To Paris and beyond
Oh, là là. Vive la France!
If you enjoyed Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” or Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” then chances are you are already in love with France. However, France is much more than that. You would need to take a walk along its famous streets, have a taste of its great cuisine and visit world famous tourist sites to experience the thrill lovers of this wonderful country never get tired of.
French is the dominant and official language of the country’s 66 million residents, and Catholicism is the predominant religion.
Tourism
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, France ranks first in world tourism. Paris is the top destination, of course. Tourists flock to sights like the Louvre (the most-visited museum in the world), Sacre-Coeur and the Eiffel Tower, but there is plenty to see outside of Paris as well. Normandy, Toulouse, Lyon, Bordeaux are packed full throughout the year with the throng of visitors, seeking to have a taste or feel of its beautiful climate gardens, parks, historical museums and fairy-tale beaches. And of course, the French Riviera, Côte d’Azur, is a popular holiday destination as well.
In the mood for a more unusual destination? Consider the 25-km-long “grand canyon of Europe.” Verdon Gorge Canyon. Located in Alpes De Haute Province. Its cliffs rise up to 700 meters in height.
Cuisine
The French are so particular about what ends up in their stomach that food was added to UNESCO’s world list of intangible cultural heritage in 2010. Wine is also a central part of life in the French society. Some classic French dishes you should try out include boeuf bourguignon — a stew made of beef braised in red wine, beef broth and seasoned with garlic, onions and mushrooms.
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Champagne, France
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Louvre Museum, Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France
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Le Puy-en-Velay, France
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Basilique du Sacre Coeur, Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris, France
I don’t speak the language. I don’t really like France. The saga of wine(ing) continues as I seek to find out why do I h...
Paris, France
So I ask; why do I have to go to Paris? I don’t speak the language. I don’t really like France. The only good thing abou...
Paris, France
To make French people love you (even in Paris), follow these tips and you'll be one of their favorite tourists EVER. Rea...
Paris, France
A well-kept locals' secret, Paris' 17th Arrondissement offers fascinating glimpses of history as well as a real feel for...
17th arrondissement, Paris, France
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Colmar, Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine, France
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Girona, Spain
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Alsace, France
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rhine river
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Strasbourg, France
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Discover 12 of the best traditional Christmas market foods to try with our list of festive foods from around Europe.
Come early winter, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s a list of the best Christmas markets in Europe for inspiration..
Ideas for some of the best day trips from Paris. Famous and not-so-well-known sights including castles and palaces, military history, gardens, food, and wine.
Save money, time and stress with these simple and easy tips learned from a first trip to Paris.
Can you travel almost anywhere without paying for food or lodging? You can, with a few hours of labor.
Montmartre is an exciting neighborhood that offers incredible experiences. Here’s a starter list of some that you shouldn’t miss.
I don’t speak the language. I don’t really like France. The saga of wine(ing) continues as I seek to find out why do I have to go to Paris?
So I ask; why do I have to go to Paris? I don’t speak the language. I don’t really like France. The only good thing about France is the wine.
To make French people love you (even in Paris), follow these tips and you’ll be one of their favorite tourists EVER.
A well-kept locals’ secret, Paris’ 17th Arrondissement offers fascinating glimpses of history as well as a real feel for la vie Parisienne.
With its cobblestone streets, flower-lined canals, sidewalk cafes, and half-timbered houses, this is the prettiest town in Alsace.
A reader of As We Saw It’s Facebook page asks, “As a world traveler…. What is the most romantic place you guys have visited? And why?”
See the best of Alsace in one day, from Strasbourg to Alsatian wine and more.
Considering a European river cruise? Here’s what to expect on board and ashore, plus our Rhine River cruise itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam.
A photo tour of scenic Strasbourg-Grand île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the official seat of the European Parliament.
