|
|
Home Page > Travelogues > France Quick Access for this Page -- [ Introduction ] [ Travelogues By Region ] [ Features ] [ Links ]
Click on the colored areas of the map to access a travelogue. The colors indicate different regions of France -- scroll down for explanation and introduction for each location. (Original map comes from the CIA World Factbook) Introduction. More than
any country in Europe, France cannot be painted with Totally false. My own experience with the French was nothing short of positive, especially outside of Paris. I have been to France numerous times, including several trips along the northeast provinces of Alsace-Lorraine near Germany, an extended stay among the D-Day regions of Normandy, a few excursions down to the French Riviera (also known as the Cote d'Azur), and a life-affirming pilgrimage to the holy Sanctuary of Lourdes in the Pyrenees mountains of the southwest. Now, I'll grant that while some Frenchmen considered Americans unsophisticated and brash, I found such attitudes typically didn't last beyond the introductory handshake. But the French retained a protective streak, and this did lead sometimes to inflexibility, particularly when dealing with business. Then again, one ought to hold one's ground if what was at stake was some of the best regarded traditions in the world -- of wine, cheese, art, music, theater, cuisine, etc. French pride was strong, and showed in their trademark exports. France was also a beautiful country, despite its occasionally fickle weather. The cliffs of Normandy, the rolling vineyards of Alsace, and the beautiful southern beaches were just some of France's scenic treasures. I have not yet visited the French Alps, nor the west coast, the Massif Central, nor the scenic Loire -- hey, given my schedule, there was only so much France I could hit! Travelogues by Region. The coloring of the locations on the map above indicate different regions in France, as shown below. Click on a place name to access the travelogues.
Links. The below links connect you to external sites in a new window. All links are official sites sanctioned by the national, state, or local governments unless otherwise indicated. These links will open to the French-language home page, which will usually offer an icon or link to an English-language section (normally limited content). The most common icon used is that of an American or UK flag. If an English language link is not available, click on links named "Tourisme". This is for the tourism page, which should have English content. Locations where we were unable to find any English content are marked as "French only". Links updated 2 January 2006.
|
|
one
single brushstroke. It was about as diverse a culture as one would find
anywhere, and it was a culture they cherished wholeheartedly. This, of
course, led to the stereotypes sometimes painted by Americans -- French were stubborn, obstinate, snobbish,
blah, blah, 
blah.
opportunity
to visit it in wintertime when it wasn't quite so crowded and getting
around was pretty easy. Taking a bus trip, I was able to hit
virtually all the major sights, and I had a fabulous time when I wasn't
freezing! I divided the Paris travelogue into four chapters,
starting with an 
here
are all products of a four-day trip I took to the region in June
2002. Four travelogues are devoted to the battle sights of the
invasion -- a 
the
surrounding towns and cities are worth a visit themselves. My
personal favorite was 
oute (a massive plate of sauerkraut covered with luscious slices of
ham, pork cutlets, and tasty sausages)! The
Alsace-Lorraine region is gorgeous with its half-timbered buildings, like
those seen in 
bouillabaisse)
you can stomach! (Ok, maybe you have to drink some red wine first
before you try it.) Daily night trains run from Alsace to Monaco,
allowing plenty opportunities from those from the shivering north to
venture southward. I took three trips to the Cote d'Azur from
2000-2002, and always had a great time. My first trip went to 
these
are featured in my driving tour of 
ow)
is a great city on the Moselle River with the picturesque Temple Nine on a
massive island. It also has one of the more famous Cathedrals in
eastern France. 
hillsides,
daring all comers. Vauban, the famous architect of well-defended
cities, designed the famous citadel of 
uary
was a sight to behold, especially when it was crowded with thousands of
fellow pilgrims from around the world. The travelogue contains seven
chapters. After the introduction page, the next three chapters
describe the city -- covering the 
soaking
in the environment at the famous Film Festival. I watched a red
carpet opening, overheard wacky artist types talking business, and
witnessed the crowds gaggled around the hotels trying to catch just a
glimpse of the stars! It's a city all abuzz during the world's greatest
movie event, a day I'll never forget!
