Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge Paris, the famous cabaret, was built as a windmill in 1885, and converted to a dance hall in the 1900s. Immortalized by Toulouse-Lautrec posters, and more recently made famous in the aptly titled film, Moulin Rouge, by Baz Luhrmann. Today the Moulin Rouge Paris offers dinner, and several cabaret shows in the evening, featuring the cancan, over 1,000 costumes, and 60 female dancers. For an evening of exciting Paris entertainment, the Moulin Rouge Paris is a top choice.

Paris nightlife is a lively and diverse affair. There are other cabarets in Paris, including the Crazy Horse and Le Lido de Paris. The Crazy Horse is a cabaret venue featuring art of the nude, according to their website. Le Lido de Paris, another historic cabaret, is know for its lavish costumes. In addition to the cabarets, Paris nightlife comes alive in its ever changing scene of dance clubs, and live music venues.

Paris entertainment has always been at the forefront of the world in terms of quality and variety. From opera and jazz, to film and dancing, Paris France is a fanfare for the senses. Paris hosts a multitude of festivals throughout the year, peaking during summer. Two opera houses, the Opéra Bastille and the Palais Garnier host the Opéra National de Paris. There’s also concerts and ballets. There are many rock venues in Paris France, which hosts a large number of international performers. Paris entertainment is also popular for its many dance clubs, nightclubs, and cabaret shows.

Other Paris attractions include world famous museums, dazzling baroque architecture, and extravagant monuments. Visible from much of the city the Eiffel Tower, built for the World’s Exhibition, towers over 1,000 feet above Paris. Previously, the Panthéon was perhaps the most famous monument in Paris France. At a height of 272 feet, the golden domed of the Panthón is an impressive sight. Located in the center of the worlds largest traffic roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe features four carved panels, and stunning views of the city from the top of the monument. On the list of Paris attractions, Notre-Dame cathedral ranks high. Begun in the 12th century, Notre Dame is full of intricate biblical carvings, a giant rose window, and the great bell tolled by the fictional Quasimodo in the Hutchback of Notre Dame.

Paris nightlife is exciting and stylish. With venues all over the city, from the cancan of the Moulin Rouge Pairs, to opera, live music, dance clubs, and theater, Paris France is at the forefront of European cities when it come to thrilling venues. Pick up the entertainment section of an English newspaper, and prepare for an exciting night out.

Mont St Michel

The beautiful region of Normandy France has many sites of interest: the Bayeux Tapestry, Rhone Cathedral, and the D-Day beaches, among others. Of all Normandy’s outstanding sights, Mont St Michel—a UNESCO world heritage site—is the most famous. Its pyramid-like outline has become famous the world over and thousands of tourist flock each year for a Mont St. Michel tour.

Mont St Michel France is situated on a quasi-island on the Normandy coast, near Brittany. At high tide, Mont St Michel is almost entirely separated from the mainland. Only a narrow causeway, constructed in the 1880s preserves a link to the coast. (A bridge to replace the causeway and allow the circulation of tidal waters in the bay is scheduled for completion in 2012.) Beware: the tide comes in quickly—“à la vitesse d'un cheval au galop” (as swiftly as a galloping horse), as Victor Hugo claimed—many tourists have drowned attempting to cross the sandy bay.

Unlike other castles in France, which began as defensive structures (i.e., Carcassonne Castle) or pleasure palaces (i.e., Chenonceau Castle), Mont St Michel had its beginnings as a monastery. There has been a Christian shrine on the site since the 8^th century and the first church was completed in 1144. By the 13^th century, hundreds of Benedictine monks lived in the sturdy structures on Mont St Michel. They held out against the English when most of western France fell during the Hundred Years War.

The graceful Abbey of Mont St Michel that forms the peak of the island’s structures was completed in 1521 after centuries of construction. By the 17^th century, the influence of monasteries was on the wane and by the time of the French Revolution Mont St Michel France was being used as a prison. Like other castles in France, Mont St Michel was falling into disrepair by the late 19^th century. A thorough renovation was begun in 1873. The next few decades saw the construction of the causeway forming a permanent connection to the mainland and the heightening of the abbey’s steeple—it is now over 500 feet above sea level.

Today, Mont St Michel attracts over four million visitors a year, far more than most castles in France, making it one of the most popular things to do on a France vacation. The buildings are is open year-round. Admission is about $10 each ($25 for the four museums), but a guided Mont St. Michel tour is highly recommended (about $10 extra). A Mont St. Michel tour visits several otherwise inaccessible towers and rooms. If your French is up to par, there is a guided Mont St. Michel tour every half hour. English speakers should look for the twice-daily English-language tour (more in high season).

The little town of Mont St Michel France is spread around the bottom of the island outside the religious structures. There are several good hotels and restaurants around the island. There is something peculiarly romantic about spending a night on a rock cut off from the mainland, although the place is somewhat crowded in summertime.

Mont St Michel France has been described as the Merveille de l’Occident (wonder of the Western world). It is easy to see why.

The French Riviera

The French Riviera, known in France as the Cote d’Azur, is a great destination for a holiday. It has a plethora of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez. The beaches of the French Riviera are known throughout Europe as the hottest and most glamourous places to tan, and as the sun goes down, the Cote d’Azur is known for wild all night parties. The coastline features stunning cliffs and sweeping beaches.

Popular cities along the French Riviera include Nice, the capital of the area. Nice is more affordable than many of its cousins, features good beaches, and the old city harbors baroque churches, stylish buildings, and art museums. Nearby, the charming French Riviera towns of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins are nestled on the peninsula. Cannes is known for the fancy enclave of stars that visit its hotels, nightclubs, and beaches. Cannes is full of yachts, shopping, a few objects of cultural significance. Cannes is also famous for the yearly film festival in May. Grasse is famous for its distinct red and orange tile roofs, and the perfume. St. Tropez is another high end Cote d’Azur destination, with plenty of beaches, nightclubs, and a modest collection of museums.

With three different bodies of water along its coastlines France has plenty of water front for its beautiful beaches, and a variety of settings to please any sunbather. From the warm crystal blue water of the Mediterranean Sea, to the long, sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, to the picturesque coastline along the English Channel, France has plenty of options. In addition, French beaches are know for their liberal attitude towards bathing attire, as many sunbathers tan topless, or even nude. For a more wholesome experience there are designated family beaches in some areas. Which coast you hit depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for other France attractions visit Marseille, with its charming street markets, old port, and historic sections. Stout supporters of the revolution, Louis the XIV built two fortresses on the port, with guns facing the city. In addition, France’s national anthem is called La Marseilles, named from the soldiers chanting the tune as the marched to Paris. Normandy is an historic area of France. Also on the list of France attractions is Normandy, home to the D-Day beaches, as well as many charming and picturesque towns. Joan of Arch was burned in Rouen, an ancient, inland town with superb medieval buildings and museums. Mont-St-Michael bay contains a beautiful seascape, with a 264 feet granite wall. Of course, some of the most famous France attractions area in Paris. Paris is a center for museums, restaurants, monuments, and shopping. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre museum, and Notre Dame cathedral all reside in Paris. Bordeaux is home to amazing French wine and Lyon is a historic and well located metropolis, perfect for blitzing into Switzerland, Italy, and the Alps.

The French Alps

A popular area loaded with vacation opportunities, the French Alps were sculpted by glaciers, giving the corresponding valleys a mild climate and rich soil. There are a lot of towns in the area, for what at first glance might seem like an inhospitable and isolated section of France. In fact, the French Alps are loaded with well connected towns, and are popular year round, making them ideal for vacations in France. Divided into two providences, Savoy in the north, containing Mont Blanc, and Dauphine in the south, home to Grenoble, the main city of the alps, the French Alps are a popular and diverse region.

Inspiring craggy peaks and snowcapped mountains rise up in the French Alps, where there are fantastic opportunities for skiers and snowboarders. There are over 200 resorts in the Alps, with Chamonix, Megeve and Val d’Isere being the most popular. Chamonix features the world’s highest cable car, and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, is near Chamonix. Annecy has lantern lit lanes, Chambery contain the most history, and Grenoble is the largest city in the French Alps.

Weather gives way very rapidly and varies from summer to winter. With pleasant weather in the summer the valleys open up to lush green fauna and fields of wildflowers. Hiking, as well as rafting, mountain biking, and canoeing are popular. Paragliding and skydiving are also possible. There are three national parks and four regional parks within the Alps--Vanoise, Ecrins, and Mercantour.

In addition, France tourist attractions are varied and wide including Marseille to the south, with its charming street markets, old port, and historic sections. Stout supporters of the revolution, Louis the XIV built two fortresses on the port, with guns facing the city. In addition, France’s national anthem is called La Marseilles, named from the soldiers chanting the tune as the marched to Paris. Normandy is an historic area of France. Home to the D-Day beaches, as well as many charming and picturesque towns. Joan of Arch was burned in Rouen, an ancient, inland town with superb medieval buildings and museums. Mont-St-Michael bay contains a beautiful seascape, with a 264 feet granite wall. The French Rivera is a popular France tourist attractions. It has a plethora of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez. Of course, the most famous of French towns is Paris. Paris is a center for museums, restaurants, monuments, and shopping. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre museum, and Notre Dame cathedral all reside in Paris. Bordeaux is home to amazing French wine and Lyon is a historic and well located metropolis, perfect for blitzing into Switzerland, Italy, and the Alps. Plenty of cities hold great France tourist attractions, and the French Alps are a beautiful and athletic place to spend a French vacation.

Beaches in France

With three different bodies of water along its coastlines France has plenty of water front for its beautiful beaches, and a variety of settings to please any sunbather. From the warm crystal blue water of the Mediterranean Sea, to the long, sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, to the picturesque coastline along the English Channel, French beaches are varied and plentiful. In addition, beaches in France are know for their liberal attitude towards bathing attire, as many sunbathers tan topless, or even nude. For a more wholesome experience there are designated family beaches in some areas. Which coast you hit depends on what you’re looking for.

