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The city of Marseille, located on the southeast coast of France, is the second largest city in the country, and has a metropolitan population of 1.6 million people.

This ancient port sits on the Mediterranean coast, and its geographical position has historically attracted many immigrants, making the city highly diverse and cosmopolitan.

The Greeks founded Marseille in 600BC, and throughout history various civilizations have made an impact on the culture and people of the city.

Things to Do

The ancient Abbaye Saint Victor dates back to the 11th century, and features magnificent architecture. Along with the monastic foundations and caves, this Abbey also holds the relics of the soldier-saint Victor. The entry here is free.

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For those that like to explore, the Panier district resembles a small village located in the heart of the city. Full of cafes, artist studios and small boutiques, it is an ideal place to spend an afternoon.

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a basilica dominating the Marseille landscape; built in 19th century, this impressive Romanesque church has incredibly beautiful décor, and the view from the top is outstanding.

You can almost see the whole of France with free entry.

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If visiting in summer, the beaches of Le Prado will provide something for everyone; there are playgrounds, carousels, bars and restaurants, along with skateboarding and cycling facilities.

La Vieille Charité, which occupies a 17th century former poorhouse in central Marseille, contains two separate museums, and exhibits artefacts from the local Mediterranean area, Africa and beyond. (Entrance €5-€10)

Where to Stay

Marseille offers various accommodation options, with a broad range of prices, including hostels, bed and breakfasts and luxurious hotels.

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If visiting on a budget, Hotel Vertigo in Vieux Port is an ideal option; friendly staff and clean and modern rooms make this hostel perfect for the solo traveller. Costs here at about €27 per person and night.

 
The Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port offers a much more sophisticated experience; featuring elegant rooms, superior service and excellent food, this five-star hotel sits in an excellent location overlooking the old port with costs at about €187+ per night

Eating Out

Marseille cuisine is as cosmopolitan as its inhabitants are; dishes such as couscous and Moules Marinière, along with the word-famous Bouillabaisse (fish stew), reflect the blending of local and North African ingredients.
For special occasion or Romantic dining, try L’epuisette located on the sea-front; this gourmet restaurant provides authentic Bouillabaisse in an exquisite setting. Alternatively, Le Bobolivo on Rue Caisserie offers a great-value Mediterranean dining experience.

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Paris traces its origins to a small settlement established in 250 B.C. at Ile de la Cete by Parisii, a Celtic tribe.

The settlement rose in importance owing to its location as a key point in the river commerce through the River Siene. In 52 BC, Julius Caesar conquered the city and established a new Roman settlement Lutetia.

Early History

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Under the Romans, Lutetia became a thriving regional settlement. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the settlement came under repeated attacks of the Vikings and Franks.

In 212 CE, King Clovis I established the Gaulish empire and renamed Lutetia as Paris.

In 987, Hugh Capet, the count of Paris became the King of France.

His successors consolidated the kingdom and provided stability for over two centuries. Paris, being the capital rose in importance and prosperity and soon became the epicentre of religious, cultural and commercial life in the kingdom.

The Medieval Period

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The city grew under the reign of Philip II Augustus (1180-1223) and his grandson Louis IX (1226-1270). The former constructed the Palais du Louvre.

The latter constructed the Sainte-Chapelle, the Baslica of St Denis and the landmark cathedral of Notre Dame, making the city a major pilgrimage centre.

The history of Paris however stagnates from then on to the end of the 16th century with a line of relatively weak kings and intermittent civil wars. Under the leadership of Etienne Marcel (1355-1358), Paris declared itself as an independent commune. The Black Death of the late 14th century wiped off half of the city’s populace.

The Renaissance

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In 1594, Henry IV, the Bourbon entered Paris and was crowned King of France. Henry IV settled down in Paris and undertook a slew of public works such as extending the Louvre, construction of Pont Neuf, Place Dauphine, Saint Louis Hospital and Place des Vosges.

Louis XIII, Henry’s successor, continued the work, rebuilding the Sorbonne and constructing the Palais du Luxembourg, Palais Royal and a host of Baroque churches.

Paris reached its epitome of development under Louis XIV (1661-1715). The city became a major centre of Enlightenment, a hub of arts, sciences, philosophy and culture. During this time, the city had 500,000 inhabitants and 25,000 houses. The famous Palace of Versailles was completed in 1682.

Modern History

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However, the state was bankrupt and soon Paris became the epicenter of the revolutionary spirit. The storming of the Bastille in 1789 by the Parisian mob signalled the beginning of the French Revolution.

