Kelby's France Travel Blog

There are two very different animated films being screened at today's Cannes Film Festival. Waltz with Bashir, in competition, is screening today at the Cannes Film Festival. The animated film is directed by Ari Folman. Kung Fu Panda, showing out of competition, is an animated children's movie by Dreamworks (and Dreamworks' fourth screening at Cannes). It features some A-listers as voice talents, such as Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Black and Jackie Chan.

Waltz with Bashir Synopsis

One night at a bar, an old friend tells director Ari about a recurring nightmare in which he is chased by 26 vicious dogs. Every night, the same number of beasts.

The two men conclude that there’s a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early eighties. Ari is surprised that he can’t remember a thing anymore about that period of his life.

Intrigued by this riddle, he decides to meet and interview old friends and comrades around the world. He needs to discover the truth about that time and about himself.

As Ari delves deeper and deeper into the mystery, his memory begins to creep up in surreal images...

Kung Fu Panda Synopsis

Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of Kung Fu around - which doesn’t exactly come in handy while working every day in his family’s noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po’s dreams become reality when he joins the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five: Tigress, Crane, Mantis,Viper and Monkey - under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu.

But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it’s up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality? Po puts his heart - and his girth - into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.

Find out more: Cannes Film Festival 2008

_{Images of scenes from Waltz with Bashir (top) and Kung Fu Panda}

Cannes Film Festival 2008 is from May 14 - 25. Each year, celebrities and tourists alike swarm this upscale French Riviera city for a celebration of the film industry. Follow coverage of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, or Festival du Cannes, find out about the film festival's history and learn more about visiting Cannes, a gem of the Cote d'Azur.

Follow coverage of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, or Festival du Cannes, find out about the film festival's history and learn more about visiting Cannes, a gem of the Cote d'Azur.

Find out more: Cannes Film Festival 2008

Think one Mother's Day a year simply isn't enough? American moms can get a second dose of attention a month later by celebrating France's Fête des Mères on May 25. A French tradition that was inaugurated by Napoleon and made official in 1950, this day honoring mothers dates back to Ancient Greece and is found in several countries.

Find out more: Mother's Day in France - Celebrate Two Mother's Days

Planning a getaway to France? Why pay more than you have to? Here are some of the hottest France travel deals on airfare, lodging, tours, you name it. Live like a king on a pauper's pay with these steals on travel to France. Find deals can be especially important these days, as the euro gains on other currencies like the dollar.

Find out the hot deals right now: France Travel Deals of the Week

You're planning your first trip to France, and it's something you've dreamed of for years. But there are several rookie France travel mistakes that could make your visit less enjoyable, or even downright unpleasant. Hey, you don't have to look like a rookie. Here are some tips about mistakes to avoid on your first vacation in France.

Find out what you need to know: Worst 5 France Travel Rookie Mistakes

Easily one of the most attractive cities in the Basque Country, from its cozy beach to its alluring downtown, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a jewel in the Basque Country. This pretty small beach city is just dripping with charm, from its port lined with colorful boats to its boutique shops selling surfing gear and lessons year-round.

Find out more about this oceanside charmer: St-Jean-de-Luz, France - A Pretty Basque Country Beach City on the French Spanish Border

When in France, if you do as the French do you will probably have a much more enjoyable experience. A few lessons in French culture will help you understand why things are a certain way in France, and how to stand out less as a tourist.

Besides, is it really so bad to enjoy a long lunch? Or have your coffee in the cafe instead of rushing around with a to-go cup. Don't fight the French system, embrace the culture and you will look far less like a tourist.

Find out how: Avoid Looking Like a Tourist

If you think knowing French is optional before visiting France, think again. Sure, big cities like Paris are filled with people speaking English. Here's the thing. Some of them won't use it if you can't be bothered to use their language. It's a cultural thing. Plus, it's kind of rude to visit another country and expect them to speak your language.

That doesn't mean you need a 6-week French language course before you visit, though. You can actually get all of the very basic essentials with my new tutorial, French Phrases for Travelers. You can even print it up for studying before you go, or for pointing to key phrases when you struggle with the French pronunciation.

Get those language essentials: French Phrases for Travelers

Rail Passes.com is currently offering a free rail day, free Eurotrip phrase book and free Europe rail map for early bird rail pass bookings. To get the deal, you need to book by Monday, March 31 and get a Eurail Select Pass for three, four or five countries and for six, eight or ten days.

Find out more at Rail Passes.com

Also read: Choosing the Right Rail Pass

Did you know you can bring up to $800 worth of French souvenirs back home to the U.S. when you return? Or that you'll pay a duty if you take too many packs of cigarettes with you for your vacation in France?

Before visiting France, find out all the customs regulations that apply: Customs Regulations in France