France Hotels - France Best Travel Destinations Hotels Reservations

HOME

FRANCE TRAVEL INFORMATION

SITE MAP

ABOUT US

France Travel Information

About France

Located in Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain.

Due to its Overseas Territories and Departments, France straddles three of the world's oceans, namely, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. These territories are a mosaic of climates, landscapes, cultures, traditions and lifestyles, which give a multi-colored, exotic flavor to this country.

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...

Paris is home to more than 2 million people, with another 10.5 million living in the Ile de France area. The river Seine bisects the city into the Rive Droite (Right Bank) north of the river, and the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) south of the river. Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements or districts that radiate from the city centre.

Unmissable sights include the Musee du Louvre, Notre Dame cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. The Louvre dates back to 1200 when it began life as a fortress. It became a public museum in 1793. A glass pyramid entrance designed by architect IM Pei was added in the 1980s. Brave the crowds and wander through rooms full of paintings, sculptures and antiquities including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Paris begs to be discovered...
The cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the most outstanding achievements of Gothic architecture ever built. Completed in 1345, its massive interior can accommodate more than 6000 people. Its spectacular rose windows are world-famous. View the cathedral from the Square Jean XIII just behind it to see the ornate flying buttresses that support its walls and roof. The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most prominent and instantly recognizable landmark. Surrounded by open areas on both sides of the Seine, it was built for the World Fair of 1889 to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Three levels of the tower are open to the public.

The Champs-Elysees is the city’s most famous boulevard. Elegant and broad, it links Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe. Standing at the intersection of twelve avenues, the Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his imperial victories. Paris begs to be discovered, to be explored, to be experienced. Create your own Parisian experience. View the city from the basilica of the Sacre Coeur, get your portrait done in Montmartre, take a bateau mouche down the Seine, stroll down the wide boulevards, sip caf? au lait in sidewalk cafes and pastis in smoky Gitane-wreathed bars, dine in the fashionable Latin quarter, sunbathe in the Jardin du Luxembourg. No matter how many times you visit, Paris offers something new and exciting each time.

The Eiffel Tower
Built for the International Exhibition of Paris in 1889, which commemorated the centenary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower is probably the best-known French landmark. Standing at over 300 meters and weighing 7000 tons, the tower was one of the world’s tallest buildings until 1930. The view over Paris from the top is breathtaking.

The Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the base of the four pillars including the famous La Marseillaise by Fran?ois Rude. The day the Battle of Verdun commenced in 1916 the sword carried by the figure representing the Republic broke off. The figure was immediately hidden to conceal the accident to try to avoid any undesired associations or interpretations as a bad omen. Engraved around the top of the arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame lies under the Arch.

Notre Dame Cathedral
A masterpiece of gothic architecture designed by Maurice de Sully, Notre Dame was built between the 12th and the 14th centuries. Until the French Revolution the cathedral remained relatively unchanged. Admire the stunning building from the Place du Parvis or take the energetic 387-step climb to the top of the towers for an amazing view of the city. Check out the statuesque gargoyles adorning the cathedral.

Bordeaux

France's premier wine-producing town...
Victor Hugo once described Bordeaux as a curious, original and unique town. Founded in the 3rd century B.C., it is famous for wine. The 1000 sq km wine-growing area around the city is France’s most important producer of top-quality wines, producing more than 850 million bottles in 1997. The region produces many varieties - reds, ros?s, sweet, dry and sparkling wines - all according to strict government guidelines.

The city itself boasts an air of 18th century elegance with its neoclassical architecture, wide avenues, and attractive public squares and parks. The centre of town lies between Place Gambetta and the Garonne River. The fascinating Musee d’Aquitaine on Cours Pasteur chronicles the history and ethnography of the Bordeaux area from 25,000 years ago up until the 19th century.

The Centre d’Art Plastique Contemporain places just as much emphasis on showcasing the work of up and coming artists as it does on the works of established names such as Jackson Pollock. Stroll in the elegantly landscaped Jardin Public along Cours Verdun or in the oasis of calm and flowers that is Place Gambetta. The city’s principal shopping area is just east of here along the pedestrianised Rue Porte Dijeaux. Check out the Galerie Bordelaise, a 19th century shopping arcade located at the junction of Rue Porte Dijeaux and Rue Sainte Catherine.

For a great selection of cafes and restaurants head for the Place de la Victoire, the Place du Parlement or the Rue de Parlement Sainte Catherine. Sample some of Bordeaux’s lively nightlife by checking out the city’s late night dance venues on the Quai de Paludate. Recover the next day in a sunny open-air cafe along the Garonne.

Lyon

World Heritage City......
The capital city of the Rhone Alps region, Lyon was classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO in December 1998. Founded more than 2000 years ago, the city was initially named Lugdunum by the Romans, who saw it as an important crossroads between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Alps.

