Geography and facts, France

France, geography and facts explained

Geograhy, facts, local customs and foodie guide.

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Vacation in France

Paris, the famous city of lights, is home to more museums and historical monuments than any other place in France. Walk along the same city streets as Hemmingway, Picasso and other expatriate artists who fell in love with Paris in the early 20th century. Take a guided tour of the city and learn about the French Revolution, or take the train to Versailles for a day trip to stroll in the gardens where Louis the XIV debated policy with his ministers. Nowhere else in the world can capture the romance, the history and the beauty of Paris.

Bordeaux and Lyon, provincial capitals, offer a wealth of museums, a rich local culture, and excellent culinary traditions, without the crowds and in a more relaxed atmosphere than the capital. Wine lovers need to visit Lyon, perfectly positioned between the Beajolais and Côtes du Rhône wine regions of France. Traditional French food abounds in charming restaurants, tucked away in the old city, and sports fans can watch France’s most successful soccer club, Olympique Lyonnais, play in their home stadium.

The south of France has a charm all its own, and is the perfect vacation destination if you are looking to combine the elegance of a French city with the leisure of a beach town. The French Riviera is famous for its perfect weather, amazing landscapes, warm water and the famous chaleur (warmth and hospitality) of the locals. Local villages are also in easy driving distance, allowing tourists to visit picturesque towns along the coast and experience the real local culture, or go for a night of gambling in Monaco’s famous casinos. In Cannes, visitors will also find that there is no lack of historical or cultural activities, from live music to museums and plays, while fans of fashion can pick up the latest collection from their favorite French designers in local shops.

Best of France

Brittany worth a visit

Brittany boasts 750 miles of coastline. It is rich with spectacular flora and fauna that span billowing heartlands and thick forests. Brittany has a deep-seated history, inhabited since the time of Neanderthals. Considered as a Celtic nation, Brittany is full of historical sites, from rustic temples to expansive castles.

Because it covers an expansive area of land, Brittany has a wide spectrum of sites and activities. Stay in Perros-Guirec to experience the natural triumphs of Brittany. The ambiance is impressive, with great hiking opportunities amid impressive rock formations. Travel to Saint-Malo, home to extraordinary beaches and the historic Old City. Embrace the vibrant culture in Rennes, famous for its food and incredible museums. Explore the medieval city of Dinan, home to several architectural wonders. There are so many amazing places to visit on your Brittany vacation, including neighboring Normandy that choosing where to go will be the hardest part!

Explore the great outdoors and marvel at the natural wonders in Perros-Guirec. The Sentier des douaniers and Grand Site Naturel de Ploumanac’h are home to breathtaking rock formations along the coast that will truly make you marvel at the wonder of nature.

One of the most notable aspects of Brittany is its plethora of castles. Makes sure to visit the largest of them all, Chateau de Fougeres in Fougeres. History will come alive as you walk around the castle grounds, which have been left in their natural state. To delve more into history, travel to the Centre Historique in Dinan. A quaint medieval town home to castles, blossoming gardens, and adorable stores, Dinan is brimming with history. As you walk to cobblestone streets, traveling from shop to shop, you will be immersed in the cultural and historical wonders of Dinan.

Enjoy the bustling city of Rennes, full of cultural vibrancy and an assortment of impressive museums. Tour the Parlement de Bretagne, a stunning government building, and learn about French parliament. Les Champs Libres is a breathtaking library with exhibits that will delight people of all ages. Musee des Beaux-Arts, the fine arts museum, is a smaller collection, but enjoyable nonetheless. With works spanning from ancient to modern, all art-enthusiasts will get a taste of their favorite styles.

Visit the Parc Animalier et Botanique de Branfere, a cage-free zoo. This is the perfect stop if you are travelling with children, as the zoo is also home an extensive trail of climbing nets, sure to keep your young ones entertained. Similarly, check out L’Aquashow, a spectacular aquarium in Audierne, home to a variety of animal shows.

French Alps

The Alps are one of the world’s great mountain ranges, stretching from Austria to Italy in an arc of stunning peaks. From the times of Rome and Carthage to today, they have mesmerized people from all walks of life, and the French Alps are no exception. From the summit of Mount Blanc to the slopes of Les Trois Vallees, they never fail to provide incredible vistas and powdery snows. During the spring and summer, the Alps bloom with life, flowers and trees soaking up the sun.

The French Alps are home to charming mountain towns. Famous cities like Grenoble sit at the foot of the mountains, offering historic traditions and metropolitan delights within striking distance of the slopes. Chamonix is the prototypical European ski town, one of the oldest in France and first host of the Winter Olympics. Annecy, named after the local lake, is a great place to go paragliding. Another famous ski town, Albertville, is known for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics, evidence of its amazing slopes. No matter where you stay, your French Alps vacation will be full of beautiful panoramas and comfortable settings.

The Vanoise National Park sits in the French Alps and bears the honor of being the first French National Park. Many Alpine ibex, a species of wild goat that evokes bighorn sheep with its headgear, call the park home, in addition to lynx and marmot.

The French Alps are populated with numerous ski resorts, some of the finest in all of Europe. The Les Trois Vallees region is one of the most well known, as it combines three valleys into one massive ski resort, the largest in the world. Over 350 miles of slopes blanket the mountainside, in addition to plenty of cross-country ski trails. The area has 183 ski lifts, an unbelievable number. Perhaps it isn’t surprising that the world’s second-largest ski area, Portes du Soleil, also falls in the French Alps. With 13 separate resorts included in the massive system, there are endless opportunities for exploration and fun.

