France Travel - Hotels, Sightseeing Tours, Attractions, Information
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France has long been synonymous with champagne, fine wine, romance and the Eiffel
Tower, but its endless list of beautiful destinations leaves plenty for you
to savour. Paris is the
essence of all things French, a thriving city that demands to be experienced
in every sense. From the Louvre to the Arc De Triumph and Notre Dame, wander
the streets and become intoxicated by its unique culture. Perhaps a beach getaway in Nice
is more to your liking, or if you’re looking for a resort-style lifestyle,
then escape to Biarritz
on the south-west coast - renowned for its top European surfing. Otherwise, tantalise your taste buds with wine from the Loire Valley and
Bordeaux, or
experience the gastronomic delights of Lyon.
Actual News
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While sightseeing with a big group offers fantastic value for travelers, you can make your Paris experience more personal by upgrading to a small group tour.
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Saint Tropez by Minivan Spend a day exploring Saint Tropez, the famous French Riviera port which is home to luxury yachts, designer boutiques and upmarket cafes. Stop in Port Grimaud for a boat trip through the canals before driving back via the stunning panoramic views of the Golden Corniche.
Royal Garden Champs Elysees Hotel Paris
Whether it is for business or leisure trip, the Royal Garden Saint Honore is an
ideal location in Paris. Located in the heart of the business and fashion
district of Paris, Royal Garden Champs Elysees Hotel is close to the Haute
Couture shops of the Champs Elysees, the famous art galleries of the Faubourg
Saint Honore and the beautiful Parc Monceau. This hotel proposes 72 spacious,
calm and elegant rooms including 20 suites and apartments equipped with
kitchenette, balconies or terraces and are decorated in typical French style
with the modern comforts. Experience the cooked buffet breakfast under the glass
roof of the Relais Vermeer Restaurant or relax in your room with a fine
continental breakfast. The hotel offers 4 meeting and conference rooms for
people travelling on business matters. The spa centre, situated at 4 level of
the hotel, is a haven of peace after the hustle and bustle of Paris.
Click here for last minute offers -
Click here for more information and Booking Details
Provence is one of the most beautiful regions of France with ever-changing
landscape. In the mysterious Camargue there are wild horses and bulls, pink
flamingoes and an annual Gipsy Festival. Then there are the agricultural
lands of the Rhône, the soaring majesty of the Alps and the vast fields of
lavender and herbs for which the region is famous. Artists, amongst others
Van Gogh and Cézanne, have been capturing the spirit of Provence since time
immemorial.
France has been synonymous with romance for longer than your grandmother
cares to remember, so whether you visit Paris or the Pyrenees, the Côte
d'Azur or an auberge de jeunesse, be sure to keep your fantasies in check,
your expectations in line and your joie in your vivre.
The French wrote the book on la vie en rose and gave
the world champagne and camembert, de Beauvoir and Debussy, the Tour de
France and the Tour Eiffel. There's a term for their seductive lifestyle -
Douce France (Sweet France) and you'll find yourself using it often.
Although the ubiquity of Levi's and Le Big Mac flusters the country's
cultural purists, anything from a year in Provence to a weekend in Paris
will explain why half the world grows dreamy over stalking Cyrano's streets
or picnicking Manet-style sur l'herbe.
This country has been synonymous with romance for longer than your
grandmother cares to remember, so whether you visit Paris or the Pyrenees,
the Côte d'Azur or the auberge de jeunesse, be sure to keep your
fantasies in check, your expectations in line and your joie in your
vivre.
France has some of the most beautiful and lively cities and tourist
attractions in the world. These sites not only play host to descending
tourists and curious travelers, they also shield the raw beauty of
unexplored regions and unique fests from the rest of the world.
