The destination:
France has been the one most favored tourist destination for decades and enjoys its status not only due to its varied attractions and experiences offered but also the culture and heritage, which plays a pivotal role. Other than its colorful beaches, splendid castles, idyllic countryside, finest historic museums, its food and wine, the interest in sustainable tourism or eco-tourism is also another emergent activity in the French experience.
Getting there:
By Air:
Paris has two major international airports, Charles de Gaulle to the north and Orly to the south. They are both conveniently located in terms of distance from the city’s center. Various international flights coming from North America or other major European cities land on both of these airports.
By Train:
The French national railway company manages one of Europe’s most efficient railway networks while TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse – High-Speed Train) trains, which are the fastest trains in the world, run from Paris to major cities in France as well as Geneva and Lausanne in Switzerland. Paris is one of Europe’s busiest rail junctions with trains arriving and departing every minute.
By Road:
Buses travel to Paris from London and all major cities of Europe. However, the cost of traveling by train is relatively low compared to renting a car.
Where to stay:
To protect the French environment, sustain the local heritage and uphold the natural settings of France, look for natural regions’ hotels or what are known as Eco Lodges.Gites de France offer a wide choice of environmentally friendly accommodation solutions, including for instance self-catering cottages, chambres et tables d’hote (guest houses), rest houses, leisure chalets or camping sites.
In smaller towns, communal lodgings called gites d’etapes offer bed and meals for hikers and cyclists. The experience of the natural flavor when the rural welcome and nourish the tourists here is unforgettable.
The Ecosystem:
French climate like its land can be classified in three varied types. The oceanic climate, prevailing in the western parts of the country, is one of small temperature range, ample rainfall, cool summers and cool but seldom very cold winters. The continental (transition) type of climate, found over much of eastern and central France, adjoining its long common boundary with west-central Europe, is characterized by warmer summers and colder winters than areas farther west; rainfall is ample, and winters tend to be snowy, especially in the higher areas. The Mediterranean climate, widespread throughout the south of France (except in the mountainous southwest), is one of cool winters, hot summers and limited rainfall. The mean temperature is about 11° C (53° F) at Paris and 15° C (59° F) at Nice. In central and southern France, annual rainfall is light to moderate, ranging from about 68 cm (27 in) at Paris to 100 cm (39 in) at Bordeaux. Rainfall is heavy in Brittany, the northern coastal areas, and the mountainous areas, where it reaches more than 112 cm (44 in).
Flora & Fauna
Although centuries back France was entirely woody with deciduous forests (principally beeches and oaks), temperate mountain forests (composed of firs and piceas), and Mediterranean forests (pines and oaks), their intensive pattern of agricultural and pastoral activity has presently destroyed these forests. Extensive forests now exist only in the mountains, on soils that are unsuitable for agriculture, and in protected forest preserves.
The original fauna, composed mostly of deer, roebucks and wild boars, has been virtually eliminated. However, since the turn of the last century, programs to protect the natural environment have been implemented, particularly in the national and regional parks. Conifers have been planted in reforestation programs in all parts of the country, and forests now cover 25% of France’s land area.
Eco-adventures:
The outdoor activities are designed to showcase the French surroundings and explore its people and culture without disturbing their heritage. Skiing, water sports, wine tastings, mountain biking, snorkeling, cruises, golf, hiking and whitewater rafting form a wide circle of vivid entertainment pertaining to the varied topography.
Eco-food:
French cuisine, with its diverse and distinctive flavor of its ingredients, stands out as one divine experience that the taste buds would not forget in a hurry.
There are different cuisine styles in France that compete with each other. There is the Classical French Cuisine, which is usually food that is rich and filling. This cuisine stands out with its cream based sauces. Next is the Haute Cuisine, which is similar to the Classical Cuisine in that the food is also rich and based on cream sauces but here the emphasis lies on food presentation. The vegetables are cut with precision and uniformity and only the finest ingredients are used.
The Cuisine Novelle developed during the 1970s is another styles characterized with simple and light cooking with emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. Lastly, there is the Cuisine du Terrior, which focuses on regional food specialties.
The most common accompaniment to any French meal is cheese and wine without which French cuisine is never complete.
Eco-culture:
The Celts, Romans, Germans, Russians, Asians, Africans, North Americans and others from various ethnic backgrounds form the backbone of a French society. They are usually known around the globe for their sophisticated approach toward life, combined with great concern for style, fashion and appearances. Paris is nicknamed as “Fashion Capital of the World” is the cultural hub of the global fashion scenario. World-renowned fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix belong to this French cultural boom.
The religion here is predominantly Roman Catholic with anticlerical leanings. The French are extremely secular in nature and guarantee freedom of religion as a constitutional right to all its citizens. Hence all other religious followers thrive here with equal importance. The recognition of lesbianism, homosexuality and gay marriages reflects the liberalism and progressiveness of the French.
Places to visit
Fort de France, Martinique:
Though established as the largest of all urban areas in Martinique, Fort de France commended for its superb restaurants and trendy fashion boutiques ideal for a day of shopping.
Conciergerie, Paris:
This monumental and grand building has a grim history. Built in the 14th century, this building was essentially a prison. The grand building offers a piece of history about the last night spent by Marie Antoinette. Its beauty is awe striking specially while a cruise down the Seine.
Eiffel Tower, Paris:
France’s most famous tourist attraction is probably the Eiffel Tower. This magnificent structure, built in 1889, is located next to the Seine River and rises about 317 meters. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy wonderful views of France’s capital city. Visitors to the European Union always rank the Eiffel Tower as one of Europe’s best attractions. It also is nominated to become one of the world’s seven wonders.
Mont St Michel:
Its magnificent eighth-century abbey attracts huge tourists. It is built on a rock island around one kilometer off the northern coast of France.
Promenade des Anglais:
A favorite of the locals and foreign tourists, this promenade runs along the seashore for several kilometers. With lines of its characteristic blue chairs, it is a perfect spot to relax and watch the azure expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. Though it started as a two-meter wide stretch developed by Lewis Way, an Englishman who lived in Nice, it has been subsequently widened on several occasions. It has now become one of the favorite tourist spots.
Vieux Nice:
The old town of Nice, also known as Vieux Nice, is a must visit if you want to see exemplary Italian architecture. Walking through the narrow streets can be quite an experience, as it has numerous shops selling beautiful Provencal wares, household items, wines and hip clothing.
Monastere Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez :
Originally a Benedictine foundation, this church was taken over by the Franciscans in the 16th century. It now houses a museum within showcasing life of the Fransiscans in Nice from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Musee Matisse:
This museum is housed in a beautiful red building on the Cimiez Hill close to the city’s ancient amphitheater, the Arenes. It has a rich display of the more traditional works of the early days of the famous artist Henry Matisse. Most noteworthy are the paintings of Blue Nude IV and Woman with Amphora. Besides the paintings, a few of his sculptures and also his personal belongings are on display at the museum.
Colline du Chateau:
It is located on the hill between the old town and the harbor and gives an impressive view of the city and it ruins. The typical Mediterranean backdrop of pine trees, aloes and figs along with its breathtaking waterfall and the children’s play area adds to the charm of this park. This place can be reached on foot, by car or by the lift from Rue des Ponchettes at the foot of Bellanda Tower.
Cours Saleya Flower Market, Nice:
Along with flower shops this major tourist spot has flower shops, cafes and souvenir shops all along its edge. These shops are open six days a week except on Mondays. On Mondays these shops are replaced by a flea market.
