France Attractions

So, you are all set to spend these holidays with your family but do not have a clue about the place to visit? The best place to be this vacation can be Picardie, France, France rentals are very popular and special in the Picardie region. This amazing travel destination not only offers warmth and friendly atmosphere to the travelers, it also features a large number of sights and things to do, when renting a self catering villa in this region of france it gives the visitor time to explore and experience the area. The five best things that are not to be missed while holidaying in Picardie include golfing, visiting the gardens and parks, walking, driving and sightseeing.

Are you one of those people who haven't enjoyed the enthusiasm and relaxation attached with the sport of golfing? There are a large number of golf courses in this region that offers the perfect option to start your own experience of golfing. Ideally set in middle of woods and the picturesque parks, the Picardie golf courses serves as a brilliant backdrop. There are about 23 golfing courses in this travel destination so that you can have best of times with your family and friends. The best part about these courses is that they are well maintained and established so that the interested golfers, both professional as well as beginners can enjoy the sport with comfort and great services.

The second thing to do in Picardie is to take pleasure in its gardens and parks. Ranging widely from botanical gardens, pubic gardens to squares, the region features 400 parks. Also, the botanical boating trip is something that cannot be missed at any cost while staying in Picardie. Visiting Hortillonnages, floating gardens is the perfect way to start enjoying the beauty of Picardie. The market gardens are specially surrounded with waters and were developed during the period of Gallo-Roman. Even the Vauclair Abbey serves as a must visit spot as it is a medicinal garden that is ideally set in Cistercian abbey ruins and includes approximately 400 medicinal plants species. There are amusement and theme parks as well so that the travelers can enjoy the best of their moments with loved ones.

Walking is the third thing to do in Picardie. The area is brilliantly featured with 15 extended walking routes that are well maintained with trails and sign posts. The travelers can also choose the opportunity of enjoying the natural landscape and scenic beauty of this place by completing the routes on horseback or donkey. In order to enjoy the region's beauty and that too without walking or horseback riding, one can even select the cruise on canals and rivers.

The fourth thing to do in Picardie is to drive around. You can hire a bicycle or car and drive around to take a close view of the area. Try to search for the small roads and routes and take pleasure in the natural beauty. The small woods and forests can be brilliantly enjoyed by driving around the region. Last but not least, Picardie offers great sights and tourist attractions to see. The cathedrals are among the top sights that are not to be missed at all. Other places to visit in Picardie include Amiens, Chateau, Chantilly, Laon, Noyon, Saint Riquier and Soissons. Families come to the Picardie region of France to rent a self catering home and use it as a base to take in everything this area has to offer.

Paris is place of romantic atmosphere, dream vacations and relaxation. There is an aura of escaping from the world in this beautiful country. There are also millions of people who live here and others who are moving to France every day for various reasons. Paris is the capital city of France and the largest city of the country. The area of the country is 105 square kilometers and there are about 2.15 million people who live there. If you include the suburbs of Paris, the population rises to 12 million people. Through the oldest part of Paris runs the Seine River, which then divides into the Left and Right Banks.

For five years, France has been in first place in the Quality of Life Index. This is due to the bon vivant lifestyle that is so unique in the country. The relaxing meals that last for hours upon end, the small shops along the city streets, and the walks along the Seine River are just tidbits of how people in France live. If you are considering moving to France, you will want to be sure to have your application packet ready and sent ahead. Included in this packet, you must have your passport along with three photocopies. Also, you will need several copies of the applications form, along with proof of health insurance and your marriage license. Once they receive these things, they will return your passport to you, with your visa enclosed.

The French government is known for their cumbersome bureaucracy, which generally includes much paperwork. So, when you considering moving to France, gather up every conceivable document that proves your identity, relationships with family, etc. They will likely use most everything you can come up with and it will make things move quicker. Also, as you consider moving to France, be sure to contact a worldwide moving company as soon as possible. It's important to find a moving company that specializes in worldwide moving. While you may be friends with one of the local moving company guys, he is not equipped to move your things overseas. It requires a great deal of knowledge and research to know the many regulations and rules about moving things to a foreign country.

