France

The France gave the world Champagne and Camembert, de Beauvoir and Debussy, the Tour de France and the Eiffel. This country has been synonymous with romance and this explains why the 56 millions annual visitors are capitaved by the country's wealth of things to see and do. It's possible to explore everything from Alpine glaciers and sun-blessed beaches to the historic palaces and succulent vineyard.

Known as the city of Lights, Paris is more than just the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Elegant and chic, suave and sophisticated, Paris is a city wgere the name alone evokes visions of grandeur and opulence. Split in half by the River Seine, each bank has its own distinct personality. Sail down the river on one of the many river cruises and you will see just how diverse Paris is.

Magnificent structures evokes memories of great works of art and literature: The Cathedral of Notre Dame, where the fictional hunchback Quasimodo tolled the bell; the Bastille, synonymous with France Revolution; the Louvres, home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Stroll down the tree lined Champs Elysees and window-shop in the exclusive designer boutiques or wander through the quaint streets of Montmartre, shadowed by the Sacre-Coeur. Take time out and browse at the budding artists who capture the unique landscape of Paris.

The 'Cote d'Azur' is renowned as playground of the rich and famous. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, it has a warm temperate climate, which compliments some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the world. Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monte Carlo, these name alone evokes image of yachts, street-side cafes and luxurious hotels.

Shadowed by mountains that curve down to the Mediterranean east of its port, Nice breaks up into the old and the new. Vieux Nice, the old town, surrounds the hill of Le Chateau. The expensive boutiques, tiny cafes and art galleries in the narrow streets are best explored by foot.

Cannes is world-renowned, due to its international film festival. Beside this event in May, Cannes plays host to international event throughout the year and it will always be bustling with visitors

Monaco is stunningly set between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. This 'haute couture' Principality, with its many museums and fine hotel, is famous for its casinos. The Monte Carlo Casino designed by Charles Garnier, the legendary architect, redefines the art of gaming. With its Boucher style frescoes, bas-reliefs, sculptures and an astonishing gold and marble atrium, the architecture makes a grand impression. The Casino is also home to the Monte Carlo Opera, which stages world-renowned productions.

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