Travel Guide France with travel tips for France
France, land of amour, is a country extremely rich in history, food, wine, and the arts. It is roughly the size of Texas, with about 64 million inhabitants. Its capital is Paris, and other major cities include Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Strasbourg, Nantes, and Bordeaux. It is bounded in the north by the English Channel and in the south by the Mediterranean Sea, so the weather varies greatly between the two ends. The southern cities have a predominantly mediterranean climate, while the northern regions are more temperate but not too extreme or unpleasant.
History
France was originally inhabited by the Gauls, who were eventually defeated by the Roman empire in the 1st century B.C. After the Romans fell, the Germanic tribes overran the country. Out of these tribes grew the first French dynasty, the Franks. From then on, France was ruled by kings and queens until the French revolution in 1789, when Napoleon took over and ruled as emperor. He was defeated in the famous Battle of Waterloo, after which France was ruled as a quick succession of ineffective republics. After victories in both world wars, France is currently in its fifth, and so far successful, republic.
Culture and Sightseeing
Any traveler in France must see the capital, because of its beautiful art, architecture, and rich culture. The Eiffel Tower, the Musee d'Orsay, and the Louvre are all high on the list of sights to see, as are Notre-Dame and the gardens of Versailles. For those wishing to travel outside of Paris, there are many things to do in the other provinces, like seeing the Musee des Beaux Arts in Nice, or admiring the Chateau of the Breton dukes in Nantes. Travelers looking for some warmer fun should travel to St. Tropez or Cannes, especially during the time of the International Film Festival, as Cannes is infinitely more exciting, but busier, at this time.
Eat & Drink
The French love their food, and it must be appreciated, or at least tried by any serious visitor. In addition, France is home to some of the world's best wine and cheese, and is the only home of true Bordeaux wine, which is named for the region from which it originates. Famous French dishes include escargot, foie gras, crepes, and bouillabaise. Most French dishes are rich and unconventional, given American tastes. However, there are many restaurants that cater to tourists and serve watered-down versions of French cuisine, perhaps for a less discerning palette.