France:

Paris - the City of Lights. Romantic images come to mind of strolls along the Seine and the spires of Notre Dame. The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the most recognizeable symbol of Paris. But the great promenade of the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe are equally famous the world over.

Museum lovers will cherish Paris since they have access to such world-class museums as the Louvre, the Picasso Museum and the Musée d'Orsay. And exploring Montmartre, the city's former artists community, then ascending Paris' highest hill to the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur is an experience no traveller should miss in Paris. The Chateau de Versailles, Louis XIV' opulent castle with its beautiful gardens, is just southwest of Paris.

France is just a beautiful country to explore and offers so many areas of interest. A favorite are the Loire Chateaux, a collection of beautiful castles that dot the Loire Valley. One of the most famous areas is of course the Cote d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera that stretches from St. Tropez to Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo and Menton.

The coastal highways on the French Riviera have been featured in many movies and offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the mountains. The Provence is the hinterland of the Riviera and over the years has inspired many artistis including Van Gogh and Cézanne.

Normandy of course is one of the primary historic sites of World War II and is an important destination for history buffs. Wine-growing regions such as Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne have their own charms. French cuisine has inspired discerning gourmets for centuries. The French High Alps offer beautiful vistas and excellent skiing in the winter. France is a very diverse tourist destination that will offer something for every taste.

Here are some essential links for France:

France Official Tourism Website
Lonely Planet France Website
Frommer's France Website
Paris' Official Tourism Website
Cannes Official Website
Lyon's Official Website
Monaco (Monte Carlo) Official Website
Marseille's Official Website
Nice's Official Website
Strasbourg's Official Website
Toulouse's Official Website

Here are some essential books for France: