Adapting To French Culture – Exploring Transportation

The French way of life and philosophy about transportation reflect a blend of practicality, cultural appreciation for leisure and a respect for the environment. The idea of a shared urban transport system in France first emerged in 1662. Blaise Pascal obtained permission from King Louis XIV to establish a public carriage company that would operate five routes in Paris. This system became the foundation in which public transit agencies are based. Today’s public transit is a complex system, with metro networks (subways), street cars, trains and buses. Not to mention the taxis, motorcycles and private owned cars. The post delves into adapting to French culture – exploring transportation.

In France, the most recent statistic of 2022  states that 60% of the population use public transport. Car ownership appears to be very dependent upon where one lives. In the countryside 86% own cars, in the city of Paris for example it drops down to 34%.

Adapting To French Culture – Exploring Transportation: Buses

Public transport is highly valued in France, especially in urban centers like Paris. The French tend to use public transport as their main means of transportation. Even in the smaller city that I live in there are several types of buses running to outlying areas on an hourly basis. The covered bus stops are placed strategically throughout the city. The cost of a bus is minimal for example from Menton to the Nice airport which is 30 minutes away is 6 eurps. It takes an hour and a half as they have other stops along the way. The Metro, the train from Menton to Nice airport is 8 euros and is usually a bit quicker. 

Adapting To French Culture – Exploring Transportation: Trains

The TGV (Train with Grand Vitesse) – the train with great speed. France’s high-speed network connects major cities and regions across the country. This train is very popular and an efficient alternative to air travel. The trains like the buses are extremely well maintained, clean and with comfortable seating.  Oftentimes the trains have two levels for seating as well as bathroom facilities. 

France is a very dog friendly country, dogs are allowed on buses and trains as long as they are on a leash. If the dog is too large for one’s lap you are able to buy a canine train ticket for the dog.  Due to the fact that dogs are allowed in many and most places, even restaurants. I am finding that the dogs are very well behaved and  appear quite comfortable traveling on public transportation. 

Public transportation is generally eco-friendly – run by electricity.There is a strong cultural push to use public transport to reduce their environmental footprint. Citizens are encouraged to cycle, walk or use the public bike sharing systems like Velib in bigger cities. 

Adapting To French Culture – Exploring Transportation: Cycling

Cycling is also popular in France especially in regions known for cycling like the Loire Valley of Provence. The popularity of cycling is linked to both leisure and practicality. The French take great pride in their cycling traditions with the Tour de France being a national symbol of endurance and sporting excellence.

Cars are certainly used within cities, due to heavy traffic and limited parking the excellent public transportation is seen as a more practical and viable option. 

 In the time that I have been here what I have observed and learned from the locals. The overall French philosophy of travel is the emphasis on leisure and the enjoyment of the journey.  It’s been enjoyable adapting To French Culture – Exploring Transportation. The French embrace the philosophy of “Slow Travel” particularly when it comes to driving around in the country. Whether it is savoring a ride through the countryside or taking a scenic drive through the vineyards, travel is about the experience, not just the drive to your destination.

Thanks for being here,

-Soraya

Find out more about why I decided to move to France here The Time Has Come To Move