The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Church, museums and galleries, walks along
the canals, houseboat cruises, beach sports, water sports, island tours,
winter sports in the Alps and
Pyrenees, a game of boules on the street,
walks through the Paris streets are just some of the attractions that draw
people to France. The rolling slopes and vineyards of
Champagne, the
farmlands of Normandy, the historic sites at
Lorraine and Strasbourg, the
Celtic heritage of Brittany (a coastal town), the Gothic Cathedrals and
green pastures in the medieval town of Burgundy, the châteaux and churches
in the volcanic city of Auvergne, the
French Alps of Rhone and the grand
palaces and gorge in the Loire Valley are some other places that you may
visit. more about the tourist
attractions in France
Travel to Paris - City of Ligths - The Greater Paris
area is full of attractions for all ages. Greater Paris, epitome of romance
and gastronomy, and among the world’s renowned tourism destinations, spills
over with historic landmarks, cultural treasures and other gems. Classic
“musts” include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe, yet
those delights are only a start for exploring the City of Light.
Travel to Nice
- Located in south-east France, perched on the Mediterranean coast halfway
between Monaco and
Cannes, where the Alps and the
Paillon River meet the sea, Nice is a picturesque holiday destination with
much to discover. Nice is the un-official capital of the French Riviera, and
a good base for exploring the
Cote d’Azur. It is an ideal destination for lovers of sun and sea, with
touches of history thrown in for good measure. From Baroque architecture to
Rococo Belle Époque, from Impressionism to the New Age, the Cote d'Azur has
an impressive cultural heritage that adds to the glamour and beauty already
inherent in the area.
Travel to Marseille - Known as the heart of the Mediterranean,
Marseille is the oldest city in France. It is a dynamic city; as
cosmopolitan now as when it was first founded as an international shipping
port some 2,600 years ago. The city is a showpiece: a medley of brilliant
white stone rising above a picture perfect seaport framed by enormous
neo-Byzantine churches. The winding alleyways of the old town reveal ancient
buildings that await your discovery. Marseilles is also well known for its
beaches, for its 35 miles of gorgeous coastline, and for its superb
bouillabaisse. A dynamic creative centre for musicians, filmmakers, theatre
directors and fashion and furniture designers it is an exciting place to
visit. Hotels Marseille -
Last Minute Hotels Marseille -
MARSEILLE Sightseeing
Tours Events & Attractions
Travel to Strasbourg - capital of Alsace, is a picturesque city,
worth your discovery. Located near the French-German border and close to the
River Rhine has a lot of activities and sightseeing opportunities worth
experiencing. Discover its famous cathedral, bask in the unique atmosphere
of the picturesque old quarter, stop for lunch at a corner café or explore
the city on foot, by bike or by boat; no matter how you choose to experience
the place, you are bound to be in for a good time.
Travel to Toulouse - Taller than the Eiffel Tower, the Millau
Bridge spans the valley of the River Tarn, near Toulouse. One of the
bridge’s pillars is only 40ft shorter than the Empire State Building and
cars travel a dizzying 270 metres above the ground. Toulouse itself is
France’s fourth largest city and the gateway to the Pyrenees. Modern,
vibrant and full of culture, Toulouse has everything you could wish for –
including a riverside beach on Place de la Daurade – and, for nightlife,
head over to the Vieux Quartier.
Hotels Toulouse -
Last Minute Hotels Toulouse
Marseille Airport Private Arrival Transfer
So you have arrived safe and sound in the beautiful Provence area, now what?
Book your private arrival transfer from Marseille Airport to ensure a smooth
transition to your Marseille hotel, Marseille Train Station, Port of
Marseille or Aix en Provence hotel. Don't waste time and money arguing with
cab drivers at the airport, simply book today to be whisked away!
It’s hard to generalise about France, as Charles de Gaulle once remarked,
‘how could one describe a country which has 365 kinds of cheese?’ Yet there
is something about this magnificent land which draws millions of
francophiles back year after year for a taste of la vie française.
Could it be 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 village? Or perhaps it’s a tour of
the majestic châteaux of the Loire that appeals, the glamorous jet-set
lifestyle of the Mediterranean, or a relaxing picnic in Provence, where the
air is fragrant with wild herbs and lavender? Consider also the delights of
other lesser-known regions such as Franche-Comté, Gascony or Berry, deep in
the green heart of France, regions firmly rooted to the land, whose sleepy
villages offer visitors a chance to sample the true douceur de vivre of
provincial France.
