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From the rolling wine country of Provence to the pristine beach
paradises of the Côte d'Azur, France is sure to have you soaking in the
joie de vivre. Sipping coffee at a Parisian café or taking in the
masterpieces at the Louvre are European experiences that can't be missed.
Home to a sophisticated savoir-faire, exquisite cuisine and a wide variety
of cheeses (stinky and otherwise), a visit to France is an adventure for
all the senses.
Fast Facts
- Capital: Paris
- Population: 61 million
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Time Zone: EST plus 6 hours
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
History
The borders of modern France are quite similar to that of ancient Gaul.
Conquered by the Romans in the first century, the region adopted Roman
speech, culture and, eventually, Christianity. In the fourth century, a
Germanic tribe known as the Franks invaded from the east, giving the
country its present-day name. As one of the earliest countries to progress
from feudalism to the nation-state, its monarchy began in 987 and reached
its culmination with the reign of Louis XIV, beginning in 1643.
In
the seventeenth century, France was a dominant power (and the most
populous country) in Europe. However, extravagant spending and expensive
military campaigns led to a sharp decline and the revolt of the people.
The French Revolution culminated in the establishment of the First
Republic in 1792, although France would revert to forms of absolute rule
or constitutional monarchy four different times. The most famous of these
reversions came when Napoleon Bonaparte appointed himself as First Consul.
Napoleon developed a number of innovative military strategies that led to
many successful campaigns and surprising victories, as well as some
spectacular failures.
Despite France's ultimate victory in World
War I and II, the wars brought great losses of troops and capital. In
fact, more than half of France's public sector was appropriated by Germany
during their four-year occupation. After the war, France established the
Fourth Republic, which was replaced in 1958 by the Fifth Republic, ushered
in by General Charles de Gaulle. Since then, France has constructed a
presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in
earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and
cooperation with Germany have been pivotal to the economic integration of
Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the
euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts
to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an
EU foreign policy.
Weather
Summers are warm, especially in the south. Winters are wet and cooler,
with snow in the mountains. Pack lightweight clothes in the summer; don't
forget your beachwear if you think you might head to the coast. Bring warm
clothes for winter, especially in mountainous regions.
City Highlights
Paris
Arrive in Paris, France and start exploring the splendid French
capital. See the sights on both banks of the Seine: Arc de Triomphe,
Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, Champs-Elysées and more. For a panoramic view,
take the elevator up to the first floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. Of course you
also visit Paris's greatest treasure, the Gothic NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL with
its gleaming stained-glass windows. You can also join an optional
excursion to the lavish baroque Palace of Versailles.
Then
discover for yourself what this extraordinary metropolis has to offer by
exploring the world capital of chic and style at your own pace. Visit the
fashion houses and boutiques, take your pick from 90 fine museums
including the Louvre, stroll through magnificent parks, promenade along
the Champs-Elysées. You'll never run out of things to do and see.
If you want to go further afield, join an optional excursion to
the great impressionist Claude Monet's home in the Seine Valley. After
dark, check out some of the gourmet restaurants and irresistible shows.
Ask your host for more suggestions and reservations.
Nice
Arrive in Nice, France, and start exploring on your own. Known as the
"Queen of the Riviera," Nice is an enchanting resort. Sightseeing features
the elegant Promenade des Anglais and a walking tour through Old Nice with
its colorful flower market. Lined with cafes and hotels, both modern and
Belle Epoque, museums and posh apartments, the Promenade des Anglais is a
long wide road which runs the length of the seafront at Nice. Walk across
it and you're on the beach beside an unbelievably blue Mediterranean.
Then discover for yourself what this delightful resort has to
offer. There are many pleasures to be discovered on and around the
Promenade des Anglais. Take your pick from fine museums and elegant shops.
On the Avenue des Baumettes, there is the Musé des Beaux-Arts Jules. And,
in a little park on Rue de France just off the promenade, there is the
Musée Masséna, named after a local boy who was made a Napoleonic general.
Need to relax? Take a short walk back to the beach and enjoy the view
across the bay to the Cap d'Antibes and the fortified Port Vauban, which
was built to defend Antibes and France from the Niçois. Enjoy a lazy
afternoon dip in the sparkling Mediterranean. For excitement, Monte Carlo
and its casino are only a short drive away.
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