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Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is located in northern France
on both banks of the Seine River, 145 km (90 mi) from the
river's mouth on the English Channel. Paris is one of the
world's greatest cities. The peripherique and boulevard circulaire
ring roads enclose a core of 105 sq km. The ring roads roughly
follow the line of the 19th century city walls and within
them are most of the well-known sights, shops and entertainments.
Beyond the ring roads is an industrial and commercial belt,
then a broad ring of suburbs, mostly of recent construction.
Central Paris contains fine architecture from every episode
in a long and rich history together with every amenity known
to science and every entertainment yet devised. The oldest
neighbourhood is the Ile-de-la-Cite, an island on a bend in
the Seine.
 The
western end of that most elegant of avenues, the Champs-Elysees
(Elysian Fields) is justly famous for its cafes, commercial
art galleries and sumptuous shops. At the other end of the
avenue, the powerful axis is continued by the Place de la
Concorde, the Jardin des Tuilleries and finally the Louvre.
A city of world importance and the business, historic, intellectual,
diplomatic, religious, educational, artistic, and tourist
center of France, Paris owes its prosperity in large part
to its favourable position on the Seine, which has been a
major commercial artery since the Roman period.
Paris has many interesting areas to explore. The city is
made up of 20 arrondissements, which translated ,means rounding.
Beginning at the Louvre, these blocks form a spiral similar
to the shape of a halved snail shell through the city. Paris
is also divided into 3 distinct areas: Rive Droite, the Right
bank; Rive Gauche, the Left Bank; and Les Iles, The Islands
- Birthplace of Paris.
Interesting places one will see starting with the Right Bank
are:
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 L'Arc
de Triomphe (Paris)
This structure was built between 1806 and 1836 to commemorate
Napoleon's victories. Designed by Chalgrin, the construction
was delayed through the years. In 1810 when Empress Marie-Louise
arrived in Paris, a painted canvas was quickly set up, to
hide the faltering project. The fall of the Empire caused
the work to be stopped, and it became the laughing stock of
Paris. Finally in 1836, 20 years after the death of Napoleon,
Louis-Philippe inaugurated the still unfinished Arch. The
original plans called for a giant star on the top of the Arch,
an idea that was permanently abandoned.
The Arch is 164 feet high and 132 feet wide, with sculptured
friezes, notably Rude's La Marseillaise. Each figure is over
6 feet high. The arches are inscribed with the titles of the
victories, and the names of war heroes. Between the arches
is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the eternal flame
is rekindled each night at 6:30 PM. Visitors may take an elevator
to the top for a great view of the Champs Elysées,
and the other 11 streets that radiate from the Arch. Even
though it is still unfinished, it certainly does represent
its role as a national monument representing the Empire.
The only safe way to get over to the Arch, is via the underground
pedestrian tunnel. The 12 avenues joining at the arch, make
it one of the most chaotic intersections in Europe. The Arch
is located at the Place Charles de Gaulle.
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Champs Elysées (Paris)
Paris' most famous boulevard. A swampland until 1616, it was
slowly converted and in the 1660's, André Le Notre,
who later designed the grounds at Versailles, created gardens
and a wide avenue radiating out of the Tuileries to the Queen's
courtyard. During the second empire, High Society was often
found strolling among the flower beds with the Arc de Triomphe
as a magnificent backdrop. In 1800 there were only six buildings
on the avenue, and it was not until 100 years later that it
resembled what it looks like now lined with plain and horse
chestnut trees, shops, theatres, clubs and cafés. The
round point of the Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde,
is still home to a park area, and is marked off with glass
fountains by Lalique. To the north of the round point is the
Palace of L'Elysée, the official residence of the French
president.
Many other streets off the Champs Elysées are worth
visiting, like rue Foch, rue Françoise Premier or rue
Montaigne.
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Grand Palais and Petit Palais (Paris)
These elaborate buildings were built for the 1900 World Exposition.
The turn-of-the-century style of these buildings is glass
and stone, with huge stone columns, and a large glass roof
that is a classic example of Art Nouveau in iron architecture.
They are both devoted to art exhibitions, the Grand Palais
is devoted to the sciences, and the Petit Palais is a museum
of fine arts. The Palais' are located on Avenue Winston Churchill.
