France Attractions

Infamous for its wide boulevards and iconic attractions, one can have a glimpse of the past by visiting the historical landmarks. As the heartbeat of culture, beauty and romance, often referred to as the love capital of the world Paris offers some of the most beautiful and majestic sights on the planet.

Paris is known as the City of Light and there is no better way to experience the city at night than to sail down the River Seine. The Seine has provided water and transportation for over 2,000 years. Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Seine River. The Pont des Arts is always filled with people, music, painters, and of course, couples kissing.

The Louvre is closed Tuesdays and it takes at least a week to see the entire museum exhibit. But if your pitched for time, the Venus de Milo, the famed Winged Victory and of course, the Mona Lisa are must sees. The Louvre museum, is one of the most important museums reportedly hosts up to 6 million visitors a year who are eager to see the most famous paintings and works of art.

The Musee d'Orsay holds a great number of impressionist artwork or the Musee d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris for great modern art. The Musee Rodin is one of the most charming and overlooked museums The tranquil gardens behind the museum with plenty of benches are ideal for a mid afternoon stroll. For historians, Musee Carnavalet explores the history of Paris.

In the United States, we have the 4th of July and in France, the most important holiday is July 14th. Bastille Day is not about the storming of the Bastille in 1789 an event that has long been held up as a symbol of the birth of the modern French nation but rather is a commemoration of the Fete de la Federation which took place a year later. This was a large feast that was held to celebrate the uprising of the constitutional monarchy in France, which many people consider to be the mark of the end of the French Revolution.

On the 21 May 1880, Benjamin Raspail proposed a law to have the Republic choose the 14 July as a yearly national holiday. The assembly voted the text on 21 May and 8 June. The Senate approved on 27 and 29 June, favoring 14 July against 4 August honoring the end of the feudal system on 4 August 1789. The law was made official on 6 July 1880, and the Ministry of the Interior recommended to prefects that the day should be celebrated with all the brilliance that the local resources allow. Indeed, the celebrations of the new holiday in 1880 were particularly magnificent.

The 21st century, festivities are held the morning of 14 July. The parade opens with many cadets and it is customary to invite units from France's allies to the parade. In 2004 during the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, British troops.

The president used to give an interview to members of the press, discussing the situation of the country, recent events and projects for the future. Nicolas Sarkozy, elected president in 2007, has chosen not to give it. Bastille Day falls during the Tour de France and is traditionally a day on which French riders try to take a stage victory for France, working harder than they might otherwise.

The night before Bastille Day sees a range of parties. Bastille Square is a popular venue for dancing on the eve of the Fete Nationale and crowds gather at the Champ de Mars to watch the fireworks display.

If you have not experienced Bastille Day in Paris, you have not seen France or better yet Paris in all her glory.

All manner of trip can be referred to as activity holidays; all have fun and activity at their core. France offers the tourist much in terms of activity holidays and thanks to its wide and varied scenery will entertain all comers. The mountain ranges in the south of France are some of the most beautiful in the world and while the winter sees them fill with skiers and snowboarders the summer months see travelers come for the adrenaline rush of extreme sports. One of area of France that is famed for its white water is the Tarn Gorge. Activity holidays in this region are heavily water based and tourists, whether expert or amateur, excitement is only around the next bend in the river. 

For those who like to kayak, France is the perfect destination; getting a group together and going on a trip is sheer bliss. The ability to camp by the riverside and reach destinations that are simply untouched by civilization is a must for nature lovers while white water sections will make sure experienced paddlers find a challenge. As well as kayaking, other activity holidays include white water rafting. Usually done as part of a tourist service this is a great bonding experience for families, friends and even work colleagues. The amazing beauty of the region will have you open jawed as you purview the river banks and striking canyon walls that surround you. At dawn the chance to see some of the most fascinating wildlife France has to offer is too good a chance to miss.

That is not to say that all activity holidays in France are water based, there is so much to do there is no way of fitting it all in during a single trip. For those who love to climb France has some brilliant rock faces to test your skills. For the sheer feeling of achievement as you have assailed a monster cliff, it is an activity that all should try at least once in their life. For those who want holidays that will enable them to fell free as a bird, France has a number of activities that will suffice. Hot air ballooning allows travelers to get a birds-eye view of the country in a serene and tranquil atmosphere. What could be better than champagne thousands of feet in the air? For those who prefer a little more activity to their holidays; micro-lights and para-gliders are available for hire, training to use this equipment however is essential for your own safety.

France has some of the most stunning scenery in Europe and for those who prefer a more sedate activity holiday walking and horse riding are two of the best ways to experience the best of the French countryside. With many public footpaths and riding centres dotted throughout France there are definitely amenities there for those who like to take it easy. Activity holidays however are not just about being in the outdoors. Being one of the gastronomic capitals of the world France offers budding chefs the chance to perfect their craft and learn from the masters. France is also famed for its long history of producing fine wines and touring the vineyards makes a brilliant journey; the opportunity to stop off and sample the local tipple is always a welcome distraction when on the road.

France is certainly a destination that is more than just Paris and the Eiffel Tower. The French countryside offers travelers stunning views and experiences that are hard to rival anywhere in the world. Seemingly every type of activity is available; from the high adrenaline water sports and mountaineering to soaring majestically in a hot air balloon. Add to this the sumptuous cuisine and the exquisite wines and your trip really will be an experience of a lifetime.