Welcome to
FRANCE
Offical name: République Française (French Republic)
Capital: Paris
Form of Government: Republic
Area: 643.801 km²
Population: 65.2 million
Other major cities: Marseilles, Nice, Cannes, Lyon, Dijon, Strasbourg,
Colmar, Bordeaux, Toulouse
Known for its sophisticated culture, romantic chateaux, picturesque countryside,exquisite cuisine, fine wine, outstanding museums and sparkling coastline, France is a country that offers incredible diversity. The variety of attractions in the country is so great that there’s something for everyone, from romance to cuisine to nature.
Besides it's capital Paris, the highlights of other regions include Mont Saint Michel, ski resorts Chamonix Valley, Monte Blanc and the Alps in the east, Marseilles, St. Tropez, Cannes and Nice, delightful coastline Côte d’Azur turquoise blue sea and great beaches along the Southern French Riviera. Strasbourg and Colmar, known for their blend of the French and German landscape architecture or visit vibrant purple lavender fields in Provence in July. Bordeaux or Burgundy are recommended destinations for wine-adorers.
There are countless UNESCO World heritage Sites dotted around France. Every city in France its own picturesque ambience. It has a wealth of historical monuments: Greek, Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic.
Paris
Paris, not only the capital of the France but also the capital of fashion, arts and architecture. One of the most iconic places on Earth, it is known as ‘the city of love’.
You can visit the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, take a stroll down the Champ-Élysées , enjoy a panoramic view from the Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triumph, cruise along the Seine river, visit the grandiose Versailles Palace or explore Paris's diverse landscapes.
Palace of Versailles
The magnificent Palace of Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage Site for 30 years and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art.
It was the residence of Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI of France and their courts from 1682 to the French Revolution in 1789. Admire the palace's architecture and its beautiful rooms, such as the famous Hall of Mirrors. Enjoy free time in its stunning French-style Gardens of Versailles.
Amiens
Amiens is about an hour north of Paris, in Hauts-de-France region. This town is famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the church is renowned for its magnificent Gothic facade of intricate sculptures and detailed spires. It is the largest Gothic cathedrals in France. Another UNESCO World Heritageis the Beffroi D’Amiens (Amiens Belfry), stood firmly in the Place au Fil since the 12th century. The belfry is a part of a list of 56 towers found in Belgium and Northern France that hold a UNESCO title. Once serving as a prison and as the city’s first city hall, today, the tower represents Amiens’ independence from feudal power. Vistors can climb the 100-something steps to the top for sweeping views over the city.
On the canal banks, stand the pretty little houses of the medieval Saint-Leu district. The bright façades are now home to bars, restaurants, antique stores and workshops. Relax and enjoy a coffee at one of the impressive cafes paired with the view of the Cathedral….
Annecy
Often called the "Venice of the Alps" because of its picturesque waterways, Annecy is a gem of the historic Savoy region at the heart of the northern French Alps. The lake is glorious, bordered on all sides by mountains and with crystalline waters. Annecy has all the trappings of a fairy-tale scene, with white swans gliding through peaceful canals and a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Adding to the enchantment, the Old Town (Vieille Ville) is a winding maze of mostly pedestrian, cobblestone streets lined with graceful buildings. Pastel-painted houses feature ornamental wrought-iron balconies and colorful geranium-bedecked windowsills. The small stone bridges over the canals make perfect photo. You may lose yourself staring at scenery most of the time!
Auxerre
Auxerre is the fourth-largest city in Burgundy, has a prestigious cultural heritage, the legacy of its Gallo-Roman, medieval, gastronomic and winegrowing history! Noted for its production of Burgundy wine, Chablis.
Beaune
Beaune is one of the major wine centres in France . The town is surrounded by some of the world's most famous wine villages, while the facilities and cellars of many producers, large and small, are situated in Beaune itself. With a rich historical and architectural heritage, Beaune is considered the "Capital of Burgundy wines".
Hotel Dieu in Beaune
A medieval Hospital of Beaune, known as ‘Hôtel-Dieu’, built for the poor at the end of the Hundred Years War in 1443.