Take the Métro to Champs Elysées-Clemenceau,
for more information call 42-89-54-10 for the Grand Palais
and 42-65-12-73 for the Petit Palais.
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Place de la Concorde (Paris)
One of the most beautiful squares in the world. It has sweeping
views from the Tuileries, to the Champs Elysées and
from the Madeleine to the Palais Bourbon (home of the French
National Legislature). It was designed by Gabriel, at the
request the magistrates, and was originally named after Louis
XV, until the revolution, when it became known as Place de
la Révolution. Under the new monarchy of Louis-Philippe,
who wanted to avoid any political symbolism, it was renamed
Place de la Concorde
The square was commissioned as a location for an equestrian
statue of Louis XV. In 1759, Louis XV donated marsh land at
the end of the Tuileries. Gabriel then created the square
and matching Ambassador's Mansions which are now the famous
Hotel Crillon, and the Navy Ministry building. Surrounding
the square was also an octagonal moat which has since been
filled in. The square was inaugurated in 1763. During the
French Revolution this place was chosen to host the execution
of the enemies. The statue was removed, and replaced by the
guillotine. It was here that Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette,
among others, were beheaded. In 1829 the government of Egypt
made a gift to France of the 3,300 year old pink granite obelisk
that stands there today. The obelisk was taken from the Temple
of Ramses II at Thebes. It is 75 feet high, and inscribed
with hieroglyphs. There are two fountains at the base, and
there are eight colossal statues of the great towns of France
surround the perimeter of the square.
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Place Vendôme (Paris)
Octagonal in shape, this is one of Paris' prettiest areas.
The square was requested by Louvois and Louis XIV and designed
by Jules Mansart in the late 17th century. Originally it was
meant to attract the wealthy into building their homes behind
the well defined square. Now, home to the Ministry of Justice,
its aristocratic atmosphere is retained by world famous jewellers
and banks. In the centre of the square, there once stood a
statue of Louis XIV, that was knocked down during the Revolution.
A 144 foot column, composed of some 1,200 cannons captured
by Napoleon at Austerlitz, stands there now with a statue
of Napoleon I on the top. To get there, take the Métro
to Pyramides or Tuileries.
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Place des Vosges (Paris)
The oldest square in Paris, located in the Marais district,
north-east of the Louvre, was a marsh that was converted and
completed in 1612 by request from Henry IV. The houses are
all built in a like symmetry, with a soft pink brick, and
a cloister-like arcade. All the original façades remain
intact, though the buildings behind have been updated. Victor
Hugo lived at number 6. This is now a museum containing items
from the poet's life, including a few rare paintings and ink
drawings.
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Père Lachaise Cemetery (Paris)
This final resting place is actually more of a 125 acre woodland
park, with an unbelievable variety of monuments. At the entrance,
there are maps to help you find the tombs of such famous people
as Chopin, Delacroix, La Fontaine, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde
and even Jim Morrison among others. Located on Boulevard de
Menilmontant.
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 Palais
de Chaillot (Paris)
This Palais was built for the Paris Exposition of 1937, on
the site of the Palais du Trocadéro, which was constructed
for the Exposition of 1878. It offers a splendid view of the
Eiffel Tower and the gardens and fountains that lead up to
it. The building houses a theatre, an aquarium and four museums:
i.e. man, cinema, maritime and French Monuments. The Palais
is located on Place du Trocadéro.
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The Opera (Paris)
Paris' original opera house was designed by Charles Garnier.
Said to be the most perfect example of 19th-century architecture,
the construction took over 15 years to complete. The building
was inaugurated in 1875. The façade is decorated with
sculptures, notably Carpeaux's The Dance. The interior is
magnificent, with an ornate grand stairway, a beautiful foyer,
and gleaming marble. The Opera is open for visitors during
the day. It is located at Place de L'Opéra.
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L'Opéra Bastille (Paris)
Carlos Ott designed this futuristic structure. Constructed
in the historic district of the Bastille, it is an imposing
futuristic building, with a curved glass façade contains
theatres, shops and walkways.
