Specific 5-star hotels in Paris recommended for afternoon tea.
- Lyon: A favourite destination of Jo’s outside of Paris, known for its gastronomy.
- Provence: French Region famous for its beautiful landscapes and lavender fields.
- Cote d’Azur: Also known as the French Riviera, famous for its coastal beauty and luxury.
- Collioure: A picturesque seaside town near the Spanish border.
Foods
- Frog legs: Noted as difficult to find, mostly in tourist spots.
- Snails (Escargots): Recommended as a unique French culinary experience.
- Oysters: Encouraged to try for their quality and taste.
- Duck Confit: Jo’s favorite dish, a must-try French specialty.
- Bread and Pastries: Strongly recommended to sample from various bakeries.
- Plat du jour: A set menu for the day that provides a good dining option.
- Jambon Beurre: A classic French ham and butter sandwich for a quick, affordable meal.
Words/Concepts
- “Bonjour”: Essential French greeting for better service in shops and restaurants.
- TGV: High-speed French trains recommended for efficient city-to-city travel.
- Plat du jour: A daily special or set menu in French restaurants.
- Gites de France: A website for self-catering cottage and apartment rentals.
- Logis de France: A website for family-owned hotels with reasonably priced restaurants.
Links
France Travel Planning
- https://francetravelplanning.com
https://francetravelplanning.com/shop/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PlanYourTriptoFrance
https://instagram.com/francetravelplanning
Podcasts
- Episode #6 -Discovering Switzerland with Swiss travel expert Carolyn Schönafinger
- Episode #23 – Solo Travel Adventures in Puglia & Beyond
- Episode #26 – Discovering Authentic Norway: Scenic Routes, Local Culture, and Year-Round Adventures
Articles
Guest Bio – Jo Karnaghan
Jo is an experiential travel writer specialising in France. A committed Francophile, Jo has visited France over twenty times since the early 90s but still finds new things to see and do on every visit.
As a regular visitor to France, Jo has to plan her trip to France just like you, and seeks out authentic experiences that any traveller to France can replicate. Jo is the owner of the popular France Travel Planning Facebook group, and the author of The Ultimate Paris Address Book.