Avis sur le site internet Nouvelles Frontières
by Eulalye
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
J'ai connu en janvier une petite mésaventure sur le site Internet de Nouvelles frontières. J'ai acheté un billet d'avion le 05/01 Paris/Ithaca au nom et rénom de mon fils. Le 16/01 n'ayant toujours rien reçu, j'ai contacté les services de N. Frontières. Leur réponse : erreur dans l'adresse email, donc normal que je ne reçoive rien. Nouvelles Frontières s'est engagé à m'envoyer le billet le lendemain cad le 17/01. 48 h plus tard : toujours rien. je contacte de nouveau nouvelles frontières et là, il m'informe que le billet est dans mon nom et non celui de mon fils et que le billet ne peut être modifié donc non remboursable. Je suis certaine d'avoir indiqué son prénom pour la réservation du billet et que mon prénom est apparu lors des renseignements concernant le règlement par carte bancaire.
Résultat, j'ai dû racheter un autre billet dans une autre compagnie. J'ai envoyé une lettre recommandée avec avis de réception le 12/02/09 et j'ai obtenu une pseudo-réponse le 18/02/09 : votre courrier fait l'objet d'une étude attentive au terme de laquelle une réponse vous sera apportée. Or à ce jour, je n'ai toujours pas de réponse.
Le billet représente une somme et je suis outrée par leur manque de professionnalisme. J'aimerais donc savoir si ce genre de mésaventure est arrivé à d'autres personnes et comment vous avez résolu l'affaire.
Bonjour,
Il arrive à tout le monde de faire des erreurs sur internet, et il est normal que le site prenne le temps de vérifier les transactions et les dires des clients, dont certains racontent n'importe quoi pour obtenir un dédommagement ou un remboursement.
pour ma part, lorsque je fais une transaction d'un certain montant, je prend des images écran des dernières pages, que je conserve jusqu'à cloture du dossier ! Je ne m'en suis jamais servi, mais en les relisant, je me suis apercu que j'avais parfois manqué de rigueur !!!
Il arrive à tout le monde de faire des erreurs sur internet, et il est normal que le site prenne le temps de vérifier les transactions et les dires des clients, dont certains racontent n'importe quoi pour obtenir un dédommagement ou un remboursement.
pour ma part, lorsque je fais une transaction d'un certain montant, je prend des images écran des dernières pages, que je conserve jusqu'à cloture du dossier ! Je ne m'en suis jamais servi, mais en les relisant, je me suis apercu que j'avais parfois manqué de rigueur !!!
C'est une très bonne astuce pour avoir des preuves. Toutefois, plus de quatre mois pour vérifier un dossier et toujours pas de réponse... Je trouve tout de même que d'envoyer mon billet électronique à un autre client puis me créditer mon achat dans mon nom et non dans celui de mon fils, ça fait lourd... Quand une telle somme est engagée, croyez-moi, je suis vigilante.
Leur réponse : erreur dans l'adresse email, donc normal que je ne reçoive rien.
Je trouve tout de même que d'envoyer mon billet électronique à un autre client ...
Vous interprétez les choses à votre façon. Il est infiniment plus probable que l'erreur d'adresse email vienne de vous plutôt que du site de NF - vous avez bien conscience que c'est un ordinateur et pas un humain qui vous envoie l'email de confirmation ?
Si vous avez pu faire une erreur dans l'adresse email comme c'est vraisemblable, alors que tous les sites commerciaux vous demandent de l'entrer une fois puis une seconde fois pour confirmation, vous avez à mon avis aussi bien pu vous tromper dans le prénom.
Je trouve tout de même que d'envoyer mon billet électronique à un autre client ...
Vous interprétez les choses à votre façon. Il est infiniment plus probable que l'erreur d'adresse email vienne de vous plutôt que du site de NF - vous avez bien conscience que c'est un ordinateur et pas un humain qui vous envoie l'email de confirmation ?
Si vous avez pu faire une erreur dans l'adresse email comme c'est vraisemblable, alors que tous les sites commerciaux vous demandent de l'entrer une fois puis une seconde fois pour confirmation, vous avez à mon avis aussi bien pu vous tromper dans le prénom.
“I'm sure tourists would leave Somalia alive and I'm hopeful they wouldn't be kidnapped. At least, we would try to make sure they were not kidnapped, although it can happen.”
Somalia's minister of tourism Abdi Jimale Osman.
les prix étant exactement les mêmes entre Nouvelles Frontières-agence et Nouvelles Frontières-internet, pourquoi ne pas aller voir en agence ?
(il y en a dans toutes les grandes villes)
Il n'y a pas de problème sans solution... et si il n'y a pas de solution, il n'y a pas de problème !
* *** les prix étant exactement les mêmes entre Nouvelles Frontières-agence et Nouvelles Frontières-internet ***
cela a été vrai, mais les choses bougent ! il y a des boutiques NF en franchise qui ne vendent pas tous les produits et pas au même prix que sur le net.
encore faut il aussi avoir une agence près de chez soi ?
cela a été vrai, mais les choses bougent ! il y a des boutiques NF en franchise qui ne vendent pas tous les produits et pas au même prix que sur le net.
encore faut il aussi avoir une agence près de chez soi ?
