Travel guide Poland
A vast country of the former Soviet bloc, Poland is now a country where tourism is widely developed as much on the cultural level as on the seaside or religious level. It offers a great variety of landscapes and biotopes - lakes, rivers, coasts, plains, forests, summits - but also a rich heritage with many sites classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, including the wooden churches of southern Little Poland. The local traditions, including the persistence of religious festivals, and the hospitality of the population add to the pleasure of discovering this endearing country. If Warsaw and perhaps even more so Krakow, the cultural capital, are the gems of the country, Gandsk, a strategic starting point for the seaside resorts of the Baltic coast, is also worth a visit. Poland is also known for its natural parks, including Bialowieza and Slowinski. Outside the cities, you should see the magnificent Gothic castle of Malbork, in the north of the country, and near Krakow, the famous salt mines of Wieliczka exploited for more than 700 years. In the heart of the Tatra Mountains, you can ski in Zakopane, a very popular ski resort. Some will be brave enough to visit the Auschwitz concentration camp. A tourist guide will be invaluable in organizing your itineraries throughout the country.
What to see, what to do Poland?
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- The most beautiful cities Poland
When to go Poland ?
Poland is a popular destination that can be enjoyed all year round, even for a simple weekend. All seasons are favourable and have their advantages. The high tourist season is in July and August. Spring and autumn often have some nice climatic surprises (golden autumn) and fewer tourists. Winter is a delight for lovers of winter sports, snow and extreme cold, markets and Christmas traditions. In Poland, the ski season runs from December to March. You should also know that the extended weekend in May (1 and 3 May are public holidays) is very busy; most Poles travel during these few days. The low tourist season is in October, November and March, April.
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Travel Poland
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Nous vous proposons deux compositions de séjours d’une semaine, selon que vous atterrissez à Cracovie ou Varsovie, ainsi qu’un séjour long de trois semaines à un mois. Bien sûr la Pologne comprend assez de richesses, variétés et activités pour prolonger l’aventure. Afin de visiter toute la Pologne, prévoyez au moins deux mois. Des séjours thématiques vous orienteront selon vos centres d’intérêt. Si vous disposez de peu de temps, étant donné sa proximité géographique, il est fort possible de choisir une première découverte de la Pologne juste le temps d’un week-end, qui comprendrait la visite de Cracovie ou de Varsovie, deux villes vraiment exceptionnelles.
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How to go Poland
How to go alone
You can book your accommodation directly on the Internet. With a good road map and a GPS you will be able to move easily by car from one site to another. You can also organize your trip by bus. In the city you will not have any trouble finding hotels. Homestays are a good option. The language barrier can sometimes be a problem. A dictionary will be useful.
How to go on a tour
Several solutions are available to discover Poland: weekends, city escapades, autotours, guided tours. Hotels + transport" packages are on the rise to discover Krakow or Warsaw for a weekend. You also have the choice between several types of tours accompanied by 8 or 10 days around different themes and varied itineraries. The destination lends itself to this, specialists plan "hiking and trekking" trips in the Carpathians.
How to get around
Domestic flights, operated by the national airline LOT, from Warsaw. Transport and excursions by waterway on the Baltic Sea, and some connections, between Polish cities. PKS buses and private companies provide many connections between different cities and to remote mountain or rural areas. The train (pociąg) is faster and cheaper (Pass). The country is pleasant to discover by bike. Finally, the stop is common: shake the arm from top to bottom.
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Discover Poland
A trip to Poland means discovering a not-so-distant but very different neighborhood, with a history and experiences that are often similar to our own, only to diverge from it. Travelling to this country, which has endured and overcome so much, also means opening up to our common history within this small continent we share, to our responsibility for the world's misfortunes, and to the European Union project that brings us together today. To discover Poland is, last but not least, to marvel at the superb landscapes of glittering Renaissance cities, ancient forests and the vast blue-green horizons of Slavic tales, to be seduced by a myriad of new flavors, from regional, national, Slavic, Georgian and Hungarian cuisine, to delight in specialties ranging from vodka to gingerbread and beautiful porcelain, and to return home with stars in your eyes.