When you call an international moving company to make initial inquiries, be sure and ask many questions. They will want to know your plans such as when you moving, what you want to take with you and any other important details. Also, you need to get an estimate from them and at least two other moving companies. This will allow you to make a good decision on who you want to work with to get your things moved. This is not a decision to take lightly because this choice can make a big difference on the success of your move. If you plan to take your car with you, it is important to remember that the brand and model of your car is sold overseas as well. If you take your car and then have problems, there will be no way to get it repaired. 

While it's difficult to get a car approved for driving in France, it has been done. Make sure you leave the existing license plates on the car as that will make it easier to get car insurance. Bear in mind also that if your steering wheel is on the left, you may have trouble with many of the toll booths in France. Paris is a huge tourist area because of the many fascinating sights to see there. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark. The Louvre is a famous museum known for very old works of art such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Another fascinating museum is the Musee D'Orsay, which was once a train station. The art here is newer than at the Louvre, being created between 1848 and 1915. The Moulin Rouge, located in Montmartre, is a cabaret that features many shows. It is here that the "cancan" dance girls became famous.

Fine food is a major part of French life. They are known worldwide for their cooking abilities. Chefs prepare soufflés, mouse, quiche, crepes, croissants, pate and French bread. One unusual tradition that the French people enjoy is to drink hot chocolate from bowls and dip their bread into it. This along with their excellent wines, breads and cheese make French dishes especially delicious. The French people are known for their freedom of speech, love of the arts and acceptance of diversified cultures. Religion and culture are very important segments of the country. While moving to Paris may take some time and effort, anyone moving there will be immediately entranced by the beauty in the surroundings, culture and atmosphere.

As winter is approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, many people from all over the world will be planning winter vacations. What better way to enjoy a winter vacation and yet having a healthy full body workout instead of gaining winter weight by going on a skiing vacation? In this article, we will be taking a look at two of the more popular ski resorts in France and if you are heading to Europe for your winter holidays then the information here may come in useful.

The ski resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs in France are surrounded by breathtaking white capped mountain ranges. Both resorts attract skiing enthusiasts mainly from France and Europe. However in the past few years, the resorts are also attracting more and more Asians and American skiers and holiday makers. La Plagne is one of the largest single ski areas in the world, with 212kms (about 132 miles) of pistes served by 144 ski lifts and is linked to Les Arcs by a four minute cable car ride. This ski resort is made up of 10 villages and is probably the most visited ski resort in the world.

In additional to skiing activities, visitors can also indulge in other activities such as bowling, working out in a fully equipped gym and sports centre, get away from the winter chill by taking sauna baths, go hang-gliding or ice-skating. For a family outing, there are more than 200 shops to go shopping in or dine in La Plagne myriads of restaurants. Bars and dance clubs light up La Plagne by night. La Plagne is sometimes billed as the 'third generation' French ski resort with its futuristic architectural designs has probably also influenced other ski resorts in France such as Flaine, Avoriaz and Les Arcs to go for the new world space age architecture and abandoning the charming rustic designs of traditional ski resort architecture.

Skiers in La Plagne will encounter various permutation of piste and off piste, from exhilarating steep descents on the huge glacier at Bellecote(3,000m or almost 10,000ft), then cruising delightfully down quiet meandering larch lined avenues to the charming villages of Montchavin-Les Coches, Champagny-en-Vanoise and Montalbert. Now let's take a look at Les Arcs. This resort has a Eurostar train terminal connection at Bourg Saint Maurice and thus making it the most accessible high-altitude ski resort in France. Les Arcs is also known to have pioneered the so called 'ski evolutif', which is a technique used for fast learning by progressing quickly from short skis to longer skis.