The beaches in the south of France, nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, are typically warmer, sandier, and more expensive to vacation in than other areas of France, as the jet set crowed likes to play in the surf on the French Rivera. Nice is one of the the more modestly priced towns, while St. Tropez and Cannes are more posh, along with their coveted sandy beaches in the south of France. Of course, the glamor of a riviera vacation is sometimes worth expense, and the sunny Mediterranean can’t be beat. If you’re feeling a bit risque, there are plenty of natural and topless beaches in France. There are designated family beaches, but along the boulevards nobody seems to mind, or get to out of hand. If you brought your yacht, as many of the celebrities do, don’t limit yourself to the crowded beaches in the south of France, near the cities of the rivera, cruise up the coast and find a less crowded beach.

The beaches in France along the Atlantic are longer and less crowded then their counterparts on the French Riviera, but the bustling hotspots can get every bit as dense. The Atlantic keeps the water cooler than the Mediterranean, and the ocean waves rolling in are a boon to surfers. The northern coastline features the historic D-day beaches, as well as beaches for sunbathing and surfing.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, an icon of Paris, is a wonder of design and structure, and an impressive sight worth getting close to. Lie in the grass at the Champs de mars and gaze up. Ascend the tower for spectacular views of Paris. Return at night with a bottle of Merlot to watch the spectacular light display. The Eiffel Tower tops out at over 1,000 feet, containing 2 restaurants, a souvenir shop, a post office (for that one of a kind postmark), snack bar, and a viewing area.

The world famous Paris tower is a mass of iron designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exposition of 1889 and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930, when New York’s Chrysler building surpassed it. The Paris tower faced criticism, especially from the artistic community of Paris, calling the structure a “truly tragic street lamp.” Allegedly, Guy de Maupassant ate lunch on the lower level of the Paris tower everyday because it was the only view of the city in which he couldn’t see it. The critics were slowly silenced as 2 million visitors ascended the tower in 1889. Today, the Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris, and is embraced by the city.

Fifty tons of paint are used every 5 years to repaint the structure. A permanent light display goes off every hour in the evenings. Skate 187 feet above the Earth, during the winter, as the Eiffel Tower Paris turns the first floor into a rink. The tower has two restaurants, Altitude 95, located on the first floor 95 meters above sea level, and “reminiscent of an airship moored above Paris” according to the Eiffel Tower website. Also on the first deck are a souvenir shop, exhibit on the Paris tower, snack bar, and the post office. On the second floor, a specialty food shop, the restaurant Le Jules Verne, some historical panels, and another snack bar (in case you’re using the stairs instead of the elevator). At the top level, along with panoramic views, is a replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office, complete with wax figures of the man himself.

No Paris travel guide would be complete without mentioning famous Paris attractions including, the Panthéon, a monument dedicated to historical personages of France, housing a crypt containing over 70 people, including Votaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas. Notre Dame cathedral, with its ornate interior is an awe inspiring and popular destination. Pay homage to French author Victor Hugo, and ascend the bell tower for a look at the gargoyles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Worth mentioning in any Paris travel guide is the Arc de Triomphe, located on the famed avenue Champs Élysées and centered in the world largest traffic roundabout. It is a simple, yet daunting monument commissioned by Napoleon. The gothic Saint Chapelle, built in the 13th century, has 15 stained glass windows depicting an entire biblical history.

Also important to mention in a Paris travel guide are some of the world famous museums Paris is home to including the gigantic Louve, which houses the Mona Lisa; the Musee d’Orsay, with artists such as Renoir, Monet, and van Gogh; and the National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, home to a modern art collection.

The Eiffel Tower Paris, still a marvel of structure and design, is a must see stop on any Paris itinerary. Constructed for the World’s Exhibition of 1889, the Eiffel Tower Paris was slow to be embraced, but is now a beloved symbol of Paris, and one of Europe, if not the world’s most recognizable.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is located 19 miles east of Paris. It is a full-featured vacation paradise with hotels, Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios, rides, a golf course, and the magic of Disneyland. With areas like Fronteirland, Fantasyland, and Adventureland, every member of the family is bound to find something to enjoy.

Many outfits offer Disneyland Paris packages including combinations with airfare, and lodging at a Disneyland Paris hotel. There are seven Disneyland Paris hotels at the Paris Disneyland offering a variety of themed lodging and a range of prices from the luxurious high end to the budget vacationer. On the high end the Disneyland Hotel offers Victorian styling and top of the line service. For a more urban stay, with the same luxuries, Disney’s Hotel New York offers Big Apple style. At the mid range the Newport Bay Club emulates a nautical style and Sequoia Lodge is inspired by America’s national parks. Two desert themed Disneyland Paris hotels include the Hotel Santa Fe and Hotel Cheyenne. Scorching desert and cactus and a brush with outlaws in the wild west are some of the highlights. All for modestly priced budgets. Davy Crockett’s Ranch is 15 minutes away, but offers private bungalows in a rustic escape. No matter your tastes, there are multiple Disneyland Paris hotels to fit you style.

Most Paris vacations include a stop at the Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous of Paris attractions. Built for the 1889 World’s Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower tops out at over 1,000 feet. Other popular Paris attractions include the Panthéon, a monument dedicated to historical personages of France, housing a crypt containing over 70 people, including Votaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas. Notre Dame cathedral, with its ornate interior is an awe inspiring and popular destination. Pay homage to French author Victor Hugo, and ascend the bell tower for a look at the gargoyles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Additional places worth a look during Paris vacations are the Arc de Triomphe and the Saint Chapelle cathedral. The Arc de Triomphe, a simple, yet daunting monument commissioned by Napoleon, is located on the famed avenue Champs Élysées and centered in the world largest traffic roundabout. The gothic Saint Chapelle, built in the 13th century, has 15 stained glass windows depicting an entire biblical history.

In addition to monuments, other notable Paris attractions include the world famous museums including the gigantic Louve, which houses the Mona Lisa; the Musee d’Orsay, with artists such as Renoir, Monet, and van Gogh; and the National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, home to a modern art collection. For the darker side of Paris vacations visit the Cimetiére du Pére Lachaise is a hodgepodge of tombstone and shrines. Visitors flock to lay kisses on Oscar Wilde’s tomb, or view rock star Jim Morrison’s grave. The daring should visit the Catacombes de Paris where millions of Parisian’s bones are stacked after the were exhumed from cemeteries to combat a plague. The underground tunnels are thrilling and impressive. From within Europe many Disneyland Paris deals are available that include airfare from popular cities such as London, and lodging at a Disneyland hotel.

Cite de Carcassonne

A traveler approaching Carcassonne France would be excused for supposing that he is coming into a fairy tale world. The fortified city stands majestically on a hill overlooking the lush countryside of the Languedoc and the distant Pyrenees Mountains.

Carcassonne history goes back as least as far as Roman Gaul; parts of the city’s fortifications date from 1st century AD. Located at the strategic intersection of two historic trade routes, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and from Spain to the center of France, Carcassonne’s defenses were strengthened by successive owners. In the 5th century, the Visigoth’s extended the Roman defenses and for many years after Carcassonne Castle proved impenetrable to invaders.

One legend from Carcassonne history is the attempted siege by Charlemagne in the 9th century. According to the story, a Madame Carcas cunning fed the last of the city’s wheat to a pig in full view of the invading army. Believing that the besieged townspeople had an inexhaustible supply of food, Charlemagne retreated from the walls and the town was renamed in honor of the ingenious lady. The story is apocryphal; Carcassonne France took its name (or a version of it) even before the Roman conquest of Gaul.

Carcassonne France came under control of the French crown in 1247. King Louis IX (St. Louis) and his successor Philip III further strengthened the fortifications of Carcassonne Castle and built the “new town” outside the defenses. English troops laid siege to the city during the Hundred Years War, but once again in Carcassonne history, the fortifications proved impenetrable.

Many French castles, such as Chambord Castle and Chenonceau Castle in the Loire Valley, were built not as defensive structures, but as palaces for entertainment. Carcassonne Castle is more like the fortresses along the English-Scottish border (Alnwick Castle in England and Stirling Castle in Scotland, for example), in that its defenses were an essential part of its architecture. For many years, Carcassonne France marked the border between France and Aragon (a kingdom in modern Spain). In 1659, however, the border moved south to the Pyrenees and the Cite de Carcassonne lost its military significance.

For the next several centuries of Carcassonne history, the fortified walls were allowed to fall into disrepair. In the mid-19th century, the French government proposed demolishing the walls. A popular uproar saved Carcassonne Castle and the architect and historian Eugene Viollet-le-Duc was commissioned to restore the medieval fortifications. (Viollet-le-Duc also restored the famed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.)

The restoration, though not strictly authentic, proved a great success. Today, over three million visitors come to Carcassonne France every year. The double walls stretch over 2 miles around a maze of medieval streets and museums. Over 50 towers rise from the fortifications to overlook the River Aude River and the surrounding green countryside. Admission into the walled city is free; tickets to the central Château Comtal are about $10 per person.

The Cite-de-Carcassonne is located in the lovely Languedoc region of France, near the border with Spain. The closest big city is Toulouse, about sixty miles to the northwest.

Chenonceau Castle

The castles in Loire Valley are some of the most visited and best loved attractions in France, a cluster of stately mansions, royal palaces, and extravagant châteaux. The beautiful valley is a great place for a French camping vacation or a day trip from Paris. (Tours, the principal city of the Loire Valley, is about 150 miles from the French capital.) In the heart of the valley, along the River Cher, lies the most romantic French castle: Chenonceau Castle (Château de Chenonceau).