Interesting places one will see starting with the left Bank
are:
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Les Invalides (Paris)
Louis XIV was concerned about his wounded soldiers, so he
ordered the erection of a building in which they could seek
refuge. It is a classical building, designed by two successive
architects, Libéral Bruant, and Hardouin-Mansart, Mansart
was basically in charge of the general design of the building
and dome. It is practically impossible to visit the building
in one day, with over 10 miles of corridors, but you should
see the Church of St. Louis, with elaborate tombs of generals
and others, also the tomb of Napoleon I. His ashes are contained
in six coffins, which are inside an ornate monument made of
porphyry. Only a few soldiers actually live there today. The
military still has ties to the building via the Museum of
the Army, with contains one of the richest collections of
arms, uniforms, banners, armour and other items from French
military history. Invalides is located on Avenue de Tourville,
Place Vauban.
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Palais et Jardin du Luxembourg (Paris)
Built for Marie de Medici in 1612 to compete with Florence's
Petti Palace, it is now the location of the French Senate,
and not open to the public. During the Revolution, it was
a prison. Designed by Salomon de Brosse in Renaissance style,
it was modified in the 19th-century. Surrounding the palace
are classic formal gardens with statues and the famous Medici
fountain. Today the gardens are frequented by many, and are
a favourite spot for students from the nearby schools. The
Palace is located at 15 Rue Vaugirard.
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Panthéon (Paris)
Designed by Soufflot, the building was originally planned
to be a church. Before construction was finished, the Constituent
Assembly voted to turn the building into a Republican temple,
to receive the great men of the era of French Liberty. There
are also other national heroes buried in the crypt; Victor
Hugo, Voltaire and Emile Zola to name a few. Inside, in addition
to the tombs, there are murals done by Puvis de Chavanne depicting
the life of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris.
The Pantheon is located at Place du Pantheon.
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Sorbonne (Latin Quarter) (Paris)
The Latin Quarter is the area extending from the Palace of
Luxembourg to the Seine, just beyond Place St. Michel. It
is full of shops, restaurants, churches, bookstores and all
kinds of boutiques. The name is derived from the 12th-century,
when Abelard, rebelling against church teachings, moved across
the river to form a new university. In 1253 Robert de Sorbonne
open a college that offered room and board to poor students.
His name was extended to the surrounding universities, and
soon, with over 10,000 students attending, Paris became the
intellectual capital of Christendom. The scholars would discuss
everything in Latin, hence the name. The Sorbonne still exists
today, although the only ancient part is the chapel dating
to 1635. To get there, take the Métro to Odéon
or St. Michel.
Interesting places one will see starting with the Les Iles
are:
The Island of the City is the birthplace of Paris. The Island
of St. Louis is still a village setting, and was home to many
famous people, such as Mme Curie, Voltaire, Baudelaire and
others. The islands are so full of history, one could easily
spend an entire day visiting all the sights.
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Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris)
France's largest cathedral was begun in the late 1100's. The
choir and transept were completed around 1200, four more stages
were built, and it was completed around 1345. The interior
of the cathedral is lit by 3 great rose colored windows, which
still have their original 13th-century stained glass. The
building itself is a perfect example of Gothic harmony. There
has always been an association with religion where the cathedral
is located. The druids were said to have originally gathered
here, the Romans built a temple here as well. It is the 4th
building on the site, and is one of the earliest Gothic cathedrals
ever built. A climb to the bell tower offers a great view
of the heart of Paris, and also a closer view of the structure's
famous gargoyles. The church is located at Place du Parvais.
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Palais de Justice and Sainte Chapelle (Paris)
Originally the first seat of the Roman military government,
and then headquarters of the early kings, Louis IX built a
new palace, and added the chapel to house the remnants of
Christ's Sacred Crown of Thorns, and other religious relics.
The new chapel was built between 1246 and 1248 in less than
3 years. It has 15 elaborate stained glass windows and a 250
foot spire. The Law Courts now fill the old palace. Extensively
remodeled at the turn of the century, it still has a considerable
amount of the remains of the original Gothic palace that housed
12 Capetian kings of France. It is located at 4 Boulevard
du Palais.
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Conciergerie (Paris)
This building is the remains of the old Royal Palace. Filled
with tragic moments, it served as a prison during the Revolution
when Marie-Anionette and Robespierre, along with many others,
were held prisoners waiting for the guillotine. Today you
can visit the prisoner's Gallery, and a museum of the Revolution
located in the chapel. The Salle des Gens d'Armes - Soldiers
room, is a stunning arched hall. On the outside of the building,
look for the Tour de l'Horloge - the clock-tower. It has been
telling Parisians the time faithfully since 1334. Located
at 4 Boulevard du Palais.
