Margie Rynn - Frommers EasyGuide to France 2014

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Margie Rynn has been living and writing in France for more than 13 years, mostly in Paris. The author of Pauline Frommers Paris, she has also written features for such magazines as Budget Travel, Time Out New York, and Yoga Journal.

Lily Heise has been perfecting la joie de vivre in Paris since 2000. She contributes to various international and local travel publications and has recently published her first book.

Tristan Rutherford has been a freelance travel writer since 2002. His lucky first assignment took him to Nice, and he has been based there ever since. He has visited more than 60 countries and written about 20 of them for the Independent and the Sunday Times Travel Magazine. Tristan also lectures in travel journalism at Londons Central Saint Martins.

U.S.-born, Italian-raised Kathryn Tomasetti writes travel and food stories for the likes of the Guardian and the Times. Her library of holiday photossnapped from as far afield as China, Albania, and Chilehas been published by National Geographic and Time Out. Kathryn blogs about Provence and the French Riviera at www.ohmyriviera.com.

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F rance presents visitors with an embarrassment of richesyou may find yourself overwhelmed by all the choices. Weve tried to make the task easier by compiling a list of our favorite experiences and discoveries. In the following pages, youll find the kind of candid travel advice wed give our closest friends.

FRANCES best AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Sipping Pastis in Provence: Pastis is synonymous with Provence. This anise-flavored liquor is sipped at sundown on every town square, from Arles to the Italian border. Beware: The Provenal are seriously brand-conscious. Order a 51 if you want to look like a local, or a Janot for the regions latest organic offering. Impress the barman by ordering a tomate (pastis with a dash of grenadine) or a perroquet (literally a parrot, which is pastis with a splash of green mint syrup). See .

Breaking the Bank at Monte-Carlo: The Casino de Monte-Carlo has been the most opulent place to have a flutterfor exactly 150 years. Its creation by architect Charles Garnier (of Paris Opera House fame) in 1863 turned the tables for Monaco, transforming a provincial port into a world-class tourist destination. Expect frescoed ceilings and wealthy, well-dressed clientele from as far afield as China, Russia, and the U.S..

Ogling the Pomp of the Popes Medieval Party Pad: Those medieval popes knew a thing or two about interior design. Avignons Palais des Papes, or Popes Palace, is a moneyed medley of Gothic architecture, vast banqueting halls, and frescoed suites. The Chteauneuf-du-Pape papal vineyards just north of Avignon still produce some of the most noted wine in France..

Buying Your Daily Bread: That cute little boulangerie just down the street? Depending on where you are, theres likely to be anotheror severala short stroll away. The daily baguette run is a ritual for many French people. Get your coins ready (one euro, give or take 10 centimes) and join the queue. To really fit in, ask for your baguette chewy (