Hotel Dieu, Beaune
By Velvet -wikimedia.org, CC BY 3.0
Beaune
By Go Travelling , Public Domain
Bordeaux
The capital of the world’s wine industry, Bordeaux, capital city of the New-Aquitaine region is not only famous for its vineyards and top-notch wine labels, but has more to offer.
The city’s historic center has been renovated to its original glory, with 18th-century grandeur, first-rate museums, ancient churches and vibrant neighborhoods. The banks of the Garonne River are now lined with gardens, parks and open-air cafés. This recent makeover has made the city known as The Pearl of Aquitaine , and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century.
For wine lovers, some of the villages for your wine adventure are Saint-Émilion, The Médoc, Canon Fronsac, Sauternes and Graves.
Burgundy
Burgundy, in French Bourgogne, is one of the largest regions of France. A historic wine region, Burgundy produces some of the most exclusive wines throughout the world. Known worldwide for its prestigious vineyards and its authentic cuisine, this beautiful rural region will delight you with its peaceful farmland, quaint villages, lush forests, stunning rivers and glittering lakes. Some of the beautiful villages in Burgundy are Mâcon, Chalon-Sur-Saone, Auxerre, Dijon, Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Meursault, Vézelay, Sens, Irancy, Cluny, Brancion and Chateauneuf – en – Auxois, Chablis and Beaujolais. Whilst touring the Burgundy Wine Region, you will be surprised to encounter village names that you’ll recognize from the labels of your favorite wine of Burgundy: Chablis, Meursault, Beaujolais….. Savor some of its great wines as you go!
Irancy
By Olivier Colas -wikimedia.org, CC BY 3.0
Cannes
With its wonderful climate and chic reputation, Cannes is a great place to visit. On France’s sparkling Riviera, every May, the elite of the world’s movie-making industry descends upon this city for the Cannes International Film Festival.
La Croisette, a boulevard that runs along the coast, ilined with fine sandy beaches, luxury boutiques and palaces. This boulevard also houses the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a modern building with its red carpet, and the Allée des Stars, the Cannes walk of fame.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc
Chamonix
Chamonix has been a world-renowned ski resort ever since the Winter Olympics of 1924 were held here. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in France A bustling Alpine town surrounded by breathtaking scenery, is locateds to the north of Mont Blanc, between the peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and Aiguille du Midi. The Chamonix commune is popular with skiers and mountain enthusiasts, and via the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi. Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you up to 3,842 meters high to a landing of permanent snow and ice, where you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding French, Swiss and Italian Alps. An arresting view down the highest attraction in Europe.
Whether you are searching for the ultimate winter skiing holiday or a superb summer holiday in the Alps, Chamonix with its stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc has something to offer everyone.
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc (Italian: Monte Bianco) meaning "white mountain", it is so called because the mountain is usually cover with snow or cloud mixtures. Standing at a height of 4897m, it is the highest mountain in France, second highest in Europe, after Mount Elbrus, located in southwestern Russia， and the eleventh in the world. The mountain stands between the regions of Aosta Valley, Italy, and Savoie and Haute-Savoie, France. The three main towns that surround Monte Bianco are Courmayeur in Aosta Valley, Italy ; Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Chamonix in Haute-Savoie, France. The stunning area around the majestic Mont Blanc should be on everyone’s bucket list. It's breathtakingly gorgeous!
Champagne
Champagne is a region in the northeast of France. The area is best known for the production of the sparkling white wine that bears the region's name.
The region covers Reims, Épernay, Aube, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne.
The towns of Reims and Épernay are the commercial centers of the area. Reims is the capital of the Champagne wine industry, famous for its cathedral, the venue of the coronation of the French Kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For champagne tasting, many visitors would prefer to visit the smaller town of Epernay. Lying in the heart of "Champagne country", Epernay is home to many of the most famous Champagne producers, including Moët & Chandon or Perrier-Jouët. The town being small, it is easy to visit a number of Champagne houses or cellars on foot. Sipping a glass of champagne in the sun, perfect!