Today, France’s second city is a fascinating mix of architecture, cultures and people. One of the most charming districts in town is the Vieux Lyon area lying between the west bank of the Saone and the Hill of Fourviere. Broken into three villages, Saint Jean, Saint Paul and Saint George, Vieux Lyon is home to the largest collection of Renaissance buildings in Europe. Its narrow winding streets are filled with Bouchons - small Lyonnais Restaurants for which the city is famous - as well as street performers, cafes, pubs and the workshops of local artists, craftsmen and sculptors. Take a saunter up one of the quaint Mont?es that meander up Fourviere and you will eventually arrive at the colossal Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Basilica that towers over the city. Climb to the top and take in the spectacular view of the city and its rivers. Just beyond the Basilica is the fascinating Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation which features Roman artefacts found in the Rhone Valley. The larger of the two Roman amphitheatres next door to the museum is used for various cultural events including music concerts, both classical and modern.

The Presqu’ile (peninsula) which lies between the city’s two great rivers is home to fashionable shopping streets such as Rue Victor Hugo. The beautifully elegant Place des Terreaux is at the heart of Lyon civic life and plays host to numerous restaurants, cafes and bars in the most idyllic of settings. Just behind Terreaux on Place de la Comedie is the National Opera House, an amazing architectural example of old meeting new. The trendy Croix-Rousse area is home to the Traboules Lyonnaises - secret passageways that wind for hundreds of metres through and under buildings and streets. Initially used by the Silk traders as short cuts, they were to be used centuries later by the Resistance during the Second World War. Don’t miss the Trompe l’Oeils while in Croix-Rousse. These are huge mural frescoes that cover entire sides of buildings. The commercial part of the city lies east of the Rhone. Here you’ll find the Lumiere Institute which celebrates the Lumiere brothers’ contribution to cinema, and the Tony Garnier Urban Museum, an unusual outdoor museum showcasing the work of this Lyon born architect. Let the spirit of this grand city cast its spell on you.

Strasbourg

Seat of the European Parliament...
The cosmopolitan, north-eastern city of Strasbourg is the intellectual, cultural and economic capital of Alsace. Stylish and atmospheric, it is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Situated just west of the Rhine, Strasbourg lies at the heart of the vital transport arteries that have linked northern and Central Europe with the Mediterranean since Roman times.

The Grande Ile is the hub of both ancient and modern-day Strasbourg. Boasting lively public squares and upmarket shopping streets, it’s a great place to while away an afternoon. Head for the Petite France area southwest of the Grand Ile with its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and riverside parks for a true glimpse of Alsatian atmosphere and charm. The magnificent Cathedrale Notre Dame looms over the town, its pink sandstone glowing. Dating back to 1176, it offers a breathtaking view over the city. Its spectacular stained glass windows alone make it worth a visit. Don’t miss the Musee de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame either.

The city’s finest museum, it has a stunning collection of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance sculpture in both stone and wood. The new Musee d’Art Moderne et Contemporain houses a fine collection of paintings and sculpture from the impressionists to the present including works by Monet, Manet and Chagall. The Palais d’Europe, home of the European Parliament, lies 2km north-east of the cathedral and is open to the public for one-hour tours each weekday.

Intellectual, cultural & economic capital of Alsace...
What makes visiting Strasbourg a real pleasure is its low volume of car traffic. It has the most modern tramway system in Europe as well as being the most bicycle-friendly city in France with a 300 kilometre network of cycling paths. What better way to see the city and get fit after over-indulging in Alsatian specialities? With Alsace boasting the largest collection of star-rated gastronomical restaurants in France, there’s no doubt you’ll be eating and drinking well!

Go To Top

Area

551,000km2. 3,120km of coastline (taking into account all the twists and curves)

Go To Top

Population

60,180,529 (July 2003 est.)

Go To Top

Climate

France has the benefit of a temperate, rather agreeable climate.

Continental France is divided into four climatic zones:

Oceanic and humid climate with often cool summers to the west of a line from Bayonne to Lille;
Semi-continental climate with harsh winters and hot summers in Alsace, Lorraine, along the Rhône corridor and in the mountainous massifs (Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central);
Intermediate climate with cold winters and hot summers in the north, and in the Paris and central regions;
Mediterranean climate with mild winters and very hot summers in the south of France.

Go To Top

Entry

France is within easy access from the U.S. Several major airlines operate directly to and from the country.

Go To Top

Visa

A valid passport is required of all U.S. citizens and foreign nationals entering France. No visa is needed for American visitors staying less than 90 days, unless you are a student planning to study in France. For longer stays, you must apply for a temporary-stay visa, long-term visa or residence card.

Go To Top

Language

The national language of France is French. Most French people who work in the tourism industry and in related fields speak English. Many speak other foreign languages.

Go To Top

Time

From the end of March until the end of October, French time goes from GMT+1 to GMT+2 (GMT = Greenwich Meridian Time).

Go To Top

Currency

The national currency in France ( and in the European Union ) is the Euro. U.S. dollars are not accepted in most establishments; however, some hotels, shops and restaurants may accept your U.S. dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate.

Euro (€): The new French currency
Bills: 500€ / 200€ / 100€ / 50€ / 20€/ 10€/ 5€
Coins: 2€ / 1€ / 50 cents / 20c / 10c / 5c / 2c / 1c. The Euro is divided into 100 cents.

Go To Top

Credit Cards

Credit Cards are accepted in a large number of shops, hotels and restaurants. Shopkeepers often state a minimum amount required to be spent.