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Ile St. Louis (Paris)
The Island of St. Louis was originally two islands. Joined
together and developed by the mid 1600's. It is still home
to many beautiful houses from that era which, are located
on Rue St. Louis en Ile. The views of the Seine from one of
the quay's is wonderful. The island has managed to keep its
charm.
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Rouen
The capital of Normandy, Rouen is the north's second most
important center. It's a hub of commerce, the fifth-largest
port in France. Rouen is a bustling, vibrant place, bursting
with activity generated by the industrial businesses connected
to the port and a lively scene generated by students at nearby
universities and art schools. Today it's a city of half a
million people holding memories of its former occupants, including
the writers Pierre Corneille and Gustave Flaubert, along with
Claude Monet, who endlessly painted the Cathdrale de Notre-Dame,
and even Joan of Arc.
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Landing Beaches
This part of the Norman coast, once defended by the Atlantic
Wall, was heroically pierced by the Allies during the landing
on June 6, 1944.
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Saint Laurent Cemetery
Saint-Laurent Cemetery is where 9,386 Americans rest, guarded
by the Spirit of the American Youth, a 22 foot-high bronze
figure.
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Caen
Capital and largest city of Basse Normandie, nearly three-quarters
of its buildings were devastated during the months of fighting
in 1944. However, the twin abbeys founded by William the Conqueror
and his wife, Mathilda, were spared. The city today is essentially
modern and has many broad avenues and new apartment buildings.
Completely different from Deauville and Trouville, this capital
of Lower Normandy is bustling, congested, and commercial (it's
a major rail and ferry junction). The student population of
30,000 and the hordes of travellers have made Caen more cosmopolitan
than ever.
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Bayeux
The many memorials are only 6 to 12 miles away from Bayeux.
The ducs de Normandie sent their sons to this Viking settlement
to learn the Norse language. Bayeux has changed a lot since
then, but was spared from bombardment in 1944. This was the
first French town liberated, and the citizens gave de Gaulle
an enthusiastic welcome when he arrived on June 14. Today
the town is filled with timbered houses, stone mansions, and
cobblestone streets.
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Mont-Saint-Michel
At the far western end of Normandy just at the limit of Brittany,
the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is the largest one in Europe.
In the Middle Ages, monks decided to build a wonderful abbey
on top of the rock. It is still one of the most famous monuments
in the World.
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Saumur
Unlike many small Loire towns, SAUMUR is not completely dominated
by its château, nor by the military, though it's been
the home of the French Cavalry Academy, and its successor,
the Armoured Corps Academy, since 1763. Even the local sparkling
wines are based elsewhere. Saumur itself is simply a peaceful
and pretty place, spread along both banks of the Loire and
over a small island in the middle of the river. The Hotel
de Ville strives busily to attract festivals and conferences,
and when they're successful, finding a room can be a problem
- even at the best of times, reservations are essential.
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Usse
At the edge of the hauntingly dark forest of Chinon, Usse
was the inspiration for Perrault's legend of "The Sleeping
Beauty". Conceived as a fortress, the complex of steeples,
turrets, towers, and dormers was erected at the dawn of the
Renaissance on a hill overlooking the Indre River. Two powerful
families--the Bueil and the d' Espinay--lived here in the
15th and 16th centuries. The terraces, laden with orange trees,
were laid out in the 18th century. When the need for a fortified
Chateau was gone, the north wing was demolished, to open up
a greater view.
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Chateau de Villandry
Built in 1538, Villandry is a truly dignified palace, but
the real attraction is its 17 acres of formal gardens. Brought
to their full magnificence after 1906 by the noted French
scholar Dr. Carvallo, they're a mandatory stop for anyone
who wants to tour the great gardens of Europe.
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Chateau de Chenonceau
Its builders daringly placed this palace on arched stone vaults
above the rushing river Cher. Built between 1513 and 1521,
Chenonceau was fought over by two of France's most influential
women, each of whom imposed her will on Renaissance politics
and the chateau's design. Henri II gave the palace to his
mistress, Diane de Poitiers. After the king's death, his widow,
Catherine de Medici, forced Diane to a less prestigious chateau
nearby (Chaumont), humiliating her in the process.
