France Travel Information

France Travel Info

From the rolling wine country of Provence to the pristine beach paradises of the Côte d'Azur, France is sure to have you soaking in the joie de vivre. Sipping coffee at a Parisian café or taking in the masterpieces at the Louvre are European experiences that can't be missed. Home to a sophisticated savoir-faire, exquisite cuisine and a wide variety of cheeses (stinky and otherwise), a visit to France is an adventure for all the senses.

History of France

The borders of modern France are quite similar to that of ancient Gaul. Conquered by the Romans in the first century, the region adopted Roman speech, culture and, eventually, Christianity. In the fourth century, a Germanic tribe known as the Franks invaded from the east, giving the country its present-day name. As one of the earliest countries to progress from feudalism to the nation-state, its monarchy began in 987 and reached its culmination with the reign of Louis XIV, beginning in 1643.

In the seventeenth century, France was a dominant power (and the most populous country) in Europe. However, extravagant spending and expensive military campaigns led to a sharp decline and the revolt of the people. The French Revolution culminated in the establishment of the First Republic in 1792, although France would revert to forms of absolute rule or constitutional monarchy four different times. The most famous of these reversions came when Napoleon Bonaparte appointed himself as First Consul. Napoleon developed a number of innovative military strategies that led to many successful campaigns and surprising victories, as well as some spectacular failures.

Despite France's ultimate victory in World War I and II, the wars brought great losses of troops and capital. In fact, more than half of France's public sector was appropriated by Germany during their four-year occupation. After the war, France established the Fourth Republic, which was replaced in 1958 by the Fifth Republic, ushered in by General Charles de Gaulle. Since then, France has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have been pivotal to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.

France City Highlights

Nice, France
The capital of the Cote d'Azur has long been famous as a welcoming retreat, beginning with the winter stays of famous aristocrats in the eighteenth century that gave the region a bright and fashionable way of life. Today's visitors enjoy the fabulous weather - over 300 days of sunshine a year - along with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, more than 700 acres of gardens, and numerous festivals, such as the Carnival of Nice, the Nice Jazz Festival, and the vineyards feasts, where the city's gastronomy is honored. Refresh yourself near the 150 fountains, visit the many art museums, taste the local produce and specialties. You too will fall under the spell of this renowned resort.

Paris, France
Sweet “Paree.” Visiting this enchanting city is a lesson in living life to the fullest. Days are filled with the world’s most eclectic collection of artwork, mouthwatering bakers’ delights, and abundantly colorful flower and fruit markets. And when the sun goes down, Paris magically transforms into the “City of Light.” The Eiffel Tower illuminates the sky while revelers exalt in palate-pleasing French cuisine, impeccable wine, and a dazzling nightlife. Wherever you go in Paris, beauty and romance are sure to follow.

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