France
The beaches of French Riviera, the snowy Alps, the numerous monuments of Paris, with exquisite Versailles, and millions of international visitors each year attest that France is Europe’s most popular destination.
France is well known for its refined and adventurous cuisine, its romantic culture and lifestyle, and for the city of lights, Paris.
France has played a pivotal role in three eras of European history. France was home to Louis XIV, the Sun King, and Napoleon, the self-made revolutionary emperor of Europe. It was the front line in WWI and WWII. The French suffered greatly in WWII but have recovered and today, France is a modern, developed nation with the sixth largest economy in the world. It is also a presidential democracy and a member of the EU.
Twenty percent of France’s population lives in the greater Paris metropolitan area. Paris receives thirty million foreign visitors each year, making it quite possibly the most popular tourist destination in the world. Paris is home to many world-famous monuments including the Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Triumph) and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Palaces and gardens from France’s imperial era also delight visitors. The main attractions of Paris include the many theaters, opera houses, restaurants, hotels, and museums (such as the Louvre) that adorn the city.
France is great in natural beauty. It even has famous beaches: Normandy, the historic site of D-Day and on the southeastern side of the country is the French Riviera, brimming with resorts and hotels.
France’s government places heavy emphasis on education, which is backed by a considerable budget. A college education in France is heavily subsidized by the state. French higher education is divided into regular universities and the prestigious grand écoles, where only the most competitive students test in.
Climate
France has a cool temperate climate. The climate of the southeast is more moderate thanks to the proximity of the Mediterranean. The west has pleasantly moderate temperatures but is more humid.
Health and Safety
Religion and Festivals
France’s biggest religion is Roman Catholicism. However about a third of the population have no religious beliefs and a large number are agnostic. Smaller percentages follow Islam, Judaism, and non-Catholic Christian faiths.
Transportation
France has numerous airports, and Paris is a very popular destination. France has border connections with many European countries, and is connected to England by the Channel tunnel. Within the country, the rail network is excellent, and the road network is not as congested as those of its more densely populated neighbors, England and Germany.
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