Bonsoir,
Voilà un dossier à remettre sans hésiter entre les mains de UFC QUE CHOISIR
dont l'efficacité n'est plus à prouver.
Me rejoindre par mail pour plus d'infos : asso.un@gmail.com en précisant l'origine de notre contact sur VF
Geli 😉
Me rejoindre par mail pour plus d'infos : asso.un@gmail.com en précisant l'origine de notre contact sur VF
Geli 😉
J'avais réservé et payé, par NF un billet d'avion et un hotel
La personne qui s'est occupée de mon dossier a oublié de confirmer ma demande.
Ne recevant rien, j'ai appelé, après vérification, elle s'est aperçue de son erreur.
Elle m'a proposé un autre choix, qui ne m'interressait pas.
J'ai reçu l'intégralité de mon versement immédiatement, plus la moitié de la somme à titre d'indemnité ainsi que le prévoyait leur contrat.
Il m'a suffi d'écrire au service des réclamations. Il n'y a pas eu de difficulté. Il n'y a eu aucune mauvaise foi. Je ne me souviens plus du délai pour l'indemnité, au moins un mois.
Je te conseille d'écrire au service des réclamations et d'exposer l'erreur.
Il m'a suffi d'écrire au service des réclamations. Il n'y a pas eu de difficulté. Il n'y a eu aucune mauvaise foi. Je ne me souviens plus du délai pour l'indemnité, au moins un mois.
Je te conseille d'écrire au service des réclamations et d'exposer l'erreur.
Chelly
"Tout le monde a raison et de tant de raisons naîtront d'autres raisons" Pablo Neruda
Je décide il y a 4 jours de faire un tour sur le site de Nouvelles frontières , en vue de préparer mes prochaines vacances. Une " super promo" m'attire tout de suite l'oeil ( Paladien Hydros à Kemer) : les dates passent , le prix est attractif , je finalise donc ma résa en donnant mon empreinte de C.B .
Je reçois dans la foulée un récapitulatif de commande avec n° dossier + informations relatives aux vols aller/retour , j'étais sûre de partir.🙂
Mais dès le lendemain coup de fil d'une commerciale de N.F , pas de dispo finalement... mais des explications un peu évasives .. quand j'en demande moi-même , elle me conseille finalement de préférer le tél ( " c'est plus faible") à Internet .
Je m'interroge : à quoi sert le site de N.F s'il semble, comme elle même me l'a suggeré , parfaitement inéfficient? A distiller de la publicité mensongère puisque les offres promotionnelles et autres ne sont pas réactualisés et donc obsolètes ; le T.O n'étant pas en mesure de fournir les prestations proposées à la date requise, mais ça Nouvelles Frontières ne vous le dit pas tout de suite, vous laissant poursuivre normalement votre commande( avec un n° de CB) et vous donnant vos horaires de vol.
C'est une vraie arnaque, un attrape -gogos ( j'ai l'habitude de booker mes vacances via le net , jamais de problème même sur les sites XXX Discount ou autres), , mais c'est vrai que je n'ai pas pris le temps ( shame on me🤪) de lire le pavé en 4 volumes des CGV ds lequel j'aurais trouvé le petit alinéa m'indiquant qu'un récapitulatif de commande n'en est en réalité pas une 😐 A ma grande surprise , j'ai de nouveau retrouvé cette offre ( plus quelques autres) via des comparateurs de voyages en ligne.... Je passerai sur l'extrême courtoisie de la deuxième interlocutrice qui m'a raccrochée au nez...😠 Bref! un internaute averti en valant deux.... à moins de travailler pour N.F et donc d'être au courant des dispos des séjours , préférez la résa en agence ou par tél et fuyez leur site 😉!
Mais dès le lendemain coup de fil d'une commerciale de N.F , pas de dispo finalement... mais des explications un peu évasives .. quand j'en demande moi-même , elle me conseille finalement de préférer le tél ( " c'est plus faible") à Internet .
Je m'interroge : à quoi sert le site de N.F s'il semble, comme elle même me l'a suggeré , parfaitement inéfficient? A distiller de la publicité mensongère puisque les offres promotionnelles et autres ne sont pas réactualisés et donc obsolètes ; le T.O n'étant pas en mesure de fournir les prestations proposées à la date requise, mais ça Nouvelles Frontières ne vous le dit pas tout de suite, vous laissant poursuivre normalement votre commande( avec un n° de CB) et vous donnant vos horaires de vol.
C'est une vraie arnaque, un attrape -gogos ( j'ai l'habitude de booker mes vacances via le net , jamais de problème même sur les sites XXX Discount ou autres), , mais c'est vrai que je n'ai pas pris le temps ( shame on me🤪) de lire le pavé en 4 volumes des CGV ds lequel j'aurais trouvé le petit alinéa m'indiquant qu'un récapitulatif de commande n'en est en réalité pas une 😐 A ma grande surprise , j'ai de nouveau retrouvé cette offre ( plus quelques autres) via des comparateurs de voyages en ligne.... Je passerai sur l'extrême courtoisie de la deuxième interlocutrice qui m'a raccrochée au nez...😠 Bref! un internaute averti en valant deux.... à moins de travailler pour N.F et donc d'être au courant des dispos des séjours , préférez la résa en agence ou par tél et fuyez leur site 😉!