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Amboise
Is a prim little town trading on long-gone splendours, its
one saving grace being Leonardo da Vinci's residence of Clos-Luce
and its mind-expanding exhibition on the great man's works.
It is also one of Mick Jagger's favourite foreign residences
- perhaps because few people recognise him here.
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Aquitaine Region
Facing the Bay of Biscay in the south-western corner of France,
Aquitaine is a region of contrasts. The warm and sunny vineyards
of the lowlands rise into the Pyrenees Mountains that form
a natural border with Spain. It is one long silver beach overshadowed
by massive sand dunes, some over a mile high. There are many
small seaside resorts all along this coast offering a range
of water-based activities.
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Bordeaux
On the Garonne River, the great port of Bordeaux, the capital
of Aquitaine, is the center of the world's most important
wine-producing area. It attracts many visitors to the offices
of wine exporters here, most of whom welcome guests. Bordeaux
is a city of warehouses, factories, mansions, and exploding
suburbs, as well as wide quays 5 miles long. Now the fifth-largest
French City, Bordeaux belonged to the British for 300 years,
and even today is considered the most "un-French"
of French cities. It may not exude the joie de vivre of Paris,
but Bordeaux is a major cultural center and a transportation
hub between southern France and Spain.
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Lourdes
Muslims turn to Mecca, Hindus to the Ganges, but for Catholics,
Lourdes is the world's most beloved shrine. Nestled in a valley
in the south-western part of the Hautes-Pyrenees, pilgrims
journey here from all over the world. If you're coming in
August, be sure to book your hotel as early as possible.
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Carcossonne
The greatest Fortress City of Europe rises against a background
of the snow-capped Pyrenees. The city that was used as a backdrop
for the 1991 movie Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, is overrun
with hordes of visitors and tacky gift shops. The elusive
charm of Carcassone comes out in the evening, when day-trippers
depart and floodlights bathe the ancient monuments.
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Languedoc Wine Region
It's one of France's leading wine-producing areas and is fabled
for its art treasures. The region is the largest and most
intensively cultivated wine area in the world. Also one of
the oldest wine regions of the world, it sprang from a Greco-Roman
culture dating back to 200 BC that first nurtured the vines
of France. With more than 700,000 acres of vineyards the Languedoc
produces about a third of the total French crop. It's the
region most active in the production of Vin de Pays varietals,
wines the French drink at home daily. Languedoc, one of southern
France's great old provinces, is a loosely defined area encompassing
such cities as Nîmes, Toulouse, and Carcassonne.
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Nimes
Nîmes, the ancient Nemausus, is a great place to view
some of the world's finest Roman remains. The city grew to
prominence during the reign of Caesar Augustus (27 BC to 14
AD). Today it possesses one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters
in the world and a near-perfect Roman temple.
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Camargue
The Camargue encompasses a marshy delta between two arms of
the Rhone. Arles serves as the area's northern border, and
the village Sete functions as a gateway to the region. South
of Arles is cattle country and here strong wild black bulls
are bred for the arenas of Arles and Nîmes. The cattle
is herded by guardians, French cowboys, who wear wide-brimmed
black hats and ride amazingly graceful small white horses,
said to have been brought here by the Saracens. The whitewashed
houses of the Camargue, plaited-straw roofs, pink flamingos
that inhabit the muddy marshes, vast plains, endless stretches
of sandbars--all this qualifies as "exotic" France.
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Aigues-Mortes
The most rewarding target is Aigues-Mortes, the city of the
"dead waters." It is France's most perfectly preserved
walled town. In the middle of dismal swamps and melancholy
lagoons, Aigues-Mortes stands on four navigable canals. Although
it is now 4 miles from the sea, it was once a thriving port,
the first in France on the Mediterranean. Louis IX and his
crusaders set forth from here on the Ninth Crusade.
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Les Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer
This was a fishing village, built on an island in the heart
of the Camargue, where the Petit Rhone joins the sea. The
original village was grouped around the Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer
church, spreading out as it grew. The town is not picturesque
in the style of the medieval villages of the "back country".
Today it's a compact seaside resort town, full of shops and
activities oriented for the tourist trade. It has a wonderful
location, on the sea and in the Camargue, and the atmosphere
in the busy seasons is festive. Visit this place year-round.