Napoleon Bonaparte considered Paris as a

new Rome

and constructed many public monuments.

His successors carried on with such projects and much of the present day landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eglise du Dome and other monuments came up during this period.

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In 1853, Louis Napoleon entrusted Baron Haussmann with the task of modernising the city. He demolished a major portion of the old city, constructing wide, straight boulevards and large public parks in its place. The landmark Eiffel Tower came up in 1889. The Metro system came up in 1900.

In the meantime, the Industrial Revolution led to an influx of migrants to the city. The population grew to over 900,000 people and Paris grew to become Europe’s second largest city and the world’s third largest city.

Much of the population however lived in squalour and diseases were common. A deadly Cholera outbreak wiped off 19,000 people in 1931. The city also went on to acquire the reputation as

the sin capital of Europe

by the end of the 19th century.

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In 1871, Paris was besieged for four months during the war with Prussia and the city eventually surrendered. When the Prussians withdrew, French radicals established a short-lived Commune of Paris.

The Germans did not succeed in occupying Paris during World War I, but Paris fell to the Nazi invasion on 14 June 1940.

Almost half of the populace, now 3.5 million, fled the city. The city however suffered minimal physical damage and recovered rapidly in the post war period.

Read more information about Paris on their official website: www.en.parisinfo.com

Things to know before you go

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As well as travel insurance, make sure you take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as this will entitle you to certain medical treatments and is a lot easier than claiming through your insurance company. You will still need to take out travel insurance for the things that aren’t covered by this card (both medical and otherwise).
The currency used in France is the Euro, which is easily obtainable before you go.
The average temperature is bearable all year round, with temperatures peaking in July and coolest in January.

What to see in Paris

The Eiffel Tower is probably the most well-known landmark in Paris, with over 7 million people making the trip up it last year. Even if you don’t scale the Eiffel Tower, it is still a must-see landmark.
Paris is also famous for its museums. The Louvre is perhaps one of the most well known and is home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
Disneyland Paris, whilst not in the city itself is only a 40 minute train ride away and is a favourite attraction amongst children and adults alike.
Shopping is something else that Paris is very well known for and you will not struggle to find somewhere to spend your money! From market stalls to boutiques there is something for everyone. If you are looking for a good range of designer goods, check out Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores.

Getting around

The Métro is Paris’ underground system. There are 16 lines, and changing at major intersecting stations can be difficult, especially when it is busy, so plan your journey in advance.
Where you can, explore Paris by foot as the majority of things you will want to see and do can be found within walking distance of each other.
Traffic in Paris can be very busy, and parking difficult. For this reason it is advisable not to bring or rent a car on a trip to Paris. If however you are planning on exploring the rest of France you may wish to consider hiring a car from the outer areas before you leave the city.

Reiner Rosenwald / pixelio.de

over 1.2 million people it is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in France. Toulouse was historically one of the richest city in France due to the sale of blue colouring, which was extracted from woad plants. More recently Toulouse has been booming as it becomes the European centre for aviation and spaceflight.

What to do

The downtown area of Toulouse is quite small, so most people will be comfortable exploring on foot. This doesn’t mean that there is not much to do though, as there is plenty to see.

A good place to start is by taking a Peniche Baladine Boat Tour, which takes you down the Garonne river and through the canals leasing to the sea. You can also walk along the Garonne river if taking a boat is not your thing.

Due to the city’s rich history, there are many old buildings to explore. Basilique Saint Sernin is a church from the 11th Century and has been partly restored by Viollet-le-Duc, a famous French architect.

Alternatively, Airbus offer tours of their facilities giving you a background of their company and give tours of the A340, A380 and Concorde. The Cité de l’Espace, or space city, is a scientific theme park, with replica spacecraft and interactive exhibits.

Where to eat

Local dishes that you may wish to try include duck, which is a regional specialty offered in many restaurants, and casssoulet, which is a stew made with white beans, various meat and pork skin.

L’Aubrac serves regional cuisine at a good price. The restaurants above Marché Victor Hugo serve some of the freshest food you will find, and is again very well priced. The drawback is that it is only open lunchtime. If you are looking for something a bit more fancy, try En Marge, a Michelin star restaurant.

Where to stay

There are plenty of hotels and hostels to stay in depending on your budget. A stay in La Petite Auberge de Compostelle, a hostel that is about a 10 minute walk from the river Garonne will set you back as little as €22 per night.