Chenonceau Castle was traditionally a castle for women, and its design shows the delicate touch of its many female residents—so much so that it is often referred to as the château de femmes. Katherine Briçonnet, wife of Thomas Bohier, a wealthy tax collector, began construction of this elegant French castle in the early 16th century.

Katherine and Thomas died, leaving their son was left with massive debts. To settle these, he sold Chenonceau to the French crown. When King Henry II succeeded to the crown in 1547 he gave Chenonceau Castle to his older mistress, Dianne de Poitiers, a legendary beauty of the time.

Dianne is responsible for expanding Chenonceau Castle over the set of arches spanning the River Cher, giving the appearance that the château is floating on water and helping to make it the most beautiful castles in Loire Valley.

After Henry’s death his wife, Catherine de Medici, took possession of this French castle from her dead husband’s mistress. Catherine made many improvements to the chateau, landscaping the gardens and completing the construction of the raised bridge, including a 200-foot long gallery that runs from one end of Chenonceau Castle to the other. Catherine bequeathed this French castle to Louise of Lorraine, the wife of her son Henry III. When Henry died unexpectedly, the Queen entered into a life of mourning, becoming known as the “white queen” for her refusal to remove the traditional white widow robes.

Like many castles in Loire Valley, Chenonceau Castle was never intended to be a defensive fortress and has none of the imposing walls and towers that typify medieval castles, like Stirling Castle in Scotland. Instead, this was an achingly beautiful pleasure palace and is now one of the most popular attractions in France. (The only château with more visitors is Versailles, near Paris.)

Unlike some castles in Loire Valley, Chenonceau was saved from the ravages of the French Revolution by another woman, Louise Dupin, a favorite host in Enlightenment France. This elegant French castle was bought by the Menier family (famous for their chocolates) in 1913. The Meniers restored Chenonceau Castle in the 1950s, bringing the then-dilapidated structure and flood-ravaged gardens back to their former glory.

Chenonceau Castle is open to the public year-round. Summer hours are 9 am to 7 pm (fall and winter hours are shorter). This is one of the busiest attractions in France, so it is best to come early to avoid crowds. Admission is about $15 each. The château contains a wealth of objets d’art: intricately sculpted ceilings, antique furniture, and world-class paintings by Rubens, Correggio, and others. The formal gardens (one laid out for Dianne de Poitiers, the other for Catherine de Medici) are also well worth a visit.

Chartres Cathedral

With its history, inspiring architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, it is no wonder that Chartres Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France along with the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Located less than 100 kilometres outside of Paris, Chartres Cathedral is considered a masterpiece of French gothic architecture, a style that it shares with other cathedrals in France including the famed Notre Dame Cathedral.

As you approach the town of Chartres, you will notice two spires towering above the medieval city’s roofs. They belong to the two imposing towers, measuring a stately 105 metres and 113 metres, of Chartres Cathedral.

The site of the present Chartres Cathedral France has hosted no less than four other cathedrals that were destroyed by fire. One of the most devastating fires occurred when lighting struck the Chartres Cathedral in 1194. According to legend, the town’s people panicked as an ancient relic – the Sancta Camisia, a tunic of the Virgin Mary – was supposed to be inside. Luckily, priests were able to save the precious artefact. This was declared to be an auspicious sign, and it was decided that an even more glorious cathedral should be built on the site. Townspeople were so eager to help with the construction of Chartres Cathedral that many volunteered to haul the heavy stones located in quarries that were five miles away. The soaring structure, which took less than 30 years to build, incorporated the ancient Royal Portal which survived the 1194 fire and dates back to the 1140’s.

One of the main design features of the exterior of Chartres Cathedral France is its numerous flying buttresses. This structural feature is used to accommodate the enormous windows that are located on the inside of Chartres Cathedral. When you step inside its doors, you will note that the upper walls of the choir and nave are composed almost entirely of glass.

The light spilling into the Chartres Cathedral comes from its stained-glass windows which date back as far as the early 13th century. Chartres Cathedral is said to contain one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of medieval stained-glass. The cathedral was originally fitted with 186 windows. During the Second World War, the stained-glass windows of Chartres Cathedral France were actually removed and hidden from harm in the French countryside. Today, you’ll be able to see the 152 that have survived. One of the most stunning features of the Chartres Cathedral stained-glass is its vibrant blue colour which can be fully appreciated by viewing the Blue Virgin window. It is these beautiful windows that help to make the cathedral one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Another design feature that makes Chartres Cathedral one of the most popular tourist attractions in France is its labyrinth. Embedded in the pavement of the cathedral’s nave, the superb 131-foot wide labyrinth is 964 feet long and was walked by pilgrims and monks as a means of contemplation or repentance. Divided into four quadrants, pilgrims would walk its meandering path, gradually moving closer and closer to the rosette design as its centre which symbolizes enlightenment.

Admission to Chartres Cathedral is free of charge. The Cathedral is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

France Events

Though there is never really a bad time to visit this beautiful country, timing your visit to coincide with one of the many exciting events in France can make any trip more memorable.

In France events like the Tour de France are part of the national culture. The most famous cycling race in the world, the tour is a three-week competition with stages across the country. Taking place in July, the tour is one of only two events in France that force the closure of Champs-Élysées (the other is Bastille Day). Watching the end of the race from a vantage point on Paris’s most picturesque avenue is an unrivalled experience.

Of the other great sporting events in France, the best known is the Rolland Garros tennis tournament, more widely known as the French Open. One of the four major tennis competitions, Rolland Garros is the only one that takes place on the clay surfaces preferred by continental European tennis players. It is played over two weeks at the end of May and beginning of June.

France is a country with a long and proud history, and there are many events that celebrate this history. The most important of the historical events in France is Bastille Day, known to the French as Fête Nationale or simply quatorze juillet (July 14th, the date of holiday). The day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, the symbolic beginning of the French Revolution and the abolition of absolute monarchy in France. As with other historical events in France, Bastille Day is celebrated in different ways in different towns, but festivities generally include fireworks, street fairs, and dancing parties (bals du 14 juillet). In Paris, a military parade runs down Champs-Élysées.

Other historical events in France include Armistice Day (November 11), which marks the end of World War I, and D-Day (June 6), which marks the Allied invasion of occupied France in World War II. In France events marking the end of World War II occur on different days, as each city and town celebrates the anniversary of its liberation from Nazi forces. Some of the most entertaining historical events in France are the son-et-lumière (sound-and-light) pageants that take place throughout the summer at châteaux and churches in the Loire Valley.

France wine events clutter the calendar in September, when the first grape harvest begins, and November, when the first wines of the new harvest are ready to be sold. The vendange is the most important of France wine events—this is when the grapes are picked from the vines and wine production begins. It is worth a trip to one of France’s wine producing regions in September or October to see the harvest.

The long awaited release of the first wine of the year—the Beaujolais Nouveau—takes place on the third Thursday in November. Celebrations are most lively in the Beaujolais region and in Paris. Just after this, on the third Sunday of November, comes the most famous of all France wine events. Les Trois Glorieuses, Burgundy’s biggest wine festival, includes the year’s most important wine auction and related events in major Burgundy towns. The Salon des Caves Pariculaires, a huge wine fair at the end of November, is the most important of the France wine events held in Paris.

In France events like the Cannes Film Festival (in Cannes, appropriately enough), the Nice Carnival, or the Monaco Grand Prix bring visitors from across the globe. Planning a trip to include one of these great France events is an excellent vacation idea.

Experience in France

Amble through Normandy

Normandy is a historic and picturesque region, with stunning architecture, sweeping sea vistas, and rolling green fields dotted with farmhouse and cows. Famous for the D-Day landings of June 1944, Normandy France is home to a large history of invasions and battles, dating back to the Vikings in the 9th century. Rouen is an ancient town with superb medieval buildings and museums. Nineteen-year-old Joan of Arc was burned here in 1431. Honfleur is a fishing port with excellent seafood. Hollywood likes to vacation in Deauville, and Monet frequently painted the flower fields. Lastly, don't miss the beautiful seascape at Mont-St-Michel bay.

Walk through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French military, Parisians refer to the Arc de Triomphe as L'Etoile, and revere it as a patriotic symbol of France's history. Located in the center of the world's largest traffic roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe towers 164 feet above the ground. Visitors may climb to the top for an outstanding view of Pairs, and the 12 streets radiating from the roundabout. There's also a museum inside, detailing the history of the monument. The Arc de Triomphe has served as a symbol of victory for France, as well as for the Germans and the Allies, both of which have marched through the arch after victories as they enter Paris.

Ski, Snowboard, Hike, and Bike in the French Alps

Inspiring craggy peaks and snowcapped mountains rise up from the French Alps, which are popular year round. There are fantastic opportunities for skiers and snowboarders in the winter, with over 200 resorts. Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is in the Alps. In the summer, hiking, as well as rafting, mountain biking, and canoeing are popular and there are three national parks and four regional parks within the Alps.

Tour Wine Country in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is famed throughout the world for its wine and countryside vineyards. Rent a car and drive north to the vineyards and find out why Bordeaux wine is some of the best in the world. For some exotic relaxation, take a red wine bath at the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, which is also a hotel and vineyard. For an education in wine, the Ecole du Vin offers lessons about wine in English. At the end of June Bordeaux France has a 4 day wine festival.

Things To Do in France

There's so much to do in France compiling a list of top things to do is difficult. From outdoor activities, to historic monuments, to great food and wine, Paris is a historic and cultural center, with hundreds of top things to do and see. Normandy is a picturesque coastline, with the solemn D-Day beaches. Versailles was the political center of Paris for over a century. The French Riviera has some of the best beaches in the world. These are just a sprinkling of all the wonders France holds.