Colmar
A city in Alsace province, along the Rhine River and German border, Colmar is known for its gorgeous flower-decked
half- timbered houses, colorful buildings and quaint canals, Colmar is the live version fairytales town, and was the
inspiration for the Disney film Beauty and the Beast. The famous Little Venice is where you’ll find that picture-perfect row of half-timbered houses lined along the Lauch River surrounded by charming maze of small canals, which has become the "must" venue for photographers from all over the world . A town definitely worth visiting for anyone keen to discover the gentle Alsatian lifestyle!
Among its most beautiful sights include Maison Pfister house, St Martin’s Church, 13th century Dominican monastery , Unterlinden, and many more.
Dijon
Dijon is perhaps best known for its mustard, originated in 1856, by Jean Naigeon. Dijon lies at the confluence of the Ouche and Suzon river, at the foot of the Côte d’Or hills , near a plain of fertile vineyards. Capital of the Côte d’Or, Dijon was home to the Dukes of Burgundy from the early 11th century until the late 1400s. It was a place of great wealth and power and one of the great European centers of art, learning and science. The city has many outstanding architectural heritage, one of the most impressive is The Ducal Palace, remains to this day, surmounted by the tower of Philip the Good. The historical center of the city has been registered since July 4, 2015, as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dijon is nowadays best known as one of the wine capitals of France and holds its International and Gastronomic Fair every year in autumn.
Loire Valley
Set on the banks of the Loire, surrounded by splendid greenery and rolling hills, Loire Valley is 2 hours away from Paris. Known as the ‘Garden of France’, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 2000. It boasts numerous magnificent heritage of fairy-tale like castles, exquisite gardens, religious buildings, a realm of unspoiled nature, great rivers, enchanting countryside, vibrant culture, gastronomic specialities and wines.
Because of its beauty, the Loire Valley was frequently visited by the French kings and noblemen who built stunning castles during the Middle-Ages or during the early French Renaissance, which have all made their mark on France's history. There are over one hundred castles to explore in the Loire Valley.
The Loire Valley is the third largest wine growing region in France and has thousands of wineries dotted throughout the region. Remember savor some of its great wines between your castle visits.
To help you figure out which castles, villages and Cathedrals are worth your time, here is some of the best sights in the Loire Valley!
Amboise
Royal Château of Amboise
Standing proudly on a rocky cliff at nearly 40 meters high, in a commanding position above the town, the Royal Château of Amboise offers magnificent views of the Loire Valley River and the town of Amboise. It was where French kings resided for five centuries.
The Clos Lucé Castle
Last home of Leonardo Da Vinci during the 16th century. Come and admire his models and works, as well as see a replica of the Mona Lisa.
Azay-le-Rideau
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Standing on an island in the Indre River, with a shimmering mirror image of its fairy-tale like facade in the water, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most romantic places in the Loire Valley.
Blois
Blois makes a great base to visit other castles in the area. The historic centre, with picturesque narrow, sloping streets are full of charm and great to stroll around.
Royal Château de Blois
To learn about the secrets of the French Court and about the life seven French kings and ten queens, whom left their marks in the château’s architecture. It is one of the finest château in the region.
Robert Houdin Magic Museum
In front of the castle, the Robert Houdin magic museum is dedicated to magic and illusion. Visitors can discover the history of magic, as well as collections of magician's tools.
Bourges
Cathédrale Saint-Etienne
The charming old town of Bourges is crowned by the UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, ranks among the most splendid of French cathedrals built in the 12th-13th centuries.
Chambord
Chambord Castle
The grandiose Chambord Castle is the biggest château in France, one of the most awe-inspiring and one of the most visited castles in the Loire Valley. It was constructed as a hunting lodge and to impress foreign dignitaries. You’ll be amazed by the architecture and the diversity of nature in Chambord.
