"FRANCE" France by dutch_anna

France Travel Guide: 68,600 reviews and 148,186 photos

In France I hear the heartbeat of Europe's history. The Romans built here their fortresses, the famous French kings their castles. History was written in the French revolution in the streets of Paris and during the first world war in the trenches near Verdun. I think, that the French, more than the Dutch, are aware of the importance of knowing about the history of your own country. And keep the memories living. Every French village has its monument for the soldiers, fallen in the World Wars. WW1 is still called "The Big War". And the 14th July, the day of the fall of the Bastille in Paris in 1789 is still celebrated everywhere.

For me the best way for a holiday in France is to wander around. Stay, where you like it, where the sun shines and the scenery is beautiful. Never hurrying, but enjoying the place where you are. Visit old churches and castles, walk around on a marketplace, sit on a terrace with a drink and watch people. Usually I am camping, so there is no worry about a place to stay at night, campgrounds enough. And I leave when it is raining, for you know that the sun will shine elsewhere.
I like Paris very much and I have been there many times. But in these pages I give you some impressions of the other part of France, the countryside. With its touristic attractions, though, and "sights to see". But don't expect addresses of restaurants or shops, maybe an exception for bookshops!

France has 22 "regions" and it is divided in 96 "départements", departments. In 1789 the country was divided in provinces. Well known names are Auvergne, Bourgogne, Languedoc,Provence, Bretagne, Normandie. Those "old" names are still used, but the geographic borders are not very important any more.
The name of a town is often followed by the name of the department. E.g. Moulins, dept. Allier, lies in the Auvergne. Its not so difficult, a good guide and a good map will help.

Click here for websites about WW1, 1914-1918.

Please follow me to my travelogues and I show you some of my favourite places.

Last visit to France: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Apr 5, 2005
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Reviews (8)

Cows Favorites (1)

In June 2001, the meadows in the Netherlands were still empty after the destruction of the cattle because of the... more travel advice

Campground at Avallon. Hotels (2)

The campground "Sous Roche" is about 10 min. walking from the town. A quiet, "basic", campground. When I was there, in... more travel advice

Many campgrounds, almost every... - France

Many campgrounds, almost every... Hotels (2)

Many campgrounds, almost every village has his own 'Municipal'. That is a camping, usually owned by the local council.... more travel advice

Loire Castles. Things to Do (2)

Visit the Loire regio. The famous castles, and there are many of them, are worth a visit. When you stay in a central... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Train, car, bike, hike,...

What to Pack (2)
See All Michelin Guides.

Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (45)

Jasen71 Dec 23, 2005 at 11:16 AM Report Abuse

I love to drive around france.. but i would probably put a GPS in my packing list...... Regards Jasen
kenHuocj Apr 4, 2005 at 7:26 AM Report Abuse

French wine- mhmmm , my uninitiated palate prefers the chaeper more fuity flavours of the Southern hemisphere ;-))).
thinking Sep 22, 2004 at 11:07 AM Report Abuse

I loved your France page, and I am still reading about WW1 from the links you suggested. It was a pleasure to have stopped by once again. All the best.
tessy Jun 8, 2004 at 1:00 PM Report Abuse

Michelin maps are just the best! beautiful travelogues, especially the one with the castles!
MarvintheMartian Jun 8, 2004 at 12:53 PM Report Abuse

Lovely pictures in your travelogues - it looks very tranquil!
pepples46 Jun 7, 2004 at 3:26 PM Report Abuse

I love cows tooooooooooo and your somewhere in France is great, superb page, tks for sharing Anna
kazander Jun 7, 2004 at 8:23 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page!
was_the_beav Jun 1, 2004 at 6:06 AM Report Abuse

I feel quite sure that France awaits your return somewhat like how we hopefully wait for spring...have a lovely trip. And send a postcard, please? xoxox
Leipzig Mar 28, 2004 at 4:27 AM Report Abuse

I tried to play boule some times ago - very interesting game. Very nice page with good tips and photos. The Loire Valley is very high on my travel wish list.
MATIM Apr 18, 2003 at 1:11 PM Report Abuse

beautiful pictures in your travelogue :-)