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– FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE –
Country: France
National capital: Paris
Population: 66,000,000 people
Area: 675,417 square kilometers
Currency: euro
Language: French
France is the most popular tourist country in the world.Almost all tourists dream of visiting Paris or the Côte d’Azur. Every corner of France is worthy of attention, attracted by architecture, landscape or history. Paris is the cradle of culture and art. Here are the largest museums, theaters, fashion houses. Among the most famous monuments is the Eiffel Tower. It is 312 meters high and is a landmark of Paris. Another important monument is Versailles, a former royal residence and today a museum of French history. There you can see architecture, paintings, sculptures and magnificent gardens. Among the world’s most famous churches must be that of the Sacre – Coeur on the hill of Montmartre. Its surroundings are particularly popular with tourists, as they provide an excellent vantage point. Being in Paris you must see the Notre – Dame Cathedral, made famous by the novel by Victor Hugo, titled „The Bell Jar of Notre – Dame”.
-France travel guide –
Paris, known as the capital of fashion, the city of lights, lovers and artists, is one of the most visited places in the world. It enchants with its atmosphere, architecture, history and is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world. To thoroughly visit all the sights of the city, not even a week is enough However, you can also see the most important monuments and sites during a weekend stay. When visiting Paris, it is mandatory to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace, the capital of the borderlands – a city that for centuries has been a bone of contention between the great neighbors France and Germany. The city combines the best of both nations. Today it is a symbol of European unification and also one of France’s most picturesque cities. The Council of Europe and the European Parliament, among others, are headquartered here. But this is not what attracts tourists to Strasbourg. The magnet is the Grande Ile, or Grand Island, surrounded by the waters of the Ill River. On the island is the heart of Strasbourg, a charming old town, romantic streets with windows full of geraniums and, above all, the Romanesque-Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral from the 11th-12th centuries – a beautiful openwork building of pink sandstone. Also visit the cathedral museum – one of the most interesting in France. In the district of La Petite France you can feel like in a fairyland. It is filled with tiny half-timbered houses crowding the narrow streets and canals densely covering the district.
Nice is the showcase of the Côte d’Azur. The excellent microclimate and the sun, which shines 320 days a year, lured the aristocratic families of Europe here at the turn of the 20th century. The English and Russians in particular took a liking to Nice. They left behind magnificent mansions on the Cimiez hill, among the remains of the Roman thermal baths, forum and amphitheater. The symbol of Nice is the seaside boulevard Promenade des Anglaise, or Promenade des Anglaise (it was the English who initiated its construction in 1822). Planted with palm trees, with paths for cyclists and luxury hotels, it is the most popular place for strolls. There are more than a hundred museums and galleries in Nice, which attracts art lovers. The city’s old town is full of winding streets, cafes and restaurants. Nice has it all: beautiful neighborhoods, lots of greenery, great stores and beaches. Nice is modern, but at the same time filled with history. It presents itself most fully from the castle hill La Colline du Chateau, which offers a unique view of the city.
Marseille is said to be the last European port where the atmosphere of the 19th century docks can be found. For hundreds of years, anyone pursued by the law anywhere fled here. The sea, where merchant ships used to dock, is now home to luxury yachts. The city, especially the old port area, is best explored on foot. Along the coast are located the biggest attractions – the original St. Nicholas and St. John forts, built in the 13th century by the Crusaders. Also worth a visit is the castle of If, where the Count of Monte Christo’s prison was located and particularly dangerous French prisoners served their sentences. Marseille is also home to the beautiful Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica and the gigantic Nouvelle Cathedral. While in Marseille, take a seat in one of the old restaurants in the harbor. The fish tastes excellent here.
The French Alps have been popular for 200 years. Located in one of Europe’s most beautiful valleys, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, the town of Chamonix was a summer resort as early as the 17th century. Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in history. The vertical wall of Mont Blanc, alpine vegetation, and luscious meadows all make for an ideal mountain landscape. One of the longest cable cars in the world climbs from Chamonix to the top of the Aiguille du Midi. Impressive views are already spread out during the ride up. By cable car we can get all the way to the Italian Courmayeur. But Chamonix is not only about views, it is also the oldest ski resort in France, and is described as a paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The Loire Valley is a remarkable place on the map of France. In a relatively small area, surrounded by beautiful landscapes stand several hundred medieval and Renaissance castles and chateaux. The oldest of them were built back in the 9th century. The entire central part of the Loire Valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The châteaux, most of which are now privately owned, impress with their architecture, decor and beautiful gardens. On the route you will find Renaissance and Gothic castles, grand and intimate, fortified and luxurious. The most beautiful are Chambord, decorated with numerous turrets, the fortified Chaumont or Chenonceaux with its awe-inspiring gardens. A trip along the trail of castles on the Loire is an extraordinary journey through time. But the Loire is not only castles. The region is famous for its sensational wines. There are so many attractions here that it is impossible during a short visit to visit all the castles and taste everything that the local vineyards offer. It is best to explore the area slowly.
Avignon is Provence’s most prized city for tourists. The city was promoted in the 16th century to the residence of the popes, numerous churches were erected, and the mighty Papal Palace was built. Numerous monuments remain from centuries past, as well as rich cultural and artistic traditions. Every year festivals are held here, attracting tourists from all over the world. In July, theater is ubiquitous in Avignon. Actors and musicians perform on all the stages, squares and streets. While in Avignon, a must-see is the 13th-century Romanesque cathedral with frescoes by Simone Martini, the interior of the Papal Palace and the famous Pont Saint Benezet bridge. All of Avignon’s magnificence, that is, the entire historic center with the walls encircling it, was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1995.
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