Climb the Eiffel Tower

Ascend the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of Paris. At over 1,000 feet, the massive structure has two restaurants, a souvenir shop, viewing area, and more. Return at night with a bottle of Merlot and lie in the grass at the Champs de mars, gazing up at the spectacular light display. The Eiffel Tower faced early criticism, especially from the artistic community of Paris, calling the structure a "truly tragic street lamp." The critics were slowly silenced as 2 million visitors ascended the tower in 1889.

Experience art at the Louvre

The Louvre, Paris' world famous museum, was built in the 12th century, and is divided into eight collections. The Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, also called the Mona Lisa, is on display (First Floor/denon/room 13), behind a glass case, roped stanchions, and a throng of museumgoers. Stop by for a look, and then head off to another section to become engulfed in the 35,000 pieces of art on display at the Louvre.

Visit the Palace at Versailles

Located 13 miles southwest of Paris, Versailles was the political capital of France for over a century. Now, a popular tourist destination, visitors come to see the lavish palace, the abundant gardens, and the surrounding sights. Louis XIV built the Chateau de Versailles in the 17th century. No luxury or extravagance was spared. Every corner, ceiling, and wall is detailed with carvings, woodwork, marble, or another exquisite covering. Versailles makes an outstanding side trip from Paris.

Climb the bell tower at the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral is an impressive marvel of medieval architecture. Started in 1163 and completed in 1330, Notre Dame Cathedral has a striking gothic exterior, two broad towers, and plenty of sweeping arches. From the front, the arches above the three entryways, feature stone carvings of royal persona. Inside a 7800-pipe organ and a magnificent rose window from the 13th century, as well as carvings, statues, and saints. Climb the towers and see stone gargoyles, as well as a spectacular view of Paris. The south tower holds the great bell of Notre Dame, as tolled by Victor Hugo's fictional hunchback.

Ride the Matterhorn at Disneyland Paris

Okay, they don't actually have a matterhorn, but Disneyland Paris is a full-featured vacation paradise with Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios, fantastic rides, a golf course, hotels, and the magic of Disneyland. With areas like Fronteirland, Fantasyland, and Adventureland, every member of the family is bound to find something to enjoy.

Attend an A-list Party on the French Rivera

The French Rivera, known in France as the Cote dAzur, is a great destination for a holiday. It has a plethora of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez. France Riviera beaches are known throughout Europe as the hottest and most glamorous places to tan, and as the sun goes down, the Cote dAzur is known for wild all night parties. The coastline features stunning cliffs and sweeping beaches.

When to go to France

When to go to France depends on many factors. The best time for a relaxing vacation is in the off-season. Don't go in July and August--school's out. Oh, and they're out again at the end of October. That's a bad time. Don't go for Christmas; they get two weeks off then, in addition to two weeks in February, and again in April. So any time, not those times, are fine.

During these times, travel in France is at its peak. Expect higher prices, more crowded hotels, and longer queues. Good times to visit France include June and September. The weather's more pleasant than the heat of summer, the French should be working, and everything is still open and geared up for tourists. As the Rivera is scorching in the summer, hit it a little early in March, or a little late in October. In addition, you'll avoid the peak crowds.

Above all, when to go to France is subjective. If you like the sun, and don't mind seeing Notre Dame with hundreds of other gawkers, then summer would be your best bet on a France vacation. You can always take a wine break at a sidewalk cafe if it all becomes too much. If you'd rather see the quiet, sleepy side of the Cote d'Azur, hit it up in mid November, and stroll the beach without having to dodge the topless sunbathers. It's France. There's really no wrong time to go.

Finding cheap airfare to France can be a real challenge. Flights around holidays are pricey, as are flights in the summer, during peak travel times. If you have the option, some of the best deals are from September to May. Another excellent tactic to procure cheap airfare to France is to fly direct from an international hub. Often there are great deals for direct flights from New York, London, or Rome. Of course, then you have to get to New York. Look for an airline that frequents New York from your hub. They might have more flights, and thus better prices in the States, than an international carrier such as British Airways.

When in Europe, Ryan Air offers some of the cheapest flights around the continent. British Airways is another top choice while in Europe, or a major hub off continent. Check the web and popular travel sights to find good deals on flights to France. A travel agent is also a good choice because they have a wide network of deals available to them. In addition, don't forget to play the student card if you're attending. In general, the more flexible you are, the great chance you have of finding cheap airfare to France.

If you're going through a travel agent they can help you book France vacation packages. Savvy travelers can research the individual components of their holiday, and book them themselves for the best rates. At times, the price of a package cannot be beat, and the internet is one of the best ways to research and find France vacation packages. Try a search for "France vacation package" or "cheap airfare to France." Consider carefully when to go to France, and make your reservations well ahead of time, especially during peak season.

Paris Shopping

If you like shopping Paris France is the capital of the world. The variety and style of the stores makes a Paris shopping trip a must for any fashion-conscious traveler.

In Paris shopping is an art. Parisians take fashion very seriously, so shopping in Paris can be savored and enjoyed as much as a meal in one of the city’s many excellent restaurants or a visit to one of its world-class museums.

Shopping in Paris can be done on any budget. All the best designers have boutiques in Paris, and many are worth a visit just to breathe in the elegance or to get an idea of the latest styles before heading to a more affordable department store or flea market. Shopping in Paris is a serious affair, though. Don’t expect a friendly welcome if you are wearing shorts, sneakers, or a printed t-shirt, don’t touch displays, and be sure to ask for assistance with a polite “s’il vous plait.”

Avenue Montaigne in the 8ème arrondissement exemplifies chic Paris shopping. Here you can find the best shopping in Paris, with stores from the top names in international fashion, including Céline, Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Valentino. On nearby Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré boutiques by Chloé, Christian Lacroix, Gucci, and Hermès alternate with some of the city’s best art galleries and antiquaries.

Champs-Élysées, once the epitome of chic Paris shopping, has gone down-market somewhat in recent years with the introduction of glitzy, Las Vegas–style outlets by Disney, Coca Cola, and others, but the famous boulevard remains a retail center. Four large arcade malls—Le Claridge, Élysées 26, Galerie du Lido, and Le Rond-Point—are ideal for browsing and have something for every kind of shopper. A newly renovated superstore by Louis Vuitton provides an up-market lift to the boulevard and is well worth a visit.

Until recently, the best shopping in Paris was clustered on these venerable shopping avenues on the city’s right bank, but more and more high-fashion houses have moved to the more hip left bank. Trendsetter Yves St. Laurent has been followed on the Rive Gauche by Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, and Louis Vuitton and streets like Rue des St-Pères and Rue du Bac are lined with designer names. The left bank’s 6ème arrondissement has stores to cater to a more youthful, low-budget, but still stylish clientele. Check out the Rue St-Placide for the best young designers and for discount stores selling last year’s stock by the high-fashion houses.

A Paris shopping trip is incomplete without a visit to one of les grands magasins, Paris’ huge department stores. To many, these capture the best shopping in Paris. Clustered along the Boulevard Haussmann in the 9ème arrondissement, enormous stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps have everything you could ever dream of, including clothes by scores of big name designers.

A Paris shopping trip should also include a visit to one of the elegant galleries or passages. These 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcades are perfect for a rainy day. The Passage du Grand-Cerf near the Bourse metro stop is a great example of one of these historic galleries.

Most stores in Paris are closed on a Sunday, so you may want to take that day to explore one of the city’s flea markets. These offer the best shopping in Paris for those on a shoestring budget. The best are probably the Porte de Montreuil in the 20 ème arrondissement and the Porte de Clignancourt in the 18ème.

With stores and markets ranging from the most luxurious to the best for bargain hunting, for shopping Paris France remains unrivaled.

French Food

France is blessed with sunny weather, beautiful countryside, a nice selection of beaches, historic cities, ornate churches, picturesque chateaus, and some of the best food and wine in the world. The French take there meals seriously, although don’t let that deter you from having a relaxed, impromptu meal. Show up to one of the many restaurants in France with a little enthusiasm and you’ll be treated to a culinary tour de force. If culinary delights are you thing then a holiday in France is defiantly the way to go. From bustling markets with the freshest selection of goods, to intimate stores devoted to bread, cheese, and wine, the gastronomic perfection of food in France is spectacular.

There are thousands of great restaurants in France. All of them seem to boast about one chef or another, which is good, but for most of us we want to get down to eating. Walk around the city, peruse the menu, and sit down for a meal. Parisians eat lunch at noon, and take their dinner late, around eight o’clock. Restaurants in France can be a pricey affair, but fortunately French law dictates that prices must include service. Rounding off the bill and leaving some change is good practice.

Eating in France is an exciting and rich experience. Food in France has many different styles. There are staples, like bread, cheese, and coffee. Bread, especially the baguette, is very common, but there are dozens of different styles and sizes of bread. Each with their own name, own texture, and varied use. As it is with cheese. Hundreds of varieties are produced all over France, including delightful ones by small factories. Then of course there is wine, produced in the seven distinct wine regions of France. Food in France goes so far beyond the basics, where sometimes a simple meal can stretch on for hours, or maybe a dinner that last past midnight. Such is the passion of the French palate.

As France is known for culinary delights, Paris is the capital. Choices for food in Paris are all over town, from upscale hotels to intimate restaurants. Paris has a lot to offer. It’s important to note the time when dining. A typical breakfast includes coffee and a bagel or fruit. The serious food in Paris isn’t served until lunch, from about noon to two o’clock. Walk out of a museum at three, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a full meal. Many restaurants close to prepare for the evening after two or two-thirty. They open again for dinner around five or six.

In addition, food in Paris is not restricted to traditional French delights. Cuisine from all over the world can be found in Paris, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other international tastes. Fast food chains are rising in popularity due to convenience and there family oriented style.

