Vacation in the most romantic country

In the most romantic country in the world, newlyweds love to spend their honeymoon, and couples go on weekends to show children the magical world of Disneyland. France is famous for its unique sights, ancient medieval castles, gourmet cuisine, fashion shows and brand boutiques. This extraordinary country is able to surprise the most demanding and spoiled tourist, it is certainly impossible to remain indifferent towards it. And we will try to tell you about the key questions that you can ask before traveling.

Sights of France

Where does the traditional tourist route in France begin? Of course, from the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower - these sights are included in the must-see list, but this is not the whole country. To feel its spirit and get to know better, you should look into the remote provinces, have a glass of wine in Bordeaux, walk along the Cote d'Azur, eat a croissant with coffee and visit the picturesque place of Chamonix.

The Eiffel Tower or "Iron Lady", as the French themselves call it, is undoubtedly the most recognizable architectural landmark not only in Paris, but throughout the country. This is surprising considering that the tower was originally designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair. At the beginning of the 20th century, many advocated the demolition, so that the tower would not spoil the architectural appearance of the city, it was saved by radio antennas, which were installed at its very peak.

Now the 324-meter Eiffel Tower is a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Every day, thousands of guests of the capital are photographed against its background and admire the surroundings from the observation deck.

Champs Elysees is the most popular avenue in Paris with tourists. This historical place was created in the 17th century as a park-garden, it stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe itself.

Once the Champs Elysees were the main place for the promenade and dates of Parisians, the most famous and wealthy residents of the city lived here, after centuries this tradition has been preserved. Champs Elysees is divided into two parts - a park area and an area of ​​residential areas, brand stores and offices of large companies.

Directly from the park you can get to another monumental structure - the Arc de Triomphe, erected in honor of Napoleon and his army.

From the end of the 18th century for Parisians and guests cities the doors of the largest and most significant art museum in the world are open. Great works of art by eminent masters are exhibited in the Louvre in 7 halls, in total there are about 10 thousand exhibits, including "La Gioconda" by Leonardo da Vinci, "The Beautiful Gardener" by Raphael and the sculpture "Venus de Milo".

The museum is located in the Louvre, a palace that was once the seat of the French kings.

Another former residence of the French kings is the Palace of Versailles, most of it was built under the leadership of Louis XIV in order to demonstrate to the whole world the strength and monarchy of France. The palace and park complex, located in the vicinity of Paris, is the architectural embodiment of the idea of ​​absolutism, it is so harmonious from all points of view that there are no others like it in all of Europe, although many great masters have tried to create something similar.

Luxurious Versailles is also interesting from a historical point of view, because the fate of the whole world has been decided here more than once. Perhaps the most famous corner in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors, where the famous Treaty of Versailles was signed to end the First World War.

The famous Notre Dame de Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral, the most popular Catholic church in France, the spiritual heart of the country. A medieval building in the Gothic style was erected on the Ile de la Cité in the center of Paris, this outstanding architectural monument was praised by poets, writers and artists.

The iconic Cathedral was created over almost two centuries by several architects, was rebuilt and restored several times, despite this, Notre-Dame de Paris is a surprisingly integral ensemble. Every year, about 14 thousand tourists come to Paris to see firsthand the gothic silhouette of the cathedral.

On a rocky islet in Normandy, which lies in the north-west of France, the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel was founded in 708. The archangel appeared to the archbishop of the abbey in a dream and said that a monastery should be built on this place. This is how another architectural miracle appeared, which combines several styles at once, from Gothic to Norman.

At low tide, the abbey looks like a part of the mainland, but as soon as the tide begins, the fortress becomes divorced from the rest of the world.

Beautiful places in France

At the foot of the Alps on the Mediterranean coast, the lavender region of France - Provence is comfortably located. Many tourists who have visited this historical place in the southeast of the country agree on one thing - this is a real fairy tale, conquering with natural resources and architectural sights, including the Roman amphitheater of Arles, the medieval monastery of Saint-Trofim and other ancient monuments.

One of the most picturesque and romantic corners Provence is considered the Mont Ventoux mountain, from its top a stunning panorama of the surroundings opens.

The Verdon Gorge is another place that can be attributed to the unique and picturesque corners of our planet. The gorge is located in Haute Provence, scientists suggest that it was formed about 250 million years ago, when the region itself was a seabed.

The Verdon Canyon is one of the deepest, the height of the mountain ranges reaches 700 meters, the waters of a winding mountain river of incredible blue color stretch over an area of ​​25 kilometers, this grandiose spectacle is second only to the American Grand Canyon in beauty.

The gorge is ideal for those who like active sports - rock climbing, rafting and kayaking.

The Loire Valley is the heart of France in terms of geography. The close location in relation to the capital of the country for many centuries made this corner the focus of the aristocratic life of France, now the valley is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of tourists.

Time seems to have stopped here, almost at every step there is at least a small, but a real medieval castle. The richest and most sophisticated of them seem to have left the pages of fairy tales. The romantic setting is complemented by simple but surprisingly tasty treats - cheese, pate, oysters and young wine.

Resorts of France

Most tourists wishing to relax on the European sea resort sent to Italy, Spain or Bulgaria... Few people perceive France as a place for a beach holiday, while here there are about 3,000 km of the sea coast, overlooking the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. Rest on each of them has its pros and cons.

