France is a very tradition-conscious country that offers a lot to discover. The different landscapes of the 13 regions provide plenty of variety. The geographical conditions are so different that nature lovers get their money’s worth. The north of the country has moderate temperatures, while the south has a Mediterranean climate.
The eleven largest cities are spread throughout the country. The capital Paris has around 2.2 million inhabitants, whereas Lyon has about 500,000 and Bordeaux about 250,000 inhabitants .
France has a lot to offer especially for those interested in culture: well-known artists, poets, poets and thinkers, composers and musicians have shaped the image of France throughout the centuries. Especially in the metropolis of Paris, there are countless sights that deal with the history of France and its compatriots. For example, the “Mona Lisa” (1503) by Leonardo da Vinci can be admired in the Louvre. The Pont-Neuf, which runs along the Seine, is very popular with lovers. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral, located not far from the Eiffel Tower.
A tour of the Palace of Versailles reflects the culture of the French. After a long construction phase, the magnificent castle was ceremoniously opened by the Sun King Louis XIV in 1682. The Hall of Mirrors is the crowning glory of the tour in which history was written. The ballroom, decorated with frescoes and golden wall paintings, once served as the place of proclamation of the German Empire in 1871. In addition, the Peace Treaty of Versailles was signed there in 1919.
In addition to the Palace of Versailles, numerous castles and palaces line the country, often located on the country’s five largest rivers. On July 14, the national holiday, a magnificent fireworks display takes place annually in the fortified city of Carcasonne, which offers knights’ tournaments and music festivals in the summer.
Most of the time, the famous Tour de France passes by such historic buildings. The Tour de France shows how diverse the country is and how much the French love the sport and their country.
The French, who are seen as cozy and peaceful, like to enjoy the end of the day with a game of boules. But other sports such as football, horseback riding or tennis are also highly regarded in the country. Since France is located on the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, water sports such as canoeing, sailing or stand up paddling are just as popular. Tourists can rent such sports equipment at many bathing lakes. Among the most popular swimming and surfing opportunities for young and old are the long sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast and the Côte d’Azur. In winter, the Vosges beckon with skiing fun of all kinds.
If you want to experience France in a different way, you should try a bike tour or hike through the country. From the lavender fields of Provence, to the mountainous landscape of the volcanoes of Auvergne , to the steep coasts of Normandy and Brittany in the north.
Enjoy the French highlights with a classic French menu. French cuisine is world-famous and plays with different spices and flavors. A French onion soup with baguette or a coq au vin needs a good drop of wine. For dessert, a chocolate mousse or a tarte tatin will sweeten your stay in France.
The regions in France
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
- Brittany
- Centre-Val de Loire
- Corse / Corsica
- Grand Est
- Hauts-de-France
- Île de France
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Normandy
- Occitanie / Okzitanien
- Pays de la Loire
- Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur
Travel information France
| Capital | Paris |
|---|---|
| Form of government | Republic semi-presidential democracy |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Area | without Überinsel and Übergebiete: approx. 543,965 km² |
| Population | approx. 66,991,000 (as of 2017) |
| Languages | French |
| Electricity grid | 240 Volt / 50 Hz |
| Area code | +33 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 CET UTC+2 CEST (March to October) |