Avant d'avoir le net je suis passée par les agences nouvelles frontiére de ma région
Des problémes plusieurs fois billets d'avion ok mais pour les voucher d'hotels là alors une fois il se sont trompés de chaines d'hotel 3 chambre par jour durant 21 jours ; il me font revenir le lendemain nouvelle erreur de leur fait ; c'était la veille du départ ; pas de probléme vos vouchers vous attendrons au guichet a orly dans une envellope marron a votre nom
Arrivée au guichet aprés 30 minutes de queu ah non rien a votre nom 2h avant le départ j'ai fait un scandale il y avait du monde casiment tous avec des problémes de ce genre au bout de 15 minutes quelqu'un est sortit d'un bureau et a dit j'ai l'envelloppe il fallait me le dmander a moi.
L'histoire n'est pas finie . on arrive comme prévu a l'hotel a Long Beach a 11h du soir ils étaient sensés avoir prévenus de l'arrivée tardive due a l'heure d'arrivée de l'avion là pas de chambres a nos noms au bout de 15 minutes tous épuisés j'écrit les noms de famille sur un papier le receptioniste regarde a nouveau et nous donne 3 chambre en nous disant que le lendemain on aurait nos chambres definitives on restait 4 jours sur place
Le lendemain matin explications NF n'avait pas précisé que nous arriverions aprés 18h les chambres avaient étaient re distribuer pensant a une erreur de date et le lendemain nous avons eu nos chambre les trois acoté les unes des autres au bord de la piscine
La méme chose c'est produite une seconde fois mais résolu depuis toulouse avant le départ il faut savoir qu'a l'époque je faisait le circuit choisisais la chaine ou les hotels et ils m'avaient qu'a faire les réservations ainsi que celles des vols et des voitures
Aprés j'ai exigé d'avoir tout au dernier paiment 1 mois avant le départ et vérifié tout sur place avec le directeur d'agence
Depuis 2001 je reserves tout moi méme directement aux compagnies aériennes aux chaines ou aux hotels aux loueurs de voitures
Voilà mon expérience de Nouvelles frontiéres et ceci n'est que les mésaventures principales que j'ai eu avec eux
Marie Françoise
Des problémes plusieurs fois billets d'avion ok mais pour les voucher d'hotels là alors une fois il se sont trompés de chaines d'hotel 3 chambre par jour durant 21 jours ; il me font revenir le lendemain nouvelle erreur de leur fait ; c'était la veille du départ ; pas de probléme vos vouchers vous attendrons au guichet a orly dans une envellope marron a votre nom
Arrivée au guichet aprés 30 minutes de queu ah non rien a votre nom 2h avant le départ j'ai fait un scandale il y avait du monde casiment tous avec des problémes de ce genre au bout de 15 minutes quelqu'un est sortit d'un bureau et a dit j'ai l'envelloppe il fallait me le dmander a moi.
L'histoire n'est pas finie . on arrive comme prévu a l'hotel a Long Beach a 11h du soir ils étaient sensés avoir prévenus de l'arrivée tardive due a l'heure d'arrivée de l'avion là pas de chambres a nos noms au bout de 15 minutes tous épuisés j'écrit les noms de famille sur un papier le receptioniste regarde a nouveau et nous donne 3 chambre en nous disant que le lendemain on aurait nos chambres definitives on restait 4 jours sur place
Le lendemain matin explications NF n'avait pas précisé que nous arriverions aprés 18h les chambres avaient étaient re distribuer pensant a une erreur de date et le lendemain nous avons eu nos chambre les trois acoté les unes des autres au bord de la piscine
La méme chose c'est produite une seconde fois mais résolu depuis toulouse avant le départ il faut savoir qu'a l'époque je faisait le circuit choisisais la chaine ou les hotels et ils m'avaient qu'a faire les réservations ainsi que celles des vols et des voitures
Aprés j'ai exigé d'avoir tout au dernier paiment 1 mois avant le départ et vérifié tout sur place avec le directeur d'agence
Depuis 2001 je reserves tout moi méme directement aux compagnies aériennes aux chaines ou aux hotels aux loueurs de voitures
Voilà mon expérience de Nouvelles frontiéres et ceci n'est que les mésaventures principales que j'ai eu avec eux
Marie Françoise
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Merci
Bonjour, je me présente Jonathan je suis âgé de 38ans, je suis aide-soignant avec pas mal d’expérience, je souhaiterais au jour d’aujourd’hui effectuer des missions humanitaires dans différents pays où je pourrais vraiment acquérir de l’expérience et vraiment pouvoir m’épanouir. Si vous avez des pistes n’hésitez pas à me les faire partager.
Hi,
Many of us have noticed that bugs have been making it difficult to navigate the forum lately.