Parisians take their meals seriously, and when dining in Paris it helps to show up in a relaxed frame of mind, and not be in too much of a hurry. Plan your meal times, don’t rush, and dining in Paris and France will be a pleasant and tasty experience.

cheap flights to France

In addition, when searching for cheap flights to France, a travel agent can be a good choice as they have a wide network of deals available to them. Don’t forget to play the student card if you’re attending college, and the more flexibility you have, the greater the chance of snagging a cheaper fare.

Two of the most popular airport in France are located in Paris and Nice. Like all flights, cheap flights to Paris are easiest to find during the winter, and on non holidays. Paris is a major air hub, so there are a lot of flights going to and from the city, as most major airlines have flights to Paris. Visit several different carriers to find the cheapest prices. Sometimes last minute deals can be found as airlines try to fill up their planes. Again, search different carries, be flexible, and consider finding flights to Paris via different cities.

Nice flights are challenging around peak travel time as it is a popular destination. Nice has an international airport called, Aeroport International Nice-Cote d’Azur, located west of the city center. Scour the web for good deals and check with Bmi airlines and Ryan Air for cheap Nice flights.

Flights to France

Finding flights to France for a reasonable price can be challenging. Check popular travel sights on the web to find good deals on flights to France. Often it helps to fly from an international hub such as New York or London. If you don’t live there, see about finding a cheap ticket on another airline to an international airport, and then booking flights to France direct from the international hub. When in Europe, Ryan Air offers some of the cheapest flights around the continent. British Airways is another top choice while in Europe, or a major hub off continent.

Finding cheap flights to France can be a real challenge. Flying around holidays are pricey, as are flights during the summer, which is a peak travel time. If you have the option, some of the best deals for cheap flights to France are from September to May. Another excellent tactic to procure cheap airfare is to fly direct from an international hub. Often there are great deals for direct flights from New York, London, or Rome. Of course, then you have to get to New York. Look for an airline that frequents New York from your hub. They might have more flights, and thus better prices in the States, than an international carrier such as British Airways. It’s more legwork for you, but the savings could provide extra cash to spend on your vacation.

Chamord Castle in France

Despite its lavish construction and extensive forest grounds, Chamord Castle in France was rarely used as anything more than a weekend retreat by French monarchs—some neglected it entirely, preferring to stay in Paris or Versailles. Louis XIV, the Sun King, was one king who did enjoy the beauty of Chambord; he regularly used it as a retreat from the court at Versailles and once had the French playright Moliere perform in the chateau.

Chambord Castle left the possession of the French crown in 1745, when Louis XV gave it to the Maurice de Saxe to reward his victory over the English during the War of Austrian Succession. Chambord sat empty until the French Revolution and the furnishings and even the wall panelings were auctioned by the Revolutionary government in 1792. Attempts were made at restoration by the self-styled Comte de Chambord in the 19th century, but Chambord Castle was used as a military hospital in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) and was again abandoned in 1883.

Like many other famous French castles, Chambord Castle in France is now owned by the government, which began restoration work after the end of World War II. The over 400 rooms are now filled with old regime furnishings, a hunting museum, and other exhibits, some of which are not concerned with the château. Visitors can explore through 3,000 acres of the 13,000 acre forest: look out for a chance spotting of wild boar, European deer, or other game. Chambord Castle in France is open daily year-round, from 9 am until 6:15 pm (5:15 pm in winter). Admission is about $15 each. The surrounding area is home to many quality camping sites and hotels, including the Château de Colliers, a restored château-hotel in nearby Muides-sur-Loire.

Chambord Castle

France’s Loire Valley is châteaux country, a beautiful region with an extraordinary cluster of regal mansions, palaces, and famous French castles. Chambord Castle (Château de Chambord) is the largest and most extraordinary of these, rivaled only by nearby Chenonceau Castle.

King François I built Chambord Castle in France as a hunting lodge and spent less than eight weeks here his entire reign, but he spared no expense in its construction. Building began in 1519 and employed 1,800 workers. The original design is attributed to Italian architect Domenico da Cortona, but Leornardo da Vinci, who visited Chambord Castle during its 50-year construction, is also thought to have inspired much of the architecture. Unlike many medieval castles (Sterling Castle in Scotland, for example), Chambord Castle in France was never intended as a defensive structure; design focused on beauty.

The end result was the most extravagant buildings in all of Europe, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, surpassing all other famous French castles until the construction of Versailles a century later. The roof was inspired by the skyline of Constantinople and hundreds of columns, towers, chimneys rise above the 440-foot long façade. (Today, the roof in illuminated at night: a sight well-worth seeing). Chambord Castle’s central staircase is a winding double-helix, thought to be designed by da Vinci.


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Chagall Museum is free

Chagall helped open the museum in 1973 and was active in the museum’s life in its early years. Since the death of the painter in 1985, the Chagall Museum Nice has continued to carry the artist’s message of universality through special exhibits and by publishing books about Chagall.

Entrance to the Chagall Museum Nice is about $8 to $10 depending on the current exchange rate (less for people aged 18 to 25); entrance to both the permanent and temporary exhibits is a few dollars more. The Chagall Museum is free for those under 18 at all times and for everybody on the first Sunday of every month. Open Wednesday to Monday 10 to 6.

Chagall Museum Nice

Of any Nice France museum, the Chagall Museum has the most harmony between the building and its collection. The rooms are light, white, and cool, with large windows providing a perfect backdrop of outdoor greenery to the bright pinks and reds of the canvases. Chagall himself designed a stained-glass window for the museum and contributed a mosaic. Chagall was a great lover of music, and the building at times echoes the grandeur of an auditorium.

The seventeen vast paintings in the Chagall Museum Nice are arranged into two groups. The first twelve paintings constitute a cycle, each drawing as its subject a narrative episode recited in the Old Testament. The other five paintings illustrate the Song of Songs, not as a homogenous series, but as five variations on the same theme—love. The artist said of the Chagall Museum Nice that he hoped people would leave having “found a certain peace, a certain religiosity, a feeling of life” and that after seeing the work, viewers would “hear their music and their poetry guided by the heart.”

Chagall Museum

The Musée du Message Biblique Marc-Chagall (Marc Chagall Museum of Biblical Themes) stands out among Nice France museums as one of the most interesting on the French Riviera. It contains seventeen superbly displayed large canvases depicting biblical scenes and themes from the Old Testament in bright, joyous colors. The Chagall Museum also holds sculptures, stained glass windows, mosaics, tapestries, preparatory sketches, engravings, and lithographs from this important 20th-century artist. If you are looking for things to do in Nice the museum is an excellent option. It is on the Boulevard de Cimiez about two miles from the Nice beaches, near the Matisse Museum. Bus #15 has a stop, Musée Chagall, just outside the museum.

Marc Chagall was born in 1887 into a close-knit Jewish family in Belarus, then part of the Russian Empire. He moved to France before the Russian Revolution to be a part of the Paris art scene and went on to become a celebrated French citizen. Chagall paintings in museums around the world often depict biblical scenes or scenes of Belarusian folklore. Many Chagall paintings in museums are deep in spiritual meaning and metaphors influenced by his Jewish upbringing and his sympathy for the Christian message. The Chagall Museum Nice was a natural offshoot of the universal themes found in other Chagall paintings in museums.

Le Centre Pompidou Paris France

The main draw for Le Centre Pompidou is the intriguing modern art, but there’s more than just that. The first three floors are dedicated to a vast library. The center for industrial design is also housed here, featuring exhibitions detailing advances in 20th century architecture and design. Another highlight is the Stravinsky fountain, a surrealist photo opportunity for curious visitors.

Take the Metro up to the Hotel-de-Ville stop, if you plan on putting the Pompidou Center on your Paris itinerary (and you should). It’s open until 10 pm every night except Tuesday, which makes it perfect for those who are not morning people, not to mention that it is located near some of Paris’s top nightlife options, including the Moulin Rouge. So you can amble around this collection of modern arts and immediately start drinking.

Noted not only for its modern take on design, many of Paris’ most talented street performers - from painters to musicians to performance artists - spend a portion of their day near the museum’s entrance, taking up residence in the Place Georges Pompidou, where you will find all sorts of wandering travelers, art enthusiasts and the occasional picnicker who have come to admire the inimitable style of Le Centre Pompidou Paris France. A relative newcomer to a city awash in monuments to the past, the center has already become one of Paris’s most respected new tourist attractions, a symbol of what lies ahead for the great city.

Pompidou Center

The brightly colored pipes that make up the outside of the Pompidou Center (or Le Centre Pompidou) are like a wild declaration: this is not a museum steeped in the past - there will be no need to speak in hushed, deferential tones. If that’s what you are looking for, the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay are nearby. The iconoclastic feel of the Pompidou Center’s exterior, which looks like an exposed ribcage painted in bright primary colors, carries over into the building’s contents. You won’t find the subtle Flemish painters of the Louvre, or the magnificent art of Notre Dame. Make no mistake: Le Centre Pompidou is about the present, the future. Its main attraction is the Museum of Modern Art on the 4th and 5th floors, which are dedicated to art movements like Surrealism, Fauvism, Dadaism and plenty of other abstract art styles.

The main hall of the Pompidou Center feels like staring into a child’s playroom. The bright colors, the large, friendly letters, the uncluttered layout of thousands of pieces of art – it’s about as irreverent as a museum can get, and is noted as helping to revolutionize museum design, breaking down the image of museums as elitist monuments and making them more accessible to the public at large. It is also a statement in favor of functional art – the colorful tubes that define the Pompidou Center are vital for the building to operate, and designate exactly what you’ll find inside them: yellow for electricity, red for transport, blue for water, and green for air.

carnival in Nice France

The festival begins on a Saturday 10 days before Mardi Gras with the arrival of the carnival king. There are parades every night or day for the entire carnival. At the height of the carnival Nice France is awash with flowers. Since 1876 the carnival in Nice France has included a Bataille de Fleurs (battle of the flowers). Twenty meticulously designed flower-covered floats parade down the Promenade des Anglais along the Nice beaches. Costumed men and women throw approximately 100,000 flowers to an enthusiastic audience. Some 90% of the flowers—carnations, daisies, gerberas, gladioli, mimosa, roses, and other varieties—are produced locally, highlighting the variety and quality of the flowers grown in the French Riviera. The flower parade takes places several times during the Nice carnival. For the best view, reserve a seat or a place in the designated standing area along the Promenade des Anglais.

