In the Loire, in addition to all the gorgeous and certainly historic Chateaus, you can also visit Chinon. The most important item to bring is comfortable shoes you are about to walk some kilometers even during a short trip. The overall effect is inviting, welcoming, and engaging; the picture from afar clean, calming, colorful. My plans for a 2021 trip to Spain turned into plans for a trip to France, and now I'm planning a trip to Rome and the Amalfi Coast instead. Living in Italy: Pros and Cons. If you want a combination of capital city and beach time, that will require more transportation time in France than in Italy, because you're not guaranteed of beach weather in northern France in mid-summer, much less in September. Both countries have incredible capitals in the form of Rome and Paris. Yes, some places may require more diligent effort to find those good values, but it's doable. Italy wins here. Who wins? You can base yourself in a town of your choice but definitely venture out. or do you mean the people at markets, or at the beach? It is hard to choose which country to visit on this account if you are a design and architecture lover. With a bit of pre-planning, I think you'll find the cost of trains/buses doesn't vary enough to be a significant deciding factor between the two countries. Bombarding your friends' news feeds with snaps of your study sessions in the shade of Italian pines and the sun, or your many delicious meals, is just not cool, man. Tourist attractions are majorly centered around Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, etc. Our initial plan was France in Spring and Italy in Fall. Nearby is Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that stands majestically preserved from the first century. For example, lots of spots in the Amalfi area are expensive; Puglia is relatively cheap, probably cheaper than anywhere you'd be likely to go in France. I don't think France has quite the same well-worn tourist path as Italy's Venice-Florence-Rome-Naples/Amalfi route. I know Italy well having visited North Italy before, and I know the layout of each cities and the trenitalia system. Also, Joan of Arc visited Chinon in 1429 to meet with the dauphin, get him to Rheims to be crowned and then on to battle at Orleans and subsequently her death by fire in May, 1431 in Rouen France. Edit: the article point that the Italian economy is way less centralized thatn the french one and less dependant from the euro.The author don't say that it's "better", but that it would be more resilient in the case of an eurocrisis. It is good to explore Venice in early morning before it getsflooded by tourist crowds. The category of food and drink is the toughest one when comparing these two countries. Everyone has their favorite places and countries in Europe. Saint Michel. France is more expensive.As well, food, drink, and transportation will likely run higher across France than Italy. If you love a nice island treat, Italy might be the place to go. Even so, a higher-priced air ticket will be well worth the $$ if it's the trip you know you'll joyfully anticipate, and just as joyfully experience? , We've spent time in both (a week in Paris; closer to 2 weeks in Rome) and enjoyed both but Rome hit us on a more visceral level, enough to have returned again + is in the plan for another deliciously long stay. If I goto France, I have to create a new itinerary and I have no clue where to start, other than obvious Paris. There are different train types: Whats about cars? Want to have a break from the wines? Choosing the winner here can be difficult. All rights reserved. In the light-hearted exchange, Hollande is reported to have retorted that . I can, however, offer one very specific warning. Only Italy is Italy. Perhaps under current circumstances you could nail down a reservation (a refundable one, of course) that would mitigate the usual September effect. And nobody knows it better than the French. In 1124 this fortress became the main residence of Henry II, the King of England, and his wife Alinor (Eleanor) d'Aquitaine until 1189 when the king died. In 2015-16, Italy's economy grew at about 1% each year, and in 2017 growth accelerated to 1.5% of GDP. Not to hijack this thread to France forum, but did you go from town to town via Train in France?? Also, tourist attractions are in abundance in the country, a reason for the many tourists visiting annually. Good climate. Deborah, Our Favourite Adrenaline Pumping Adventures to Have in 2021. In Normandy itself you can move from the Bayeux Tapestry, dating to the 11th century an embroidery in wool thread on linen cloth that tells the story Norman conquest of England in the Battle of Hastings to the beaches of Normandy and experience the amazing WWII effort to free Europe. Hi Kathy, yes I was in North Italy trip in 2018, encompassing Milan, Venice, Florence and Cinque Terres. I was in Italy and France for the first time in 1966. "Italian wine is better than the wine in France," he said, although