Chartres
Chartres Cathedral
Chartes is a lovely town worth exploring while in the Loire Valley, as it is home to the world famous UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral. An important pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages, and it remains so to the present, attracting large numbers of Christian pilgrims, many of whom come to venerate its famous relic, the Sancta Camisa, said to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ's birth, as well as large numbers of secular tourists who come to admire the cathedral's architecture and historical merit. This awe-inspiring French Gothic church crowned in an elevated position, with its soaring spires visible from a distance.
Chaumont
Château de Chaumont
The castle seems like it came straight out of a fairy tale, that has inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Chaumont hosts the annual “Festival International des Jardins”, a garden festival in which different landscape architects and artists, design the gardens of the château around a selected theme. The display of flowers and colors are a sight to see!
Chenonceau
Château de Chenonceau
The château de Chenonceau, located at the heart of the Loire Valley, is a sight to behold . One of the most beautiful representations of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. As grand as the castle, are the exquisitely landscaped gardens. Sound and light shows take place on summer nights, entitled "In the time of the Ladies of Chenonceau".
Cheverny
Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny is considered to be the most lavishly furnished castle of the Loire Valley castles, as you’ll discover the interior decor are well preserved. It is also known for being a source of inspiration in the comic book, The Adventures of Tintin.
Chinon
Explore the narrow streets of the historical center, with its pretty half-timbered houses and old dwellings, is like going back in time. Among them are the Red House (Maison Rouge), one of the oldest in the city, the former Bailiwick's Palace and the Hôtel des Etats Généraux, a mansion now housing the Museum of Old Chinon.
Chinon is fame for its varieties of red grape, like the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, and their rosé grapes Several cellars are open to the public if you would like to sample the region's finest wines.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town enjoys an ideal location at the heart of the Loire Valley.
Royal fortress of Chinon
A genuine royal fortress that still has its vast defensive walls intact . It offers a stunning view above the River Vienne.
Orleans
Capital of the Loire Valley and the second largest town after Tours, Orléans is a good base to begin exploring the region. Inseparably bound with the history of Joan of Arc, who helped lead the French to victory against the English when Orléans was besieged in 1429.
The main places of interest to visit are the impressive cathedral 'Ste-Croix' ; Hotel Groslot and its statue of Joan of Arc, a charming red-brick town house; and the re-creation of Joan of Arc's house on Place General-de-Gaulle.
Sully-sur-Loire
Château de Sully-sur-Loire
The Château de Sully-sur-Loire, the former residence of the dukes of Sully, is medieval fortress, encircled by wide moats filled with water, complete with multiple turreted towers and rampart walk. It is ike the castles of fairy-tale imagination.
Worth seeing as well: the Notre-Dame-de-Nantilly Romanesque church, which contains a magnificent 16th- and 17th-century tapestry collection.
Tours
Set the heart of the Loire valley, on the banks of the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours was the capital of the kingdom of France in the 15th and 16th centuries. The old town and its famous Place Plumereau are the beating heart of Tours. This pedestrian square is surrounded by typical half-timbered houses, flanked with restaurants and cafés, attracts a cosmopolitan crowd of local residents and tourists. Next, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Gatianus , with a richly decorated Flamboyant façade. Don't overlook the city's green spaces, take a stroll in the lush, verdant Prébendes d'Oé garden. Sample some Nougat , round cake made with almonds and candied fruit, a specialty of the city.
Vendôme
Vendome enchants visitors with its idyllic tranquil atmosphere. The Loir river runs through it, and you need to cross a bridges to visit between the two sides of the town. Along the way, notice the pretty riverside houses.
At the center of Vendôme is the old half-timbered houses on Place Saint-Martin, the Trinity Abbey, a remarkable religious monument with its Flamboyant façade, Romanesque bell tower, the Chapelle Saint-Jacques, a Gothic chapel now used for cultural expositions and 16th-century wooden stalls covered market . The castle of the Bourbon-Vendômes offers a stunning view of the historic centre!
Villandry
Château de Villandry
This is the reference in terms of French gardens. François I wanted to outcompete Italy and its architecture, that’s why we have so many beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley. Villandry is one of the latest châteaux built during the Renaissance period, it is well-known for its splendid gardens.
