Travel Destination: France
About France
France is synonymous with romance, sophistication and high-end lifestyle. It is part of the European Union and G8, a group of industrialised countries found in the northern hemisphere. It is a developed country with culture both loved and maligned at the same time. It is an interesting spot for dining, skiing, wining, kissing, golfing and sight-seeing. France is a land of mixed vibe, interesting flavours and impressive finds.
The sun shines brightest in the islands of France where exotic landscapes meet Caribbean cuisine thrown in with modern cities and a good measure of sailing and cruising. If you want to sample the sun and sand, there are plenty of islands to explore. Martinique has white- and black-sand beaches, Guadeloupe has glorious festivals, Saint Martin and Saint Bart’s have prime sailing destinations and regattas, French Guiana has a wild exciting side, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon have sub-arctic landscapes and Reunion Island has picture-perfect beaches and coconut trees. If that is not enough, Mayotte, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna offer more.
City travel provides contrast to the free-spirited island tour but it has its own interesting discoveries. Popular tourist cities in France are Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Toulouse, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg and Toulon.
Paris is the most visited city for its magnificent beauty and numerous attractions which include the Champs Elysees, Grand Palais, Quai Branly, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera National de Paris, Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre and Arc di Triomphe. It is the ultimate destination for those who are looking forward to pure pampering of the senses and luxe lifestyle.
Lyon, on the other hand, is an ancient city complemented with the scenic Croix Rousse hills. Festival of lights, jazz concerts, gastronomic delights, dinner cruises, river boat excursions, old town tours, museums and shopping at Le Passage Thiaffait are just some of the highlights in this city.
Marseille is a gentle town with a rich history. Its mellow lifestyle is beautifully punctuated with idyllic rocky creeks. The best place to view this picturesque city is from the Notre Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s highest natural point. It is a neo-Byzantine style basilica with interiors so dazzling because of the mosaics and ex-voto collection. From Vieux Port, you can also embark on a journey to La Panier, the Town Hall, Vieillie Charite museums and Accoules church to learn more about the city’s history. Don’t miss the Castle of If (Chateau d’If), an old fortress built in 1524 during the reign of Francois I. It became a state prison in the 18th century and was immortalized in Alexandre Dumas novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. Cap your night off with some jazz performance at Pelle Mêle.
Lille is a city in northern France known for its botanical gardens and quaint charm. Visit the Jardin botanique de la Faculté de Pharmacie, Jardin botanique Nicolas Boulay and Jardin des Plantes de Lille. Include in your itinerary the Hospice Comtesse, La Piscine Art and Industy Museum and Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, the largest French museum outside of Paris. A national monument the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Treille or Lille Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Church constructed in 1854 is also a must-see.
So many things to see, so little time, that’s France for you, a country full of pleasant surprises.