A Beginner’s Guide to France
It may surprise you to know that, of all the places there are to visit in the world, France is the most popular holiday destination of all. With its glorious architecture, stunning beaches, bustling cities, tranquil villages and a culture that is steeped in history, France encompasses everything that even the most seasoned holidaymaker could wish to find. It also has dynamic sporting resorts and wonderful nature attractions, making it a fine destination for practically any kind of holiday.
Think of France and you think of wine and food; there are world-famous restaurants serving the most modern and exciting cuisine in the world and there are sleepy fishing villages that offer simple, traditional fare with a glass from the local vineyard. Nothing beats the authentic regional cooking of this famous gastronomic destination – it has to be tasted in situ to capture the true impact of quality produce and faultless cooking.
France, more specifically Paris, is synonymous with romance. It is a city that boasts enough culture and experience to melt the hardest of hearts. Steeped in myth is the cathedral of Notre Dame, inspiration to Victor Hugo’s famous love-story about the deformed and doomed bell-ringer, Quasimodo. The Eiffel Tower offers unbridled views of the city’s splendour, allowing you to choose other destinations, such as the Champs Elysee or the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa. And, of course, there is the famous Parisian café culture, perhaps no longer reeking of Gitanes, but certainly a laid-back chance to watch the world go by. Or, if you are travelling as a family, it is worth remembering that France now plays host to Mickey Mouse’s European home: Disneyland Resort Paris.
Eastern France is true wine country; the regions of Alsace, Champagne, Loire and Burgundy offer some the world’s most famous and revered wines, as well as the famous ‘vin jaune’ from the Jura mountains.
Sporting enthusiasts and thrill-seekers are well served by the Alps, which offer Olympic-standard skiing in winter. Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix have all hosted the Olympic games at one time or another, but if your tastes are more sedate, there are picturesque mountain towns to explore, such as Chambéry, Annecy and Grenoble.
Roman influences can be felt strongly in the South. A trip to Arles will provide stunning testaments to Roman architecture and ingenuity; the construction of a canal that connects the city to the Mediterranean Sea is just one of the reminders of Rome’s influence across the whole of the world. The South of France also goes hand-in-hand with glamour and the high-rolling lifestyle. Monte Carlo plays host to many spectacular casinos and the luxury yachts that nestle in its harbour serve as an enviable reminder of the kind of wealth you need to finance that sort of living!
As France’s popularity continues unabated, many of the major travel companies are offering cheap flights and accommodation. There are many other options available; cottages4you.co.uk offers an impressive list of self-catering homes from which you can plan your visit. Alternatively, Hostelbookers.com is a good resource for locating hostels in your chosen destination and, to get there, try Flymonarch.com for cheap flights. A quick spot of research on the Internet will provide you with more than enough travel alternatives to consider.