Lourdes
The fortunes of Lourdes changed spectacularly overnight when in the mid-1800s the Virgin Mary appeared to a young French nun named Bernadette Soubirous. This small town in the Pyrenean foothills soon became one of the world’s most frequently visited pilgrimage sites, and today Lourdes attracts some six million visitors a year who come in search of physical healing and spiritual salvation. Visit the three basilicas of this important sacred site, dedicated to Saint Pius X, Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception respectively. See the Massabielle Grotto, which according to legend, Bernadette Soubirous witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary. In the surrounding area, many natural springs famous for their healing properties and miracles, for which so many people travel to Lourdes.
Marseille
Marseille is the oldest and second largest city in France. The Old Port has been in use since 600BC. No visit to Marseille would be complete without a stroll around the Old Port, a visit to the modern MUCEM (The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), and a taste of the traditional bouillabaisse, famous fish soup of Marseille .
Le Panier district is the oldest in the city and is the place to witness traditional architecture and vibrant street art . You’ll not miss the Byzantine Romanesque Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, the most visited monument in Marseille. Marseille is also famous for its traditional hard soap, produced for about 600 years.
Meursault
A charming village, Meursault is rich in religious heritage including the Town Hall , a beautifully renovated Romanesque building at the entrance to the village, as well as the Church of St Nicolas, a protected Cluny site. Meursault, land of the great white wines, produces mainly white wines from Chardonnay grapes, is
surrounded by several châteaux with the finest cellars in Burgundy.
Mont Saint Michel
Icon of the northern French coast, a magical island crowned by a medieval monastery. It is one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations. This holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay.
By Ridoe-Pixabay
Nice
The French Riviera known as Côte d'Azur, extend from Cassis on the west to Menton, the French-Italian border in the east, where the Italian Riviera joins.
Nice has been a hangout for the well-heeled for hundreds of years. Many people have flocked here for the food, the wine and the stunning light. There are a ton of fun things to do in Nice: from lazy days spent at beautiful local beaches to a beautiful flower market and shops, it is no wonder that the city has inspired many artists over the years.
Take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, the pedestrian walkway that stretches for 7 kilometres along the coast, separating the sea from the city, soak up the sights of the gorgeously blue Mediterranean sea.
Nice is the gateway to the to explore the dazzling Côte d'Azur coastline. If you have more time, you should explore, the nearby Principality of Monaco, the fashionable resort town of St Tropez, the bustling seaport city of Marseille, the legendary resort of Cannes, the nearby countryside of Provence, with its lavender fields and charming hilltop villages, pristine sandy beaches of Antibes, and the Italian Riveria.
Eze Village
Eze Village is a medieval village located between Nice and Montecarlo, perching on a rocky out crop, overlooking the turquoise sea of the French Riviera. Visit one of the perfume laboratories and learn the secrets of the Art of Perfumery.
Grasse
Grasse is the world's perfume capital. Since the end of the 18th century, the perfume manufacturing industry has been prosperous. Now there are more than 30 perfume factories and a perfume museum. There are also perfume shops of various brands in the center of the town, which is a good place to pick up souvenirs.
Menton
Menton is the easternmost town on the Cote d’Azur. It is the border between French Riveria and Italy Riveria. The main highlight in the city is the small colorful houses near the pier. The main cultivation is lemon.
Rouen
The charming city of Rouen is the capital of Normandy, located location between Paris and the port of Le Havre on the banks of the Seine.
Rouen is a vibrant city defined by beautiful architecture, creative minds and a storied past. Whether it’s a working medieval clock, a record-breaking cathedral , its colourful half-timber buildings and or sights that recall the final days in the life of Joan of Arc, it is a city that is sure to steal your heart!
Provence
The Provence extends from the left bank of the lower Rhône to the Italian border . A gorgeous sun-drenched landscape , with patchwork farmlands, and lavender fields have inspired many paintings.
