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Whether it's a year in Provence, a weekend in Paris, or a fortnight in the Pyrenees, France is just waiting to be discovered.
France is synonymous with style. From the wide, tree-lined boulevards of its sophisticated and exciting capital city to the breathtaking Loire Valley castles and the glittering Cote d'Azur with its air of faded grandeur and romance, it is not hard to see why France has enchanted generations of visitors.
The largest country in Western Europe and home to 58.3 million people, France stretches from the rolling plains of the north to the jagged ridges of the Pyrenees, and from the wild Brittany coastline to the clear, blue lakes and snowy heights of the Alps. France was the founder of modern Republican government in the 18th century after three centuries of being ruled by a nobility who spent vast amounts of money on sumptuous glittering castles and playboy-like lifestyles. Let France assault your senses - walk the windswept beaches of Normandy and picture the D-Day landings, take in the style and glamour of Paris, admire the icy heights of Mont Blanc, and immerse yourself in the smell of lavender and the spectacular light and colour of Provence
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| Travel in France |
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Air Travel in France
France's domestic airlines link most urban centres, and since the
long-protected domestic airline industry has been opened up, discounts
have made internal air travel an option even for budget travellers.
Rail Travel in France
France has an excellent rail network, operated by the state-owned
SCNF (SociétéNationale des Chemins de Fer), which reaches
almost every part of the country. Thanks to the high-speed TGV (train
à grande vitesse), travel between some cities (eg Paris and Lyon)
is faster and easier by rail than by air.
Bus Service
Inter-regional bus services are limited but buses are used extensively
for short-distance travel within regions, especially in rural areas
with relatively few train lines (eg Brittany and Normandy). On longer
trips, buses tend to be much slower but slightly cheaper than trains;
on short runs, buses are generally slower and more expensive.
Driving in France
Having your own vehicle can be expensive, and is sure to be inconvenient
in city centers where parking and traffic are problematic. Be warned
that most driving in France is done with the horn, or 'French Brake
Pedal', as it is often called. As a rule of thumb, don't be timid
or overly respectful once on the road as this technique will often
confuse the natives. Renting a car is expensive if you walk into an
office and hire a car on the spot, but pre-booked and prepaid promotional
rates are reasonable.
Motorcycles & Bicycles in France
France is a superb country for motorcycle touring, with winding roads
of good quality and lots of stunning scenery. It's also an eminently
cyclable country, due largely to its extensive network of secondary
and tertiary roads that are relatively lightly trafficked.
Alternative methods of traveling
Another relaxing way of seeing France is to cruise its canals and
navigable rivers by houseboat. These usually accommodate four to 12
passengers and can be rented for a weekend or several weeks. |
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| Some of the more popular places to visit |
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The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley was the capital of the French aristocracy from the
15th to 18th centuries and the area is dotted with the most beautiful
castles in France. The most famous chateaux include Angers, Chinon,
Chambord, Chenonceau, Saumur and Villandry. A tour of the Castles
over several days is highly recommended and in summer many of them
play host to outdoor spectacles of music, dance and fireworks. The
town of Chartres, with its magnificent 13th-century cathedral, is
regarded as Europe's most superb Gothic building. The United Nations
has designated the Cathedral an international cultural heritage site.
Make sure to visit the 'Maison de Jeanne d'Arc' in Orleans, which
honours her life and times. The Loire Valley is regarded as the "garden
of France," so make sure to savor the very affordable and delicious
foods and wines of the regions - bon apetit!
The French Riviera (Côte d'Azur)
The Côte d'Azur or French Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean
coast at the very foot of the Alps and is one of word's most popular
holiday destinations. In less than two hours you can travel from Mediterranean
bliss to the cool Alps. Make sure to visit the fascinating cities
of the region. St.Tropez is regarded as the epitome of the French
Riviera, check out the multi-million dollar yachts in the port, sip
an overpriced coffee and watch the 'other-half' live! Cannes is also
a millionaire's playground but lacks the exclusivity of St.Tropez.
The annual International Film Festival is its most famous attraction.
Take a day trip to the independent principality of Monaco for some
more glitz and glamour but make sure to dress well, it is an essential
part of even getting into the country! If you favour relaxation in
less pretentious surroundings, Antibes with its lovely sandy beaches
is your only choice. Home to Picasso for many years, his studio is
now the Picasso Museum. Spend some time wandering around the charming
small towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer, St.Jean-cap-Ferrat, Eze-le-Village
and Cap D'Ail. The capital of the Riviera - Nice - is also well worth
a visit for its outstanding Matisse Museum.
Paris
The French capital is one of the most stimulating cities on earth.
Although described countless times, words still fail to capture the
exact quality that renders Paris enduringly seductive. Is it the elegance
of the tree-lined boulevards? The radiance of the light? The magnificence
of the architecture? The style and ambience of the cafes? Come find
out for yourself...
Biarritz
Biarritz is a sophisticated coastal town in French Basque Country,
which first became popular with the aristocracy and then with wealthy
British tourists in the mid-19th century, when Empress Eugenie (the
wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country
and built a Palace on the beach at what is now the world class Hotel
de Paris. Today, Biarritz draws a cosmopolitan crowd from all over
the world. The beaches, casinos, golf courses and surfing spots have
made it a haven for outdoor-loving sun worshippers. Make a visit to
the Museum of the Sea, which contains a vast aquarium and research
centre.
