INTRODUCTION - France 2014 - page 25

châteaux. Most sights keep stable hours, but you can easily confirm the latest by checking
with the TI or visiting museum websites.
Don't put off visiting a must-see sight—you never know when a place will close un-
expectedly for a holiday, strike, or restoration. Many museums are closed or have reduced
hoursatleastafewdaysayear,especiallyonholidayssuchasMay1(LaborDay),Christ-
mas, and New Year's. A list of holidays is on here ; check museum websites for possible
closures during your trip. In summer, some sights may stay open late. Off-season, many
museums have shorter hours.
Going at the right time helps avoid crowds. This topic offers tips on the best times to
see specific sights. Try visiting popular sights very early (arrive at least 15 minutes before
opening time) orverylate. Evening visits are usually peaceful, with fewer crowds.Forex-
ample, Paris' Louvre and Orsay museums are open selected evenings, and the Pompidou
Center is open late every night except Tuesday (when it's closed all day).
Many French monuments and cities (and some villages) are beautifully lit at night,
making evening walks a joy. At Mont St-Michel and Carcassonne, it's best to arrive at
about 17:00, spend the night, and explore in the morning before the crowds descend. Visit
these sights first thing or late in the day: Château de Chenonceau, Les Baux, and Pont du
Gard.
Several cities offer sightseeing passes that are worthwhile values for busy sightseers;
do the math to see if they'll save you money.
Study up. To get the most out of the sight descriptions in this topic, read them before
you visit.
At Sights
Here's what you can typically expect:
Entering: Be warned that you may not be allowed to enter if you arrive 30 to 60
minutes before closing time. And guards start ushering people out well before the actual
closing time, so don't save the best for last.
Some important sights have a security check, where you must open your bag or send
itthroughametaldetector.Somesightsrequireyoutocheckdaypacksandcoats.(Ifyou'd
rather not check your daypack, try carrying it tucked under your arm like a purse as you
enter.)Ifyoucheckabag,theattendantmayaskyouifitcontainsanythingofvalue—such
as a camera, phone, money, or passport—since these usually cannot be checked.
At churches—which often offer interesting art (usually free) and a cool, welcome
seat—a modest dress code (no bare shoulders or shorts) is encouraged though rarely en-
forced.