Provence has so many picturesque villages and unmissable attractions . Each of the village has its own charm and its traditions. Most visitors to Provence are to visit Avignon’s UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes ; Arles, a lovely town with a captivating Provence ambience, landmarks painted by Vincent van Gogh; Marseille, the oldest town of France ; Nîmes renowned for its ancient Roman buildings and the stunning lavender fields in Luberon Valley, with its charming villages of Sault and Gordes . The lavender blooms from around the last week of June to the beginning of August when it is harvested.
Avignon
Avignon, on the Rhône River, is one of the few French cities to have preserved its city walls.
No trip to Avignon would be complete without visiting the majestic Pope’s Palace (Palais des Papes). The largest gothic palace in the world, the Palace dominates the Avignon cityscape and draws all eyes to its sturdy towers.
After touring the palace, wander through the narrow streets and take a stroll on the Avignon Bridge. If you find yourself humming the popular nursery rhyme “Sure le Pont d’Avignon”!
Next, stroll up to the Rocher des Doms gardens for unbeatable views of the city. The historic centre, which includes the Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the Pont d'Avignon, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Arles
Not far from Avignon, Arles is another large city on the Rhône River, steeped in history and cultural significance, the Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981.
Many artists have lived and worked in this area because of the southern light, including Italian Pablo Picasso and the Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889, and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. Some of his best-known works were painted here. Art lovers, follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh to see the scenes of the artist's famous paintings.
The iconic landmark of Arles, The Amphitheatre, dating back to the 1st century AD, is the largest and best preserved ancient monument in Arles. The Amphitheatre is still part of the city’s cultural life, holding bullfights and concerts. Next, the Place de la République, stands the lovely Romanesque Church of St. Trophime, featuring high ceilings and stunning monuments dedicated to Saints and the Cloister at St. Trophime, with every pillar telling a story. Not to miss is the Les Alyscamps, reveals the remains of ancient Arles' vast Gallo-Roman-era necropolis.
Luberon Valley
Luberon Valley is a wonderfully off-the-beaten-path area of Provence. The area's enchanting quaint little villages and gorgeous unspoiled countryside are some of the top attractions of Provence. Some of the beautiful villages here are the picture-perfect Hilltop Village of Gordes; Sénanque Abbey, encircled by a peaceful environment of lavender fields and rolling hills; Ménerbes, clinging to a rocky spur overlooking the Luberon Valley; Lacoste, a dainty village renovated by Pierre Cardin and Sault, where the annual lavender festival takes place every year on August 15th .
The Idyllic, peaceful Provençal ambience, a perfect place to escape from the city and enjoy some quality relaxation.
Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 km to the Roman colony of Nîmes. The Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges, and one of the best preserved. It was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1985 because of its historical importance.
Pont du Gard, Gard
By Benh LIEU SONG -wikimedia.org, CC BY 3.0
Saint-Tropez
This sun-drenched resort town offers gorgeous sandy beaches, featuring pine trees, olive groves, cypresses and exclusive beach clubs along with a delightful historic village, full of old-world charm, mediaeval network of streets and plenty of fine architecture, around the picturesque old port.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is located at a crossroads between the Latin and Germanic cultures, it has a unique architectural heritage, the entire city centre has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1988.
With its awe-inspiring cathedral, charming burghers' houses, and elegant Louis XV buildings, Strasbourg has a distinctive old-world character. The quaint cobblestone streets and picturesque canals of the ancient quarters (on the Grande-Île) invite visitors to explore the city.
Strasbourg was chosen as the capital of the European Union because the city became a symbol of reconciliation after the Second World War. The Palais de l'Europe is used as the principal building for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Shop at the Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)
Strasbourg's Christmas Markets has been a tradition since 1570. Every year, throughout the city's historic center, amazing Christmas illuminations blend perfectly with the wonderful lighting designed to enhance the town’s heritage. Around 300 stalls selling Christmas decorations, artisanal gifts, gingerbread, and other seasonal Alsatian delicacies.
