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.

The beautiful and diverse country of France is said to be the most popular tourist destination in all the world. One of the reasons for this popularity is because France is home to some of the best and most famous tourist attractions that can be found anywhere. Every year, millions and millions of people travel to the various French cities and towns to enjoy their holidays in the renowned "French style."

For many, the wonders of France make it a dream destination for a wide variety of people with different tastes and interests. There are grand castles to explore, magnificent cathedrals to take in and be inspired and awed by, beautiful examples of ingenious structures and remarkable architecture, fascinating art museums and history museums, enchanting shopping venues, and spectacular hotels. Add to these marvels the ready availability of world-class French cuisine, and it is no wonder why people love to take in the French experience.

In addition, France also boasts some of the most stunning and amazing mountains, rivers and landscapes, not to mention the spectacular beaches, especially in the sun-drenched south of France. There are so many famous tourist attractions and interesting sites to see and experience in France that the list is almost endless. One of the best known and most easily recognized attraction in all the world is the incredible Eiffel Tower. Located in the heart of Paris, it is acknowledged as one of the greatest masterpieces of human ingenuity, skill and accomplishment on the planet.

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the International Exhibition of Paris and is now considered the historic landmark of the country. The 300 meter tall tower has become the major tourist attraction of France. The Louvre Museum, also in Paris, is one of the most visited museums in the entire world and another of the grand attractions in France. The museum is home to some of the most spectacular art exhibitions and collections of art from many periods that span various eras.

It is also perceived to be world's greatest art museum and has many gallery exhibitions that showcase some of the best paintings and drawings from the world's masters of art. The Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of the prized works of art featured in the Louvre and this beloved work of art is one of the attractions that draw people to the museum. One of the premier holiday destinations in France is the city of Cannes, which offers a wide array of attractions for visitors. The town is located in a picturesque region of France called the Cote d'Azur, or the Azure Coast. Cannes is probably best known for the annual, international event that it hosts every year, which is the Cannes International Film Festival.

It is also celebrated for its gorgeous beaches, the chic and trendy culture, and its exciting and hip nightlife. Cannes is also home to some amazing art museums, historic churches and landmark sites which are also impressive to tourists. Other must-see tourist attractions that can be found in and around the town of Cannes are St. Marguerite Island and St. Honorat Island. These beautiful little islands are known for their striking scenic charm and the historic monasteries that are located there. Le Suquet is actually Old Cannes and it offers tourists breathtaking views of the beaches of La Croisette and is a marvelous place for an evening stroll.

Situated on the Italian and Switzerland borders, the French area of Rhone Alpes is a must visit place in all seasons. France rentals are very popular in the Rhone Alps region. Packed with several entertaining activities to offer to the tourists, the Rhone Alpes is house to an entire wealth of economic, cultural and geographical treasures.

Some of the places that you cannot afford to miss include the mountains and the city of Lyon, apart from the striking Mont Blanc. There are also many rivers, famous vineyards and natural parks in the region that are worth visiting. The first thing people come here to do is skiing and snowboarding. A large number of people head towards the Val d'Isere slopes for skiing and snowboarding especially during the winters.

There are several ski resorts in the area and even if you are not carrying your ski equipments with you, they can be hired from the resorts or stores or even be bought there. Some of the most popular ski areas in Rhone Alpes include Vallee Blanche in Chamonix, Les Arcs in Bourg Saint Maurice, La Tania in Courchevel, Les Allues in Meribel and St Martin de Belleville in Les Menuires

The second thing to do in Rhone Alpes is to enjoy its glorious nightlife. There are several bars, operas, clubs, pubs and cafe bars for the visitors to enjoy. The Place des Terreaux in Lyon is a public square that gets lit up in the night by beautiful 19th century fountains and is always founded crowded after sunset. Opera National de Lyon is an internationally renowned opera in Lyon.

A large number of visitors come here to enjoy the world class opera performed here. Le Hot Club is a premier Jazz club in Lyon which features live performances many times in a week. Le Twenty in Grenoble is one of the trendiest cosmopolitan cafe bars featuring specialties like several cocktails mixed in Chartreuse.

The third thing to do in Rhone Alpes is to enjoy the live performances conduced here from time to time. Theatres Romains de Fourviere in Lyon is a renowned theatre, remnant from the dominant era of Roman Empire. The ruins of the two amphitheatres are more than 2000 years old. Amphitheater of the Three Gauls in Lyon is more than 2000 years old monument of the Roman organization. The Roman Theater in Vienne is a Roman theatre seating around 13000 people. It also serves as an architectural building and an ancient ruin.

