Rich in history, culture and passion, with a staggering 78 million foreign tourists visiting the nation during 2006 alone, France is a fantastic country to visit, offering a broad range of activities to cater for all tastes.

France has many distinct regions to visit each with its own unique character, such as Normandy, Loire, and Côte d'Azur to name but a few. Normandy of course is probably most famous for the D-Day landings made by the allies during World War 2 and has many interesting places to visit, such as the Caen War memorial and the towns of Bayeux and Mont-St-Michel. Côte d'Azur region is home to Cannes and Monaco, the playgrounds of the rich and famous.

Perhaps you would prefer a stay in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. Popular tourist attractions in Paris include the Eiffel Tower built between the years 1887-1889, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Musee Du Louvre featuring Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting the ‘Mona Lisa’. Or why not just enjoy a ride down the Champs-Élysées.

France is home to a number of popular theme parks, the most notable being Futuroscope, Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix. Futuroscope amusement park is located near Poitiers (300km/180 Miles south west of Paris) and features many attractions and shows to dazzle the senses. There are numerous visual experiences to enjoy on a giant IMAX screen, such as the Mystery of the Nile, Deep Sea 3D and Cyberworld. The park also features a 3D cinema, simulator experiences, restaurants and shops. Futuroscope offers a unique experience and is an excellent day out for all the family.

If you’re a history fan (or even if you’re not) you won’t want to miss out on visiting some of the fine Châteaux (Castles). With over 80 Châteaux you will surely be within easy travelling distance to some of them, whichever region you choose to stay in.

Maybe you could catch the tour de France, one of the worlds most famous and difficult cycling races, spanning over 2200 miles across many stages around the country. The 2007 Tour de France runs from Saturday 7th July to Sunday 29th July.

For cheese or wine connoisseurs then France really is your Mecca. France is one of the biggest producers of cheese, with over 400 types to choose from and is famous for producing some the world’s finest wines. How does a wine tasting trip to Bordeaux or Burgundy sound?

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By Clemente Mettarod

Whenever someone mentions France, I think of romance. Don’t you? I mean, how many countries that you know have a kiss named after it? I think of kissing in hidden spots in gardens, bicycling the beautiful countryside, munching croissants with café au lait, and beautiful couples walking arm-in-arm along a cobblestone street.

France has an abundance of gardens. There is a wonderful web resource listing gardens all over France via an interactive map at Jardinex.com There are photos with lush descriptions, as well as basics like what time the garden opens and what the fees are. Be sure to visit Giverny, the famous garden where Monet painted!

Everyone knows that France is a beautiful place to take cycling tours. One web site where you can get started is FrenchCyclingHolidays.com There is a variety of tours from vineyards to castles, including beaches, mountains or rivers. And of course, Le Tour de France is one of the most famous bicycling events in the world.

Croissants and coffee are one of my very favorite breakfasts. Oddly enough, it became so when I lived in Texas and frequented a little French café style restaurant called La Madeleine. If you can’t get to France this year, then try their wonderful French pastries, sandwiches and salads. http://www.lamadeleine.com/ gives locations in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, New Mexico and Washington, DC.

France has been on my mind this year because one of my editors, Leslie, lived in Paris for a month so that she and her fiancé could qualify to get married in Paris. Isn’t that romantic? My Rocket Man friend, Steve, proposed to his beautiful bride, Elizabeth, on one knee in Arles, France. The ring he placed on her finger was her own grandmother’s wedding ring, which Steve got from Elizabeth’s mother secretly before the trip. Yes, I believe France is just as romantic as they say it is. Love is still alive and well there! Can’t you feel it now?

About the author:

Clemente Mettarod loves to travel to her ancestral home in France. She enjoys American croissants and French restaurants, but admits there is something about the air in France that makes everything sweeter. You can read more articles about France at LTI France

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