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Whether it's gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavour or cultural
cachet you're looking for, there's no doubt that France still
sits right at the top of the European heap. France is the country
for which the word chic was invented - seductive and aloof,
old-fashioned and forward-looking, but always characterised
by a certain je ne sais quoi.
The country that gave the world champagne, casseroles and Camembert
is justly famous for its cooking, and you'll find there are
plenty of places to indulge yourself. But while France is undoubtedly
a place to eat and drink to your heart's content, there's much
more to this fascinating country than cutting-edge cuisine.
Main Places to Visit
Paris - Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris. Ascend by an elevator to the viewing
platform on the 1st level for a dazzling panoramic overview of the
bustling city and the River Seine.
Built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World Fair), held to
commemorate the centennial of the Revolution, the Tour Eiffel was
the world's tallest structure at 320m (1050ft) until Manhattan's
Chrysler Building was completed.
Cannes - Film Festival
During the film festival in May, Cannes is crammed with more money,
more bubbles, more mobile phones and more cleavage than Hollywood.
Cannes has pleasant beaches, great shops, and oodles of poodles.
Like elsewhere along the coast, Cannes' star ascended in the 19th
century when an influx of London's high society built here. Synonymous
with its two-week film festival, the city basks in its glow for
the rest of the year, but also hosts an ever-increasing number of
other festivals and congresses.
Disneyland
Disneyland, A world-class family attraction with an array of thrilling
rides, incredible shows, parades and discover the fantasy and excitement
at this enchanting amusement park, which guarantees nonstop fun
and action
Grevin Wax Museum
Grevin, a legendary site of entertainment since 1882, created by
Alfred Grevin a cartoonist and his friend Gabriel Thomas a brilliant
wit, is a three dimensional mirror of topical events, a world of
fun, a Time machine. With the know-how born of 120 years of experience,
the Grevin is the symbol of the distinguished art of waxwork. In
the 18th century, a German named Curtius revived the fashion for
wax studies. He had for his assistant his niece, the future Madame
Tussaud, who by 1789 replaced him. Upon the death of her uncle she
went to London and opened her wax museum. Three hundred wax figures
of superstars, major political leaders, international celebritiaes,
top models and sports heroes are waiting to be photographed with
you.
Cathedral
If Paris has a heart, then this is it. Notre Dame de Paris is not
only a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, but has also been
Catholic Paris' ceremonial focus for seven centuries. The cathedral's
immense interior, a marvel of medieval engineering, holds over 6000
people and has spectacular rose windows.
Although Notre Dame is regarded as a sublime architectural achievement,
there are all sorts of minor anomalies, the result of centuries
of aesthetic intervention. These include a trio of main entrances
that are each shaped differently, and are accompanied by statues
that were once coloured to make them more effective as Bible lessons
for the hoi polloi. The interior is dominated by a 7800-pipe organ
that was restored but has not worked properly since.
It's well worth the effort of climbing the 387 steps of the north
tower. This will bring you to the top of the west facade and face
to face with many of the cathedral's most frightening gargoyles,
which enjoy a spectacular view of Paris.
Chamonix
Chamonix lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the French
Alps. Reminiscent of the Himalayas, the area is dominated by deeply
crevassed glaciers and the cloud-diademed peak of Mont Blanc. The
Aiguille du Midi, a solitary spire of rock near Mont Blanc's summit,
has postcard-perfect views.
When to go
Spring offers the best weather to visitors, with beach tourism
picking up in May. Temperatures aren't too bad in autumn, although
the short days mean limited sunlight and the cold starts to
make itself felt towards the end of the season, even along the
Côte d'Azur. Winter means playing in the snow in France's Alps
and Pyrenees, though the Christmas school holidays send hordes
of tadpoles in uniform scurrying for the slopes. Mid-July through
to the end of August is when most city dwellers take their annual
five weeks' vacation to the coasts and mountains, and the half-desolate
cities tend to shut down a bit accordingly. The same happens
during February and March.
Facts About France
Full Name
French Republic
Capital City
Paris
Area
547,030 sq km
211,208 sq miles
Population
60,400,000
Time Zone
GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)
Daylight Saving Start
last Sunday in March
Daylight Saving End
last Sunday in October
Languages
French (official)
Religion
86% Roman Catholic, 8% Muslim, 2% Protestant 1% Jewish, 3% unaffiliated
Currency
Euro
Country Dialing Code
33
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