I’ll let Kate and Ticapi explain the issue:
I went to your profile to check out the Thailand travel journal, and when I clicked on it, it brought me back here again. All week, I’ve been dealing with bugs like this—it’s really discouraging from continuing on VF.🙁
I had the same thing happen, and multiple times. For me, it was Montagnard’s latest journal that kept coming up no matter which discussion I clicked on.
Hopefully, a solution will be found soon.🙂
Many of us have noticed that bugs have been making it difficult to navigate the forum lately.
I’ll let Kate and Ticapi explain the issue:
I went to your profile to check out the Thailand travel journal, and when I clicked on it, it brought me back here again. All week, I’ve been dealing with bugs like this—it’s really discouraging from continuing on VF.🙁
I had the same thing happen, and multiple times. For me, it was Montagnard’s latest journal that kept coming up no matter which discussion I clicked on.
Hopefully, a solution will be found soon.🙂
Hi everyone, fellow travelers!
I’m looking for anyone who’s in Kyoto or planning to visit Nishiki Market! Here’s the thing: during our trip there in April, we discovered a jewelry artisan (highly recommended!) on the left when exiting through the west exit of Nishiki Market (which is a long covered east-west street). I bought a piece of jewelry for my daughter there, but she lost it. I’d love to buy her another one! In the photo, it’s the shop with the yellow awning to the right of the restaurant with the blue awning, "Sushi Sakai." Would any kind soul be willing to get the shop’s name, email, or phone number for me? Despite my Google/AI searches, it’s nowhere to be found. A thousand thanks to whoever can help me out! Wishing you all great vacations!
SabrinaHello everyone! 🙂🙂,
A BIG thank you to all the travelers who sent us postcards this year—my students are becoming real geography whizzes!!!!!!!! I’m renewing my call for your kindness this year! We’re also working on food, so if your postcards can make our mouths water with local dishes, traditional meals, or typical recipes, that’d be amazing!!
Here’s a quick recap of the project:
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globetrotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse, working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m starting a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of the journal will focus on opening up to the world, diversity, travel, countries, culture... I’m launching a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a little postcard (from France or anywhere in the world!) to take us on a journey and help us discover new places, countries, and horizons—much more fun and exciting than a regular geography textbook! One section of our journal could be called "We received mail from " and would be an opportunity to research that location and share what we learn with our readers (a super enriching activity in class). The project starts in September 2025 but has no real end date, as this journal and world discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in my ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! (The kids will find them when they return.) I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow traveler friends. Make us dream, take us on a journey!!! For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!! Thank you in advance for your participation(s)! Below is our address. Feel free to leave your own address on a corner of the postcard if you’d like us to write back! 😊
The ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and see you soon, I hope! 😁 Julien
Here’s a quick recap of the project:
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globetrotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse, working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m starting a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of the journal will focus on opening up to the world, diversity, travel, countries, culture... I’m launching a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a little postcard (from France or anywhere in the world!) to take us on a journey and help us discover new places, countries, and horizons—much more fun and exciting than a regular geography textbook! One section of our journal could be called "We received mail from " and would be an opportunity to research that location and share what we learn with our readers (a super enriching activity in class). The project starts in September 2025 but has no real end date, as this journal and world discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in my ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! (The kids will find them when they return.) I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow traveler friends. Make us dream, take us on a journey!!! For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!! Thank you in advance for your participation(s)! Below is our address. Feel free to leave your own address on a corner of the postcard if you’d like us to write back! 😊
The ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and see you soon, I hope! 😁 Julien
Hi there,
Regarding the amount of tobacco you can buy during a trip in the European Union and bring back to France, we can't really talk about a "duty-free allowance," because the rules around how much tobacco you can bring back to France aren't straightforward at all under French law.
But it's very well explained and legally detailed here: https://douanestabacfranchise.wordpress.com/
Best regards,
Regarding the amount of tobacco you can buy during a trip in the European Union and bring back to France, we can't really talk about a "duty-free allowance," because the rules around how much tobacco you can bring back to France aren't straightforward at all under French law.
But it's very well explained and legally detailed here: https://douanestabacfranchise.wordpress.com/
Best regards,
Hi, has anyone booked hotels through the Vio platform?
Is it reliable?
Thanks
BOLIVIA: THE COUNTRY ON THE BRINK (What's Really Happening)

A dramatic saga is unfolding before our eyes in the Andes. Between suffocating blockades, clashes, an international airlift, and historic political decisions, Bolivia has just experienced 48 hours of rare intensity. Here’s the full breakdown (economic, social, and political) of the last 48 hours: For travelers and tourists: the article also includes an important note about the upcoming publication (starting tomorrow) of the precise status of roadblocks, route by route. I’ll post the full update here on Voyage Forum! Don’t miss this in-depth analysis. History is being written before our eyes! https://www.petitherge.com/bolivie-paralysie-et-ultimatum

A dramatic saga is unfolding before our eyes in the Andes. Between suffocating blockades, clashes, an international airlift, and historic political decisions, Bolivia has just experienced 48 hours of rare intensity. Here’s the full breakdown (economic, social, and political) of the last 48 hours: For travelers and tourists: the article also includes an important note about the upcoming publication (starting tomorrow) of the precise status of roadblocks, route by route. I’ll post the full update here on Voyage Forum! Don’t miss this in-depth analysis. History is being written before our eyes! https://www.petitherge.com/bolivie-paralysie-et-ultimatum
Hi there! 🙂
I just discovered a great show on Arte. It's called "7 en route": seven young European journalists travel around Europe in a fully converted bus, making reports on every city they visit. It's amazing! 🙂 Yesterday, for example, they were in Rome, Italy, and the reports included things like the world's smallest restaurant—a super romantic spot for two. There was also a report on the king of paparazzi in Italy. They have to pick topics that let us discover the little quirks of each country. And at the end of each episode, we get to see the finished report. It's such a great show, mixing journalism, travel, and discovery—basically, a must-watch! It airs in the evening starting at 6:50 PM (I think), and it started this past Monday, July 14th.