Les Arcs is also the homeground of the "Kilometre Lancee" in which daredevils on huge 237cm or 8 ft skis, clad in thin aerodynamic plastic suits and donning 'Darth Vader of Star Wars' style visors, speed down the specially designed track at exhilarating breakneck speed of up to 240kph (150mph) or more. Just like La Plagne, Les Arcs ski resort has acres and acres seemingly never ending good cruising ski terrain and its off piste opportunities are simply fantastic. 

Take for example, the Aiguille Rouge, which dominates the resort has many challenging runs down its front face slopes. The Aiguille Rouge is also the starting point for one of the longest skiing descents in the French Alps. The largely black run down to the charming village of Villaroger is over 16km or about 10 miles long. Whew! With such fabulous skiing opportunities, it is therefore not surprising that La Plagne along with Les Arcs ski resorts in France is able to attract so many skiing enthusiasts from all the world, isn't it?

As you prepare for your move to France, it will be helpful to know some simple and yet interesting facts about this European country. Every country has its own set of rules and ideas. And each country has characteristics that make it different from others. Here are some things you need to know about France.

1. Of course, the capital of France is Paris. Paris is also the largest city in France with over 2 million people. When the population of the Paris suburbs is added, that figure rises to 12 million people. The Seine River runs through the oldest section of Paris and is divided into two sections, the Left Bank and the Right Bank.

2. Paris offers a myriad of exciting sites. Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous attraction in Paris. The French government originally planned to tear down the Eiffel Tower, as it was only built for a fair, but due to its popularity, they changed their minds.

3. France is a member of the European Union and has been one of the world's most powerful countries since the end of the 17th century. With nearly 82 million foreigners visiting each year, it is the most common tourist spot in the world.

4. Moving to France should take some time and foresight. The best thing to do is to visit beforehand so you can explore the area, check into housing and transportation and get a general feeling of the culture of the area. You can't go wrong by visiting first because every country is unique and you want to know that you will be happy living there.

5. The French people love papers. So, when you make your move to France, you will need to show them many documents. Some of these will include: birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport, international or European driver's license, insurance documents, bank references, education records, payroll slips, and more! Quite simply, any document that proves anything about you will probably be helpful or necessary during your move, so set it aside. You will also have to apply for a visa if you are not a European citizen.

6. Start planning right away to have your possession shipped to France. It is best to choose a moving company that specializes in international moving, rather than one that usually does national moves. International moving companies are more up to date on laws, regulations and things you need to know before moving internationally. Many local companies will advertise for international shipping, but it's not their specialty and they will not have all of the information that you need in order to make have a successful overseas move.

7. Taking your pet to live with you in France should not be a problem. Unlike some other countries, France is quite compliant about allowing cats and dogs into their country. You will probably need vaccination certificates and records and a certificate of origin and health, proving that that your pet has lived in a country that is free of rabies for at least three years.

8. There are some crucial things to consider if you plan to move your car to France. First of all, be sure that the brand and model of your vehicle are sold overseas as well. Getting a foreign car approved for driving in France can be somewhat difficult. Secondly, leave the existing license plates on the car. This will make it much easier to get car insurance. Last, but not least, the location of your steering wheel can make a big difference. If the steering wheel is located on the right side, you may have problems with the many toll booths along the highways.

9. Each and every item going into France must go through customs and be declared. There are certain documents that you will need including: a letter from your employer in France or a certificate stamped by the French Consulate or Embassy of original country, an inventory list of all items in both French and your own language, a document verifying that all items are for your personal use and not for selling, and receipts for all expensive items such as jewelry, electronic equipment, etc. Keep a copy of all document for your own records also.

10. Depending on where you relocating, you will find that the French climate is fairly the same, with slight variations at different locations. The weather in both the north and west are affected by the Atlantic Ocean. In the east, the winters are fairly cold and the weather is generally fair. You can expect hot, wet summers. Winters tend to be cooler and wet in the south, along with drier and hotter summers.

