Q & A

Subject: Considering coming to France in Aug 2002.

Question: I am seriously considering coming to France in Aug 2002 for two weeks. I would be traveling alone and planning on wandering around the country and seeing the sights - maybe renting a car for part of the time. I like to go places without a set plan so I can do what strikes me as I go. I do not speak French, is this going to be a problem? Also is there anything that I should be wary of, outside of the normal things women traveling alone should know. I am a police officer in a large Oregon city, so not a whole lot makes me nervous.

Answer: Depending on your budget I would suggest that you either rent a car or use the train to get around. A car would be more expensive, with more freedom, than a train. Even with France’s extensive train system not every place you might want to go will have a train station. Another idea might be to rent a bike, here in Alsace there are bike paths everywhere, most along the canals, making for a beautiful ride. I find France to be a safe place, even if others feel differently, as crime was a major issue in the last Presidential Election. I often see women travelers, in groups and alone here in Strasbourg.
As for not speaking France see this page.