Events like the flower parades make the carnival in Nice France the liveliest in the country and one of the best of all France events. In France carnival is a time of unrestricted celebration and Nice has the most spectacular carnival in France. The date of the festival depends of the date of Easter and varies from year to year between February 3 and March 9. Most years it falls sometime in mid-February. The festival culminates on the Tuesday of Mardi Gras with a not-to-be-missed Grande Parade and fireworks.

Carnival in France

In France Carnival (the celebration that culminates in Mardi Gras) is an occasion for festivals in towns across the nation. The carnival in Nice France is the biggest and most spectacular in the country. At the time of carnival Nice France erupts into a citywide party, with parades in the daytime and evening and a large bonfire and fireworks on Mardi Gras itself. Flower processions, floats, and parties make Nice the place to be for carnival in France.

Carnival in France is an ancient tradition. In France carnival provided the last opportunity to eat rich and fatty cuisine before the forty-day fast of Lent. Carnival in France became a period when the Catholic Church’s restrictions were relaxed and people, disguised behind masks, delighted in activity forbidden at other times of year.

Carnival in Nice France was mentioned as early as 1294. In the years before the revolution in France carnival involved masked balls and dances for the French aristocracy. Each year since the 1873 carnival Nice France has had a “committee for the parties,” to organize more spectacular floats, more grotesque and fabulous costumes, and a more stunning celebratory atmosphere. It is now a 10-day celebration in the period leading up to Mardi Gras.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Though one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris, the church is consciously scaled back, the cavernous interior meant to generate humility, not majesty. It was also a statement against the excesses of the Baroque style that was still popular at the time when construction on the Basilique de Sacre Couer began. Nevertheless, it still features one or two ornate touches – from the yawning stained glass installations (reconstructed after World War II) to one of the largest mosaics in the world. Located in the apse, Christ’s magnanimous arms stretch from one side to the other. Another standard was set by the church’s enormous bell tower - built to contain a 19 ton bell, it is one of the world’s largest.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is open every day until 11 pm (one of the more convenient tourist attractions in Paris), and still holds mass on Sundays. Just get off the Metro at Pigalle station, walk the stone stairway up to the church, and take in the great view of one of the most beautiful cities imaginable.

Basilique du Sacre Coeur De Montmarte

High atop Montmarte Hill in northern Paris, you’ll find the Basilique de Sacre Coeur – or Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Perched lovingly on the city’s highest point, the church is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Paris, due mainly to the panoramic view of the city from the Basilica’s forecourt and dome - the only spot further above sea level is the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower. Here you’ll get a picturesque glimpse of Paris, a vast sea of bleached rooftops as far as the eye can see – it’s especially impressive at sunset, or when the sky is the deep blue of summer.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is relatively new, constructed in the late 1800s, but the architectural style was an intentional throwback to the ancient Romano-Byzantine designs that are still preserved all across Southern France. Its construction was, in part, to honor the many French that died during the French Revolution and the Franco-Prussian War - and also to help restore the faith of a struggling people during such trying times. Thus, plans for the Basilique de Sacre Couer were begun. The top of Montmarte Hill had long been a place of worship, no matter who was ruling the land – from the Druids to the Gauls to the earliest Romans – it was just a matter of time before the site was updated with a Christian symbol.

Arc de Triomphe - monuments of Paris

The Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris is located minutes away from the Arc de Triomphe and attempts to capture the prestige of ancient Paris. The Hilton Arc de Triomphe is perfect for executive travel, or luxurious vacationing with seven floors, 463 rooms (including 77 executive rooms), and 24 suites.. Modeled after luxurious ocean liners of the 30s, the hotel has balconies, steam baths, a full-service spa, a restaurant and bar, and executive meeting rooms. Definitely worth a look when staying in Paris, the Hilton Arc de Triomphe has a lot to offer guests.

Other monuments of Paris include the Panthéon, an edifice with a varied history, now a monument to the historical personages of France; Notre-Dame cathedral, with its dual towers and great bell; Sacré-Coeur, an domed edifice, offering an outstanding vantage of the city; and of course, the ultimate view—the Eiffel Tower. Ultimately, the monuments of Paris offer varied style, including architectural beauty, art work, and historical lessons.

Tourist flock to Notre-Dame, Sacré-Coeur, and the Eiffel Tower, but there are many other famous attractions. The Moulin Rouge is a popular Paris attraction. A cabaret, built in 1885 and made famous in Baz Luhrmann’s flim, Moulin Rouge, the real Moulin Rouge resides in Montmartre, and features cabaret reviews. The Louvre, a former fortress is perhaps the world’s most well know art museum, housing the Mona Lisa, and countless other works. The Centre Pompidou, with its giant exterior glass escalator entrance, houses modern art. Visit Napoleon’s tomb at the Hotel des Invalides, a stately hotel built for disabled veterans (invalides). Of course as mentioned, the Arc de Triomphe is an impressive and formidable monument, well worth a look during a Paris vacation.

Arc de Triomphe

Parisians refer to the Arc de Triomphe as L’Etoile, and revere it as a symbol of French national spirit. Located in the center of the worlds largest roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe towers 164 feet above the ground. Intricate carvings by Romantic sculpture Francois Rude adorn the exterior of the edifice, while beneath the L’Etoile lies the unknown solider. Visitors may climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for an outstanding view of Pairs, and the 12 streets radiating from the roundabout. There’s also a museum inside, detailing the history of Arc de Triomphe. Of all the monuments of Paris, L’Etoile is one of the most revered by Parisians themselves, and an important stop on a sightseeing tour.

The history of Arc de Triomphe is varied, and marred by the German occupation of Paris, which celebrated by marching through the arch. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French military, the Arc de Triomphe is now a patriotic symbol of France’s history. It was finally completed in 1836, 15 years after Napoleon’s death. In 1920 an unknown solider was buried beneath the arc, to honor the soldiers who fought for France. The Arc de Triomphe has served as a symbol of victory for France, as well as for the Germans and the Allies, both of which have marched through the arch after victories as they enter Paris.

Strasbourg hotels - railroad station

Strasbourg hotels offer a range of styles, features, and locations to fit any budget. The cheapest accommodations are typically found near the railroad station, with Hotel Rhin, Hotel le Grillion, and Hotel Le Colmar being popular choices. Don’t miss the Centre International d’Accueil et de Rencontre Unioniste de Strasbourg (CIARUS). It’s a stylish hostel, with almost 300 beds, showers, and activities. For a finer take try the four-star Hotel Regent Petite France, with its good views, sauna, and marbled bathrooms. At any rate, when looking at Strasbourg hotels it is always advisable to book ahead of time, as this is one of those cities where finding last minute accommodations can prove daunting. Centrally located in Europe, Strasbourg is an unique French town, well worth a stop while on holiday.

Strasbourg Cathedral - open

Strasbourg is perched definitively between France and Germany, and throughout the centuries has been part of both. Wine and beer are plentiful, as well as dishes utilizing sauerkraut. Strasbourg’s university is one of the oldest, and has a solid international reputation. The university also gives the city a young and vibrant tone. The winstubs (wine taverns) are an important historic note from the Alsatian dwellers, natives of Alsace, the region surrounding Strasbourg.

The Strasbourg Cathedral is an impressive achievement of Gothic architecture. Built between 1284 and 1439, the central spire towers 465 feet into the air, and depicts the Last Judgment. The arched entryways are carved with figures. Other features of the Strasbourg Cathedral include stained glass windows, a rose window, a colorful organ case, and the Horloge Astronomique (astronomical clock). The carved wooden figures of apostles sweep about, and a rooster greets St. Peter daily, at 12:30pm.

Strasbourg - Palais Rohan

Strasbourg, a culturally mixed French town, is located in the northeast corner of France, in close proximity to Germany. Known as the crossroads of Europe, both for its central location on the continent, and for the variety of official courts that meet there. The European Parliament meets in Strasbourg France 12 days a year. Visitors can sit in on debates for one hour, on a first come, first serve basis. (Check the EU website for session dates.) Also, the Court of Human rights meets in Strasbourg France, as well as the European Council. In addition to the official courts, Strasbourg’s most famous building is the Strasbourg Cathedral, started in the 13th century. Strasbourg is undeniably a French town, yet it makes a very unique stop on a French vacation.

Palais Rohan is the former residence of the town’s bishop. The basement holds the archeological museum. On the 1st floor, the Musee de Arts Decoratifs features a look at the lifestyle of the 18th century rich. Above, on the 2nd floor, is the Musee des Beaux-Arts, with a collection of art dating back to the 14th century. Also of note, the modern art museum in Strasbourg France holds a collection of works spanning the major styles of the past century.

St Tropez - holiday - Nice for the night

Other France tourist attractions include nearby Nice, a more down-to-earth version of a St Tropez holiday. Nice has plentiful beaches, more artistic culture, and a vibrant, youthful crowd. Also nearby is Cannes, famous for the yearly film festival. Cannes also attracts a posh crowd with its exclusive beaches, shopping boutiques, and sparkling climate. Of course, a review of France tourist attractions wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Paris. Paris has an abundance of monuments, more museums than one can see in a month, and diverse nightlife.

St Tropez is a fantastic destination to live it up, party like a rock star, and sun on the beach. If you’re worried about money, spend the day on a St Tropez holiday, then move on to Nice for the night, or avoid the hotel–party all night and sleep on a train out of town. Any way you stay, St Tropez is a fun, sun swept destination on the French Riviera.

