Introduction

It is nigh impossible not to like France because the late French president Charles de Gaulle once remarked that how could one describe a country which has 365 kinds of cheese? There are many attractions in this deeply compelling and multifaceted land that draw millions of visitors back year after year.France’s  fairnesses are manifest, whether it is the chic boulevards of Paris, the sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches, a dusty game of boules, or coffee and croissants in an undiscovered place.A tour of the majestic chateaux of the Loire, the glamorous jet-set lifestyle of the Mediterranean, or a relaxing picnic in Provence, where the air is fragrant with wild herbs and lavender? France, the largest country in Europe, is bordered to the north by the English Channel , the northeast by Belgium and Luxembourg, the east by Germany, Switzerland and Italy, the south by the Mediterranean with Monaco as a coastal enclave between Nice and the Italian frontier , the southwest by Spain and Andorra, and the west by the Atlantic Ocean.

Where to Go What to see in France

As the  most popular tourist place in the world, France manages to be all things to all people. For city slickers, Paris is one of the world’s truly great cities, with a myriad of attractions and diverse eating and drinking experiences. Few major tourist attractions of France lie in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, the trendsetter and a city of unparalleled chic. Also known as the City of Lights, Paris is a patron of the arts and artists.Some major attractions are :
  • The Grand Louvre
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Gustave Alexandre Eiffel
  • Musee d’Orsay
  • Rodin Museum
  • Centre Georges Pompidou
  • Musée Picasso Museum
  • The Palace at Versailles.

 

France Activities

France’s major sports activities are : Skiing,Hiking,Cycling,Horse riding,Golf,Spectator sports,Traditional sports&Traditional boules also called pétanque and Wine tours.

France Country & Tourist Information:

  • Location:Western Europe.
  • Area:545,630 sq km (339,054 sq miles) (not including overseas territories).
  • Population:60.9 million (2006 estimate).
  • Population Density:111 per sq km.
  • Capital:Paris.Population: 12.7 million (2.2 million in the city; 10.5 million in the suburbs) (2006).
  • Government:Republic since 1792.
  • Language:French is the official language, but there are many regional dialects. Basque Breton
  • Religion:Approximately 83% Roman Catholic; Protestant 2%; Muslim 5%; Jewish 1%; unaffiliated 9%.
  • Time:GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
  • Electricity:220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are widely used.
  • Head of Government:Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin since May 2005.
  • Head of State:President Jacques Chirac since 1995.
  • Telephone:Country code: 33.
  • Internet:Public access is available at Internet cafes in most cities.
  • Media:France enjoys a free press and has more than 100 daily newspapers.
  • Post:Stamps can be purchased at post offices and tabacs.
  • Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1200.
  • Radio: Radio France Internationale (RFI) , Europe 1 , RTL

France Weather:

A temperate climate in the north; northeastern areas have a more continental climate with hot  summers and cold winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with some snowfall in winter. The Jura Mountains have an alpine climate ,Lorraine, sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate. Mediterranean climate in the south; mountains are cool with heavy snow in winter.European clothing is required, according to season. Light  clothing for summer in all areas and waterproof winter gear for the mountains all year round. In winter evenings ,the Mediterranean resorts often require a sweater or jacket  .

France Food & Dining

With the exception of China, France  provide a more varied and developed cuisine than any other country. Almost all restaurants offer two types of meal: à la carte and le.

  •  National specialties: Ratatouille niçoise, the stew of courgettes, tomatoes and aubergines. In the north of France fish and shellfish are the star features in menus. Alsace and Lorraine are the lands of choucroute  and kugelhof ,a special cake, quiche lorraine and tarte flambée . Lyon , the heartland of French cuisine, though the food is often more rich than elaborate. A specialty of this area is quenelles de brochet ,pounded pike formed into sausage shapes and usually served with a rich crayfish sauce. Desserts include these , soufflé grand-marnier; oeufs à la neige ,meringues floating on custard; mille feuilles ,layers of flaky pastry and custard cream; ganache ,the chocolate cream biscuit and fruit tarts and flans.
  • National drinks:Wine is the most popular alcoholic drink in France, and the choice changes according to region.Star French apéritifs are Pastis, Ricard or Pernod. The region of Nord Pas de Calais and Picardy brews beer and cider, Alsace is said to brew the best beer in France, coffee is always served after the meal, and will always be black, in small cups, unless a café au lait  is requested. Brandies  like Armagnac and Cognac and liqueurs  like Chartreuse and Genepi are also available.
  • Nightlife:In major cities such as Paris, Lyon or Marseille, there are many nightclubs which  are sometimes free of charge, but drinks are likely to be more expensive.

France Visa Information
  •   Passports:Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
  •   Visas: Not required by all nationals of countries  for the following durations:(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.