Mini guide to France

France’s capital Paris is known throughout the world as a beautiful and romantic city with much to interest the millions of tourists that travel there each year.

The city is situated on the banks of the River Seine and has the wonderful central avenue of the Champs Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe, the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower,
Montmartre with the Sacre Coeur Basilica, Louvre Museum, Musee d’Orsay, Illes des Cite and the Hotel des Invalides which altogether are perhaps the best known and most heavily visited tourist attractions. Paris also has a Jewish quarter which is very interesting plus numerous art galleries and museums. The nightlife is good with many tourists heading for the famous Moulin Rouge. For a macabre tour visit the city’s catacombs. To lift the spirit walk around some of Paris’ beautiful gardens and parks one of the most beautiful being a short distance from the city at Versailles.

The French Riviera of the Cote d’Azure is the most famous area for holidaymakers with Nice at its centre. The city is sited in the Baie des Anges and has a delightful old town area with narrow streets of Baroque, medieval, Provencal and Genoese architecture. The hill of Le Chateau at ninety two metres looks down over the town. The restaurants and best cafes are to be found in Vieux Nice and this is also where the best nightlife is to be enjoyed.

Nice’s notable attractions include the Hôtel Negresco, Palais de la Méditerranée casino, the belle époque Opéra house, Palais Lascaris, Chapelle de la Miséricorde and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral Cathédrale Sainte Réparate. A walk along the Promenade des Anglais as the sun is setting is a very popular pastime. There are the remains of a Roman city at Cimiez called Cemenelum and a monastery dating from the 16th century.

One of the best known resorts for the super rich in the world is Monaco which has a marina for the fabulous yachts, the Casino Royale and a castle.