Any travel advice for someone traveling to France for the first time?

[Amandistan]

I am doing the French mini tour and have never really been to France. I have been to Paris for less than 2 hours but that's it.  I am coming from America where sadly we are not taught French in school.
  I am learning as much as possible at the moment and intend to greet everyone if French but then ask if they understand english (in the french language as well)

My question is of you do not have a car, is it easy to get around on public transport? I know Paris has a great metro system but do not have any idea about the cities where the three gigs are held.

Also any tips to come off as polite and not just another rude American tourist? If you can speak French phrases but the pronunciation is a it off, will that be acceptable?

What are some of your food recommendations?

Thanks and would really love to meet some of the French fans. I would love to share a meal or drink with you.

[Red]

Caen to Montbeliard is 443 miles by road

Montbeliard to Savigny le Temple is 241 miles by road

I'll see if I can find any help with the trains

How are you getting to Caen?

[Red]

Caen to Montbeliard is between 6 1/2 and 8 1/2 hours on the train

http://www.thetrainline-europe.com/plan/caen-to-montbeliard/2015-03-13/morning

[Red]

Montbeliard to Savigny Le temple is between 5 and 6 1/2 hours on train

http://www.thetrainline-europe.com/plan/montbeliard-to-savigny-le-temple/2015-03-14/morning

[Amandistan]

I have no idea how just yet. I guess Euro star to pairs, then take a train to Caen.

[Red]

here's the timetable from Paris to Caen on Thursday 12th March

http://www.thetrainline-europe.com/plan/paris-to-caen/2015-03-12/morning

[Anna Woman von NRW]

Hey Amanda,

With the language thing I've generally found that if you at least attempt a few words in French you're usually ok and eventually manage to muddle through to getting what you need 

Where would you be flying into?

[Amandistan]

I am going with some friends on the eurostar.  Then taking a fast train to Caen.  I actually am very excited about France. I wish there were more gigs there. It's always been a country that I have been wanting to see. My current daydream is going there, meeting a 20 something French music fan at a gig and falling in love. He would have black hair,brown eyes and be very sweet and understanding.


But that's only a day dream.