Saint Tropez

Those on a St Tropez holiday will want to spend some time at a nightclub. Les Caves du Roy is in the swanky Hotel Byblos, where high society sips. Like most joints in St Tropez, drinks are expensive. Bodega de Papagayo is an Asian influenced bar and restaurant, populated by a young crowd. For more salt of the earth drinking, try Kelly’s Irish Pub, featuring Guinness, live music, and Irish lovers.

St Tropez holiday lodging is expensive, however, some reasonable deals are possible. A good value is Lou Cagnard, a traditional farmhouse surrounded by plants. Le Baron is a calm, quiet hotel overlooking the citadel. If you want to rub noses with the elite, stay at Le Yaca, which has great views of the bay, a pool, and peacocks roaming about.

St Tropez

Saint Tropez, a beautiful and famed destination on the French Rivera, is surrounded by endless white sandy beaches and a sunny climate. Saint Tropez is known as a playground for the rich and Hollywood elite. More modest travelers come to work on their tan, or unload money on expensive drinks in any of the abundant and stylish nightclubs. Celebrity watching is also popular. On the whole, Saint Tropez is hip, upscale, and expensive, but never-the-less, a fun city to kick back in.

Usually France vacations include some time on the beach, and Saint Tropez offers miles of sand. The Plage de Tahiti, 2.5 miles southeast of town, is the best in the area. If swimwear is making you feel restricted, head east to La Moutte, a naturiste beach, and shed your cloths. Many of the beaches near Saint Tropez are nudist beaches.

Most France vacations in Saint Tropez are about the glitz and glamour of dinning like A-list stars, and sunning on the brilliant beaches. While monuments are usually secondary, if you crave a break from the sun there are a few worth checking out. Musee de l’Annonciade, located in an abandoned chapel, houses a rich collection of modern art, including works by Signac, Bonnard, and Matisse. The Citadella de Saint Tropez offers some of the best views of the bay, and a few peacocks wandering the grounds. Inside, the citadel recounts the maritime history of the area, and the allied landings of 1944.

Paris - attractions - walking

Other Paris tourist attractions worth checking out are Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise and le Catacombes. The cemetery includes the remains of Chopin, Moliere, Gertrude Stein, Jim Morrison, and the much kissed tomb of Oscar Wilde. For a darker side of Paris, some Paris tours descend Le Catacombes, an underground corridor made up of the stacked bones of millions of Parisians exhumed from their graves to solve a hygiene problem in Paris France in the late 18th century.

For tours in Paris, try a walking tour, focusing on the history, monuments, and museums of Paris. Some are self guided, while others provide guides. The obvious advantage to self guided tours in Paris is that you can move at your own pace. There are several companies that offer this service including Paris Walking Tours, Classic Walks, and French Adventures. There’s also biking tours in Paris which peddle past famous monuments and icons of the city. One could book a tour through a travel agency, before leaving. With enough to see and do for weeks, the heart of France has delights for young and old.

Paris - France museums

Of course Paris France museums are not to be missed. Many Paris vacations start at the world famous Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, and 35,000 other pieces of art. Connoisseurs could spend several days covering the Louvre. Paris France has an extinsive modern art collection at the Pompidou National Center of Art & Culture. The building was designed with the pipes and duct work on the outside, and the glass escalator running up exterior of the building is an exciting ride. The Musée d’Orsay, in a former railway station, displays French art nouveau, impressionist, and postimpressionist works. The Musée de Cluny, contains works from the middle ages, and a former Roman bath house, dating back to around 200 AD. Those are only a sprinkling of the quality museums visited during Paris vacations.

Paris

Paris France, the city of lights, is home to one of Europe’s most recognized monuments, perhaps the world’s most renowned museum, and a cultural smorgasbord of food, drink, nightlife, and sights. There’s plenty to see and do in Paris, and a walking, biking, or bus tour is a great way to see the city, as there are many options for Paris tours all over town. You can also conduct your own tour, and this guide to Paris will highlight the best architecture, museums, and sights.

Good Paris tours include plenty of monuments, famous museums, and world renowned dinning. The iconic Eiffel Tower tops out at over 1,000 feet, and contains 2 restaurants, a souvenir shop, a post office (for that one of a kind postmark), snack bar, and a viewing area, all within its iron structure. The Panthéon is a monument dedicated to historical personages of France, housing a crypt containing over 70 people, including Votaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas. A popular stop on many Paris tours is Notre Dame cathedral, with its awe inspiring exterior and ornate interior. Pay homage to French author Victor Hugo, and ascend the bell tower for a look at the gargoyles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Arc de Triomphe is a great stop on Paris vacations. Located on the famed avenue Champs Élysées and centered in the world largest traffic roundabout, the Arc is a simple, yet daunting monument commissioned by Napoleon. The gothic Saint Chapelle, built in the 13th century, has 15 impressive stained glass windows depicting an entire biblical history.

Nice - walkway - hotels

Nice vacations are an excellent opportunity to check out the dynamic pedestrian walkway that parallels the promenade des Anglais. The walkway runs along the sunny waterfront where walkers, joggers, and inline skaters traverse beneath palm trees. Near the promenade, don’t miss the Albert I Garden. A multitude of flowers and palm trees grow here. Also near the promenade is an Italian style theater, home to the Opera de Nice.

There are several hostels, mid-ranged hotels, and plusher, luxury accommodations in Nice. The glorious waterfront is lined with a nice selection of hotels, and more budget oriented accommodations are found inland. The Windsor is a stylish hotel with art centered rooms, and the Felix is a small hotel owned and serviced by a couple, with balconies over the rue Masséna. Nice France is blessed with sunny weather, charming French atmosphere, and plenty to see and do while on holiday.

Nice - beaches

While Nice France gets a lot of press for its beaches and celebrity vacationers, the old city harbors baroque churches, stylish buildings, and art museums. Our Nice city guide starts at the modern art museum, which houses a collection of art from 1950 onward. Four towers holding the collection rise skyward with rooftop gardens. Glass bridges connect the towers from the inside, and look impressive from the outside. Continuing the Nice city guide, the Musee des Beaux-Arts, housed in a 19th century villa, features an original plaster of Auguste Rodin’s Le Baise (The Kiss). Also, the Villa Arson shows cutting-edge conceptual art.

The Cathedrale Ste-Reparate, from the 17th century, has an 18th century bell tower, and a ceramic tile dome. Lascaris Palace was built in 1648, and features vaulted staircases, stone balustrade, coves filled with sculptures, and a wealth of paintings and furniture. Cours Salega is a famed street, with 18th century houses, plane trees, and a daily market. Last on the Nice city guide, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde is worth checking out for its half dome, cupolas, frescos, faux marble, and crystal chandeliers.

Nice

Nice France is a sparkling jewel on the French Riviera. Charming markets, narrow lanes, and all the enchantments of France, including art, food, and gorgeous architecture are present in Nice. Located along the Mediterranean Sea, Nice France features long promenades, pebbly beaches, and good weather. In town you’ll find picturesque buildings, art museums, and good hotels. Nice vacations were favored by aristocrats during the Victorian period. Today, Nice is a popular destination for a multitude of travelers, and offers a variety of things to do and see.

Nice Vacations are a sun drenched affair with white, pebbly beaches, and the sparkling blue waters of the French Rivera, known as the Cote d’Azur in France. Sunbathers rejoice, as Nice France is the place to lay back and soak. When bored of napping, people watching becomes a verified pastime, and there are plenty of buildings in town to explore.

Marseille - hotels

Marseille hotels include Mercure Beauvan Vieux Port, a top of the line hotel, recently redone. This Marseilles hotel overlooks the port, has old world charm, and modern comforts. Le Petit Nice is another exceptional Marseilles hotel. Located overlooking the sea, Le Petit Nice is a former villa, with simple rooms, beautiful views, and a fantastic restaurant. Located on the old port, like many Marseille hotels, Alizé is good lodging for an affordable price. The Hotel Saint Louis is a tall building, with an ornamental façade and modern rooms. The Montgrand, with recently remodeled rooms, is another Marseilles hotel located near the port.

Marseille - history

When in town check out the Musee de la Marine et de l’economie de Marseille for lessons on Marseille’s maritime history since the 17th century, and for hundreds of models of steamboats and schooners. The Musee de la Mode Marseille is all about fashion, showcasing exhibits dating back to the 1920s. On the waterfront of Marseille France is the Jardin des Vestiges (Garden of Remains), a recently uncovered section of Greek fortifications and loading docks. Le Panier is the center of old Marseille, with tall houses, cobblestone streets, and stone stairways. As mentioned, be sure to check out the guns at Fort St-Jean and Fort St-Nicolas in the old port.

Marseille France has a rich and turbulent history with the mother country, officially becoming part of France in the late 15th century. Today, Marseille is an important port of France, and undeniably French. With a diverse population, interesting museums, and striking monuments, Marseille is a fascinating city, well worth a look.

Marseille

Marseille, spelled Marseilles in English, has a lengthy history of being French, and not so French. A port city, Louis XIV built two forts on either side of the harbor. Suspicious of Marseille’s allegiances, the fort guns faced the city, rather than the water. Louis was right, as Marseille strongly supported the Revolution. Soldiers sang a song on the march to Paris that later became know as La Marseillaise. Today, it’s France’s national anthem. Marseille France also has a diverse ethnicity, and a lively African feel, most notable in the vibrant street markets. Trade grew in the 19th century due to Marseille’s proximity with North Africa, and today, Marseille is one of France’s most important ports. There are a lot of great places to stay while visiting, and Marseille hotels are charming and modern. On the whole, Marseille France has a lot to offer travelers.

Lyon - culturally affluent

France towns have a reputation for being culturally affluent and Lyons is no exception. Like Paris, with its museums, restaurants, monuments, and shopping, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre museum, and Notre-Dame cathedral, Lyons France has a strong cultural heritage, dating back to Roman times.