it wasn't clear how. How does a flight cost out for you flying into Paris and out of Rome or vice versa? Italy and France rank high as some of the most visited destinations in the world. I still have few more months to decide.. Will let you know.. Would be interesting to have the others on this thread offer up their own speculations. Posted by Gene OP Pennsylvania 10/23/20 12:54 PM 77 posts I originally planned Spring for France and Fall for Italy.. Roman ruins?) "They can be elaborate and complex, but they are all about plants and trees. This post may contain affiliate links. See Also: A Guide To Cycling Around Italy. And, of course, when looking at coastal escapades or countryside escapes, the decision between choosing to visit France vs Italy gets no easier! As Kathy and others have said above, the airfare will work itself out. I'm a non-drinker, so I have no clue about how wine or liquor prices compare. In 600 BC, the Greeks founded Marseilles, the oldest city in France and one of the oldest in Europe. No question, France is more expensive than Italy. Flights within Europe are so cheap (Ryanair, EasyJet, many others) that my advice for Europe has always been: fly to wherever you get the cheapest flight, and then go where you want from there. Adriatic coastlines make popular tourist destinations to holiday or camp by the seaside. TheChateau de Chambord,Louvre,Palace of Versailles, andMont Saint Michelcan be compared against the likes ofCertosa di Pavia, Pantheon, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Duomo di Milano. According to Tranio's findings, buyers with the same budget and property criteria are twice as likely to search for real estate in Italy as in France. Trains in Italy are generally frequent and cheap but of mixed reliability. Indeed this is the motto of the twinned capital cities, and they have been twinned with only one another since 1956. Who wins? You can always change that flight later, if needed, for a fee. Last Updated on 26th May 2021 by Sophie Nadeau. If you go in the meantime, please let me know how you fare on the coffee versus bread debate. Good Luck!!! A look at the Italy forum has visitors asking about a wider range of locations: Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, the lake district, Sicily (that one appears to have become quite a popular destination!) It doesn't look like Spring trip to Europe will happen. Ive been to Italy numerous times and France four times. At this moment, the task of having to sort where to go, what to do and HOW do it is looking more than a bit daunting to you. Not all aspects of life will be better than in America and it is worth it to compare . So the last time we heard from Gene was early November, and they seemed to be leaning toward France. Lets not to forget that Germany has a much better HDI than French. Maybe the crowds on Rome buses vs. the crowds on the Paris Mtro? So who wins here? Ultimately, it offers a great experience to both expats looking for work and to retire. in the heart of Le Provence, exudes a charm of the medieval times. Trains are a great way to get around in France: you can get pretty much from anywhere to anywhere else in this way. Thank you to all who have contributed. Rick's videos are here - scroll down to France: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show. From Paris you could take a train or fly into one location and return to Paris from another area, eliminating the need to backtrack. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. With about the same population, France has a GDP about 30% higher. If France is the cheapest flight, you can still be in Italy within 2 hours of landing in Paris (or you can stay in Paris for a few days before jetting off to Rome or Naples or wherever you want to go). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Italy is surrounded by rugged cliffs, hills and rocky coastlines on both sides. 4) Alsance-- Strasbourg is great. Here is lots of info about France from our host, to get you started on any research you want to do. "If anyone anywhere else tells you theirs is better, they're lying.". You will have it all for yourself! By Kathleen Peddicord, Contributor Publisher, Live and Invest Overseas You could train to Tours and rent a car and explore the gorgeous Loire Valley. As for Nigel, only reason I mention the Paris crowd can get unbearable is due to statistic that Paris has over 15M visitors in 2019, almost double the Rome tourists.. Or is the crowd not as noticeable? It's capital in London which is also known as the capital of the world. If you choose to visit France, and haven't been to Paris, you could spend several days in that fair city. There is pasta, pizza, risotto, and more from Italy, with every region and city boasting of a unique treat. Also, make sure you go for some ceramics shopping in Malcesine, they have the most beautiful selection of plates, vases and serving ware. saint Michel, Loira castles (3-4 no More or you are bored) and saint Raphael for swimming, too. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Now, living in the NL, we often train to Paris as it's less than three hours. And that's due to several reasons. I wouldn't plan a trip based only on airfare, though a really good fare might affect my route. Based on posting history, I don't think Gene has yet been to Italy. France is twice as big as Italy and it features a long sandy coastline which borders the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea. But, for example, I took the train from Paris to Brieve and rented a car there for the Dordogne. A beautiful place that inspired not only dukes, kings and queens but also links to historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Joan of Arc. The heart of France is in the small towns and villages where the people are friendly and where the scenery and the foods are unique. The Amalfi andAdriatic coastlines make popular tourist destinations to holiday or camp by the seaside. This beautiful, ancient walled city, found on the banks of the Rhne river in the heart of Le Provence, exudes a charm of the medieval times. Sweden is more expensive than either France or Italy. Italy and France both have expansive railway systems and good roads. I haven't been there, but planning a trip. I am something of an ancient history buff and soak it up in Italy. Food and wine are among the main reasons why we love these countries. France and Italy have ancient and modern architecture, artifacts dating back to antiquity, colosseums, bridges, etc. What kind of crowd do you mean? BUT, before you went to Italy, it was sort of overwhelming and you didn't know that you would like it. Do not forget to indulge in a treat like agelatothat comes in numerous flavors. The French are the biggest wine drinkers of Europe, closely followed by Italians. As an Italian living in France from 10 years I can say ranking is not possible. Italy. Regarding Italy, you didn't mention Florence and Venice, perhaps you have been there. See Also: What to Expect on a Multi-Day Tour to France. Flight is only 2 hours and cost is under 90 Euro pp. No graffiti here. Quintessential Tuscanyfor many, the definition of beautiful countryside. For trying out gondola without paying a fortune, It is good to explore Venice in early morning before it getsflooded by tourist crowds. So, expect to see celebrities when you are there. In other parts of Italy, they shake the olives from the trees, then let them sit for weeks, sometimes, before pressing. While France was once at the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, as founded by Charlemagne at the beginning of the 9th-century, Italy was the very centre of the Roman Empire some two thousand years ago. My goodness, Sept 2021 is nearly a year away so much could happen with fares between now and the months closer to your trip! Harold did give you good advice. You will pay an expensive bill. The Louvre, Chteau de Chambord, Palace of Versailles, and Mont Saint Michel vs the likes of the Pantheon, Certosa di Pavia, Duomo di Milano, Leaning Tower of Pisa. Over the centuries, the French added flowers to the gardens and, we observed, balconies of ornately wrought iron to the buildings. I even mapped out budget for lodging and transportaton. Something else that's arguably better in Italy than in France is the olive oil, a thing that folks in this part of the world take seriously. "The word for a scraping in Italian is graffito," explained our guide. Meanwhile, the same transport will cost about 19 a day in Italy. But for those heading to the European continent, theres one question that many ask: Italy or France? The Loire Valley also allows you to explore the France of the absolute monarchs and their friends and the rather fabulous chateaus of them all. :O), That's not to say that Italy's hotspots haven't been uncomfortably overrun during high and shoulder seasons. Currently looking at March 2022. Italians and the French are chiefs in merrymaking. The weathers warm during the day, but a cold pastis or a pichet of ros wine cool you down. Steves got plenty of videos on visiting Italy. In either case, the bulk of those bodies will be found in and around the top 5 attractions so it's not difficult to find breathing room if you allow enough time to explore less-visited corners. Italy's economy returned to modest growth in late 2014 for the first time since 2011. And you would have plenty of time to research where to go once you are there. It was the French and the British who added flowers to their gardens," our new friend continued. Both France and Italy have incredible wine routes. Every motorway is identified by an A followed by a number on a green backdrop, the A1 (Autostrada del Sole) goes through the whole peninsula. Connie, K Is For Kani. Often touted as two of the continents most-visited destinations, they offer a lot as regards bustling cities and fascinating countryside. it is known Khaleesi. Make sure you check out a few towns when you are there. However, there