The Atlantic Sea is cooler than the Mediterranean, even at the height of the swimming season, but the water is clearer and the local climate is great for healing. The beaches are clean, sandy, but there is a problem of ebb and flow, so resting on the coast is not always safe.

Mediterranean resorts are very popular with tourists, the water is very warm and the coast is sunny. However, the beaches are mostly pebbly and in some areas are rather narrow.

We are used to seeing the seaside resorts of the French Riviera on the pages of glossy magazines, because thanks to the high level of service and picturesque surroundings, they are considered the most fashionable in all of Europe. These include such famous places as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, the Principality of Monaco, Antibes and Saint-Raphael.

Oddly enough, the presence of the sea in this area is not a determining factor, wealthy and famous people often come here to "hang out". Well, and, of course, one cannot fail to mention the annual film festivals and international exhibitions held in Cannes, where thousands of guests come from all over the world.

France hotels

Until 2009, there was a national classification of hotels in France, where intermediate options like 4 * Lux were allowed, that is, not yet five stars, but not 4. At the moment, the traditional hotel rating system is used, where the technical characteristics of the hotel, the level of service are of great importance and the availability of facilities for people with disabilities.

It is almost impossible to find a hotel with one star here, most likely you will be offered a 2 * hotel, where very modest living conditions - a ten-meter room with a shower and a TV under the ceiling, but often without an elevator. Breakfast includes a roll, jam and coffee, all included in the bill.

3 * hotels, like two-star hotels, are mainly located in the historical part of the city, within walking distance from the main attractions. In this case, the room will be slightly more spacious, in a traditional design. Breakfast includes a roll, jam, cheese, juice and coffee. Rooms are equipped with everything you need and are often equated with traditional European 4 * hotels.

In "fours" you will find a fairly high level of service, spacious rooms and a buffet. Almost all hotels have bars, restaurants, beauty salons, spas and gyms.

5 * hotels will provide guests with a truly luxurious stay. Most often these are places with big names, where world celebrities rested. Rooms are decorated in an elegant French style.

Such type of accommodation as a private house is also popular in France. It costs much less, and the hospitable hosts will gladly meet and feed the guests deliciously at home.

Features of France

France contains an extraordinary number of monuments that make up a significant part of the world's cultural heritage. We all know about its magnificent parks, cathedrals and palaces. But what do we know about its features, about the people who live here?

Yet this country spicy, so to speak, for an amateur, not without reason some tourists call its capital "beautiful dirty Paris". Either side has two medals, and those who have been here at least once noted not only the romantic atmosphere, but also a large number of motley audience - homeless people washing dirty linen right in the middle of the street, immigrants, freaks, hippies, thimblers and pickpockets.

Now, here are a few mentalities that you should be aware of when traveling to France:

• The French are very scrupulous about everything that concerns politeness and etiquette, eating or inviting guests to visit. In general, the theme of cuisine and serving is one of the favorite among the inhabitants of this country, many traditions are associated with it. In some families, children still ask permission to leave the table.
• Before going on a visit, think over a small present for the owners of the house, it is so customary here.
• In large cities, they are most often invited to a restaurant, and not to their home.
• Saturday lunch is a sacred thing. When the French invite you to dinner, keep in mind that it will take several hours. The meal will be followed by a walk or daytime nap and intimate conversations, or maybe all together.
• The indigenous people of this country are not too punctual, being half an hour late is not bad manners, but quite the norm.
• Most French people kiss when they meet, most often two or three kisses on the cheek.
• Not all, but many residents of the capital, welcome elegant outfits of expensive brands. Well-groomed and good perfume are a must for them.
• The French do not welcome English, sometimes pretending that they just do not understand you.

It is generally accepted that French cuisine is the most exotic in Europe, perhaps because the traditional dishes here are oysters, goose liver and frog legs. Cheese is especially popular in this country, officially there are about 400 types of cheese in the country. Wine is almost always served at the table; this drink is also used in the preparation of many dishes.

How much will a vacation in France cost?

It is generally accepted that holidays in most European countries will be expensive, especially when it comes to such a popular tourist destination as France. In fact, there are many opportunities to save money here.

• A flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Paris and back will cost an average of 15 to 20 thousand rubles with transfers. If you catch the right moment, you can buy tickets for the promotion from 11 to 15 thousand rubles. Direct flights from the capital hover around 25 thousand. The flight from the regions, as always, will be slightly more expensive - from 20-22 thousand rubles.
• Most often they travel in France on their own, but if you decide to choose a tour to this country, get ready to shell out from 60 thousand for two for 4 nights when placing rooms in economy hotels. You will have to pay 20 thousand more for accommodation in a 4 * hotel and from 130 thousand for a room in a five-star hotel.
• A place in a hostel is rented from 20 euros per day, a standard room for two near the center - for 50 euros, in the center of the capital - for 70. A room in a 3 * hotel is slightly more expensive - from 90 euros per day.
• Transport in Paris is not cheap, one metro ride costs about 2 euros, it will be cheaper to buy a full day pass for 7 euros.
• The ascent to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower costs 14 euros, a visit to the Arc de Triomphe - 10 euros, the Louvre - 12 euros. An adult ticket to Disneyland will cost 75 euros per day, children - 65.