"Keeweechic France" France by keeweechic

France first recognition was from cave paintings from cave dwellers dating back to 40,000BC. A country now rich with history, beautiful landscapes and culture. No one can usually think of France without thinking of Paris and romance. The self assuredness of the people and the national pride can be disconcerting to the tourist when first encountered. Each area within France has its own unique feel and style. There is a huge variety of things to see, whether it's the Gothic cathedrals of the north, the chateaux of the Loire or the Roman monuments of the south. The countryside also has its own appeal and little seems to have changed for hundreds of years. Travelling in France is easy. There are budget hotels and restaurants and the rail and road networks are efficient. France is one of those countries, once visited, you always want to return. I have put this page together from my other pages on France but for more information, please visit these cities individually.

PARIS Most people who come to Paris have a dream, an image of what the city will be. The unusual thing about Paris is that almost everyone finds their dream to be true. Overcrowded, overpriced, overvisited, but also the most magical city in France, and, for many people, in the world.

VERSAILLES A visit to Versailles is a powerful reminder of the past, and the grandness with which the monarchs ruled their domains. In 1661 Louis XIV moved his seat of government to Versailles which was the permanent residence of the royal family until the French Revolution. Versailles was originally built in 1631 as a hunting lodge. The building of the castle began in 1661 and only stopped when the King died in 1715. The beautiful gardens were added with geometric precision and various adornments were added to highlight the grandeur and sophistication of the court as in the wonderful Hall of Mirrors.

AVIGNON capital of the department of Vaucluse, Avignon was one of the principal cities of the Cavares at the time of the Roman invasion. After the fall of the empire, Avenio belonged successively to Burgundians, Franks and Wisigoths. Twice taken by the Saracens and twice delivered by Charles Martel, it submitted to the Carolingians and became part of the kingdom of Arles and one of the principal towns of the marquisate of Provence. In the twelfth century, it set up an independent commune, electing its own consuls and surrounded itself with new walls and gates. Declaring for the Albigenses, it was taken by Louis VIII in 1226, though in 1251, it fell again under the counts of Provence. Scarcely anything remains of the ancient Avenio, except a few stones built in the walls and some mosaics in the Museum. Central Avignon is enclosed by medieval walls.

LYON as the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region Lyon has a unique position at the very centre of Europe, and as a large city possesses considerable industrial and business advantages. Lyon is the oldest Roman archaeological site after Rome itself. The Old Town is one of the most important and well-preserved Renaissance sectors in Europe. Lyon is also a silk capital, the place where the Jacquard method of weaving was invented, where manufacturers, merchants and silkweavers made the town famous throughout the world. Dubbed France's second city, Lyon is blessed with an outstanding geographical location and a stunningly picturesque landscape.

NICE the pearl of the French Riviera, Nice is a busy commercial city and the capital of the Alpes Maritimes department. Nonetheless, beauty, a fine climate and affable citizens keep its charm and year around appeal intact. The beauty of Nice is also due to its green spaces, 300 hectares of garden, its trees, plane trees, linden trees, bay-trees, pine and palm trees, which are lining the avenues, the fountains of the forum Massena or the Acropolis esplanade.

CANNES Famous for its International Film Festival, Cannes is sits in the southern part of France, 30 km from Nice. It was first discovered by British wealthy families in the 19th century because of its tourist like facilities but before tourism, around 150 years ago, it was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village. It is now an elegant city known around the world for its celebrity visitors.