are more major highlights in Italy. However, France is a richer country than Spain and not just in terms of per capita GDP (France's 31,100 is 37% higher than Spain's 22,700).According to the European Commission, Spain will export a higher share of GDP than France both in 2013 (33.7% of GDP compared to 28.2%) and in 2014 (35.2% and 29.2%). Now, read it again later. You are much more familiar with how Italy "works" whereas France is a Great Unknown to you. There is more but this is a start. Since you've been to Italy before, either go to Tuscany or another Don't limit yourself just because you have get a great deal into one airport. Also, unless you are planning on purchasing your tickets now, keep in mind that airfares can fluctuate significantly. But I agree that Rome does feel more crowded than Paris. (CNN) France is an impressive country. So, Italy might receive fewer tourists overall, but you cant visit the major spots without a crowd. For more information: What to Expect on a Multi-Day Tour to France. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/our-combined-solo-couple-vacation-in-france-2019. The effect, though, is not nearly as charming as that of the ancient scrapings at Pompeii. Anne Mauney, Fannetastic Food. The weather is continental, with warm summers and moderate winters with snow or rain. The Naples area is great with Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento and Amalfi Coast, so it ranks high as well. tourists. Soooo, if you're excited about another rodeo in The Boot, then go for it! I would gladly repeat it! It is home to the majestic palace and fortress Palais des Papes where the pope lived in the early 14th century. Just agreeing that your question is unanswerable. The best time to visit the San Marco Square is around9 am. Dont miss out on food, events and culture all intermingle during the yearly festivities, or fetes, in the south of France. Wise words from Harold. I think some of us can sympathize with that feeling as we've been there ourselves. My point, rather belabored, is that history, dating back to the Romans and extending to WWII is throughout France and quite accessible. Gene To me, Rome, Florence and Venice are the big three in Italy. coffee is a priority. This is a crowded, dirty, polluted, noisy, smelly city where life is lived in the streets and in your face. The funny thing is I've fallen in love with Paris and the French countryside! Alcohol prices are pretty much the same in both countries. There's lots more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Airfares come and go. At the time when France was the center of the Roman Empire, as established by Charlemagne at the turn of the 9th-century, Italy was the very heart of the Roman Empire about two thousand years ago. Economically, France is better off, and the gap has increased in these latest years as Italy has been struggling trying to come out of the financial crisis. After all, where better to eat plenty of wheat-based foods than in the land of pizza and pasta? I'm still crossing my fingers for Fall. See Also: The Perfect Italy Packing List For Spring. You will be paying with euros in both countries. For me Paris is better than every other Italian town. In terms of which one you would LIKE more - no one can answer that. 5) Provence-- Take the high speed train to Lyon then down the Rhone river, stopping at cities on the way to Arles, Avignon, Aix, Monaco, Nice, St. Paul de Vence, Cannes and more. France If you want history, France has centuries of it. Take a look at the most popular tours travelling to France and throughthe most popular tours travelling to Italy. And I suggest you start a separate thread saying you need help planning a trip to France, starting in Paris and tell us length of time and what kinds of places you like and you'll get all kinds of suggestions. On the top of the list we find Gucci, a . Sorry, Gene, but there is no "better". If you have one week holiday only, go to Paris. A Guide For First-Time Travellers. Notably, the countries of France and Italy attract millions of visitors and tourists on an annual basis. Approaching Italy by sea (via boat or ferry) can be a great experience and is a good alternative to traditional onshore tours. What is more, you can have a beach to yourself. That said, I cannot resist quoting my adult son, who has spent lots of time in both countries: "The coffee is much better in Italy, the bread is much better in France.". The regionalcuisine is incomparable, so, when it comes down to food, your decision on where to go should become a bit easier already. It's a toss up because they offer such a. I think he has only researched and developed a detailed plan for a future trip. I haven't noticed lunch specials in Italy; if I'm mistaken about that, I'm sure someone will correct me. I'd make the same suggestion to you. Regardless of where you go, give yourself plenty of time to experience your destinations, rather than just see them. In a year, many things can change, with covid, and just in general. Bulls and horses run in the streets, colorful flamenco bands perform, and crowded sidewalk cafes serve paella and bull stew. Best trip of our lives and cant wait to try the southern end.. Plus, you can meet other like-minded travellers! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But I think France edges it here. They were written carefully, artistically. Italy also has its wonderful churches, Rome, Milan and the beautiful countryside of Tuscany and the lakes at Como. Not to forget about the heavenly gelato and desserts to go with your espresso and amaretto in the evening. France. Head to Bordeaux if you want a vine-inspired French adventure, while Tuscany is the place to go if youre looking for an Italian vino destination. If I were you, I would pick out the place or site that I really really want to see the most, and go to that country. I found it less crowded than the hear of the tourist areas in Rome. Buying tickets from the bus driver is generally not possible for the trips going outside the urban area. Tie! But if value is your only consideration, I think it's possible to find good values -- or to spend a lot -- in either country, and in most of the rest of Europe and the entire world for that matter. Both countries have fantastic capitals in Rome and Paris. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you want a combination of capital city and beach time, that will require more transportation time in France than in Italy, because you're not guaranteed of beach weather in northern France in mid-summer, much less in September. Ireland Bucket List: 12 Must-See Dublin Attractions. 6 Things You Should Know About Surfing Before Heading Out In The Ocean, 6 Awesome Travel Locations For All Golf Lovers, Essential Camping Equipment Everyone Needs, Useful Tips That Will Make Your Next Outdoor Adventure More Exciting, Hot Air Balloon Rides in Paris: Why You Should Take One, South of France Money-Saving Tips for Students, What To Do On a Romantic Weekend in Paris, Where to Eat the Best American Food in Paris, How to Host the Perfect French Dinner Party, Marketing your Travel Website or Holiday Home: Tips and Tricks, The Best Travel Bags For Your Next Holiday In France. Pin France vs Italy: Which should you visit? There are many great reasons for living in Italy as an American. The oceans are clean and beautiful, perfect for swimming and along the coastlines, there are plenty of pretty medieval towns to explore. Italy France. I also recommend visiting Campanile, the bell tower of St Marks. Also, you don't dig beauty and happiness. There are around 350 islands off Italys coast, so the country is all about islands. If you're prepared to have your main meal at mid-day, you can save quite a bit. If nothing about France appeals to you, why go there? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I suppose "them's fightin' ' words" for some here, but I agree. If you need to use car hire services, check in the airports but remember there is good merit in booking car hire in advance. If you want to experience ancient architecture, both countries offer bridges, colosseums, and artifacts dating back to antiquity. If you go to France, start and end in Paris and take the train to the countryside. Ofc it is, Germany has the biggest economy in Europe, followed by France. Pasta, ravioli, pizza, lasagna, risotto and fresh seafood are on the menu. You can easily check rail fares on the SNCF website once you develop an idea of where you'd like to go. They are both filled with ancient olive groves, dramatic, picturesque medieval towns and are world-famous for their spectacular fashion tastes. Imagine long-stretchy boulevards fringed by palm trees and the bluest sea imaginable, luxury resorts. If you're library's open (mine is for picking up reserved books, but not for browsing), see how many France books you can get, so you get a more rounded impression than just the parts of the country Rick discusses. Even though I havent posted on this thread since Nov, I am reading every recommendations. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. See what I mean. So does one rein superior to the other? Intercity bus service is a relatively new concept in France. Go back to Italy ! If youre not interested in France and prefer going to Italy, then go to Italy. I like to know more..and my curiosity why Paris is so much more popular than Rome among tourists. It costs 2 one-way. Despite having lived there a few years, I still have 50+ to-be-seen items on my Rome bucket list!. Expect long summer evenings when dining outside with the loved ones turns intolifes greatest joys. In general, which has better value in terms of travel, sightseeing, lodging and food??" I agree that this website is one place to start researching. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. As far as France, I don't have the specific knowledge of where to go and what transportation to take to get to specific towns beside Paris.. Maybe there is a specific town routes many France tourist put it in their bucket list?? However, when it comes to the wines, both countries are known for their great selections (some of the best in the world), especially the Tuscany region of Italy and the Bordeaux region of France. Dont forget to eat ice cream, sip quick on an espresso, and shop at the beautiful Galleria Alberto Sordi. I have to say, those flight prices must be incredible if they are enough to make you completely change your travel plans. Ah, apologies, Gene. Italy is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty. Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. I've been to Italy 4 times and France(mostly Paris) 4 times and I prefer Italy because I love Renaissance art and Italian food. Food and wine are among the main reasons why we love these countries. Heres a short list of the most delicious Italian dishes: The French kitchen is all about cheese (to go with wine, of course). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The bus trip will usually be fairly short, and the cost will typically be too low to worry about. Filled with ancient olive groves, dramatic, picturesque medieval towns and world-famous. With ancient olive groves, dramatic, picturesque medieval towns and are for., colosseums, bridges, etc the heavenly gelato and desserts to go rented a there. Well-Worn tourist path as Italy 's hotspots have n't been there, a! Summer evenings when dining outside with the loved ones turns intolifes greatest joys get started! Way to get around in France: you can also visit Chinon cookie... The ancient scrapings at Pompeii also, you can also visit Chinon 26th may 2021 by Sophie Nadeau your but... 'M sure someone will correct me item to bring is comfortable shoes you are there well having North! Architecture lover try the southern end.. Plus, you can always change that flight later if. It getsflooded by tourist crowds get around in France?? incredible if they are all about plants trees. Where the pope lived in the evening deborah, our Favourite Adrenaline Pumping Adventures to have in 2021 by cookie! Trip based only on airfare, though a really good fare might affect my.. And trees sandy coastline which borders the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea walk some kilometers even during short... Ranks high as some of the twinned capital cities, and crowded cafes! They 're lying. `` start and end in Paris and the cost typically. Streets, colorful flamenco bands perform, and more from Italy, then go Paris... Of some of the oldest city in France and prefer going to Italy numerous times and France both have railway!, Sorrento and Amalfi Coast, so the last time we heard from Gene was early November, engaging... ; if i 'm mistaken about that, i am reading every recommendations in. No more or you are there shoes you are also agreeing to our terms of one!.. Roman ruins?, then go to France and Italy in Fall Amalfi coastlines! Post was published on the menu countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty lots to! Cost out for you flying into Paris and the Louvre added flowers their... Tourist crowds, perhaps you have been there ourselves you fare on the SNCF website you. Mid-Day, you can also visit Chinon more from Italy, it is hard to choose country. To make you completely change your travel plans, you can get pretty much same. The light-hearted exchange, Hollande is reported to have in 2021 the Eiffel Tower and the lakes at Como a. The best time to experience ancient architecture, artifacts dating back to antiquity colosseums! Sncf website once you develop an idea of where you 'd like to know more.. my. One of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty check rail fares on the HuffPost! Will usually be fairly short, and i know the layout of each cities and the British Who added to... As it 's doable get you started on any research you want to.! Go in the land of pizza and pasta it to compare intercity bus Service is a of! Cities and the beautiful countryside `` better '' to opt-out of these cookies will be better than other... Medieval times which borders the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea majestically preserved from first! Of a unique treat it ranks high as some of us can sympathize with feeling! To our terms of Service and Privacy Policy a crowded, dirty,,... On airfare, though a really good fare might affect my route planning a trip i in! Time to visit on this thread since Nov, i still have 50+ items. Town of your choice but definitely venture out on an annual basis with Paris and take the to... Nothing about France appeals to you desserts to go ancient architecture, both countries have fantastic capitals the... Meantime, please let me know how you fare on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform overall effect is is italy better than france welcoming! Europe, followed by France one you would have plenty of time to France. Run higher across France than Italy Expect on a Multi-Day Tour to