If you watch it, let me know—we can chat about it!
See you soon,
Mumu
I just discovered a great show on Arte. It's called "7 en route": seven young European journalists travel around Europe in a fully converted bus, making reports on every city they visit. It's amazing! 🙂 Yesterday, for example, they were in Rome, Italy, and the reports included things like the world's smallest restaurant—a super romantic spot for two. There was also a report on the king of paparazzi in Italy. They have to pick topics that let us discover the little quirks of each country. And at the end of each episode, we get to see the finished report. It's such a great show, mixing journalism, travel, and discovery—basically, a must-watch! It airs in the evening starting at 6:50 PM (I think), and it started this past Monday, July 14th.
If you watch it, let me know—we can chat about it!
See you soon,
Mumu
I left my heart’s country eight days ago and returned to my adopted one—or was it the other way around? Scotland-Morvan, Morvan-Scotland, I’m not quite sure anymore.
After a quarter without dragging my slippers around here, even though I’d loudly declared I had no interest left in this site, here I am again!
My imagination never stays fallow for long. Just enough time for my inner land to rest. It gets overgrown with fresh nettles, the kind you can pick without getting stung. Then, it’s time to till the fragrant earth and let the story grow.
I hesitated over where to set this story. Maybe the Highlands, maybe the Hebrides, maybe the Orkney Islands, maybe the Shetland Islands. All of Scotland is myth—easy to embroider. But in the end, no. I’d almost be too afraid to bare my soul.
The story will take place at home. Simple, practical.
1)
This morning, I was up well before dawn, feeling a bit grumpy, but nothing a bowl of coffee won’t fix. I love my bowl, and no one dares take it. It’s porcelain, edged with intertwined blue flowers. On the bottom, it says "Revol." The factory has existed long before the Revolution. It was my great-grandmother’s bowl. She drank roasted barley from it during the war, then her Leroux chicory.
Last year, a little guy dropped it. My bowl broke into three pieces. A black anger vibrated deep inside me. The little boy was so upset, on the verge of tears. How could I scold him!
I picked up the three pieces and took Little Boy in my arms. His hair smelled of the light, sweet sweat of toddlers. A gentle hug that healed—his budding sorrow and my anger—everything vanished, and time carried on.
Today, my bowl is even prettier. Man fixed it using the traditional kintsugi technique, except he didn’t use gold powder or lacquer but superglue, and he delicately painted the cracks with woad blue. And my bowl is even more beautiful now.
I’m lingering, I can tell—it’s just that a story wraps itself in life, and life can’t be told in the snap of a finger. Life is long. Like in architecture, you start with a rough sketch, called a "sous-cul" (the initial pencil drawing), then you make a tracing, which is the work itself, the one you later carefully roll up in a wooden tube. Life is like that: you erase, you start over, you use the nub of the pencil until it’s tiny, but you keep going—dreaming, loving.
"Living is a full-time occupation, a unique adventure. Always a surprise and a wonder, which sometimes turns into astonishment. And, from time to time, happiness."*
Alright, enough digressing—this introduction is definitely too long. Tomorrow, I’ll get to the heart of the matter. (I hate that expression; it feels like I’m cutting into someone’s skin.)
*Jean d’Ormesson
2)

After a quarter without dragging my slippers around here, even though I’d loudly declared I had no interest left in this site, here I am again!
My imagination never stays fallow for long. Just enough time for my inner land to rest. It gets overgrown with fresh nettles, the kind you can pick without getting stung. Then, it’s time to till the fragrant earth and let the story grow.
I hesitated over where to set this story. Maybe the Highlands, maybe the Hebrides, maybe the Orkney Islands, maybe the Shetland Islands. All of Scotland is myth—easy to embroider. But in the end, no. I’d almost be too afraid to bare my soul.
The story will take place at home. Simple, practical.
1)
This morning, I was up well before dawn, feeling a bit grumpy, but nothing a bowl of coffee won’t fix. I love my bowl, and no one dares take it. It’s porcelain, edged with intertwined blue flowers. On the bottom, it says "Revol." The factory has existed long before the Revolution. It was my great-grandmother’s bowl. She drank roasted barley from it during the war, then her Leroux chicory.
Last year, a little guy dropped it. My bowl broke into three pieces. A black anger vibrated deep inside me. The little boy was so upset, on the verge of tears. How could I scold him!
