Overview of France
Prepare to be seduced by France and its familiar, cosy, romantic culture. Whether you head to Paris or to the countryside, you’ll be met by world-class cuisine, art, architecture and accommodations. Relax as you stroll through Monet’s Lilly gardens or party till dawn in Marseille. Sit down to an impeccably prepared five-star dinner in Paris or while away an evening at an outdoor cafe in the south of France. Pick a place, or two or three, and fall in love with France over and over again.
Things to see and do
Paris
No other city in the world will conjure the feeling of romance quite like the capital of France. Paris is not only a bustling metropolis, but a feeling of life itself. You can stroll through the neighbourhoods, or arrondissements, and pop into charming little cafes. Walk across the Alexander the Third Bridge, or the Pont Alexandre III as the Parisians call it, by the light of historic lanterns. Take in the Seine River and the gilded statues that watch over. Whether you are staying in a charming hostel or a luxury suite, Paris caters all travellers.
Champs Elysees
Strolling down the famous, tree-lined avenue, you can absorb the sights of ambient cafes, classical Parisian buildings, and premier shopping boutiques. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Paris around Bastille Day, you can catch the big military parade.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, located at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. This brilliant piece of architecture is to honour those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
The Louvre
Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, the Louvre Palace is now home to more than 400,000 objects and works of art. A notable part of the museum is the famous glass pyramid that sits out front. In the museum, you can view some of the works from Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and more.
The Eiffel Tower
Arguably, the most famous monument in the world, the Eiffel Tower attracts more than 70 million visitors each year. The grandiose, iron tower is the symbol or Paris and the very ideal of romance, especially when all lit up at night, giving fuel to Paris’s nickname, The City of Lights.
Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is perhaps one of the most extravagant buildings in all of France. Originally built as a hunting lodge and then expanded, it is now used as a museum and still hosts political functions. This is a piece of history that is not to be missed.
Montmartre & Moulin Rouge
Montmartre is known as the entertainment district of Paris and once gave inspiration to such artists as Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pierre-August Renoir, and Langston Hughes. Perhaps, the most famous of visitors was Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who frequented the Moulin Rouge due to his work of painting posters for them. The famous Moulin Rouge is still open with shows available.
Pantheon
Thought not the famous pantheon of Rome, this version does not lack in splendour. The Pantheon was originally built as a church but now acts as a mausoleum, holding the remains of many distinguished French citizens. This is another beautiful piece of architecture that you will want to see.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Luxembourg Garden is a sprawling venue with lush greenery. Take a stroll by the Grand Basin or the Medici fountain. For an educational activity you can slip over to the apiary to learn about bees. You can also play chess, tennis and bridge or navigate remote-control boats. After you’ve finished marvelling at the landscape, you can take in the sights of the Luxembourg Palace, built for Louis IV widow, Maria de’Medici.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is not only a main source of capital for France, it’s also the world’s major wine industry capital. While you’re here you can check out many of the museums or gardens in the city, but don’t forget to experience the vineyards. Bordeaux also has many wonderful shopping options such as the Rue Sainte-Catherine. If you are looking for an extra experience, the Loire Valley is another famous sight with vineyards, orchards and vegetable fields that line the banks of the river.
Mont Saint-Michel
Surrounded by winding streets and a medieval town stands the Mont Saint Michel, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St. Michael. Mont Saint Michel was used as a monastery and later, due to its secure position, a prison. You can still view many of the prison-era pieces during a tour of the abbey. You can also visit the nearby Normandy Beaches and take a tour recounting the D-Day attack.
French Riviera
The French Riviera is a picture perfect stretch along the coast of the Mediterranean, bringing together the rich and famous and the common vacationers. Said to be one of the first modern resort areas, the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean makes this destination perfect for beach-goers. You can hang out in the sleek Saint Tropez with A-list celebrities or head over to Nice or check out the giant casinos of Monaco. If you want an educational artistic experience, you can visit the Matisse Museum in Nice or if your timing is right you may also be able to hang out at the ever-popular Cannes Film Festival.
Disneyland Paris
You can’t find a more exciting place for families, couples or even just for yourself and a good friend. The Disneyland Paris hosts rides, shops, restaurants and more. Enjoy the hospitality and charm of the 1900s in the Main Street USA. land or see the classic Disney fairy tales come to life in Fantasyland. With five different lands in the main park, you’ll find no shortage of options. You can also head over to the Walt Disney Studios Park to discover the magic of cinema and television while meeting some of the characters or perhaps go behind the scenes of a stunt show. Don’t forget to stick around after dark to see the magical, illuminating, award-winning show: Disney Dreams. You may want to plan for more than a day to experience everything in all of the parks and villages.
Seasonality
Different parts of France have different climates, but most of the territory has temperate winters and mild summers. Depending on the region that you are travelling to you may want to check the weather right before you leave for your holiday.
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