Those looking for an exciting vacation or new lifestyle continue to look to France as the place of choice. France draws people because of it's high quality of life available to everyone. The French enjoy fine food, a leisurely lifestyle and the finer things in life. France remains both modern and old-fashioned, making it appealing to newcomers. There is a French phrase that describes it best: joie de vivre (joy of living).

So you are finally going to France for your next holiday. You have picked the location, organised your travel, and booked some accommodation. That is the easy part of the "where" and the "how". The trickiest part of enjoying and planning your holiday begins next when you tackle the "what" to see and "what" to do. I hope you are not thinking "everything". Tourists often mistakenly schedule every hour of every day in advance to ensure they see every French chateau, abbey and vineyard. If this is your inclination our advice is simply don't go. You will be as stressed as if you never left your work so you might as well stay there and earn more money.

If you go with a to-do list of "famous sights," you will come home with a lot of incredible pictures but with no real emotional connection to where you have been. You will look at photos of various castles and not be able to distinguish which one was which. Your holiday will be one continuous chateau blur. You'll have spent your entire time hurtling from one famous chateau or abbey or rather than soaking up the significance of that castle, abbey you toured in a nanosecond. Please don't be a speed tourist forever intent and acting possessed determined to get yet another tick in a box on their "must see" list. Never see more than two castles in a day and do not do more than three days of your vacation (ideally spaced out) chateau hopping.

If you are renting a chateau or a villa, set aside some time to just hang out there and relax. Often you see groups of families who rent a chateau or a villa together busy traipsing all over the countryside ticking all of the boxes on someone's overly optimized list of must do activities and must see sites. Some poor person got the duty of planning the itinerary and wanted to make sure no one could later complain that they missed something. Always remember most people holiday in France for the experience that is unique and totally different from their everyday English, American, or Antipodean existence. Find yourself a little cafe, bistro, or a pub. Sit down. Order something. Listen to the locals chatting. Talk to a stranger even if it is in Franglais. Savour that glass of wine. Smell that freshly baked bread Relax you are on holiday.

You probably selected France as your destination in order to escape the hurried pace of your normal live. So what you need to do is to enjoy life at another pace and slow down a little. This way you can return home feeling rested and rejuvenated. Remember you are not trying to set any new record - you are on holiday. Leisurely drink in the scenery and the culture and sample some of the acclaimed local wine whilst enjoying a picnic. And do not forget, if you miss something important - no problem. It is the perfect excuse to return for another relaxing holiday another year.

France the land of over thirty thousand castles is an amazing country to choose to hold your wedding ceremony. However a civil wedding in France requires legal procedures and advance planning, as well as a minimum stay of 4 weeks and blood tests to complete the necessary documentation prior to the legal ceremony. As this is usually difficult to comply with, many couples opt to have a legal wedding in their own country, before jetting to France for a religious ceremony held at an amazing location like a fairytale chateau in the Loire Valley or in Paris and they then honeymoon in France. Either a civil or religious ceremony in France will offer you a romantic and picturesque setting for your special day.

A civil marriage is obligatory in France and religious ceremonies, which are optional, are not legally binding in any way and can only be performed after the civil ceremony. To be legal, a marriage in France needs to be performed by a French civil authority. In practice this means that the mayor or his legally authorized replacement performs the marriage ceremony. For a civil ceremony there is a requirement of residency in France which one of the parties to be married must comply with. One of the parties must reside in the town or the arrondissement if in Paris, for the thirty days prior to the marriage. In addition to these thirty days, French law requires the publication of the marriage banns at City Hall for ten days which makes a total residency requirement of 40 days before the ceremony can be scheduled to take place at City Hall.

Documents for a civil ceremony are as follows:

1. Birth certificate not from a hospital but from the official government Bureau for recording births like the Bureau of Vital Records in the United States of America.
2. A notarized "Affidavit of Law" (Certificat de Coutume), drawn up by an attorney in law licensed in the State of residence of the party, stating:

3. In the case of previous marriages, a certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse or a certified copy of the final divorce decree needs to be produced.