Summer has the warmest weather, the crowds, the activities
and music. Off-season has the feeling of the sea, with long
empty beaches, the cry of the seabirds, and a relaxing solitude.
The gathering of the Gypsies in May is an exciting and famous
period. During off-season holidays, such as "Toussaints"
weekend, there are less crowds and cooler weather, but plenty
of activity.
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Monaco
The Principality of Monaco: One square mile of arts and culture,
historic sightseeing, fine dining, sumptuous hotels, luxury
shopping, non-stop night-life, soothing spas, and the legendary
excitement of Monte-Carlo. All this and more situated in an
ideal location on the glittering Riviera.
Monaco is divided into five areas:
1. Monaco-Ville on the Rock, the old fortified town, with
the Prince's Palace, the ramparts, the gardens, the Cathedral
and the Oceanographic Museum.
2. The Condamine, the harbor area.
3. Monte Carlo, created in 1866, during the reign of Prince
Charles III who gave it its name, with its internationally
famous Casino, its great hotels and leisure facilities, some
created recently: Larvotto beach, the Monte Carlo Sporting
Club, the Boulingrins Gardens.
4. Fontvieille, a great technical achievement with the filling-in
with rock of 40 meters of water to produce a platform of 22
hectares supporting an urban, tourist and sports complex adjoining
a yachting harbor and a pollution-free industrial zone.
5. Moneghetti, the Revoires and the Exotic Gardens (on the
western border with Cap d`Ail).
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Grimaldi Palace
The guardian of a centuries-old tradition, this uniquely located
Palace was built on the site of a fortress by the Genoese
in 1215. A visit takes one on a journey through history from
the time of the Guelfes and the Gibelins to the Napoleonic
period. The outstanding features of the Palace that can be
admired include the Italian-style gallery, the Louis XV Salon,
the Mazarin Salon, the Throne Room, the Palatine Chapel, the
Sainte-Marie Tower and the Main Courtyard.
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Circuit du Grand Prix
Monaco is a country that thrives on spectacle and glitz. The
big one for the year has to be the Formula One Grand Prix
held in mid-May, when the world's best drivers hit the city
streets and crossing the road becomes an extreme sport. Those
who can't get enough of big, throbbing engines should also
be in town in January for the Monte Carlo Motor Rally.
Dedicated to showing off in all its forms, Monaco also hosts
the International Circus Festival in January, the Great Magic
Prize (an international prestidigitators' playoff) in March,
and the International Fireworks Competition (fought out in
the natural amphitheatre of Monaco's harbour) in July.
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Nice
The ancient Greeks gave Nice her name - Nikaia (Victory).
On first discovering Nice, the visitor cannot help but be
struck by its geographical location, probably one of the best
in the world.
Facing full south to the sea, the shores of Corsica are visible.
Behind, as far as the eye can see are the snowy peaks of the
Prealps, looming over the city; the sunniest of ski slopes
only an hour away.
The city has always welcomed and made her own, the people
who have contributed to her eminence - aristocrats, nobility,
artists, writers and today, the leaders of major trade and
commerce.
It is above all an international city, a centre of tourism
and leisure. It has everything for relaxation in the sun.
Hospitality is a Mediterranean tradition faithfully observed
in Nice. Another deeply rooted tradition is the love of festival
and celebration. Her unique economic and cultural situation
has made Nice one of the five largest cities in France and
the capital of the Riviera. Nice's ambition for tomorrow -
to become the capital of Southern Europe, is very near fulfilment.
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Monte Carlo Casino
Charles Garnier, the architect of the Opera House in Paris,
built the Casino in 1878. The atrium, paved in marble, is
surrounded by 28 ionic columns in onyx. It leads into the
auditorium of the Opera, called the "Salle Garnier",
which is decorated in red and gold, with a profusion of bas-reliefs,
frescos and sculptures. Here, for more than a century, outstanding
performances of operas, ballets and concerts have been staged.
The gaming rooms comprise of a succession of numerous rooms
featuring stained glass windows, admirable decorations and
sculptures, allegorical paintings and bronze lamps.
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Grasse
Grasse where you will visit a perfume factory, is the most
fragrant town on the Riviera, though it looks tacky modern.
Surrounded by jasmine and roses, it has been the capital of
the perfume industry since the days of the Renaissance. It
was once a famous resort, attracting such royalty as Queen
Victoria and Princess Pauline Borghese, Napoléon's
promiscuous sister. Today, some three-quarters of the world's
essences are produced here from foliage that includes violets,
daffodils, wild lavender, and jasmine.