Grenoble is often called the ‘Capital of the Alps’ by Frenchmen. The city’s proud history stretches back over 2,000 years, and remnants of the Roman Walls can still be found in the city. Stunning architecture and sculpture fills the city, with monuments echoing the glory of the nearby mountain range. Popular sites include the Bastille, an ancient fortress, and the Palace of the Parliament of Dauphine. The city’s museum is also a popular destination, with stunning artifacts and paintings by masters such as Rubens and Miro.

French Alps vacations are as varied as the interests of vacationers. With great cities full of rich culture and history, stunning mountains white with snow in winter and sporting multicolored robes of wildflowers in spring, and cascading rivers feeding huge lakes, the region never fails to stun.

French Riviera

You’ll immediately understand why this destination has been a favorite of royals, aristocrats and celebrities for centuries on your French Riviera vacation. The glittering waters of the Mediterranean combined with stunning cities like Marseilles and Nice combine to make for the ideal seaside retreat. In between sailing, swimming, and sunning you can take time to explore the beautiful ancient cities that dot the coastline. The region’s rich history stretches back to pre-Roman times and there are plenty of historic and cultural treasures for you to discover. Castles, casinos, and cruises: a French Riviera vacation has them all.

The region’s long history as a luxury resort means it has had plenty of time to develop dozens of fantastic places for you to stay on your French Riviera vacation. The chic resort towns of Cannes and Saint Tropez embody all of the glitter and glamour their names have become synonymous with around the world. The city of Nice has a slightly more laid-back, traditional European vibe, but with all of the color associated with a seaside metropolis. The villages in the Alps-Maritimes region perched in the mountains slightly further inland offer spectacular views of the coast.

It’s hard to think of a reason not to take a French Riviera vacation. There’s no part of Mediterranean coastline between France and Italy, destination of choice for royals, aristocrats and celebrities for centuries that sounds unappealing. There’s much more to the French Riviera than sun, sand, glitz and glamour.

The region has a history as vibrant and colorful as its present. You can explore an ancient Roman city surrounded by charming olive groves at the Parc des Arenes de Cimiez, where the Nice Jazz Festival is also hosted every summer. The shoreline is also dotted with medieval fortresses, castles and chateaus you can explore in between relaxing on the beach. The formidable prison of Fort-Royal on Sainte-Marguerite’s Island became known all around the world because of its most famous resident, the Man in the Iron Mask. The island itself, which is a fifteen minute boat ride from Cannes, is a popular spot for boating and fishing in the summer.

The more time you spend outdoors exploring the stunning natural scenery on your French Riviera vacation, the more you’ll understand why it has been beloved by artists and aristocrats for centuries. You can sail on the azure waters of the Mediterranean with a view of the majestic Alps rising behind you. You can sun yourself on pristine sands in the shadow of a baroque chateau.

There are countless paths and trails for you to stroll that lead through lush pine forests and over impressive limestone cliffs that end with breathtaking views overlooking the coast. The nature preserves along the coast are perfect for a little peace and relaxation; as you walk through the flora and fauna you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a fairy tale. There is no more thrilling or romantic way to end the day than watching the golden sun sink below the sparkling blue waves.

Normandy

A beautiful region of France, Normandy is a true beacon of history. The region is best known for its essential role on D-Day during World War II, and this, plus evidence of prehistoric occupation, make Normandy a region brimming with history. Aside from its deep and fascinating history, its incredible beauty is a site in and of itself, and only a short ways away from Paris.

Normandy is massive, spanning over 11,000 square feet of land, covering thousands of picturesque places to enjoy, especially if you move your way around the region to get the most out of your Normandy vacation. Stay in Bayeux if you want to enjoy the brilliant architecture of Normandy. Travel to Bass-Normandie, Collevill-sur-Mer, and Ranville to learn about the incredible World War II history and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. Journey to Giverney to experience breathtaking beauty, so incredible that it even inspired the works of the great Claude Monet. Wherever you choose to stay, you can be sure to find fascinating history and gorgeous scenery during your Normandy vacation.

As it is the region’s claim to fame, make sure to check out some of the many World War II museums and monuments. Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, where nearly 10,000 soldiers lay at rest, having fallen victim to the invasion of Normandy. Explore Pointe Du Hoc, a breathtaking cliff overlooking the waters. Aside from its inherent beauty, this is a site of history, as it is where American soldiers, against all odds, scaled the cliffs during the invasion. Travel to the Pegasus Memorial in Ranville, which pays tribute to the British soldiers who fought the Nazis and took back the Pegasus Bridge.

Tour the incredible Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normadie, also referred to as the D-Day Beaches in Basse-Normandie. Not only is the scenery beautiful, with crystal clear water and stunning flora, but it is also the point at which the invasions began. The chilling history mixed with the serene landscape makes for a truly unique experience. Check out the Utah Beach D-Day Museum in Saint-Marie-du Mont. Located right next to the beach itself, it is fascinating to travel to the location, and then enjoy the museum dedicated to it.

Enjoy the architectural wonder, the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Bayeux in Bayeux, France. The style is a cross between Gothic and Romanesque, and the huge stain glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, and impeccable detail work will leave you in awe.

Take in the breathtaking Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, which served as Monet’s inspiration for his masterpieces. The luscious trees, serene lake, and indescribable atmosphere will leave you at a loss for words. The expansive gardens burst with color, so bright and beautiful that you will think you are looking at a painting.

Of course, be sure to delight in the local cuisine, a truly delicious experience. Whether you are a history buff or you are just looking for a beautiful and relaxing trip, your Normandy vacation has it all!