{"id":8145,"date":"2017-07-15T09:20:58","date_gmt":"2017-07-15T08:20:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=8145"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:06:42","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:06:42","slug":"france-vs-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/france-vs-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"France vs Italy: Which European Country is Right for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Both France and Italy are all about wine, food and gorgeous cities where romance and fashion reign. The countrysides, on the other hand, are ruled by olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque medieval towns where sunny afternoons flow gently into easy laid-back evenings, tucking you into bed satisfied and happy at night when the sun is down. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although these two neighbouring countries have so many things in common and yet, they couldn’t be more different! Find out where you should go on your next tour and continue reading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to say yes to adventure? Take a look at the most popular tours travelling to France<\/a> and through\u00a0the most popular tours travelling to Italy.<\/a>\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Famous<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nFrance<\/strong><\/th>\nItaly<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Capital city<\/span><\/td>\nParis<\/span><\/td>\nRome<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Most popular destination<\/span><\/td>\nParis\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFlorence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Natural attraction<\/td>\nRhone river<\/td>\nTuscany<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nightlife destination<\/span><\/td>\nOberkampf<\/span><\/td>\nMilan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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France and Italy \u00a0share their mutual love for wine and it comes as no surprise that some of the world’s finest wines originate here. The French are the biggest wine drinkers of Europe, closely followed by Italians. Sipping on a glass of wine on an empty stomach is not something your doctor would recommend you to do, which is why the French and Italian cuisines will delight your taste buds while delicately soothing your senses. Expect long summer evenings when dining outside with the loved ones turns into\u00a0life’s greatest joys.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>What to Expect on a Multi-Day Tour to France<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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France is twice as big as Italy and it features a long sandy coastline which borders the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea. Italy features mostly rocky beaches and little coastal towns, bordering the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian on the other. Both languages they find their origins in Latin, but don\u2019t be mistaken, they are very different: Italians and French can\u2019t understand each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Highlights<\/b><\/h2>\n

Both countries are home to some amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites, grand celebrated cities waiting to be explored, little cultural towns from ancient times, beautiful countrysides and pristine coastlines. Let\u2019s zoom into some highlights of each country.<\/span><\/p>\n

France<\/b><\/h3>\n

Paris<\/strong><\/p>\n

Paris is said to be the most romantic city in the world. A refuge for couples who want to stroll along the Seine<\/a> holding each other, enjoy a wine-and-cheese picnic in the park, gaze at the mighty Eiffel Tower, witness\u00a0remarkable architecture and historical sites, or perhaps just window-shop, at the chic boutiques on the famous\u00a0<\/span>Champs-Elys\u00e9es avenue.<\/span>
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Travel to: <\/em>France <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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\"cycling<\/p>\n

Avignon<\/b><\/p>\n

This beautiful, ancient walled city, found on the banks of the <\/span>Rh\u00f4ne<\/span> river<\/span> in the heart of Le Provence, exudes a charm of the medieval times. It is home to the majestic palace and fortress Palais des Papes where the pope lived in the early 14th century. Avignon features narrow streets and boutique shops in between the city walls and every year in summertime, the biggest art festival in France takes place\u00a0here.<\/span><\/p>\n

C\u00f4te d’Azur<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Multi-day<\/p>\n

The much loved C<\/span>\u00f4<\/span><\/i>te d’Azur, also known as The French Riviera is a celebrated resort area with sophisticated picturesque towns and glamorous cities such as Nice, Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco, attracting tons of visitors\u00a0and celebrities every year. Imagine long-stretchy boulevards fringed by palm trees and the bluest sea imaginable, luxury resorts, white sand beaches<\/a> with sun chairs and excellent restaurants and caf\u00e9s with allures. <\/span><\/p>\n

Loire Valley<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

The Loire Valley features a long 280 kilometers stretch of historical towns with endless ancient extravagant castles by the side of the Loire River in central France. 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. Some of the best wines in the world originate from Loire Valley.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you only have time to visit one of the spectacular Loire Valley castles, make it\u00a0Ch\u00e2teau de Chenonceau.\u00a0The current ch\u00e2teau was built in 1514\u20131522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the River Cher. It\u2019s the second most visited castle in France, after Versailles, but it’s worth braving the crowds to see. Tip: rent a canoe to explore the water around and under the castle, and check out the wine cellars for a tasting! – Anne Mauney, Fannetastic Food<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Rhine VS Seine River Cruises: Which one is right for you?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Atlantic Coast<\/b><\/p>\n

The Atlantic Coast features endless picture-perfect white sand beaches and a deep blue ocean with high waves, making it perfect for surfing. A true surfer’s paradise is the town of Biarritz. Other enchanting places such as\u00a0Nantes and La Rochelle are perfect for families eager to spend their\u00a0holiday on one of the seaside camping sites.<\/span><\/p>\n

Les Gorges du Verdon<\/b><\/p>\n

Deep lush green valleys with clear blue rivers rushing through, dramatic cliffs, lakes and towns are found in \u2018the Grand Canyon of Europe\u2019. Les Gorges du Verdon in a stunning place, great for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, canyoning and whitewater rafting.<\/span><\/p>\n

