France Holidays and Flights to France:
The largest country in Europe, France is bordered to the north by the English Channel, by Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast, Germany, Switzerland and Italy in the east, the Mediterranean in the south, Spain and Andorra in the southwest and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. So, while quite a large part of it is bordered by water – it has just under three thousand kilometres of coastline - there are more than enough land borders to make travelling into France very easy for all you fortunate enough to be ‘doing Europe’ at the moment.
Because the country is so vast it is helpful to know what the major regions are and the principal town or city in that region is before visiting. And, as we aim to make your trip as straightforward as possible, here you are! Each region and city has a large variety of diverse natural attractions to be explored. The mountain ranges of the Alps and the Pyrenées, the river valleys of the Loire, Rhône and Dordogne, the beaches along the Mediterranean and the Atlantic and the vineyards of Burgundy and Champagne ensure that it doesn’t matter which part of the country you visit – you are always guaranteed to find something to fill your days.
As well as the natural appeal of the country as a destination, there are also a host of man made attractions on offer. From majestic palaces to gothic cathedrals and ancient chateaux to some of the most famous museums in the world you are certainly spoiled for choice. And, as if all of that wasn’t enough, you have the wonderful French gastronomy with its four hundred different types of cheese, its extensive variety of wines and the rest. So, for things to see, to do and of course to eat, France certainly isn’t lacking. All you have to do is decide on an itinerary so you get to sample a little of everything.
Eating out in France:Culinary traditions which have been developed and perfected over the centuries ensure that French cuisine is now a highly refined art, renowned all over the world. And, while a combination of careful preparation, fresh ingredients and various cooking methods have all contributed to its reputation, it is the wealth of regional differences which have helped make French food and drink so unique.
As with most large countries, the main reason for the different regional variation is the fact that the local produce found from one are to the next is so diverse. For example, in Marseille, the seafood capital of Provence, the most famous dish is bouillabaisse.Vegetarian dishes are also excellent in the Provence region and ‘ratatouille’, a combination of eggplant, peppers and herbs which is stewed in olive oil, is particularly appetising.
In and around the Pyrénées in the Basque and Catalán regions, some of the specialties include tune grilled with herbs found in the local area over a wood fire. Periwinkles and fish stews are also popular as is ‘Pipérade Basque’, which is a unique variation on your every day scrambled eggs. By adding tomatoes, onions, green peppers and black pepper, these natives have come up with their very own and very simple local dish which goes down a treat.
In the Alscace region, that good old pâte features on the menu again, but this time there are over forty different varieties including the aforementioned ‘foie gras’ so if you feel brave enough to try some check out the local charcuterie.
The Massif Central is probably the simplest of all the regional cuisines, and while some culinary critiques might find it a little too plain, most agree that it is traditional and realistic. Specialties in the region include several cheeses, one of which is made from goat’s milk, ‘le cabecou’ and its wonderful cherry pies.
And of course no meal in any part of France would be complete if you didn’t wash it down with one of the many world famous wines which are produced in the country.
The Language of France:The official language of the French Republic is French, and the French government is, by law, compelled to communicate primarily in French. The history of the modern French language in France emerged with the combination of Latin and Provencal.
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Disclaimer:
By its very nature much of the information in our destination guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with the relevant authorities. Corona Holidays [UK] Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
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