France

The tumultuous history of political rule in France has influenced its customs, language, culture and economy. France is the fourth-largest economic power in the world and is a main exporter of pharmaceuticals and luxury products, such as perfumes and fine wines. France also thrives on tourism.

One of the largest countries in Europe, France has a varied geography, from the popular Mediterranean beaches and quieter Atlantic coast to the dramatic Alps near Switzerland and hilly countryside and vineyards of Provence.

France is bordered by Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy and Spain. Nonetheless, like most European countries, France maintains a strong national identity, characterized by a determined effort to protect cultural traditions, including language (frequent votes are held to ensure that spoken and written French retains its prominence in the country). Still, English is commonly spoken in larger cities such as Paris, Nice, Marseilles and Lyon.

Tourists have a wide variety of activities. Sightseeing favorites around Paris include the Eiffel Tour, Notre Dame, Louver and Versailles. Disneyland Paris is popular stop for families. The French countryside is particularly beautiful and visitors to regions such as Provence or the wine region will enjoy tours. The quaint villages and coast offer attractive alternatives to the cities. The Fontainebleau Forest and Castle and Pyrenees Mountains offer spectacular outdoor scenery. Hotels in France are widely available and cover all price ranges.

The weather in France is mixed but generally moderate. Areas along the Mediterranean Sea experience hot dry summers and mild winters. The climate in the north and west is fairly temperate year round. Inland areas experience rainfall, particularly in June and July.

France's famous cuisine is a point of pride among the French. Cafes and brasseries line the streets in many cities, and meals are often the focal point of a day.

Most travelers arrive in France at one of Paris' two airports, Charles de Gaulle or Orly. Popular international airlines include Air France, Continental, British Airways, American Airlines, US Airways, Delta, Northwest, United Airlines and Ocean Airways. Most towns are easily accessible by bus, train or plane. Larger cities, such as Paris and Lyon, contain ample public transportation, though bus and rail lines are often snarled by transit strikes. The French high speed rail is the TGV. The roads in France are in good condition; vehicles are driven on the right.

France has an excellent communications infrastructure. International direct dialing is available nationwide and the postal service is reliable. Internet service is available.

Expect higher prices for goods and services in cities and along the French Riviera (in fact, Paris consistently ranks among the world's most expensive cities).

Demonstrations are common though rarely violent. Violent crime is not usually directed at travelers. The rate of petty crime is high, particularly in the larger cities of Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lyon. This is particularly true in hotels, on trains, and at outdoor cafes.

Learn how to say bonjour and other common French phrases for your Paris visit.

Not sure how you will ride the Paris Metro? Guenol shows the way.

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