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Avignon
Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music
and activity. Just to "see" the town itself, you
could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls
for days without tiring of them. The festival of Dance, Music
and Theatre was founded in 1947 by the actor and director
Jean Vilar. The events occur all over town, often staged at
historical monuments and in the streets, and with close audience
rapport. This is now an international festival, with people
from all over France, Europe and the rest of the world arranging
vacations around the festival dates.
Avignon, land of Provence, is a historical city that's importance
comes from the pope's quarrel in the 13th century. The old
city is surrounded by a medieval wall and the impressive Pope's
palace, the most important gothic palace in the world. Avignon's
Pope's Benoit 12 and Clement 6, because of their fight against
Rome's Popes needed to show their power through magnificence.
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Beaune
This is the capital of the Burgundy wine country and one of
the best-preserved medieval cities in the district, with a
girdle of ramparts. Its history goes back more than 2,000
years. Beaune was a Gallic sanctuary, then a Roman town. Until
the 14th century, it was the residence of the ducs de Bourgogne.
When the last duke, Charles the Bold, died in 1477, Beaune
was annexed by Louis XI. Visited today for its art, architecture,
wines, and Burgundian cuisine, Beaune is a thriving town.
The Hospices de Beaune, was one of five in the city, which
were collectively called the Hospices de Beaune. Nicolas Rolin,
the Chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy, founded the Hotel
Dieu in 1443. It was founded for the purpose of caring for
the sick, who were too poor and destitute to afford proper
care. The two highlights of the visit are the Salle des Povres,
the original ward where the patients lived, and the Last Judgement
altarpiece painted by Roger Van Der Weyden. Although the Hotel
Dieu was in use as a hospital until 1971, the kitchen, the
apothecary and laundry room have been reconstructed, as they
would have looked in the 15th century.
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 Burgundy
Vineyard castles and ancient churches mark the landscape of
Burgundy, which is the land of the good life for those who
savor fine cuisine and wines in historic surroundings. The
major wine-growing regions of Burgundy are Chablis, Cote de
Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote de Chalon, Maconnais, and Nivernais.
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Dijon
Dijon is known overseas mainly for its mustard. Located in
the center of the Cote d' Or, it's the ancient capital of
Burgundy. Here, good food is accompanied by great wine. Between
meals, you can enjoy the art and architecture.
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Epernay
On the left bank of the Marne, Epernay rivals Rheims as a
center for champagne. Epernay's main boulevards are the elegant
residential avenue de Champagne, rue Mercier, and rue de Rheims,
all radiating from place de la Republique. Epernay is the
real capital of champagne, the drink. Epernay today produces
nearly as much champagne as its larger sibling. It boasts
an estimated 200 miles or more of cellars and tunnels, a veritable
warren for storing champagne. These caves are vast vaults
cut into the chalk rock on which the town is built. Represented
in Epernay are such champagne companies as Moet et Chandon
(the largest), Pol Roger, Mercier, and de Castellane.
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Rheims
The city's focal point is its world-famous Gothic cathedral,
one of France's finest - for centuries the traditional site
of royal coronations. The historic city of Rheims owes its
fame to its 13th century cathedral, one of the crowning glories
of Gothic architecture.
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Cannes
Cannes is the Beverly Hills of the Cote d' Azur, with the
glamour accentuated by a typically French sophistication.
The hotels lining the seafront are pastel storybook palaces,
inhabited by real princesses and moguls.
The Croisette is the focus of the action in Cannes. Many
people spend their days and nights here. When not strolling
under the palms, they frequent the cafes, or bask in the sun
on the beach, sipping cocktails while acquiring the perfect
tan.
Cannes acquired its name from the canes or reeds that used
to flourish in the marshes in the area. It is the setting
for a year round parade of festival. In addition to the fantasy
world of the Film Festival, it hosts a series of national
and international conferences, congresses and trade fairs.
Cannes' glamorous façade is bewitching but there is
more to the town. It is worthwhile to stray from the Croisette
to get a glimpse into the authentic city, the Old Port, the
Marche Forville, the open market, Mont Chevalier and the picturesque
town of Le Suquet, to taste and see some local colour.
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