I picked up the three pieces and took Little Boy in my arms. His hair smelled of the light, sweet sweat of toddlers. A gentle hug that healed—his budding sorrow and my anger—everything vanished, and time carried on.
Today, my bowl is even prettier. Man fixed it using the traditional kintsugi technique, except he didn’t use gold powder or lacquer but superglue, and he delicately painted the cracks with woad blue. And my bowl is even more beautiful now.
I’m lingering, I can tell—it’s just that a story wraps itself in life, and life can’t be told in the snap of a finger. Life is long. Like in architecture, you start with a rough sketch, called a "sous-cul" (the initial pencil drawing), then you make a tracing, which is the work itself, the one you later carefully roll up in a wooden tube. Life is like that: you erase, you start over, you use the nub of the pencil until it’s tiny, but you keep going—dreaming, loving.
"Living is a full-time occupation, a unique adventure. Always a surprise and a wonder, which sometimes turns into astonishment. And, from time to time, happiness."*
Alright, enough digressing—this introduction is definitely too long. Tomorrow, I’ll get to the heart of the matter. (I hate that expression; it feels like I’m cutting into someone’s skin.)
*Jean d’Ormesson
2)

Without limiting ourselves to the countries mentioned above—Turkey and others could be added to the list.
I need to get dental reconstruction done, likely involving 6 implants. Which country offers the best quality of care, materials, and techniques?
Thanks
I need to get dental reconstruction done, likely involving 6 implants. Which country offers the best quality of care, materials, and techniques?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
I’m Yann, a 28-year-old TikToker who loves traveling!
Since I’ve been to several destinations, I’d love to get a flag from each one as a sort of trophy. But from what I’ve seen online, a lot of sites sell them with what looks like really poor quality...
So I’m reaching out to you all to share a site you usually use—help me start my collection! :)
Have a great day!
Yann
I’m Yann, a 28-year-old TikToker who loves traveling!
Since I’ve been to several destinations, I’d love to get a flag from each one as a sort of trophy. But from what I’ve seen online, a lot of sites sell them with what looks like really poor quality...
So I’m reaching out to you all to share a site you usually use—help me start my collection! :)
Have a great day!
Yann
hi there
I’d love to get some opinions—I’ve never used Airbnb before.
They’re offering a key handover via lockbox.
Any tips or advice?
Is it reliable?
Best,
Hi there, I’m Laura, and I’m looking for a few people to answer some questions so I can understand your travel wishes and challenges. It won’t take long—I can chat here, by email, or by phone. Don’t worry, I’m not selling anything! 😊
On this forum, we talk a lot about trekking in the Himalayas, but I’d love to share another side of Nepal: its spiritual, cultural, and religious atmosphere, especially in Kathmandu.
Nepal, much like Tibet and Bhutan, is deeply connected to the Himalayas—the ultimate sacred mountain range. This small country exudes a calming vibe, shaped by a strong spiritual dimension. What I loved most was the unique sensory experience you get there. Walking around temples and tantric monasteries, a distinct scent fills the air—aromatic plants used for ritual fumigation. Locals mainly burn Himalayan juniper, cedar, sandalwood, and other local essences. This fragrant smoke is a way to purify the space and reach the deities, and you’re constantly enveloped in these aromas.
Another striking aspect is the sound. As soon as you step outside, you hear bells ringing in front of temples. People ring them three times before praying to announce their presence to the deities. Nepal is also the birthplace of singing bowls and sound meditation practices. In Kathmandu, you can easily find meditation sessions or "sound baths."
The spiritual dimension is everywhere: a Hindu sadhu practicing asceticism, a lama in deep red robes with his mala, turning a prayer wheel while murmuring "Om mani padme hum." Newar Buddhism, Tantrism, and Hinduism coexist harmoniously in daily life.
For those who love exploring a destination through its culture and spirituality, Nepal is an unforgettable place. What was your spiritual experience in Nepal like?
Nepal, much like Tibet and Bhutan, is deeply connected to the Himalayas—the ultimate sacred mountain range. This small country exudes a calming vibe, shaped by a strong spiritual dimension. What I loved most was the unique sensory experience you get there. Walking around temples and tantric monasteries, a distinct scent fills the air—aromatic plants used for ritual fumigation. Locals mainly burn Himalayan juniper, cedar, sandalwood, and other local essences. This fragrant smoke is a way to purify the space and reach the deities, and you’re constantly enveloped in these aromas.
Another striking aspect is the sound. As soon as you step outside, you hear bells ringing in front of temples. People ring them three times before praying to announce their presence to the deities. Nepal is also the birthplace of singing bowls and sound meditation practices. In Kathmandu, you can easily find meditation sessions or "sound baths."
The spiritual dimension is everywhere: a Hindu sadhu practicing asceticism, a lama in deep red robes with his mala, turning a prayer wheel while murmuring "Om mani padme hum." Newar Buddhism, Tantrism, and Hinduism coexist harmoniously in daily life.
For those who love exploring a destination through its culture and spirituality, Nepal is an unforgettable place. What was your spiritual experience in Nepal like?
