A Taste of France: Food, Wine & Cultural Delights
France is a country of regions, each with its own landscape and culture: the glittering crowds of the Cote d'Azur, the elegant chateaus of the Loire Valley, the hospitable vineyards of Bordeaux, the rocky coasts of Brittany, the dramatic slopes of the Alps and the Pyrenees, the charming farms and villages of Provence.
And of course, we'll always have Paris, representing the height of fashion, art, and food. Its sense of style is so strong it intimidates some visitors, yet the city can also be remarkably comfortable and intimate.
With such variety to discover, France can satisfy just about any traveler's taste. Museums, cathedrals, chateaus, and palaces are popular with tourists. The nation also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, and water sports. Cities boast exquisite cuisine, shopping, nightlife, and sidewalk cafes, and smaller towns are often home to excellent spas, casinos, and beautiful architecture.
FUN FACTS
Cycling is one of the most popular sports in France and is an excellent way to see the countryside if you have time. Top-quality bikes, bike mechanics, and thousands of miles/kilometers of beautiful roads and scenery can be found in nearly every part of the country.
Then, of course, you have the granddaddy of cycling races, the Tour de France.
Authentic champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wines produced anywhere else, even if they’re made according to the methode champenoise, cannot use the word champagne.
The Champagne wine region is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The "Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars" are included in the "Organically evolved living cultural landscapes" category.
Orleans, located midway between Paris and Tours, is the site of Joan of Arc's most important battle; A statue of her stands on the Place du Martroi.
Paris is the fashion capital of the world, so Parisians are understandably more concerned with looking well-groomed and stylish at all times, but especially at dinner or the theater. Save the shorts, sneakers, and tank tops for daytime sightseeing, if at all.
SEE & DO
With more than two millennia of history, France has no shortage of historic and religious monuments worth visiting. Majestic castles, some dating back to the 13th century, are sprinkled across the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and Normandy. Imposing military fortresses dot the coastline, and you can visit religious abbeys, monasteries, and cathedrals throughout the country. There are still vestiges of Roman settlements in Paris and throughout Provence.
France's major cities have more museums than you could see in one visit, and many of the smaller historic villages are sights in their own right, either perched high on cliffs or nestled into fertile valleys.
Here are some example sights and activities for you to consider in France:
SHOPPING
No trip to France is complete without some serious shopping. Each region boasts specialized crafts, such as porcelain in Limoges, lace in Chantilly, or pottery in Provence. Throughout the country, but especially in Paris, you'll find a variety of stores ranging from department stores to tiny boutiques. Also, be sure to check out the food departments at upscale department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marche.
FRENCH FOODIE MUST-KNOWS
France is a paradise for food lovers, with even corner bakeries serving quiche, tasting as if it was prepared in a fine restaurant. The French take cooking very seriously and focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Expect a variety of meats and experiment with their famous sauces!
Dining:
Mealtimes: Lunch (noon-2 pm) and dinner (7:30 pm onwards). Need a bite in between? Grab a sandwich or seek out cafes with "service continu" (uninterrupted service) for a classic croque-monsieur—a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.
No Snacking Culture: Meals are multi-course events, even at cafes.
Family Friendly: Kids are welcome in most places (ask for the "menu d'enfant").
Must-Try's:
Pastries: Croissants, brioches, jams, and over 250 cheeses!
Dishes: Veal, steak, duck, oysters, truffles
Beverages: Wine (a national treasure!), coffee
Picnic Perfect: Baguette, pate, cheese, fresh produce, and wine
Sweets: Handmade Parisian chocolates, Provençal calissons (an almond and melon candy) or honey-infused nougat
Bonus Tip: Embrace the cafe culture! People watch and soak up the atmosphere over a coffee or a glass of wine.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FRANCE: Sunshine & Comfort
Spring & Fall (April-October): Pleasant weather reigns with highs from mid-60s to 80s F (23-37 C). Temperatures generally increase as you go south. May and October are ideal for sightseeing, but the Riviera might be chilly for swimming. Although, know that August can be a bit hot, and many cities and towns shut down for les grandes vacances or the summer holidays.
Winter: Cold and wet, with snow in the mountains (great for skiing!). The Riviera stays mild, but not warm enough for swimming.
Pack a sweater: Evenings can be cool year-round.
Unwrap the magic of France: savor delectable dishes, sip world-class wines, and explore a land rich in history and charm. From bustling cities to picturesque villages, France promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Alors, qu'attendez-vous? (So, what are you waiting for?)
