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The Île-de-France region literally translates to “Island of France as it’s shaped by the five rivers that encircle country’s capital. Steeped in extraordinary heritage, it beats as the historic heart of the country. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about Île-de-France is Paris, the city of lights. After all, it’s world's number one tourist destination boasting with galleries, museums and exceptional monuments. The Louvre, Orsay Museum, Center Pompidou, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, Montmartre and Arc de Triomphe can keep you busy for weeks. However, the region has much more to offer. It boasts marvelous architecture including a few of the most monumental palaces in Europe, all sitting amid magnificently designed gardens. Top of everyone’s “Must-see” list is the opulent and extravagant palace at Versailles though it’s far from being the only incredible palace in the region. Here, you can find many of the most imposing places to see in France.
8 experiences
Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, cruising the cliff-top roads or sunbathing on a sandy beach, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is generous, sun-drenched, and irresistibly seductive. It occupies the area between the Mediterranean coastline and the Alps stealing for itself an enviable climate. Here, breathtaking scenery combines with rich historical past riddled with Roman architecture, leisure, glamour, cuisine and a multitude of celebrations and festivals. The French Riviera is an iconic destination for holidaymakers from all over the world. Besides sandy beaches, cities such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez leave little to desire. Provenance, on the other hand, has been highly prized by artists such as Picasso and is a perfect spot for lovers of the charming rustic good life among lavender fields and chirping of the crickets. Hiking and mountaineering lovers won’t be short of things to do in France either, national parks here are aplenty!
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The Île-de-France region literally translates to “Island of France as it’s shaped by the five rivers that encircle country’s capital. Steeped in extraordinary heritage, it beats as the historic heart of the country. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about Île-de-France is Paris, the city of lights. After all, it’s world's number one tourist destination boasting with galleries, museums and exceptional monuments. The Louvre, Orsay Museum, Center Pompidou, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, Montmartre and Arc de Triomphe can keep you busy for weeks. However, the region has much more to offer. It boasts marvelous architecture including a few of the most monumental palaces in Europe, all sitting amid magnificently designed gardens. Top of everyone’s “Must-see” list is the opulent and extravagant palace at Versailles though it’s far from being the only incredible palace in the region. Here, you can find many of the most imposing places to see in France.
8 experiences
Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, cruising the cliff-top roads or sunbathing on a sandy beach, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is generous, sun-drenched, and irresistibly seductive. It occupies the area between the Mediterranean coastline and the Alps stealing for itself an enviable climate. Here, breathtaking scenery combines with rich historical past riddled with Roman architecture, leisure, glamour, cuisine and a multitude of celebrations and festivals. The French Riviera is an iconic destination for holidaymakers from all over the world. Besides sandy beaches, cities such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez leave little to desire. Provenance, on the other hand, has been highly prized by artists such as Picasso and is a perfect spot for lovers of the charming rustic good life among lavender fields and chirping of the crickets. Hiking and mountaineering lovers won’t be short of things to do in France either, national parks here are aplenty!
Perhaps you’re asking yourself, what is it about the French and food? There’s no way to talk about this country without the passion for this earthly delight seeping in. What’s so special about it? Well, in France, it’s not just about what you eat, it’s also how you eat it. The ability to lose yourself in the moments experiencing the flavor, the company, and life, makes up the very essence of art de vivre. The action of transforming food into lifestyle runs so deep within French culture, the UNESCO experts defined French gastronomy as a social custom that aims to celebrate the most important moments in the lives of communities as well as individuals ant added is to the UNESCO “world intangible heritage” list. The whole notion of French cuisine has its roots in the reign of Louis XIV. It's him who turned meals into an orchestrated celebrations. When in doubt about what to do in France. Do food.
Besides its passion for food, France is known for imposing world-class art and architecture. The country lures and seduces travelers. It seduces with both iconic landmarks known all over the world as well as the undiscovered masterpieces waiting for their moment to shine. France's cultural repertoire is brain-numbingly staggering, both in volume and variety. Indeed, this is the very core of France’s beauty and appeal. Have ticked off the Eiffel Tower, lush Versailles, art-filled Louvre and sunny French Riviera full of golden sand beaches and celebrities? You still have an ample repertoire of things to see in France! Every year, more than 80 million travelers from all over the world flock here. They do so to explore the extraordinary wealth of galleries, museums, ateliers, traditions and hands-on cultural experiences. From one side of the country to another, not one region will disappoint. France lives and breaths art, architecture and culture.
French land paints a varied imagery ranging from the cliffs and sand dunes of northern France, rocky Alpine peaks; hillsides embroidered with vineyards to the clear blue sea of the Côte D'Azur and Corsica's green oak forests. The landscape, verging on poetic, demands outdoor activity and invites for adventure. No matter your preferences, there’s something for everybody. Whether you end up rafting down the turquoise Verdon River; admiring Étretat Cliffs in Normandy; strolling barefoot to Mont St-Michel; skiing down the Europe’s highest sand dune; visiting Britanny’s Côte de Granit Rose where the rocks blush with shade of orangey-pink; walking through the vivid purple hills of Provence; Taking in glacial panoramas above Chamonix riding a cable car; or refresh your face in the jaw-dropping Gavarnie Falls, France doesn't disappoint. In fact, to head outdoors is one of the best things to do in France!
History gave France an allure that is hard to beat. Being the biggest country in Western Europe, it has always been a gateway between its northern and southern regions, profiting from as well as exuding influences. Today, the country borders with Germany and Belgium in the north; Spain in the south; the Atlantic Ocean in the west; Switzerland and Belgium in the east and the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast known as the legendary French Riviera.
Besides being a hive of art and philosophy, France is also an agricultural epicenter. In fact, it fosters an incredible variety and quality of produce. In fact, the country has one of the largest economies in the world. You are perhaps familiar with its most indulgent products, wine, and cheese. Though, France also thrives with the export of automobiles, electronics, and clothing. Why is it important? Well, it’s the economic wealth and prosperity that enables France to be one of the most attractive destinations in the world. Historical and contemporary, manmade and natural treasures blossom all over the country. Annually, France welcomes over 80 million travelers.
While Paris is the lighthouse that attracts the majority of “foreign ships,” it’s only a fraction of the country has to offer. Each region boasts historical and cultural wealth seasoned and shaped with the uniqueness of its surroundings. Many rural areas of France still have the power to take you on a journey to the past be it through traditions, architecture or your taste buds.
France, one of the oldest nations in the world, is the most ethnically diverse country in all of Europe. Despite its uniform “European” appeal, it’s the eclectic influences that made France a world leader across centuries in almost all aspects of civilized culture including wine-making, cuisine, philosophy, politics, music, art, film, fashion, literature, and even sports. It’s nuances of diversity that create a culture that is almost impossible to resist.
So, if you are asking yourself “what to do in France?” the answer is: succumb to the culture that surrounds you and let it lead you to a new way of experiencing; teach you to observe, soak in and live the Art de Vivre.