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.