France is so much more than Paris, Nice and Provence. 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. Uzes, for example, a town in the south of France, is filled with history and ancient buildings dating back to the 11th century. The town\u2019s centerpiece is the Duch\u00e9 palace where the family de Crussol d\u2019Uz\u00e8s, has resided since 1088. Nearby is Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that stands majestically preserved from the first century. – Deborah, Barefoot Blogger<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Italy<\/b><\/h3>\n

Rome<\/b><\/p>\n

Ahh Rome, the Epicentre of Roman culture and architecture, home to the Vatican and the Colosseum. Culture lovers can eat their heart out! Stroll from one historical monument to another, wander around in the museum\u2019s and take in the breathtaking Roman architecture and the ancient Baroque churches of this magnificent European city. Don\u2019t forget to eat ice cream, sip quick on an espresso, and shop at the beautiful Galleria Alberto Sordi.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>7 Ways To Get Yourself Excited For Your Trip To Italy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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\"Famous<\/p>\n

Venice<\/b><\/p>\n

Romance, romance, romance. This \u2018floating city\u2019 on the Adriatic coast of Italy is the most romantic city in Italy with its canals, gondel boats, Roman architecture and bridges. Not to be missed when traveling to Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is good to pack light for Venice \u2013 there are lots of stairs and small bridges all around Venice and you don\u2019t want to be dragging around an over packed suitcase. Try to leave home as many things as you can. The most important item to bring is comfortable shoes \u2013 you are about to walk some kilometers even during a short trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are no buses, the public transportation is Venice is all about the boats, so try to look for accommodation near the stops. For trying out gondola without paying a fortune,\u00a0<\/span>I recommend gondola ferry church Santa Maria del Giglio where is no bridge and the ferry is just the best way. It costs \u20ac2 one-way.<\/p>\n

It is good to explore Venice in early morning before it gets\u00a0flooded by tourist crowds. The best time to visit the San Marco Square is around\u00a09 am<\/span><\/span>. You will have it all for yourself! I also recommend visiting Campanile, the bell tower of St Mark\u2019s. There is an amazing view from the top.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later, when the crowds are too much, consider visiting the lesser known spots in Venice. Great place to rest just few steps from tourist\u2013filled Piazza San Marco is Giardinetti Reali, or Royal Gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n

It can be surprising, but some of the most photogenic places in Venice are located on the outer islands. Especially Murano and Burano are paradise for anyone who likes photography: the combination colorful houses and canals has it all. You can get ticket for all the boats (goo choice is ticket for 12 hours for $24). – Veronika Tomanova,\u00a0VeronikasAdventure.com<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Italy vs Spain: Which Trip Should You Take?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Venice<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Italian coast<\/b><\/p>\n

Italy is surrounded by rugged cliffs, hills and rocky coastlines on both sides. The Amalfi and\u00a0<\/span>Adriatic coastlines make popular tourist destinations to holiday or camp by the seaside. The oceans are clean and beautiful, perfect for swimming and along the coastlines, there are plenty of pretty medieval towns to explore.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>A Guide To Cycling Around Italy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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\u00a0Lake\u00a0Garda<\/b><\/p>\n

The beautiful Garda Lake, the biggest lake in Italy, makes a great place to spend a family holiday, enjoying the Italian cuisine, swimming in the lake and exploring the surroundings. A great getaway-from-the-city holiday in Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you check out a few towns when you are there. You can base yourself in a town of your choice but definitely venture out. The ferry across the lake is\u00a0really\u00a0convenient to take so take advantage of this and visit multiple spots when you’re there. Each town has a different charm! Also, make sure you go for some ceramics shopping in Malcesine, they have the most beautiful selection of plates, vases and serving ware. Definitely take\u00a0one home as a souvenir. – Connie, K Is For Kani<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Pompei<\/b><\/p>\n

See the ruins of what once was a sprawling Roman City before it got washed away by the hot boiling lava of Mount Vesuvius hundreds of years ago after a volcanic eruption. An amazing archeological site of Italy!<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>The Perfect Italy Packing List For Spring<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Food<\/b><\/h2>\n

Food and wine are among the main reasons why we love these countries.<\/span> The regional\u00a0cuisine is incomparable, so, when it comes down to food, your decision on where to go should become a bit easier already.<\/span><\/p>\n

Italy<\/b><\/p>\n

Italy stands for simple, refined, soulful home cooking. Pasta, ravioli, pizza, lasagna, risotto and fresh seafood are on the menu. The main ingredients are olive oils, fresh tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil and parmesan. All around the world, we try to replicate the art of Italian cooking but we are doomed to fail as the special touch comes from the Italian. <\/span>
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Travel to: <\/em>Italy <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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\"pizza\"
Pizza<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The authentic Italian cuisine alone is reason enough to spend this holiday in Italy, gaining a few pounds in this food haven paradise. Not to forget about the heavenly gelato and desserts to go with your espresso and amaretto in the evening. And remember that the foamy cappuccino\u2019s and lattes are only something you drink in the morning, never ever after dinner!<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a short list of the most delicious Italian dishes:<\/p>\n