Country guide France

As a nation, France seduces visitors from all over the world with its diverse culture, striking architecture, beautiful landscapes and vibrant café culture. From lazing on gorgeous beaches on the French Riviera to riding a cable car above Chamonix, each region in France has a delightfully unique feel.

Sights and Attractions

Visitors to Paris can view unique sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre. Long days can be finished perfectly in a local restaurant, where all manner of exquisite cuisine – and fine wine – can be sampled.

The South of France is famed for being a picturesque and romantic part of the country. Dramatic citadels like Carcassonne sit alongside sprawling vineyards in Languedoc and Provence. Those looking to quench their thirst with a glass or two of fine French wine will adore the vineyard tours and tasting experiences on offer at every turn in this beautiful part of the country.

Restaurants and Cafes

France is blessed with an amazing range of cuisine, some of which can be experienced and appreciated in one of the country's many markets. Villefranche-de-Rouergue in Gascony and La Motte-d'Aigues in Provence are particularly noteworthy examples, and every endeavour should be taken to explore them. Here you will be able to taste some of the finest examples of local French food, from fresh baguettes to crêpes, and possibly even escargot! While some people may turn their noses up at the idea of eating snails, those with more adventurous taste buds should certainly give them a go.

Those seeking fine-dining at its absolute best will certainly not be disappointed in France. The country is home to numerous five star restaurants serving up both traditional French fare, as well as their own interpretations of international cuisine.

Shopping

Those looking to deck themselves out in the world's finest attire should head directly to Paris. The City of Lights is considered to be the fashion capital of the world and shoppers here will be able to find offerings from all of the big names of fashion from Europe, America and beyond.

Don't be fooled into thinking that Paris is all about fashion, though. A number of department stores packed with shops selling everything from the latest electronics to old-fashioned children's toys can also be explored.

Travel

Travel within France is convenient and affordable, and thanks to its location many neighbouring countries can easily be accessed in a variety of ways.

Serving Paris is Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is the largest international airport in France and also one of the busiest in Europe. The UK is one of the most popular travel destinations to visit from France and the journey time from Paris to London is short, with trips barely exceeding one hour.

There are also several other international airports across the country. Nantes Atlantique and Bordeaux Merignac serve the west of France. Montpellier Mediterranee and Nice Cote d'Azur provide travel to the south and Aéroport de Strasbourg provides international flights to the north east.

The TGV train network is another popular means for travelling around France. With speeds of up to 300kph, you'll never have to worry about slow, drawn-out travel again! In addition to the number of trains that can take you from city to city within France, there are also a number of services available to take you to the neighbouring countries of Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and beyond. TGV can be quite expensive but it does provide an incredibly efficient means of getting around the country.

The Eurostar is another option for those wishing to travel back and forth from the UK. With a journey time of around three hours from Paris to London, it is a fast and convenient means of travelling between the two cities. For those wishing to drive their car between France and the UK, the numerous ferries and Eurotunnel make it easy – just remember which side of the road you are supposed to be driving on!

Currency zone

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