FRANCE
In Latin the word ‘Francia’ literally means ‘land of the Franks’ or Frankland and the name France comes from ‘Francia’. France has been continuously settled since Paleolithic times. First the Gauls migrated from the Rhine valley into what is now France. Then Greeks and Phoenicians established settlements along the Mediterranean, most notably at Marseille in about 600 B.C. In 57–52 B.C part of Gaul was conquered by Julius Caesar and it remained Roman until Franks invaded in the 5th century A.D. By the 14th century France became the most powerful nation in Europe.
France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state, although it was ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II. But the country has put all that behind it and today it is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It has a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system since 1958, which is resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. Its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany in the recent years has proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 2002. With its efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy, presently France is at the forefront.
LOCATION
France has several overseas islands and territories located on other continents although it is located in the Western Europe. It lies between Belgium and Spain, in the southeast of U.K and bordering the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel. Because of the geometric shape of the country it is sometimes referred to as L’Hexagone or The Hexagon.
GEOGRAPHY
Having the largest area among European Union members, Metropolitan France stretches over An area of 547,030 sq. km. However since France also has a number of territories in North America, the Caribbean, South America, the southern Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica, its total area equals 647, 843 sq. km.
From coastal plains in the north and west, to mountain ranges of the Alps in the southeast, the Massif Central in the south-central and Pyrenees in the southwest, France has a vast spectrum of landscapes.
CLIMATE
There are three types of climates that France sees- oceanic, continental and Mediterranean. The western parts of the country have an oceanic climate, the eastern and central France have a continental type of climate and barring the mountainous southwest, most of France experiences the Mediterranean climate. The winter months of Metropolitan France are generally cool and the summer months are mild. Along the Mediterranean, however, the winters are mild and the summers are hot.
CAPITAL AND MAJOR CITIES
Paris, situated on the river Seine, is the port and capital of France. For more than 2 millennia, Paris has been an important settlement and has remained almost unchanged since 1860. Today Paris is one of the world’s chief business and cultural centers and an authentic global city. It heavily influences the fashion, media, entertainment, education, science, arts and politics of the world.
The GDP of the city is fifth largest among world cities and it is Europe’s biggest city economy.
The other major cities of France include-
Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux.
TOURISM
Even ahead of Spain, France is ranked as the first tourist destination of the world and several million tourists visit it each year. The country has a number of high cultural interest cities, beaches, seaside resorts, ski resorts, and green rural areas that attract people from all over the world. Additionally the town of Lourdes also pulls a huge number of religious pilgrims to the country. Some of the other attractions in France that boost its tourism are: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Musee d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Musee Picasso and Mont-Saint-Michel.
CURRENCY AND ECONOMY
In addition to 11 other EU members France helped launch the Euro as the currency of all EU nations on 1st Jan 1999. Prior to the Euro, the currency of France was Franc.
In terms of GDP, France is ranked as the fifth largest economy in the world. The economy of France consists of extensive private enterprise with substantial government intervention. The government has considerable influence over railways, electricity, aircraft and telecommunication firms.
The country is the leading agricultural producer and exporter in Europe, owing to its large tracts of fertile land and the application of modern technology.
Due to heavy investment in nuclear power, France is the lowest emitter of carbon dioxide among the seven most industrialized countries in the world.
SIGHT SEEING IN FRANCE
The large number of its architectural marvels and its vast fashion industry make the capital of France, the most see-able and romantic city of the world. Visit the Eiffel tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral on Ile de la Cité, the Arc de Triomphe leading to Champs Elysées, the Sacré Coeur in the heart of Montmartre and the Louvre's Pyramid in Paris.
Next only to Pairs, Marseille, France’s most important commercial port, is a city worth viewing. It has a rich historical past and a relaxed easy pace of life.
The ruins of the Roman rule can be seen in Nîmes, 'the Rome of the Gauls', and Arles, famed, among other things, for its Roman theatre and arena.
France is famous for its romantic chateaux and villas and they are most popular among tourists. Museums and cathedrals too are a plenty in the country- there are 80 museums and 200 art galleries alone in Paris!
Besides there being plenty to see in France, the country has a lot to do as well. With a coastline of some 3000 km, all kinds of water sports are available. The French Alps and Pyrenees offer great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.
There are several events, the year round at Cote d’Azur and you can be part of them.
When in France you wouldn’t want to miss a trip to one of its Vineyards and see where and how all the brilliant French wines come from.
TRAVELLING INSIDE THE COUNTRY
Air travel
Air France is the main airline that connects all the towns and cities within the country.
Water travel
Car ferries, called ‘BAC’S’, are state-run ferries that connect the larger islands on the Atlantic coast with the mainland and they also sail regularly across the mouth of the Gironde. France has about 9000 kilometers of navigable waterways presenting excellent opportunities for holidays. One can charter boats ranging in size from the smallest cabin cruiser up to converted commercial barges (péniches), which can accommodate up to 24 people and require a crew of eight.
Rail travel
There is a wide network of railways operated in the country by the French Railways. In and around Paris, transport is operated by Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens. A fully integrated bus, rail and underground metro network is operated by this service, for the capital.
Road travel
Some of the motorways in France are free, while others are toll roads. While national roads are marked ‘N’ the others are pre-fixed ‘A’. The bus service is excellent and car hire is available from domestic and international companies.
ACCOMMODATION
The association of the owners of castles, called Château & Country, in an effort to preserve French heritage, publishes a list of chateaux offering accommodation suitable for families. This accommodation is highly recommended and a great way to experience the flavor of the country.
In hotels, if you are staying for three days or longer, rooms and all meals or full-board is offered. Outside the peak holiday period, half-board terms are usually available, according to which you will be provided room, breakfast and one meal.
For the budget traveler France offers a huge number of youth hostels. To be able to get accommodation in these youth hostels, however, you will need to be a member of the National Youth Hostel Association and possess its membership card.
The other accommodation options are self catering, camping and caravanning.
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