By AdobeStock - All rights reserved
Monaco
A sovereign state on the French Riviera
Offical name: Principality of Monaco (Principauté de Monaco)
Capital: Monaco-Ville
Head of state: Prince Albert II
Form of Government: Constitutional Monarchy and Principality
Area: 2.02 km²
Population: 36,000
The principality of Monaco sits on the Mediterranean Sea in all its glory. One of the smallest independent states in the world, second only to the Vatican, boasts wealth and glamour all year round.
Discover the magnificent The Rock or Le Rocher which is a large rocky promontory , historic Monaco, also known as Monaco-Ville, stand the Palais du Prince, home to the oldest monarchy in the world. Monaco-Ville is full of charming narrow alleyways and impressive landmarks, such as the picturesque Place Saint Nicolas, the Chapel of Mercy, Palais de Justice and the Cathedral, a Roman-Byzantine style building, the resting place of numerous members of Monaco’s royal family, including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.
The glittering Monte Carlo Cassino, is one of the most famous casinos in the world, as it was built in the flamboyant Beaux Arts style in 1893. Don’t worry, you can keep your purse strings firmly shut; simply stroll around the lavish square ‘Place du Casino’, and indulge in a good spot of people watching. This splendid square features an impressive fountain, a terrace with superb views of the coastline and the elegant Opera house, built in 1878, by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Opera House in Paris. Monte Carlo is also known for its Formula One Races that take place every year in May.
French Cuisine
The French take pride in their cuisine: wine, desserts, seafood gourmet, meat staples and many more. Whether it's a simple croissant or a classic dish like escargot, French food always has a gourmet feel to it.
Foie Gras
By takedahrs - Pixabay
Onion Soup
By Arnaud 25 - wikimedia.org,
CC BY-SA 4.0
By Go Travelling, Public Domain
Escargots
By Go Travelling, Public Domain
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By Paul Arps (paularps) - wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.0
By Go Travelling, Public Domain
Here’s a list of mouthwatering French cuisine you may like to try while in France.
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Baguette: long bread stick
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Soupe à l’oignon: French onions soup
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Croque Monsieur/Croque Madame: ham and cheese grilled sandwich while Croque Madame is the more heavy version with ham, cheese and a fried egg on top
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Escargots: snails
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Foie Gras: goose liver pate
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Ratatouille: vegetable stew
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Bouillabaisse: seafood stew and typically made with fresh bony fish, shellfish, mussels, vegetables, herbs and olive oil.
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Boeuf bourguignon: stew made from beef braised in red wine, beef broth, and seasoned vegetables including pearl onions and mushrooms.
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Tarte flambee: a type of crispy, thin-crust pizza that comes from Alsace and is usually topped with crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions, and lardons.
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La Quiche Lorraine: salty pie made with cheese and ham. It is a traditional cuisine from northeastern France.
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Cheese: the French are known for their love of cheese. There are over 400 kinds of cheese, delicious cow's milk cheeses ('fromage de vache') and goat's milk cheeses ('fromage de chevin'). Camembert, Brie and Roquefort (blue cheese) are some of the best known cheeses and eaten all over the world.
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Wine : Particularly in the regions of Burgundy, Champagne, and Bordeaux, France is home to some of the world’s leading vineyards. This means you are sure to have plenty of chances to enjoy wines of every variety.
French has invented some of the best and most decadent desserts in the world. From colorful macarons to light-as-air puff pastries to paper thin pancakes, here are some desserts to try while you're there.
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Pain au chocolat: similar to a croissant filled with chocolate
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Crepes: very thin pancakes with filling
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Macarons: sweet cookies filled with butter cream or jam sandwiched between two meringue-based cookies.
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Tarte aux Fruits: fruits tarts
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Tarte Tatin: baked apple tart
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Chocolate soufflé: a light, airy dessert
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Chocolate eclair
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Madeleine
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Croissant
France is a fantastic European travel destination at any time….
There’s no doubt that a French holiday is something you will remember forever.
Let us assist you to create an unforgettable memory for your next trip.
Simply drop us an email with your tour request and expect our prompt response for your tailor-made quotation based on your needs and expectations!