About France Actually  This website is the brain-child and obsession of Matt Grooby. Matt is a Kiwi-born, Australian residing residing in Darwin. He is a travel marketing professional who has spent several years in France as a professional rugby player.
Matt's passions for France, travel writing and web design happily collide in FranceActually.com. The premise of this site is that although there is a multitude of travel websites out there about France, there are few that are written specifically for the Australian and New Zealand market. Matt believes that Aussies and Kiwis travel needs in relation to France are different to the primary English speaking markets. For the Brits, France is the backyard and requires minimal planning. The US market concentrates heavily on Paris, short breaks and package tours. The seed for this website was sown in 2007 when Matt was organising a trip to France for the Rugby World for a group of 20 friends. He did a great deal of research and decided not to let it go to waste once the trip was over. Matt hopes that you find this website useful and would be happy to research and include any additional information relating to France in the site you may find useful. Online travel bookings may be made from this site via various affiliates such as Expedia, Accor, Best Western, Skyscanner, RailEurope, Driveaway Holidays etc. These affiliates pay small commissions to FranceActually which are not paid for by you as the end customer. CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT FRANCE France Actually Explained | Common myths about visiting France | - The site has been developed especially for Australians and New Zealanders
- France actually provides the tools and information in one place
- It provides the information necessary for you to experience France on your own terms, based on your interests, time frame and budget
- It is not a travel agency therefore cannot make booking and payments on your behalf
- It does allow you to be your own travel agent and create a truly personalised French experience
- Spend a little time with France Actually and you will know more about the country than most travel agents
- Unlike other French travel websites that are often agency based, selling expensive packages with little flexibility
- FranceActually is a member of affiliate programs for a range of travel related companies
- A small percentage commission is paid by these companies when users book online via FranceActually
- There is no cost difference to the user between booking via France Actually or the particular online supplier direct
- Offers a range of ready to use itineraries based on various themes and durations
- These itineraries take the guesswork out of your French odyssey
- Provide detailed travel information and a range of quality accommodation options you can book in each location
| Its too expensive In many areas Australia and New Zealand have surpassed France in terms of costs. True Paris can be expensive, but you will discover real value in the regions. The language barrier is a problem Far more French people speak English than before so it is much less of a problem. Check out the language section for a few simple tips that will make life a lot easier. Its too far Lets face it - If you live downunder almost everywhere is too far. The travel section has tips on surviving the long haul. Don't you need a visa? No. Australian and New Zealand Passport holders are entitled to leisure visits of less than 90 days without a visa automatically upon arrival. The people are rude A myth created by the English to prevent us Colonials from discovering this wonderful country. Driving is too scary The French road system is amonst the best in the world and French drivers are more courteous than the average Sydneysider. What about terrorism? Terrorism is a possibility anywhere these days. Be alert but not alarmed and stay across the Foreign Affairs advice www.smarttraveller.gov.au |
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