There is no denying that France is a land of great contrasts, offering an
endless choice of interesting and enticing destinations, a rich diversity of
landscapes, cuisines, climates and peoples, with an exceptional cultural
heritage. It’s easy to see why the French stay at home for their holidays
and why they so felicitously call their country La Belle France.
Cycle along the Loire Valley from Orleans to the Atlantic Coast 15
days / 14 nights Starting from EUR €1,633.75 per person, twin share
The Loire Valley has been listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. This
independent cycling trip offers you a unique chance to absorb the history in
detail of this region. The itinerary will lead you through the valley of the
River Loire to the Atlantic Coast. If you're keen to experience the culture
of France on an extended vacation, this tour offers just that! This tour is seasonal and only operates from March through to October
only.
France and its regions offer
spectacular sites and diverse scenery. There are many wonderful choices that
will appeal to every type of traveler, from the simplest to the most
sophisticated. We encourage you to explore the regions more....
Facts for the Traveler
Area
:
547,030 square kilometer
National Capital
:
Paris
Coastline
:
3,427 kilometers
Geography
:
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
Terrain
:
Mostly flat plains or gently rolling
hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees
in south, Alps in east
Time Zone
:
GMT + 1 Hour
Elevation Extremes
:
lowest point: Rhone River delta -2
m; highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m
Population
:
60.5 Mio (2004)
Language
:
French 100%, rapidly declining regional
dialects and languages (Provençal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican,
Catalan, Basque, Flemish)
Currency
:
EURO
Climate
:
Generally cool winters and mild summers,
but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean
Natural Resources
:
Coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber,
zinc, potash.
Religion
:
Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 2%, Jewish
1%, Muslim (North African workers) 1%, unaffiliated 6%
Visas: Nationals of the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and Israel do not need visas to visit France as tourists for up to
three months. Except for the citizens of a handful of other European
countries, everyone else must have a visa. To apply, you'll need a passport
(valid for a period of three months beyond your departure date from France),
a ticket in and out of France, proof of money and possibly of
accommodations, two passport-sized photos and the visa fee in cash. Tourist
visas cannot be extended except in emergencies (eg medical problems). You
might try calling the Préfecture de Police (tel 01 53 71 51 68) for
guidance. If you don't need a visa to visit France, you'll almost certainly
qualify for another automatic three-month stay if you take the train to
Geneva or Brussels and then re-enter France. Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time) Dialling Code: 33 Electricity: 230V ,50Hz Weights & measures: Metric
When to Go
Spring offers the best weather to visitors, with beach tourism picking
up in May. Temperatures aren't too bad in autumn, although the short days
mean limited sunlight and the cold starts to make itself felt towards the
end of the season, even along the Côte d'Azur. Winter means playing in the
snow in France's Alps and Pyrenees, though the Christmas school holidays
send hordes of tadpoles in uniform scurrying for the slopes. Mid-July
through to the end of August is when most city dwellers take their annual
five weeks' vacation to the coasts and mountains, and the half-desolate
cities tend to shut down a bit accordingly. The same happens during February
and March.
Events
The French are a festive bunch, with many cities hosting music, dance,
theatre, cinema or art events each year. Rural villages hold fairs and
fetes, which celebrate everything from local saints to agricultural
progress. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in Provence is the venue for a colourful
gypsy festival in late May honouring Sarah, patron saint of the gypsies.
Enthusiastic singing and dancing characterise this extravaganza. Prominent
national days off are May Day (1 May), when people trade gifts of muguet
(lily of the valley) for good luck; and Bastille Day (14 July), which is
celebrated by throwing firecrackers at friends. Regional events include the
primping and preening prêt à porter fashion show in Paris (early February);
the glittering and often-canned Cannes Film Festival (mid-May); the
International Music Festival in Strasbourg (first three weeks of June); the
mainstream and fringe theatre of the Festival d'Avignon (mid-July to
mid-August) and the Jazz Festival in Nancy (9-24 October).
Saint Tropez by Minivan