For those wanting a little more luxury, try Hotel Le Grand Balcon. This 1930s hotel has recently been renovated, however don’t be surprised if it sets you back upwards of €200 a night.

for more info on hotels check out http://www.laterooms.com/en/r31_hotels-in-france.aspx

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Nice is a large city situated in the South East of France, on the Mediterranean coast, just below Switzerland and to the North West of Italy. It is one of the largest cities in France with a population of nearly 350,000 people, of all nationalities.

Climate

The climate in Nice is one of generally warm weather. The Summer period is from May to October, and attracts many tourists. The average maximum temperature in July and August is 27C and even in December and January will only fall to 13c.

Due to the temperatures it is also very unusual to see any snow at Nice and rain is minimum also, with average rainfall days being between 2-7 days per month, depending on the month in question.

Transport

There are numerous ways you can get to Nice, and this includes Road, Rail, Air and Sea. The main access route from the West of France is via the A8 autoroute, but France itself is a large Country, and a typical drive from Paris could take over 10 hours. Rail is through the SNCF train network, but yet again, it can be a long drive with a typical journey from Northern France taking many hours. This leaves Air and Sea, with Air being by far the most popular. Nice Côte d’Azur has two terminals and is an extremely busy Airport. Latest figures suggest that in 2011, more than 10,000,000 passengers travelled there, from all over the World, but mainly from Europe.

Attractions

There are so many things to see and do in Nice, which makes it easy to understand, how popular it is with holidaymakers and tourists. The beaches are golden and the sea is blue, as with many Mediterranean locations, but it also hosts a promenade called La Prom. This curves for almost five miles round the Bay of Angels, and offers a delightful walk amongst the palm trees, with views over the sands and sea.

Many visitors like to visit the old town (Vieux Nice), with all the tightly packed buildings, mainly dating to the 19th Century. The streets themselves are narrow and the shops are mainly targeted at the tourists with the normal craft and art souvenirs available for purchase. For those who prefer to savour the atmosphere without being too energetic, there are an abundance of coffee shops, who offers drinks and snacks.

For those who enjoy history, it might be worth considering a visit to Cimiez Hill and the old Franciscan monastery built in 1546. The gardens are picturesque and the church is delightful. For those who enjoy art they should consider spending some time enjoying the three 15th-century masterpieces inside by Louis Bréa.

For more info you may want to check out the French tourist board site: http://www.francetourism.com/

Eledhwen82 / pixelio.de

Calais, France is the closest ferry port to Britain and is therefore a popular tourist destination for those looking for a holiday away. The ferry port itself is very close to Calais’ town centre; once you step off the ferry, you can begin your Calais adventure.

History

While the district of Calais wasn’t actually created until 1962, it has a rich history. Perhaps one of the greatest historical events of note is that Julius Caesar launched his invasion of England from Calais. Richard the Lionheart landed at Calais in the late 12th century as he was en route to the Crusades, and continues to be an enduring figure in the Calais mythology. By the 18th century, the threat from England was so significant that there was some consideration given to flooding the town, but an accord was eventually reached with the Dutch and the English.

Thanks to a full history, Calais is a town which could allow those who visit a glimpse into their own ancestry.

Once your off the ferry

There is a lot to do in this cozy French town, which is why it’s so inviting. The town was actually heavily bombed during the Second World War, so there isn’t a lot that predates the 1940s, but there is a World War II museum for history buffs.

If history doesn’t appeal, take in some of Calais’ amazing cuisine at any of their local restaurants or you can enjoy a shopping experience in any one of the French town’s stores. Certainly, there are a wide range of activities to choose from; wine tasting at any one of the French wine-only stores, shopping at one of the local stores, or simply touring the surroundings.

Attractions

The Citadel was a fortification initially designed for protection, but when it merged with France, it was transformed into an extravagant fort with the citadel designed by Vauban.

If you love being on the water, then the beaches of Calais are a perfect retreat. Offering all manner of water sports, you can cut loose and enjoy the beach while in Calais. Hop on a jet ski, sand dive, canoe or kayak – there will be something that will allow you to unwind.

Conclusion

Certainly, you aren’t limited to restaurants or shopping while in Calais. All it takes is a little exploring and you will find what other adventures awaits.

Dear Ulrich / pixelio.de

Bordeaux is a city of wine, architecture and history. This capital of the Aquitaine region in the south west of France has a population of just over a million. It is UNESCO world heritage protected. The Aquitaine region boasts a vast area of beaches, scenery and vineyards. Naturally, wine is on every menu here. It’s one of largest wine growing regions in the world. Producing wine since the 8th century.

Food.