The fourth thing you must not forget to do in Rhone Alpes is to explore its history and culture. Standing on the Fourviere Hill, the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere was constructed in late 19th century with grave exterior and ornate interior. The Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste is a 12th century cathedral made in gothic style with impressive windows of stained glass. Hotel de Ville is the city hall of Lyon with blue domed pavilions and a tall clock tower.

The fifth thing you should not miss in Rhone Alpes is enjoying its wine. The best known wine producing regions of France are situated near Lyon which are Beaujolais in the north and Cotes du Rhone in the south.

The diversity of the Rhone Alps region of France make it very popular for self catering holidays all year round. Renting a holiday home would give the tourist the time and freedom to explore and partake of all that is on offer in this region of France.

Skiing and snowboarding holidays have grown in popularity in recent years. This has been made possible by the growth of the low cost airlines and the increase in the availability of holiday home rentals.There are now many ski chalets, self catering apartments, farmhouses and holiday villas to choose from all over Europe and the rest of the world.

France has become a very popular winter sports holiday destination. The explosion in the number of people snowboarding has led to tourists going to France on snowboarding weekends and also long weekend skiing holidays. The snowboarders like to stay in either self catering apartments or if they are in larger groups they rent one of the many fabulous ski chalets available in France. The ski chalets are also in great demand from family skiing holidays. They are close to the ski slopes and make for a great Alpine family skiing holiday in France.

The great thing about skiing holidays in France is that there are holiday home rentals available to suite all budgets. It is possible to have a cheap skiing weekend break staying in a small apartment or have a luxurious skiing holiday in Chamonix, staying in one of the superb holiday chalets in the Alps. Norway is loved by cross country skiers and many families go there on skiing holidays and stay in a traditional chalet. Austria and Switzerland are also popular winter sports destination with people wanting to go snowboarding and on skiing holidays.

For people wanting to travel further afield, there is excellent skiing available in America and Canada. The Rockies is becoming popular with snow boarders and traditional skiing is still growing in numbers. In America there are some luxurious ski villas available to rent and some of them even come with their own swimming pools. A skiing holiday is a great family vacation and families of all ages enjoy to ski. Age is no barrier to skiing as there are ski slopes for all skiing abilities. Most ski resorts have ski schools where skiers can learn to ski. As long as you are fairly fit and like to exert yourself, then a vacation to one of the world top ski resorts will provide you with a great family holiday.

For beginners to skiing or snowboarding, it can be a nervous experience the first time that you hit the ski slopes, but after a few falls, bumps and bruises you usually find yourself hooked on the sport. It is advisable to book lessons the first time that you go on vacation skiing or snow boarding. However don't be put off if you have never been on a skiing vacation before as ski resorts cater for skiers of all abilities. Skiing holidays have become popular in many mountainous countries around the world. Skiing is popular in France and the Alps provide excellent skiing conditions in hundreds of ski resorts across Europe. All now offer excellent self catering accommodation in apartments, chalets and villas.

Chamonix is best known around the world for its spectacular Alpine view of Mont Blanc and there are some luxurious skiing chalets available to rent in this location. Courcheval is a popular skiing destination with many designer shops and superb restaurants. Meribel and Morzine are also popular skiing resorts helping to make the French Alps one of the most popular winter sports destinations in the world. Switzerland is another popular European winter sport destination with picture book wooden ski chalets. The Valais region is known around the world for its excellent skiing facilities and spectacular scenery. The Appenine mountains in Italy has good resorts at Le Marche and Abruzzo.

The one thing that renting skiing chalets, apartments or farmhouses from their owners have in common is that they provide the holiday makers with a great deal of freedom. They are able to sample the local way of life and get a true feel of the local culture of the country that they are staying in. It is no wonder that many holiday makers on winter sports vacation return to the same country year after year. Whether it is a skiing weekend break, a snowboarding holiday to the Alps or a family skiing holiday to France, you are sure to have a great vacation.

If you have never holidayed in a French castle before, here are some reasons why you should consider one for your next luxury holiday.

Size

By their nature, chateaux are large pieces of architecture. However the reception rooms on the ground floor are typically huge and wonderful rooms to relax in and soak up the ambience. French chateaux lend themselves perfectly for wedding venues. Sometimes a reception room may house a Michelin-starred restaurant. If it does not then usually there is one not too far away.

The premium bedrooms or suites are normally located on the first floor and are usually palatial built for the original creators of these architectural gems. Do not be surprised if the ensuite is bigger than a whole floor of your own home. The upper floors which usually have a lower ceiling height were reserved for the incredible number of full-time staff required to keep a chateau running like clockwork even at the beginning of the last century.