Chateau de Versailles
Built by Louis XIV in just 40 years, the Chateau at Versailles is
one of the most stunningly beautiful attractions in France. Designed
to be the court and the capital of France. Versailles is of gigantic
proportions (the western facade is nearly 2,000 feet wide) and masterpieces
by French artists and craftsmen were used by Louis XIV to showcase
the power of the French Monarchy. Visit the splendid Galerie des Glaces,
the Salon d'Apollon, the Royal Chapel and the Petit Appartement. There
is also a park of over 200 acres surrounding the Chateaux. There you
will find the Grand Trianon, Louis XIV's summer private residence
and the Petit Trianon, built by Louis XV and which became Marie-Antoinette's
favorite retreat. DETAILS: 15 miles West of Paris - A13 Freeway, exit
Versailles - 01 30 84 74 00.
Lourdes
Even if you are not a devout Catholic, or seeking miraculous cures,
Lourdes is a fascinating stop on any itinerary. Just over six million
Catholic pilgrims arriving each year can't be wrong! Lourdes was little
more than a village in 1858 when Bernadette Soubirous experienced
the first of eighteen visions of the Virgin Mary in a spot called
the Grotte de Massabielle. You can visit the Grotto and the Shrine,
reputed to seat over 20,000 people at one time. Visit any of the hundreds
of shops which sell innumerable, and sometimes very kitsch religious
souvenirs. Lourdes is not only a pilgrimage city, it is also a very
charming little Pyrenean town. Wander through the town and discover
a very rich historical and natural heritage from the fortified castle
to the Pic du Jer, as well as Lourdes Lake and the many very interesting
private museums.
The Parc National des Pyrénées
Created in 1967, the Pyrenees National Park extends about 100km along
the French-Spanish border and covers an area of 460 sq km. The park
contains an amazing array of high-altitude lakes and contains the
highest point in the French Pyrenees, the 3300m Sommet du Vignemale.
The protected fauna of the park include the brown bear, lynx, chamois,
marmot and endangered birds of prey such as the bearded vulture and
golden eagle. The park is popular for rock-climbing and hiking and
there are many marked trails, some of which are linked with Spain.
Why not stay in one of the well-known mountain cabins, basic accommodation
which will get you truly back to nature.
The French Alps
Travel to the majestic French Alps and discover the legendary snows
of France's great ski resorts. There are resorts such as the Trois
Vallées, linking Courchevel, Méribel, La Tania, and
Les Menuires. The network of interconnected ski lifts stretches so
far you can ski there for weeks without going over the same route
twice. The mythical Mont Blanc, the "rooftop of Europe." Is awesome
The French Alps are actually more popular in summer than they are
during the winter season. When the ice and snow melts, beautiful craggy
hills and lush meadows are unveiled creating an ideal destination
for walking, biking and climbing, or just taking in the pure mountain
air. |
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| Travel facts |
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Visas
Nationals of the EU, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Israel
do not require visas to visit France as tourists for up to three months.
Except for people from a handful of other European countries, everyone
else must have a visa.
Health risks
Your main risks are likely to be sunburn, foot blisters, insect bites
and upset stomachs from overeating and drinking.
Time
GMT/UTC +1
Electricity
220V, 50Hz
Weights & measures
Metric
Weather & appropriate clothing for France
The Île de France lies in a temperate climate zone.
In general, Paris sees warm and sunny summers. Winter is the rainy
season, although you will find few extreme conditions, such as heavy
snow showers or biting frosts.
The best seasons are spring and autumn. Prepare for a rain shower
at all times. A warm jacket or coat is advisable. The Advent is also
an excellent time for a visit: the city is brilliantly illuminated,
and cultural activities abound.
Mid-summer is not always a good time. As many Parisians leave the
city in July and August to go on holiday in the country, Paris may
seem unusually deserted.
Paris is a fashion centre par excellence. Many inhabitants dress elegantly
or at least originally. If you choose to wear casual clothing, you
might find yourself ill at ease, especially at night when people go
out wearing classy and conspicuous clothes. |
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| Other useful facts |
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Full country name
French Republic
Area
547,000 sq km (213,330 sq mi)
Population
59 million
Capital city
Paris (pop 10.95 million)
People
92% French, 3% North African, 2% German, 1% Breton, 2% Other (including
Provençal, Catalan & Basque)
Language
French (also Flemish, Alsacian, Breton, Basque, Catalan, Provençal
& Corsican)
Religion
90% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, 1% Muslim, 1% Jewish, 6% unaffiliated
Public holidays
1 January - New Year's Day
late March/April - Easter Sunday & Monday
1 May - May Day
8 May - Victoire 1945
May (40th day after Easter) - Ascension Thursday
mid-May-mid-June (7th Sunday after Easter) - Pentecost/Whit Sunday
& Whit Monday
14 July - Bastille Day/National Day
15 August - Assumption Day
1 November - All Saints' Day
11 November - Remembrance Day
25 December - Christmas |
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| Main tourist offices |
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Maison de la France
Prinsengracht 670
1017 KX Amsterdam
Tel. (020) 62 03 141
(0900) 112 23 32
informatie@fransverkeersbureau.nl
www.fransverkeersbureau.nl
Maison de la France
Guldenvlieslaan 21
1060 Brussels
Tel. (02) 513 07 62
(0902) 88 025
info@france-tourisme.be
Office du Tourisme
Bureau d'Accueil Central
Av. Des Champs-Elysées 127
Tel. (0) 1 49 52 53 54
Fax : (0) 1 49 52 53 54
Daily: 9am - 8pm.
Metro: George V, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile.
www.francetourism.com
Bureau Gare de l'Est: Tel. (0) 1 46 07 17 73
Bureau Gare du Nord: Tel. (0) 1 45 26 94 82
Bureau Gare de Lyon: Tel. (0) 1 43 43 33 24
Hotelservice
Office du Tourisme: Tel. (0) 1 49 52 53 54
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