4. Prenuptial certificate of health issued not more than two months prior to the date of the marriage by a medical doctor after:

It is possible to have these tests done in France.

Regarding prenuptial agreements, if no special measures are taken by the parties with a French Notary or an attorney at law in the States, prior to the marriage, then they are considered married under the communaute reduite aux acquets. This means that what each party owns personally prior to the marriage, or whatever comes to them afterwards through inheritance, remains their own property. Only what is acquired during the marriage is owned equally by both parties.

All foreign documents need be legalized prior to being presented in the French authorities. American documents can be legalized by obtaining the Apostille provided for by the Hague Convention which was signed by the United States on October 15, 1981. The apostille is usually obtained through the office of the Secretary of State of whatever state the document was issued in.

In all cases, it is recommended that the couple contact the Marriage Bureau of City hall upon arrival in France as extra documents may be required, such as a residence affidavit. All the documents above must be translated into French for presentation to French officials. Translations can be done in the United States of America by a Translating Agency or by a certified translator in France. If the translations are done in America the translations as well as the original of the document must be presented to the French Consulate General for verification.

American citizens holding ordinary American passports are not required to obtain a visa for a trip to France as long as they do not stay longer than 3 months. The visa exemption does not apply to journalists or to members of airline crews no matter what the length of their stay. American citizens holding diplomatic or official passports must obtain a visa before going to France no matter what the length of their stay. Other foreign nationals must check with the visa section of the Consulate General of France.

As the legal requirements for getting married in France are complex and may be reviewed or amended at any time, it is recommended that you engage a competent wedding planner if you wish to get married in France. Not only will she advise you on up-to-date legal requirements she can assist you with every little detail for your special day. A fairytale chateau in France is a magical location for your wedding vows.

French golf holidays are more popular than ever thanks to the superb variety of courses that are available across the entire country. Each region has its own individual character and attractions to keep you occupied away from the golf courses and you will probably find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to go for your golf break! Here is a brief run through each of the regions, along with a selection of the finest golf courses in France.

Northern France and Normandy

Quite apart from the quality of the courses, a golf trip here offers one distinct advantage – location. It’s only a short hop across the Channel to the northern regions of France, and a golf holiday here will place you amidst some of the finest golf courses in the country. The region also offers up a great coastline, picturesque towns and ports and expansive forests and lively resorts to keep you entertained between rounds.

Top Courses:

Paris, Champagne and Alsace

Golf near Paris has the obvious advantage of being close to one of Europe’s most exciting capital cities, and there’s plenty of world-class golf (four courses in the World Top 100 to be precise and many good ones besides) to be had in the surrounding countryside. If your French golf holiday takes you further east to Champagne and Alsace, there are numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and (of course!) lots of Champagne and wine to keep you happy.

Top Courses:

The Loire, Burgundy and Central France

As well as being “littered” with famous and beautiful Chateaux, the Loire is also home to some of the best golf courses in France, including the joint no 1. course in Europe. The central region can be especially good if you are looking for a more relaxed golf holiday in France.

Top Courses:

The Alps

If you are considering a golf holiday in France, the Alps may not immediately spring to mind, but amid the spectacular mountains and valleys are a number of superb golf courses.

Top Courses:

Southern France

Anyone who wants to go on a golf holiday to France will surely be tempted by the south. With over three hundred days of sunshine each year, world famous cuisine and superb beaches, there is plenty to draw you here. But it’s not all fine wine and sunbathing, as the region also features numerous superb golf courses designed by the lacks of Trent Jones, Gary Player, Pete Dye, Robert von Hagge and Peter Alliss. Biarritz in the south west has long been regarded as a golfer’s haven with five courses in Europe’s Top 100 and there are plenty of other courses in the area to keep even the most avid golfer occupied.