To give you an indication of the standard of cuisine here, there are over a dozen Michelin starred restaurants. Duck confit and foie gras are traditional and seafood is sourced locally. Black pig of Bigorre and cuttle fish ravioli are a sample of the gourmet selections available. The restaurants have a great choice of international cuisine to suit all tastes and budgets. The wine lists encourage extensive reading too.

Attractions.

Port of the moon is situated alongside the river Garonne. The area is surrounded by restaurants and ideal for walking, skating and cycling.
Place de la bource or the place royal is an area of vintage architecture. This square was built for former ruler Louis XV. It has fountains and a water mirror and is home to the chamber of commerce and the customs museum. At night the buildings are illuminated, making this area popular with photographers.
There are many museums and gardens in Bordeaux and the area is flat. With nearly 600 kilometres of cycle tracks and a bike share scheme, getting around by bicycle is a good choice of transport.
Wine tours are popular too, as well as shopping. Golden triangle, where the roads Allees de Tourny, cours de l’Intendance, cours Georges Clemenceau meet, has a wide range of shops and wineries. Evenings for locals are about eating late and taking in the vast amount of establishments that provide music and drinks. for more info on great wines please check Bordeaux undiscovered blog

Staying in Bordeaux

Visitors can stay in anything from a hostel to a five star luxury property. There are a lot of hotels and accommodations to choose from.

Low budget:

Stars Bordeaux. Gare 34 rue de Tauzia, 33800 Bordeaux. Clean, basic, modern hotel. Central location. Free wifi in the lobby.

Medium Budget:

L’Hôtel Particulier 44 rue vital carles, 33000 Bordeaux. Reasonably priced. Excellent reviews. Situated near the cathedral. Superior studio’s often have special offer prices.

High Budget:

Petit Hotel Labottiere 14, rue Francis Martin, 33000 Bordeaux. Excellent reviews. 18th century historical building. Antiques, crystal and luxury.

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Regional Differences

The French are very enthusiastic about incorporating other cultures and foods into their cuisine, and this is reflected in the variations of cuisine found in different regions of France. Brittany is renowned for it’s crepes and cider, influenced by the proximity of the British. Eastern France, which is bordered by Germany, has many foods that are similar to German dishes containing sausages and cabbage. One of the most popular dishes in the region is called la choucroute which is a stew made of cabbage, containing sausages and spiced in a French manner. Regions that are bordered by the sea have cuisine that is heavily seafood based and focused on oysters, clams, squid and mussels.

Traditional French Food

The French are known for the quality of their baking, with baguettes and croissants being popular all over the world. Baguettes are commonly used in making sandwiches and are ubiquitous at the dinner table. Croissants are light and buttery pastries that can be either savoury or sweet, with chocolate croissants along with some strong coffee being a popular breakfast choice. The French are also generally known for their preference for duck, game and delicacies such as snails and frogs legs. Snails are traditionally served with garlic butter and bread and eaten as a starter. Bouillabaisse is a hearty meal traditionally served in Provence and is a fish stew. The broth and fish are served separately with toasted bread and a hot sauce called rouille. The rouille is spread onto the bread, which is then dipped into the stew and eaten. The fish can be eaten separately or also on the bread.

No discussion of French food is complete without discussing desserts. The French are known for their innovative use of chocolate and chocolate mousse is a common dessert after a hearty meal. Crème brûlée, apple tart and ile flotant are other heavenly desserts that should be sampled by visitors to the country.

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With more than 80 million visitors coming to experience the gastronomic and sensual feat for the mind, body and soul, France continues to wow visitors year after year. World renowned for the finest cuisine, evocative landscapes and let’s not forget the world class champagne, France is the sophisticated old dame of Europe, who has many years of sparkle in her yet.

Here are the Top 5 Cities in France to Visit

1. Paris

Paris is considered by many to be the most romantic city in the world, and is steeped in a fascinating and intriguing history. With origins that date right back to 4200 BC, the Parisii tribe is believed to have inhabited the area near the Seine River from as far back as 250 BC.

The famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower was actually supposed to be a temporary piece of construction that was built for Universal Exposition in 1889, by Gustave Eiffel, but never came down, and is now the enduring landmark symbol and the epitome of Paris.

The shopping capital of France, Paris is the best place to enjoy some of the finest cuisine in France, enjoy a coffee and baguette at one of the sidewalk cafes, and meander around seeing the historical sites, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Place de la Bastille and Champs-Élysées.