Hi,
I’m landing in Quebec and then heading to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I’d like to rent a pick-up. My question is: does this vehicle come with a cover and is it secure enough to store luggage in? I’ve heard two conflicting opinions. Thanks
I just installed the Maps.Me app on my phone. I only recently found out about this app. I’m traveling in 2 weeks and a few days, and I’m a bit stuck on how to use it.
I’m from the Montreal (Quebec) area, and I’d love to know if there’s a kind soul out there who could help me get started and use the app at least minimally.
If there are private lessons available, I’d be interested in those too.
Thanks in advance for your help. Simon
Thanks in advance for your help. Simon
Hi everyone,
I just found out there’s an update on the international driving permit. What was bound to happen has happened: it now costs (for now!!) 7 50 €. https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18833
There’s also a link at the bottom of the article for the list of countries where it’s mandatory.
Have a great day! 😊
Christelle
I just found out there’s an update on the international driving permit. What was bound to happen has happened: it now costs (for now!!) 7 50 €. https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18833
There’s also a link at the bottom of the article for the list of countries where it’s mandatory.
Have a great day! 😊
Christelle
Hello François, and the new team!
Like many others, I’m overjoyed to hear that VoyageForum is reopening! I’ve been waiting hopefully for this, and it’s wonderful that it’s finally happening!
I just couldn’t bring myself to actively participate in other French-language travel forums—their format and way of doing things never appealed to me as much. I really hope that VF’s structure, categories, and interface won’t change too much despite the handover, because I’m very attached to them. Through thick and thin, the site has held strong—it’s amazing!
In a previous message, François mentioned that there were positions to fill ahead of the reopening, including moderators...
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this and hoping to send in my CV.
Now, after reading the latest message, it seems like the team is already fully formed. But are there still a few spots left to fill?
I’ve been a VF member for 20 years (since 2004). I’d love to contribute to this wonderful adventure as a moderator if VF would trust me with the role. If the team is open to reviewing it, I’m ready to send my CV. Could you let me know the next steps?
Best regards, Marine/eversmile
Like many others, I’m overjoyed to hear that VoyageForum is reopening! I’ve been waiting hopefully for this, and it’s wonderful that it’s finally happening!
I just couldn’t bring myself to actively participate in other French-language travel forums—their format and way of doing things never appealed to me as much. I really hope that VF’s structure, categories, and interface won’t change too much despite the handover, because I’m very attached to them. Through thick and thin, the site has held strong—it’s amazing!
In a previous message, François mentioned that there were positions to fill ahead of the reopening, including moderators...
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this and hoping to send in my CV.
Now, after reading the latest message, it seems like the team is already fully formed. But are there still a few spots left to fill?
I’ve been a VF member for 20 years (since 2004). I’d love to contribute to this wonderful adventure as a moderator if VF would trust me with the role. If the team is open to reviewing it, I’m ready to send my CV. Could you let me know the next steps?
Best regards, Marine/eversmile
Hi there,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport. Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers. I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right? Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost? Thanks for your help!
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport. Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers. I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right? Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost? Thanks for your help!
Hi,
I’d like to know if you can buy reef-safe sunscreen sprays at 7-Eleven. If so, how much do they cost? We’re traveling with backpacks, so we’ll either buy 100ml here or in Thailand.
I’d like to know if you can buy reef-safe sunscreen sprays at 7-Eleven. If so, how much do they cost? We’re traveling with backpacks, so we’ll either buy 100ml here or in Thailand.
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a really unpleasant experience from our last trip booked with Promoséjours and organized by FTI.
We booked an 8-day/7-night stay in Egypt, from June 8 to 15. The flight initially scheduled was changed a week before departure to take off at 10 PM from Paris CDG. In the end, it took off with a 1-hour delay and included an unmentioned stopover in Marsa Alam. We landed in Hurghada at 4 AM and arrived at the hotel at 6 AM. So, we spent our first night on the plane.
For the return trip, surprise—the flight was moved up. We left the hotel at 10:30 PM on Friday the 14th to take off at 2 AM and land at 7 AM at Paris CDG. So, we spent our last night on the plane too.
After sending a complaint letter to Promoséjours / FTI, they replied that the first and last days can be dedicated to transport (which I already knew) and that no matter how many nights you book, you’re not guaranteed to spend them in the hotel—it could just as well be on the plane.
I’m really questioning this.
Isn’t there a law that protects customers in cases like this? Because when I do the math, the first and part of the second day were spent on transport, same for the second-to-last and last day. And I paid for 7 nights for a stay that only lasted 5.
Anyway, I just want to say thanks to them—thanks to their two sleepless nights in transit, I’m coming back even more exhausted from a trip that was supposed to be restful!
I also want to warn anyone booking through this agency about visas for Egypt. At booking, they told me the visa was included in the price, then they sent me an email saying I’d have to pay for it on-site at 25 €. Once there, we were directed to a special line for FTI customers, and guess what? They charged us 30 €!
Basically, they’re great at making sure you *enjoy* your vacation—mostly by enjoying your wallet!
If anyone has dealt with this kind of situation and won their case, I’m all ears.
Thanks in advance!