The 12 keywords Poland
1. #Catholicism
The Catholic Church's influence in the country is considerable. Although its active role in politics diminished in the 1990s, it is nonetheless omnipresent. Younger generations and the arrival in power of the centrist, pro-European opposition have reshuffled the cards, making way for greater flexibility and a new openness.
2. #Chopin
Frédéric Chopin is one of Poland's most emblematic figures. A true musical prodigy, he enchanted both his own time and ours with his romantic compositions. The pianist is widely celebrated in Poland, with festivals, concerts and a museum dedicated to him in Warsaw: the ideal way to (re)discover his work!
3. #Jewish memory
Poland was the scene of the genocide that exterminated almost the entire European Jewish community. Now a land of remembrance, the country has not forgotten either this tragedy or the cultural heritage of Poland's Jews. From historic Jewish quarters to commemorative monuments, discover the close links between Poland and Jewish culture.
4. #Mleczny bar
Milk bars" have their origins in the Communist era. At that time, they served affordable, balanced meals based on dairy products, mainly to workers. Today, these establishments are still state-run, offering authentic, simple and extremely inexpensive cuisine.
5. #Napoleonka
This generous cream dessert is the subject of a conflict at least as bloody as the pain au chocolat/chocolatine debate in France. Here, proponents of napoleonka clash with those of kremówka, and year after year, kremówka seems to gain the upper hand. In any case, be sure to try the Polish version of the French mille-feuilles!
6. #Pączki
The Poles' sin mignon, popular on Shrove Thursday(Tłusty Czwartek) just before Lent, and the reason for queues outside bakeries! It's the king of all doughnuts, with as much butter, sugar and cream as possible, traditionally filled with strawberry, raspberry and other berry or fruit jams. A real treat.
7. #Pierogi
The unavoidable Polish version of the Slavic stuffed ravioli/ dumpling, brought back from China at some unspecified time, is today the preferred low-cost dish of students and housewives alike. In Poland, they're eaten more than pasta! For the design: either homemade or bought frozen in 10 kg bags.
8. #Rynek
Rynek means "market square" and refers to the heart of Poland's historic towns. Every old town in the country has one, and all are built on a similar architectural foundation. The Rynek is undoubtedly the most central point of a city, and hosts major events that change with the seasons.
9. #Rzeczpospolita
Long allied by treaty, Poland and Lithuania formed a single state for more than two centuries (1569-1795) under the name of the Republic (Rzeczpospolita) of the Two Nations. This common past is recounted in many Polish museums, as it has marked the creation of lasting cultural and political ties between the two countries.
10. #Solidarność
Solidarność, the famous Polish workers' union born in 1980, has left its mark on the country's history. Its ideals propelled Poland to the center of media attention well into the 1990s, and continue to animate Polish public life today. The struggles waged by its supporters make this movement an essential part of Polish history.
11. #Vodka
Poles drink their vodka neat, iced and bottoms up! For sensitive palates and stomachs, there are a multitude of flavored Polish vodkas, allowing a softer discovery. Vodka is also used to make a variety of cocktails. Distilleries are open to visitors (and tasters) throughout the country.
12. #Zabka
Zabka ("frog" in Polish) is a chain of convenience stores that is widespread throughout the country. These grocery stores are very convenient, as they open very early and close very late in the evening. Whether you're in the city or the country, needing to do some quick shopping or satisfy a craving, Zabka will be nearby!
You are from here, if...
Have you ever lined up at the florist on a weekday evening, not including national holidays, Christmas or birthdays... just to give flowers (or just one) to your partner, your guests or your date?
You line up at the ice-cream parlour when the sun shines and you walk around in a T-shirt when the thermometer reads 12°C.
You like to make fun of Warsaw, but you'll never accept foreigners criticizing it in front of you.
You've already given up your seat in public transport to an elderly person and nodded in agreement at the lack of propriety of foreigners who don't give up theirs (even though no one has thought to ask).
You have your Christmas tea (herbata zimowa) from November to February.
You've already said a prayer to Pope John Paul II, honored him in church and his votive image adorns your home or car.