As Lyons has a deeper history than anywhere else in France, it is one of the most historic, fascinating, and exciting towns to visit. There’s plenty to do, from exploring ornate churches and historic museums (check out the Lyon City Card, for unrestricted access to all museums for 1, 2, or 3 days), to eating some of the best food in Europe, or discovering the famous silk industry and Lyons’ Roman heritage.

Lyon - The Basilique de Notre-Dame

While on holiday in France, Lyon is a beautiful city to visit for its historic buildings. The Basilique de Notre-Dame, set on a hill with a striking white exterior, and a colorful, ornate interior with religious mosaics, can be seen through most of the city. It was built as a result of the Franco-Purssian war in the 19th century. The St. Jean Cathedral, started in the 12th century, has impressive columns and stained-glass windows, some of which were destroyed by the German occupation and have been replaced. A 14th century astronomical clock plays a hymn at noon, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm, while automatons enact the Annunciation. All in all, while on holiday in France, Lyon is a striking and culturally diverse city to visit.

Lyons France is located 287 miles southeast of Paris, on the west edge of the Alps. Marseilles, a fascinating and historic town in its own right, is to the south. The luscious towns of Cannes, St. Tropez, and Nice lie on the nearby French Rivera. Switzerland and Italy spread out to the east, making Lyons France a great hub for a European holiday.

Lyon

Lyon France is a historic metropolis with enough food and modern culture to satisfy every member of the family. Within striking distance of Switzerland, Italy, and the Alps, Lyon France is a cultural fest of restaurants, Renaissance buildings, and museums. The Romans made Lyon their second largest city behind their capital. Foreign merchants and bankers constructed mansions and pumped money into Lyon, and in the 18th century Lyon France became a prominent silk weaving center.

The Rhône river and the Saône river flow through Lyon France, creating a peninsula called Presqu’île, which is the modern center of Lyon. Restaurants, shops, museums, and the opera are highlights of this district. Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) was the heart of Renaissance culture, with cobblestone streets, 15th century mansions, and the famous traboules (pedestrian passageways) that run along the mansions, constructed to efficiently transport silk, the industry that influenced Lyon in the 18th century.

Cannes - festival

The best known festival de Cannes is the Cannes Film Festival, which takes over the city every May. Tickets to shows are via invite only, but feel free to star watch along the boulevards. There are many other Cannes events to check out. At any time of year visit the Allee des Etoiles (stars’ walk) where 300 stars have placed autographed imprints of their hands. Two of the best Cannes events occur in July, as Fireworks explode over the bay on the 4th for America’s independence day, and again on the 14th for France. Also in July is Les Nuits Musicales du Suquet, a festival of music performances.

Cannes France, famous for the Festival de Cannes, and the celebrity stars that frequent the boulevards, is an exciting and vibrant city on the French Riviera. Beaches, shopping, and museums keep you busy, making Cannes France a great destination during a France holiday.

Cannes - L’Eglise de la Castre

After tanning and celebrity stalking in Cannes France, head to L’Eglise de la Castre, an ancient castle formerly inhabited by the monks of Lerins. The 14th century Suquet Tower looms over the castle, providing excellent views. Inside is the Musee de la Castre, housing relics from the Pacific, Himalayas, and Americas. The Chapelle de Sainte-Anne, a 12th century chapel, displays musical instruments from all over the world.

For shopping in Cannes France, check out Boulevard de la Croisette, home to Doir, Chanel, and Cartier. Also walk down the Rue d’Antibes, and the Rue Meynadier, which houses Marche Forville, a street market with cheap knock offs.

Cannes

Cannes draws a crowd looking for a glimpse into the jet set lifestyle of a Hollywood star. Those seeking a day of shopping at exclusive boutiques, or wanting to sip margaritas at outdoor tables while people watching won’t be disappointed by the exclusive atmosphere of Cannes. There’s not much to see or do here, except tan on the beach, but unlike nearby St. Tropez, Cannes is a bit more accessible to the throng of tourists who flock to check out the lifestyle.

Most of Cannes beach areas are reserved for guests of the hotels that run along the beachfront on Boulevard de la Croisette. However, many of Cannes beach areas can be accessed by the public for a fee. If you’re saving your money for cocktails, there’s a public beach located near the Palais des Festivals. Also head to the west end of town for the Plages du Midi and the Plages de la Bocca, both public.

Yachts are an integral part of the lifestyle of Cannes, as many oversized boats can be seen moored in the harbor. A yacht charter is an excellent way to enjoy Cannes, and there are many outfits to choose from. It’s even plausible to sail to St. Tropez, Nice, or Monaco by yacht, and with miles of coastline to explore, why limit yourself to populated cities.

Bordeaux - the Musee d’Art Contemporain

While you’re in Bordeaux don’t miss out on the Musee d’Art Contemporain, housed in a converted, 19th century warehouse. The Musee des Chartrons is nearby, in the home of a former wine merchant, showcasing the history of the wine trade. The Musee d’Aquitaine details the history of Bordeaux. The Cathedrale St-André is a gothic cathedral with an exterior wall dating back to 1096. Climb the 164 foot belfry of Pey-Berland tower, for terrific views of Bordeaux.

The Bordeaux airport is located 6 miles west of the city, and offers regular flights to Bordeaux from around Europe. If you’re on the continent, check for flights to Bordeaux France on inexpensive Ryanair and Air France. Rent a car at the Bordeaux airport to tour wine country, or take a taxi into the city.

Bordeaux France offers many beautiful places to stay. Be wary of the area around the train station, as it has a reputation for being seedy. The top end hotel is the Hotel Burdigala, a modern, 4-star hotel. La Maison du Lierre is a restored townhouse with a picturesque staircase. The hotel de Seze is in an elegant 18th century building. The Hotel Excelsior offers inexpensive, simple rooms.

Bordeaux France has a nice selection of bars & nightclubs, including Les Argentiers, a jazz hangout; Connemara, an Irish bar; and L’Aztecal, a Latin style nightclub. The Living Room is a club dressed in home decor, with couches, TVs, and rugs. The Grand Theatre has plays and operas in French. On the whole, Bordeaux is an increasingly modern city, with beautiful countryside vineyards, historic value, shopping, and great wine.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, the largest city in southwest France, is famed throughout the world for its wine and countryside vineyards. While the city is not a model of modern urban planning, that is changing, as a tram and other modern fixtures are being developed. The surrounding country is some of the most beautiful in France, and travelers looking to see picturesque vineyards, and sample rich red wines will not be disappoint with a trip to Bordeaux wine country.

The city of Bordeaux maintains some 18th century grace among its downtown, where fine shops and museums await visitors. Bordeaux is going through an urban update scheduled to be completed by 2009. Until then, some buildings may be hidden by scaffolding, and roads may be crowded with construction detours.

Avoid the congestion by renting a car and driving to the vineyards north of the city to sample Bordeaux wines, and find out why Bordeaux wine is some of the best in the world. At the end of June Bordeaux France has a 4 day wine festival. For some exotic relaxation, take a red wine bath at the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa, which is also a hotel and vineyard. For an education in wine, the Ecole du Vin offers lessons about wine in English. To try more Bordeaux wines, visit the Haut-Brion chateau, and next to it, La Mission-Haut Brion.

BORDEAUX France cityview

France - The Eiffel Tower - the town of Marseille

The Eiffel Tower is an impressive sight in Paris France worth getting close to. Lie in the grass at the Champs de mars and gaze at the steel structure. Ascend the tower for spectacular views of Paris. At least once on your stay, return at night with a bottle of Merlot to watch the spectacular light display. The Eiffel Tower tops out at over 1,000 feet, containing 2 restaurants, a souvenir shop, a post office (for that one of a kind postmark), snack bar, and a viewing area. The world famous Eiffel Tower is a mass of iron designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exposition of 1889 and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930, when New York's Chrysler building surpassed it. The Paris tower faced criticism, especially from the artistic community of Paris, calling the structure a "truly tragic street lamp." Allegedly, Guy de Maupassant ate lunch on the lower level of the Paris tower everyday because it was the only view of the city in which he couldn't see it. The critics were slowly silenced as 2 million visitors ascended the tower 1889. Today, the Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris, and is embraced by the city.

France vacations often include the town of Marseille, with its charming street markets, old port, and historic sections. Stout supporters of the revolution, Louis the XIV built two fortresses on the port, with guns facing the city. In addition, France's national anthem is called La Marseilles, named from the soldiers chanting the tune as the marched to Paris. Normandy is an historic area of France. Home to the D-Day beaches, as well as many charming and picturesque towns. Joan of Arch was burned in Rouen, an ancient, inland town with superb medieval buildings and museums. Mont-St-Michael bay contains a beautiful seascape, with a 264 feet granite wall. Most France vacations include a stop on the French Rivera. It has a plethora of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez. I'll cover Nice France in depth, below. Bordeaux is home to amazing French wine and Lyon is a historic and well located metropolis, perfect for blitzing into Switzerland, Italy, and the Alps.

Nice France, on the French Riviera, has narrow lanes, markets, and all the enchantments of France, including art, food, and gorgeous architecture. Nice features pebbly beaches, and the sun kissed weather of the Mediterranean. In town you'll find picturesque buildings, art museums, and good hotels. Favored by aristocrats during the Victorian period, Nice France is now a popular destination for a multitude of travelers, and offers a variety of things to do and see, as well as its beautiful beaches. The modern art museum has a collection of art from 1950 onward. The Cathedrale Ste-Reparate, from the 17th century, has an 18th century bell tower, and a ceramic tile dome. Cours Salega in Nice France is a famed street, with 18th century houses, plane trees, and a daily market. The Cote d'Azur, and Nice France is a popular destination during France vacations.