I wanted to share a really unpleasant experience from our last trip booked with Promoséjours and organized by FTI.
We booked an 8-day/7-night stay in Egypt, from June 8 to 15. The flight initially scheduled was changed a week before departure to take off at 10 PM from Paris CDG. In the end, it took off with a 1-hour delay and included an unmentioned stopover in Marsa Alam. We landed in Hurghada at 4 AM and arrived at the hotel at 6 AM. So, we spent our first night on the plane.
For the return trip, surprise—the flight was moved up. We left the hotel at 10:30 PM on Friday the 14th to take off at 2 AM and land at 7 AM at Paris CDG. So, we spent our last night on the plane too.
After sending a complaint letter to Promoséjours / FTI, they replied that the first and last days can be dedicated to transport (which I already knew) and that no matter how many nights you book, you’re not guaranteed to spend them in the hotel—it could just as well be on the plane.
I’m really questioning this.
Isn’t there a law that protects customers in cases like this? Because when I do the math, the first and part of the second day were spent on transport, same for the second-to-last and last day. And I paid for 7 nights for a stay that only lasted 5.
Anyway, I just want to say thanks to them—thanks to their two sleepless nights in transit, I’m coming back even more exhausted from a trip that was supposed to be restful!
I also want to warn anyone booking through this agency about visas for Egypt. At booking, they told me the visa was included in the price, then they sent me an email saying I’d have to pay for it on-site at 25 €. Once there, we were directed to a special line for FTI customers, and guess what? They charged us 30 €!
Basically, they’re great at making sure you *enjoy* your vacation—mostly by enjoying your wallet!
If anyone has dealt with this kind of situation and won their case, I’m all ears.
Thanks in advance!
Hi there!
I’m heading to Thailand for two months.
So I thought I’d get a Thai SIM card to use Google Maps for getting around cities, mostly.
Here’s my question: will this SIM affect my apps? Or will they work the same as with my Orange SIM?
Is there any setup I need to do, or can I just pop in the Thai SIM?
I’d also like to switch back to my Orange SIM now and then while I’m in Thailand—on the same phone. Will I need to reset the phone, or will it reconnect without any issues?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best,
Huiclos
Just got back from Egypt a few days ago and couldn't exchange my 1900 Egyptian pounds at the airport. If anyone's interested, let me know!
Hi, I’d like to know where we can buy beer or wine in Chefchaouen and around Merzouga. We’ll be doing a circuit and staying at the Parador Hotel in Chefchaouen and in a bivouac in Merzouga.
Thanks for any info you can share!
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globe-trotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m launching a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of this journal will focus on opening up to the world, embracing differences, travel, global cultures, and more.
I’m putting out a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a postcard (from France or anywhere in the world)! The goal is to help us "travel" and discover new places, countries, and horizons in a way that’s much more fun and exciting than a geography textbook. One section of our journal could be called "We received a letter from ," where we’d research the location and share what we learn with our readers—a really enriching activity for the classroom.
The project starts in September 2025 but doesn’t have a strict end date, since this journal and world-discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in the ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! The kids will find them when they return.
I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible, and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow travelers. Help us dream and explore!
For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!
Thank you in advance for your participation! Below is our address. If you’d like us to write back, feel free to leave your address on a corner of the postcard! 😊
ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon! 😊 Julien 🙂
I’m putting out a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a postcard (from France or anywhere in the world)! The goal is to help us "travel" and discover new places, countries, and horizons in a way that’s much more fun and exciting than a geography textbook. One section of our journal could be called "We received a letter from ," where we’d research the location and share what we learn with our readers—a really enriching activity for the classroom.
The project starts in September 2025 but doesn’t have a strict end date, since this journal and world-discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in the ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! The kids will find them when they return.
I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible, and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow travelers. Help us dream and explore!
For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!
Thank you in advance for your participation! Below is our address. If you’d like us to write back, feel free to leave your address on a corner of the postcard! 😊
ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon! 😊 Julien 🙂
Hi there! I have to leave Ivato/Antananarivo on December 16th. I have a lot of ariary that I’d like to exchange for euros since I might not be coming back to Madagascar (after this 21st trip). I think the exchange office at Ivato also buys ariary back. If any of you have seen the rate for this buyback in advance, thanks a million!
Hi there, I use video and photo editing software for my "work".
A conflict has been showing up lately when I open the software. Photo attached.
Is there a specialist around who could help me out?
Thanks in advance.
A conflict has been showing up lately when I open the software. Photo attached.
Is there a specialist around who could help me out?
Thanks in advance.
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for a website that would let me plot my travel route in advance so I can print it out. The idea is to create a map with a little “me” on a bike that my parents can move along as I progress, since I’m planning to cycle all the way to Nepal.
If any of you have done something similar or know of a good tool, I’d love to hear your tips!
Thanks in advance! 😊
Hi,
I'm looking to buy an ultra-lightweight 50/55L travel backpack with a suitcase or front opening. Does anyone have any brand and/or model recommendations? Thanks, Emma
I'm looking to buy an ultra-lightweight 50/55L travel backpack with a suitcase or front opening. Does anyone have any brand and/or model recommendations? Thanks, Emma