Chateaux normally lord over a domaine which historically necessitated wood-cutters, and ground staff on top of house staff. Remember these gems were built before the invention of lawn mowers and chain-saws. Ten gardeners used to do the work of a gardener today with all of his modern equipment. This ratio is pretty typical of the historical staff numbers required in the kitchen and the laundry too.

Big is not necessarily better. Huge castle hotels often house their guests in converted outbuildings, with the coach-house being a favourite. Some castle owners reduce the number of rooms available so that they can increase the size of the rooms and the public spaces and provide a better service. How many rooms a castleoffers affects the ambience and the service. Do your homework or you could be sharing your lovely intimate chateau experience with 60 other couples all of them as eager as you to experience the grandeur of life living like royalty in a French castle.

Location

French chateaux were usually constructed in enviable locations, with beautiful vistas over rural France. You can take in the countryside from your room in a castle on top of a hill. Historically chateaux were usually built atop hills for obvious strategic defence. They provide a retreat where you can wind down, rest your weary feet and take advantage of the host's outstanding local knowledge. The chateau styles vary depending upon the era in which they were built and the location in France.

Service

Service is all-important in French chateaux. Hosts ensure that guests want for nothing, and yet the service is discreet, so guests don't feel hassled or intimidated. The lower number of guests at a French castle means that the service can be impeccable, and it usually is.

Price

The term "chateau" may give the impression that they are incredibly expensive, but that's not the case. In fact, you may be surprised by how affordable many of them are. For the same price or maybe just a little more than you might pay for a very ordinary chain hotel, you could be staying somewhere with real atmosphere and real service.

Design

French chateaux have design running through their core and it is a pleasure to stay somewhere that's been designed and decorated with an eye for detail and finish. From the fine architectural details, like stunning plaster work, sweeping stone staircases, parquet floors, gorgeous tiling, wrought iron balustrades, beautiful marble and stone fireplaces, trumeau mirrors, trompe l'oeil paintings, magnificent french chandeliers and sconces. Everything in a French castle is typically design-led.

French chateaux were built with a fastidious eye for fine detail. Remember that the French under Louis XIV set the standards of sophistication, style, and glamour that still rule our lives today. Remember that before his reign commenced, his nation had no particular association with elegance, yet by its end the French had become accepted all over the world as the arbiters in matters of taste and style and that France had established a dominance in the luxury trade that still continues today.

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:

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.

The growth of the self catering holiday has been greatly helped by the growth of the internet. It is now so easy to look up self catering holidays on the internet and then decide where you would like to stay.

Self catering holidays are very popular with holiday makers going on a family holiday. The great thing about looking for a holiday that is self catering is that they are available in most countries around the world.

One of the most popular holiday destinations for self catering holidays is Ireland. Many holiday makers choose to go on a family holiday to Ireland and choose self catering accommodation. Ireland is so popular with holiday makers on self catering holidays as it is a country full of warm welcoming people and has some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe.

While on a self catering holiday to Ireland families feel that they get to experience the real Ireland. They can sample the world famous Irish beer and also try some of the mouth watering local cuisine that they would not have got the opportunity to try if they had not been on a self catering holiday.

France is another favourite holiday destination for self catering holidays. Families go to France and choose a self catering holiday as they feel that it helps them experience the real way of life in France. By choosing self catering on a holiday in France, families can choose to eat out in local bars and restaurants. This enables them to get a true feel of the local culture and really appreciate the French cuisine. It is also fun to shop in the local markets and shops and then take the produce back to your self catering accommodation to cook.

By going on a self catering holiday to France enables you to try different foods that you would not try on a normal holiday. Normandy is a popular destination with holiday makers going on a self catering holiday to France. Many families go back year after year to France on self catering holidays as they fall in love with the flavour of the local food. By selecting a self catering holiday, tourists to France are able to experience the many mouthwatering foods specific to individual regions.

Scotland is another popular self catering holiday destination. Tourists are attracted to Scotland by its stunning scenery and warm and friendly people. Self catering holidays are so popular in Scotland as it can work our to be a very good value money. By choosing a self catering holiday you are able to choose when you want to eat and also where you want to eat. Scotland is famous for having some mouth watering food and whisky and holiday makers have the choice of eating out or back in their self catering holiday home.

In England some of the most popular self catering holidays are in Devon and Cornwall. Many families like to take self catering holidays in Devon and Cornwall and go there for the beautiful beaches and stunning views out over the sea. Self catering holidays are also popular in Devon and Cornwall as they help to reduce the price of the holiday.

Many lovers of the great out doors go on self catering holidays to the Lake District. They are so popular here because holiday makers like to go on long walks and explore the local mountains. They are then not restricted by meal times and can spend a full day out on the beautiful mountains in the Lake District.