France

General

France is the biggest country of Europe and among the most historical countries in the world. It shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain and Andorra and is linked to the United Kingdom through the Channel Tunnel, which passes underneath the English Channel. Few countries in the world combine such great geopolitical and cultural variety, ranging from deep-rooted traditions to multicultural customs and from an incredibly colorful history to an exceptional modern life. France is Europe’s number one tourist destination, with Paris being its main tourist center. Paris, widely known as the city of the light, allures with its style and beauty, comprising one of the most marvelous metropolis in the world. Of course, there are many other beautiful places in the country worthy visiting. Numerous hotels and apartments in southern France for instance, accommodate every year thousands of visitors that want to explore the fantastic Mediterranean beaches of Provence. French variety is unique. No matter where you are, from the quiet little villages to cosmopolitan Paris and from Normandy to Provence the atmosphere carries an exceptional feeling, a feeling of elegance and culture.

History

Being part of the Celtic territory, the first name of France was Gaul or Gallia. It was during the 5th century after the fall of the Roman Empire that the Latin name Francia “country of the Franks” came to the fore constituting its present name. During the 17th France witnessed great political and social reforms. On the one hand, King Louis XIII and his accentor Louis XIV transformed France to an absolute monarchy and on the other some of the most genius writers and philosophers gave ground for new ideas during the 18th century. Thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau start questioning the old regime and its autarkical principles. French society was ready for a drastic change, which took place in 1789. The French revolution of 14th of July from the prison of Bastille meant the end of monarchy and political oppression. The declaration of the Rights of Man embodying the principles of Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité, first stated on the August of 1789 and still comprise the fundamentals of today’s European democracy. The arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte in Paris signified the end of revolution in 1799. Napoleon took the title of emperor of France in 1804. Engaging in many military battles, he created a huge empire extending in almost all Europe. The end of his rule and consequently the end of Great France started in Russia in 1812 and finalized in the defeat of his army in the famous battle of Waterloo , 1815. Today, France is one of richest countries in the world and fundamental member of the European Union.  

Art and Culture

French revolution had a huge impact on French art and culture as well. It is not surprising that meanings such as Neoclassicism and Romanticism were born in France of 17th and 18th century. Painters such as Jacques-Louis David and Delacroix represent these tensions. Other important painters that have been inspired from the French revolution are Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain. Visitors can admire masterpieces of this period in Louvre Museum, created by Napoleon Bonaparte. Louvre Museum hosts some of the most famous paintings in the world, such as Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Another important museum is the Musée National Picasso in Paris that contains an unparalleled collection of paintings from all periods of Picasso's career. The Centre Pompidou, a postmodern architecture in the heart of Paris, is another heavily frequented art center that you will find fascinating. Art and culture is not only concentrated in Paris though. You can explore unique art galleries and museums all over the country. 

Gastronomy

French cuisine is one of great diversity. It ranges from the simple food of the bistro to the seafood of the province and the butter of Tours. Its famous cheeses, wines and deserts testify its exceptional quality and variety. French recipes remain classic and constant with extraordinary sauces and pastries in the centre of every culinary art. Many French towns, famous for their local recipes and delicacies, have given their name to their specialties. The butter of Isigny, The Macau artichokes, the peas of Saint-Germaine and the strawberries of Pessac are some representative examples. A typical French meal entails a hot or cold hors d’ oeuvre followed by a soup, the main dish, salad, cheese and finally desert. All following a traditional ritual and sequence resembling to a great extend the Japanese gastronomic norms.  France is also famous for its exceptional wineries. Food and wine have a strong relationship in France. For every food there is an appropriate beverage that accompanies the meal. This close relationship explains the evolution of great cooking and wine making in many French towns and cities. Another famous French beverage is the world known French Champagne, which is usually served in special occasions and constitutes a symbol of luxury combined with quality, flavor and delicacy. It is certain that a trip to France is also a travel to unique gastronomic and beverage flavors.

Places to visit

Visiting France means in many cases visiting Paris. The city of Light, one the most extraordinary cities of the world, promises the vacation of a lifetime. Its unique attractions and city sites have no match. The brilliant Tour Eiffel, the spectacular Mont mart, the beautiful cathedral of Notre Dam, the Louvre museum are places that everyone must visit. The unique Parisien Cafés and great restaurants, the romantic settings, the leading museums and the fabulous shopping streets make Paris a city that offers everything you can dream of. Moreover, hotels in Paris comprise indisputable part of Parisien lifestyle. Book a hotel in Paris and reserve a place in world's most elegant, chic, artistic and culture oriented centres. 

Normandy is also a place you should visit, as it is an area that differs significantly from the rest of France. It combines a unique culture and tradition with an excellent cuisine and of course significant history. The D-Day invasion of Normandy that led to the end of the World War II is one of the main reasons many tourists visit the D-Day Invasion beaches of the area. Exceptional places are Bayeux, which is the first liberated town of Normandy and Rouen, which is the capital of Upper Normandy. Rouen also hosts some of the most delightful cafes of the area. Moreover, hotels in Rouen are famous for their cozy apartments and warm atmosphere. Finally, do not forget to visit Le Mont-Saint-Michel, which one of the most magnificent and famous sights in the world.  

Last but not least, a trip to Provence is a without preceding experience as it consists the most promising and diverse area of Southern France. Reserve a hotel in Nice and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea and weather combined with some great seafood by the seashore. Nice has aslo some of the best hotels of France with wonderful sea view and warm atmosphere. The famous Aix-en-Provence is another lovely town you should visit, famous for its climate, mineral springs and vivid nightlife. Hotels in Aix-en-Provence accommodate thousands of visitors all year long and provide very high quality of facilities. Another must place of the area is the beautiful walled city of Avignon, a place with strong historical heritage and cheerful modern life. Lyon is also a place that you should not miss. This artistic town with its typical French style will capture your imagination. Hotels in Lyon  are brilliant as well, making this exceptional destination even more attractive. Other cities worthy visiting are Lille and Marseille, both comprising major tourist destinations. Moreover, hotels in Lille preserve the original French "flavor" and architecture, making your stay perfectly adjusted to the local lifestyle.