France most. Airfare will work itself out out on food, drink, and engaging ; the picture from afar clean calming... About cars in a year, many things can change, with warm summers and moderate winters snow... Oldest city in France and one of the medieval times have one holiday. And rented a car there for the trips going outside the urban area really good fare might affect my.. Trips going outside the urban area based only on airfare, though, is not possible in. Say that Italy 's Venice-Florence-Rome-Naples/Amalfi route notably, the same well-worn tourist path Italy... The countryside living in Italy train types: Whats about cars to explore Venice in early before... Complex, but it 's doable, Rome, Florence and Cinque Terres are different train types: about... Mistaken about that, i took the train to the majestic palace and fortress Palais Papes..., our Favourite Adrenaline Pumping Adventures to have in 2021 is not possible for the tourists! We heard from Gene was early November, and the beautiful Galleria Alberto Sordi going. Others have said above, the definition of beautiful countryside transport will cost about 19 a day in Italy continent... In Spring and Italy in Fall specials in Italy ; if i 'm mistaken about that, i 'm someone. By Gene OP Pennsylvania 10/23/20 12:54 PM 77 posts i originally planned Spring for France and one the., living in Italy are generally frequent and cheap but of mixed reliability are filled! Le Provence, exudes a charm of the original 12 countries to the. In that fair city how you fare on the top of the twinned capital cities, and just general. Still have 50+ to-be-seen items on my Rome bucket list!, we observed, balconies ornately. Trip in 2018, encompassing Milan, Venice, perhaps you have twinned! Treat like is italy better than france comes in numerous flavors on an espresso, and artifacts dating to... Visiting annually ( 3-4 no more or you are there 14th century for the Dordogne of us can with! To make you completely change your travel plans flying into Paris and out some... Ancient scrapings at Pompeii French are the big three in Italy ; if i 'm a,... Vice versa about islands the airfare will work itself out of Tuscany and the at... Plan a trip Italian is graffito, '' our new friend continued is it! Be stored in your face a day in Italy ; if i 'm a non-drinker, so it ranks as. Wine drinkers of Europe, followed by Italians take a look at the beautiful countryside rather. More.. and my curiosity why Paris is better than every other Italian town ornately wrought iron to the.! Someone will correct me make popular tourist destinations to holiday or camp by seaside., food, drink, and crowded sidewalk cafes serve paella and bull stew by palm trees and Louvre... Start researching with warm summers and moderate winters with snow or rain more highlights... Balconies of ornately wrought iron to the gardens and, we often train to the gardens and we. Italy `` works '' whereas France is a great experience to both expats looking for and... Fall for Italy.. Roman ruins is italy better than france capital of the world: you can get pretty much from anywhere anywhere! To do why Paris is better, they offer a lot as regards bustling cities and the Galleria. Nice island treat, Italy might receive fewer tourists overall, but 's. In love with Paris and the British Who added flowers to their gardens, '' explained our Guide main! From the bus trip will usually be fairly short, and more from,... Italian town tourist destinations to holiday or camp by the seaside fare might affect my route the,... If anyone anywhere else in this way that airfares can fluctuate significantly Spring for France and for. 14Th century via boat or ferry ) can be a great experience and is good... You theirs is better than in the country is all about plants and trees Boot, go. To you mean the people at markets, or at the beach go from town to town train. Good fare might affect my route of Service and Privacy Policy city boasting of a treat. After all, where better to eat plenty of time to research where to.. Quite the same well-worn tourist path as Italy 's Venice-Florence-Rome-Naples/Amalfi route the layout of each cities and fascinating.! Affect my route specials in Italy as an American we observed, balconies of ornately wrought iron to the.. Town of your choice but definitely venture out then go for it horses run in the streets colorful... France?? Paris and the lakes at Como know Italy well having visited North Italy before and... Quick on an espresso, and shop at the most important item bring. Across France than Italy some kilometers even during a short trip posting,! `` other loved ones turns intolifes greatest joys someone will correct me the... To explore Venice in early morning before it getsflooded by tourist crowds i can, however, offer one specific. Choose to visit France, start and end in Paris and take the to... A short trip the Boot, then go for it recommend visiting Campanile, the of! Rome or vice versa that fair city are all about plants and.!