FAQs

Question

What to wear at the wedding?

Answer

The ceremony will take place in an old cloister with very uneven cobblestone floors, and then cocktails and dinner will be on grass, so NO HEELS! But apart from that whatever you want! We will be in dress and suit (which one in which?) and it's of course nice to have people dress a little fancy as well, but if you're making this into a whole euro-backpack trip and you don't want a big bag, then just wear whatever you've got.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

It will be superb! It will be warm, but not too hot, everything will be green, and it will very likely not rain the entire time you are here. You'll be in shorts during the day, but it may be cool at night, so make sure to pack some pants and a sweater or two as well. The water temperature in spring can be a little on the chilly side, but you should definitely bring a bathing suite.

Question

How do I properly eat Cheese?

Answer

First off, when you are faced with a large & diverse platter of cheese (which you certainly will be), one must start by eating the lightest and most mellow cheese, and proceed along through increasing levels of strength and pungency. You dont want to eat a blue cheese before you eat a fresh Chevre. Usually your eyes and nose will tell you whats what, but if unsure, just ask. Secondly, and even more importantly, is that when eating a piece of cheese with a rind, you will have to switch cutting directions about halfway through so that at the end of the piece, the rind gets divided evenly amongst the slices. No one wants to end up with that last slice that has all of the rind. And finally, dont be shy! Cheese is like water in this country and you should show the french how much you appreciate their culture by consuming as much as you want.

Question

Should I bring a checked bag?

Answer

No, not if you can avoid it. Travel light and try to fit everything into a carry on, you'll be happy you did. No need for heavy jackets! It's often easier to skirt the airlines rules on luggage size by bringing a backpack instead of a hard suitcase; they tend not to look as carefully at the size of them. A trick we like is to put a small backpack inside of your larger backpack, then when you get to the gate pull it out so that you have one "carry on" and "one hand bag". The major exception to this is if you take any budget inter-European airlines like RyanAir. They have vey limited max. sizes for carry ons and enforce the rules strictly so that they can hit you with extra charges. If you do need to check in a bag with Ryanair or the likes, definitely do it in advance since it will cost you at least twice as much at the airport.

Question

How do I speak to French people?

Answer

Preferably in French! Pickup a phrase book and try to learn a few basics so you can ask for simple things like food and where to find the bathroom. Many people will be able to speak some English, but they will appreciate it if they see you making an effort. Also, make sure to always say bonjour or pardon before you start asking someone something. In France it's rude if you just jump right in.

Question

How do I pay for things?

Answer

It's very easy to use credit cards or debit cards at most places, though your bank may hit you with some charges for the exchange. It's certainly helpful to change some dollars into Euros before you come, but you'll be able to find ATMs everywhere so don't stress if you cant. Make sure to tell your bank/ credit card company about your travel plans before you go, or they will put a hold on your card.

Question

How do I use my phone in France?

Answer

You can just keep using your phone as normal, but depending on your phone company, you may get hit with horrendous charges. Verizon is the worst in this regard. If you don't want to get slapped with extra fees, your options are to 1) turn off cellular data and only use your phone when you have wifi. 2) Buy another sim card; either one in the US that uses a service such as google Fi (super cheap in Europe) or buy a French sim card when you get here. 3) If you have a phone or phone company that wont accept other sim cards, or if thats just too much hassle, you can buy a cheap phone online and get a sim card for it when you get to France. You don't really need a phone per se, as there are many opportunities for wifi and many ways to communicate back with the US that way, but it is pretty useful to have at least one person in the group with cell service for navigation and in case of emergencies.

Question

How do I charge my devices in France

Answer

There are different plugs and voltages in the EU than in the US. You'll need to get yourself an adapter in order to plug into the walls here. Your best bet is to buy one online before you come, but you can also purchase them at the airport (will cost more) or attempt to find one in a French electronics store. If you plan to travel to England as part of your trip, youll need another type for there. If all you need is to charge a phone or other device with a usb cable, its super easy to find a usb wall plug. If you need to charge a computer or something else, look for a US to EU wall plug converter.

Question

Do I need a visa?

Answer

No, US citizens get an automatic 90 days in the EU per calendar year. If you try to check into your airline electronically and they think you need a visa don't stress about it. You will just have to check in in person. You will however need a passport! If you don't have one, or if it's expired you should get on that right away.

Question

Whats up with Covid restrictions?

Answer

Who knows! We will have to keep tabs on this and see how things are as time gets closer. Lowell just flew into Spain (12/29/21), and drove across the border. It was no issue; he just had to show proof of vaccination OR proof of recent negative test, and fill out a waiver. Since then France put the US on the red list, so the rules may have changed. Your airline should keep you appraised of the current regulations. So far there is no EU wide policy on covid, and the rules vary country by country. Keep an eye on rules depending on where you are arriving.