France - between Parisian chic and the Côte d'Azur
General information
France is a country that combines history, art, gastronomy and varied landscapes - from the lively boulevards of Paris to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. It is a destination you can visit again and again and have a different experience each time. Paris, the Côte d'Azur, Provence, the Loire Valley, the Alps and the Atlantic coast each have their own character, but together they create the image of one of the most visited countries in Europe.
Paris is the natural starting point for a first trip to France. The city brings together some of the country's most recognisable symbols - the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Seine. But the real charm of Paris is often felt away from the big sights - in its small cafés, bookshops, the lanes of the Latin Quarter, Montmartre and evening walks along the Seine. The city is at once monumental and intimate, historic and contemporary.
To the south begins the Côte d'Azur - an area associated with the sea, light, art and the Mediterranean way of life. Nice is its natural centre and one of the places that best shows this combination. The Promenade des Anglais follows the shore of the Baie des Anges, and the Old Town impresses with its narrow lanes, colourful façades and lively squares.
From Nice it is easy to reach other iconic places on the coast. Antibes combines an old Mediterranean atmosphere, a marina and an artistic heritage linked to Pablo Picasso. In Cannes, the famous Croisette promenade and the Palais des Festivals are symbols of cinema and international glamour, but behind them lies the old Le Suquet quarter with a much calmer atmosphere.
Èze is one of the most beautiful medieval villages on the Côte d'Azur. Perched high above the Mediterranean, it offers stunning views of the coast and the feeling of a place that has kept its medieval character. The area is also home to many other small towns and villages that can be included in a route along the French Riviera.
France, however, does not end with Paris and the Côte d'Azur. Provence offers lavender fields, olive groves and small stone villages, while Lyon is known for its history and gastronomy. The Loire Valley impresses with its majestic châteaux, while Normandy and Brittany reveal the wilder, more romantic face of the French coast.
Climate
France has a varied climate that changes considerably by region. Paris and much of the north and west have a temperate climate with mild summers and relatively cool winters. In the south the Mediterranean influence brings more sunshine, warmer summers and milder winters.
Spring and autumn are among the most pleasant times to visit Paris. Temperatures are usually ideal for long walks and sightseeing, and the city has a particularly pleasant atmosphere. Summer is warmer and suits a combination of city sightseeing and a trip to the coast.
The Côte d'Azur has a long tourist season. Summer is best for a beach holiday, but spring and early autumn are also an excellent choice, especially for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere. The weather is then usually pleasant for walks around Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Èze, and the Mediterranean is still inviting.
Winter is milder on the Mediterranean, while in the French Alps conditions are ideal for winter sports. So France remains an interesting destination whatever the season.
Culture and history
France's history is closely tied to the development of Europe. From the Celtic tribes and the Roman conquest of Gaul to the Frankish kingdom, the Middle Ages and the powerful French monarchy, the country gradually became one of the leading political and cultural powers of the continent. The French Revolution of 1789 changed not only the country but influenced all of Europe, and in the 19th and 20th centuries France continued to play an important role in European history.
Traces of the different eras can be seen throughout the country - from medieval cathedrals and castles to the palaces of the French kings. Versailles is one of the most impressive symbols of absolute monarchy, while Notre-Dame, the Loire châteaux and the old quarters of French towns tell of other periods of history. Paris gradually became a political, intellectual and cultural centre whose influence reached far beyond France's borders.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries France also became a centre of artistic revolutions. Impressionists such as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas and Berthe Morisot changed the way artists depicted light, colour and everyday life. After them came Post-Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, Fauvism and Cubism, associated with names such as Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso. Paris and the South of France became the centre of these artistic quests, and the light of the Côte d'Azur inspired generations of artists.
The link between France and art is especially strong on the Côte d'Azur. Antibes is associated with Picasso, who spent a considerable time in the region, and in Nice you can see collections devoted to Matisse and Chagall. Many Mediterranean towns inspired artists, writers and musicians and still preserve this artistic atmosphere today.
French culture is unthinkable without its cuisine. France is famous for its cheeses, wines, fresh bread, croissants, baguettes and a wide range of regional specialities. Depending on the region you can try ratatouille and bouillabaisse in Provence, crêpes and galettes in Brittany, Burgundian specialities, seafood on the coast or classic French desserts such as crème brûlée, macarons and tarte Tatin. Food here is not just part of everyday life but an important part of the culture and of how the French spend their time.
Why and when to visit
France is suitable for travel all year round, but the best season depends on your chosen destination. Spring and autumn are excellent for Paris, when the weather is pleasant for walks and cultural tours. Summer is best for the Côte d'Azur and seaside resorts such as Nice, Antibes and Cannes.
For a first visit, Paris offers enough sights for several days, while the Côte d'Azur is especially well suited to a combined holiday bringing together the sea, towns, art and beautiful scenery. Nice can be a base for trips to Antibes, Cannes and Èze, and Provence is a natural continuation for those who want to see the calmer side of the South of France.
France is a country that is not exhausted by its famous sights. You feel it in a morning coffee on a Paris boulevard, a stroll along the seafront in Nice, a small gallery in Antibes or a sunset over the Mediterranean from the heights of Èze. It is this combination of history, art, nature, cuisine and way of life that makes the country so appealing to travel to.