Top Courses:

Autoroutes or french motorways are a delight to drive on, as they are all relatively new and incredibly well maintained. All of the motorways throughout France are a fast efficient way to travel and once you are on them they are easy to navigate. They are usually expensive and the locals prefer to avoid them and stick to the national routes (the RN and D roads). France has one of the densest road networks in Europe. French roads are always very well maintained and the road network includes 4960 miles of motorways constructed in the last 20 years (many with tolls) which link the main provincial towns and cities with Paris.

The minimum driving age in France is 18 years old. All drivers in France need a valid drive's licence. Proof of insurance coverage is necessary. The gendarmes may request to see your license, insurance certificate, and vehicle registration at any time. You should also carry a passport or National Identity Card. Beware on the spot fines are imposed for not carrying the proper documentation. All drivers should carry a red warning triangle in their boot, together with spare head-light bulbs, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

In France to rent a car you must be over 20 years of age and have held a full driving license for at least a year. Insurance is obligatory. All of the main car rental companies have offices in all railway stations and airports, as well as in major city centers. If you are driving to France from another country, there is a good choice of car-ferry operators from England and the Eurotunnel. All foreign cars need to display a sticker showing the country of registration displayed close to the rear registration plate. Right hand drive vehicles need to have the head-lights adjusted or have deflector kits fitted which are easily available at all the English ports.

You will need to obtain a green card from your English insurer for full cover abroad. If you do not have a green card your UK insurance will not cover you outside of England. You can also arrange for rescue and recovery service with the AA, RAC and Europ Assist. Like in England, cars already on a roundabout have right of way. In France you must give way to the right unless road signs indicate otherwise.

Avoid driving around the Champs d'Elysess in Paris if you can help it of course unless you want to do your very own Chevy Chase European Vacation roundabout experience. There are 4 traffic police stationed at the Champs d'Elysees at all times for very good reason. I have heard that insurance companies pay out and do not ask any questions as to liability for accidents on the Champs d'Elysees. It is a complete nightmare and accidents happen all the time.

Permanent speed cameras are normally well signposted and are big rectangular boxes painted with bright fluorescent black and yellow diagonal stripes to warn you. The Michelin website lists where these fixed speed cameras are on your journey and advises the speed limit at those locations. It will also calculate the toll for you on motorways. On autoroutes the speed limit is 130 kilometres and 110 when it rains. On dual carriage ways the speed limit is reduced to 110 kilometres and 90 when it rains. On other roads the speed limit is 90 kilometres and 80 when it rains. towns, villages, hamlets, the normal limit is 50 kilometres and the French do not always display the speed limit.

Filling up with petrol or diesel is straight forward when travelling on a motorway. If you are travelling on the national routes you have to be really careful about buying petrol or diesel on a Sunday. Almost every service station is closed on a Sunday (except those on Motorways) and all of the automatic petrol pumps do not accept international credit cards only French debit and credit cards. Hypermarkets and large supermarkets sell petrol at a discount but remember only to locals with French cards on a Sunday.

Nord Pas de Calais is among the twenty six regions of amazing France. It borders with Belgium and is an incredible place to spend the vacations with family and friends on a self catering holiday. The very spectacular and amazing beauty of this pace will render your senses exhilarated and you will have the best of the times of your entire life here. As there are some of the most incredible places to be at in this region along with enthralling activities and entertainment facilities, you can be sure of having the most memorable time here. France rentals are very popular in the Nord Pas de Calais region.

When you come to Nord Pas de Calais then makes it a point to visit some of the most remarkable places of this place. Places that are much known for their splendor, their historical background and for other great reasons like their architecture and popularity. For instance, the great Bergues is a place that is a sure visit when you land here. Bergues, from belfry till the Saint Winoc's abbey along with the pawnshop is now a great Mont de Piete museum. 

The facade of yellow bricks is actually a great feature of the old buildings of Bergues. This colorful place at the very foot of belfry is among the most amazing towns you can ever come across. Then, Boulogne, the pioneer fishing port of France is another such place. This place has been rightly awarded with the status "Town of Art and History". It is a gem of a place. The town is fortified yet and retains its original city walls, chateau museum and a basilica.

Towards the south of the region of Nord Pas de Calais is the Henri-Depuis Museum of Natural History along with the cathedral of the Notre- Dame. It is a great high tower, has richly embellished interiors, fine doorway and amazing overall structure. Inside the church, the tomb of St. Omer is located. Here are monuments, observation decks and other interesting things to delve into. There are so many places to visit in this region that renting holiday accommodation gives you the time and space to explore to the full.

When you come to Nord Pas de Calais, you can certainly not miss the great events that take place here. Like Festival de la Cote d'Opale which is a two week long festival and occurs in over ten towns that are running along Cote D'Opale. These events comprise of exciting pop and jazz concerts and are of less duration. Another great event is the Music & Remparts Festival that goes on for 2 weeks. In this event there is a lot of folk and classical music that can be relished from all over France.

When you wish to enjoy the very essence of this exquisite place then you should also make sure hat you attend the Battle of Napoleon. Each year, all the residents of the town reconstruct the very battle of great Napoleon. They wear period costumes and make the past come alive at once. This is a very spectacular sight to behold and should not be missed at all. So, pack your bags and make all arrangements to visit this enthralling place and have great quality time with your family, enjoy this region to the full by renting a gite or house and use it as a base to explore.

Make reference to France travel and the name Paris comes up right away. Paris is known to the rest of the world for its world renowned Eiffel tower. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 and became today one of the most recognizable monuments in France as well as an international symbol that attracts people from all around the world to Paris. Located near the Seine river, which is considered to be the lifeline of the city of Paris, the Eiffel tower was built by a French engineer called Gustave Eiffel, which explains why the tower was given the Eiffel name.

The tower was built a century after the French revolution in order to celebrate the centenary of this important historical milestone and the ideals of the French Revolution liberty, equality and fraternity. French history indicates that the tower was inaugurated on the 31st of march 1889 and opened to the public on May, 6th of the same year. However, it is the Eiffel tower that symbolizes Paris as a tourist destination in modern times. The construction of the tower had indeed met with a stiff resistance from the intellectuals as well as the regular Frenchman during its beginnings. 

A number of French leaders and citizens questioned the judgment of the people who had thought of the idea of the tower in the creation period, calling it an eyesore and a misuse of public finances and wealth. Of those protestors, the world renowned writer Guy de Maupassant is thought to have eaten at one specific restaurant everyday, as he claimed this restaurant was the only restaurant in Paris that spared him the painful sight of the tower! The tower, a milestone for France travelers was the tallest structure in the world at the time of its construction and measures approximately 300 meters high and inclues 3 stories. Highest structure in Paris, the Eiffel tower is the second highest structure in France.

The French authorities in charge of maintaining the tower provide a useful website that can attest to be a blessing for travelers from other countries. The website gives accurate rates for sightseeing and also provides the history of the construction of the tower. Distinct rates exist for adults and children as well as exclusive concessions that are available for the disabled.

Like the varying degree of passionate travelers of France, the rates for the elevators vary as one rises up the tower. The standard rates for adults for the first story are in the 40 euros while the 2nd floor can be assessed at a rate in the seventy euros for adults. The top level, which is a visual delight of Paris can be reached by elevator at a rate of about 100 euros. The tower is fully equipped with facilities that can help the disabled access to its height and share the beauty of the city of Paris. 

Lifts and turnstiles are easily available that can help people with reduced mobility access the tower. For a summary of a visit to the Eiffel tower make sure to stop at Altitude 95, the restaurant located on the first level of the Eiffel tower. Needless to say that France travel remains incomplete without touring this historical beauty. We wish you a visit that just soars with fun!