Travelers motivated to take affordable trips to Europe via cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages would do well to look at visiting France this year according to Rick Steves.
In Paris an electric car share program called autolib is being launched similarly to the citys successful Velib bike share program. 3,000 electric cars will be able to plug in at 1,000 Paris stations. Americans and Canadians will be able to rent these cars so long as they have an International Driving Permits.
Public Transit in Paris is increasing automated with staffed ticket windows being phased out in favor of ticket machines. Given that most U.S. credit cards will not work in these machines, make certain you carry coins or small bills under 20 Euros.
The Orsay Museum, which is considered the mecca of Impressionism, finished a $28 million multi-year remodel last October. The Louvres pre-Classical Greek section will reopen in late 2012. Its new Islamic art wing debuts this summer.
In Auvers-sur-Oise, which is close to Paris, the Musee de IAbsinthe is finally able to sell its famous liqueur since it is now legal in France to sell absinthe under its real name.
As of May there is a new way to access one of Frances most popular sights the impressive island abbey of Mont St. Michel. Visitors will park in remote lots and take free shuttles to a pedestrian walkway connected to the island.
The Utah Beach Landing Museum at D-Day beaches in Normandy is now open. Built in sand dunes around the remnants of a German bunker it has floors both above and below sea level. The museum has a large glassed in room which overlooks Utah Beach.
A new Prehistory Welcome Center has opened close to Cro-Magnon sights in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. The free welcome center introduces visitors to Dordogne regions important prehistoric sites, with timelines, slide shows and exhibits focusing on the origins of man. www.cheapfares.com