2. Nancy

The innovative and sophisticated city of Nancy almost appears to be trapped way back in time where refinement, style and upper crust class have continued to prevail since the cities establishment in the 1600’s. Opulent, indulgent and infectiously haughty, this city was built between the 16th and 18th Centuries, and evidence of its fabulous past is everywhere.

Stylish museums, fine dining and the lifestyle of the rich and terribly fabulous, are there for the visitor to embrace and enjoy. The sights, the sounds and the incredible architecture are a must see on a visit, especially as the city was the hub for the foundation of the Art Nouveau movement.

Must sees in Nancy are the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Musée Lorrain and Lefèvre-Lemoine.

3. Avignon

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The huge student town of Avignon is an exciting experience, and if you sat a sidewalk café nibbling on your baguette you could be forgiven for thinking that you were actually in Paris. The city is completely surrounded by stone fortifications and is full of some of the most superb architecture and arts.

Going back as far as the Stone Age, the city flourished under Roman rule until the 12th Century, when it declared itself an independent republic. Home to many of Provence’s Popes, Avignon remained the primary seat of the Papacy until 1791 when the French Revolution came about.

The city is famous for the Pont d’Avignon, the Palais des Papes and of course, the fascinating medieval castle.

4. Strasbourg

The cultural portal to France and the seat of the European Parliament, make Strasbourg one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in France. The city is alive with vibrant contrasts, where history and modern technology walk hand in hand, along windy cobbled passages into ancient churches, right past world class modern restaurants.

With a vivid history that dates right back to the Iron Age, the city has so much to offer visitors. One of the historical highlights of the city must be Cathédrale Notre Dame which boasts the highest cathedral tower in all of France. A must see must also be Musée Alsacien, which is a stunning showcase of the life and times of the local people that lived here between the 13th and 19th Century.

5. Lyon

The bustling and vibrant French city of Lyon is a dynamic and desirable destination, with an exceptional mixture of fun, nightlife, retail therapy, gastronomic experiences and all the buzz and ambience of a booming city, along with the historical sites and sounds of ancient Europe.

Visitors must see the Fourvière Basilica, the Musées Gadagne, St Bruno Church and the Parc de Gerland, as well as not forgetting to round off a perfect day sightseeing by having a cocktail in the Place Sathonay. You really shouldn’t miss the beauty of France, and if you prepare propperly, it’s easy to find a cheap hotel, flight and trip. We can suggest you a price comparison for airlines. CheapOair Offers Cheap Airfare for France. You might also ask your friends and family for their experience.

Sascha Böhnke_pixelio

France is arguably the greatest nation on earth for a skiing holiday. This article equates to an introduction or brief guide to the best ski resorts in France.

Ski Resorts

Tarentaise Valley Skiing

The biggest area of ski-resorts on earth is found at the Tarentaise Valley in France. Tarentaise Valley’s neighbours are Paradiski (Les Arcs, La Plagne) and Espace Killy (Val d’ Isere) and you can journey to those neighbours by ski lift. The Paradiski resort possesses 160 lifts and ski areas for all standards of skier… from beginner to expert.

The Via Lattea (Milky Way)

The Via Lattea is a Winter Sports area on the French/Italian border. It contains 250 miles of skiable pistes with 88 lifts. 120 of these are artificial snow areas.

Les Portes du Soleil

Les Portes is a popular ski-sports area found within the northern French alps. It contains over a dozen other resorts within it and covers a vast area of just over 400 miles. Approximately 200 lifts help the skier get around.

Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is the place to go if you like the sun. This resort is situated in southeastern France and covers an area of 155 miles. In a typical year this region receives 300 days of sunshine. Hence not all the snow is natural here, therefore snow cannons compensate for any short-fall in snow-fall.

Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Aples is located in the French Isere departmement. Les Deux can claim the biggest skiable glacier in Europe. Moreover Le Deux is also known for being the nations second oldest ski resort behind Chamonix.

Best Time to Ski

The best time to go on a skiing holiday is (obviously) winter. This is due to winter being the time when it is most likely to snow. Good timing can be the difference between a good skiing experience and a bad skiing experience. So try and find a time when there is plenty of snow and (for example) ensure that it hasn’t started to melt. January and February are likely to be the best months but the individual needs to check in advance. Also… a good idea is to avoid going at Christmas if you want to avoid crowds.

Accommodation

Chalets are popular with skiers in France, find more about accommmodation here. The owners possess a reputation for being knowledgeable concerning the best skiing locations, and ski runs as well as what the local area and ski resort has to offer… including airport and resort transfers.