Beautiful Places to Visit in France

Looking for places to visit in France? Some are well-known and receive millions of tourists every year. Others are France's little secret, left for you to discover. While this list is far from comprehensive, you will hopefully be able to find some great ideas here.

Brittany

Brittany has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in France. From towering cliffs to charming little bays and sandy beaches, you'll be spoilt for choice. Inland the landscape is equally diverse, with gentle countryside dotted with quaint little villages and forests steeped in mythical legend.

Normandy

From the charming old port in Honfleur to the celebrated abbey of Mont St. Michel, this region is a must-see. Normandy is well known for being a place of relaxation, with rolling green pastures and picture-book villages. Visit Monet's studio and gardens at Giverny, or the fascinating Tapestry in Bayeux, recounting Williams' conquest of England in 1066. The Battle of Normandy has left its mark in the region, and there are many monuments, memorials, and museums to see here.

Paris

Paris is the world capital of art, food, wine, and romance. Some of the absolute musts are of course the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur at Montmartre and the Louvre Museum. If you can, explore some of the lesser known but no less wonderful sights, such as the Rodin Museum, the Conciergerie (where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned) and the exquisite Ste-Chapelle.

Provence

The glorious weather and colourful intensity of the landscape make Provence a hugely popular holiday destination. Highlights include the elegant city of Aix en Provence, Avignon with its famous bridge and papal palace, and Arles, boasting significant roman and medieval monuments.

Don't forget to explore the smaller towns of Provence and surrounding countryside. The fortified village of Les Baux is spectacular; spending the day in St-Remy, sipping rosé wine in an outdoor café, is a blissful way to spend an afternoon.

Dordogne/Perigord

The Dordogne, in southwest France, is known for having some of the best prehistoric art in the world. Not only that, you'll find plenty of hilltop castles and medieval towns to explore, as well as rivers to canoe or relax on a houseboat.

There are so many places to visit in France that you might feel a bit overwhelmed. But don't despair if you can't fit everything in (it's just an excuse for you to keep coming back!).

France Has the Best Healthcare System in the World

As the United States struggles toward a system of universal health care, many have looked at the Canadian health care system as a model. Only a few have looked toward France. That's a mistake for at least 2 reasons.

First, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), France has the best health care system in the world . It has been widely reported that the WHO found the French system to be number 1 while the Canadian system is number 30 and the U.S. number 37.

It should be noted here that the WHO rankings actually contain multiple rankings and the numbers generally quoted are the ranking based on the measure that the WHO calls the OP ranking. OP is said to measure "overall performance" adjusted to reflect a country's performance based on how well it theoretically could have performed. When reporting the rankings of 1 for France, 30 for Canada and 37 for the United States, it is the OP ranking being used.

Why did the French system do so well in the WHO rankings? The French system excels in 4 areas:

It provides universal coverage
It has responsive health care providers
Patients have freedom of choice
The health and longevity of the population

Second, we should be looking more closely at the French system because it has more similarities with the U.S. system than either the Canadian or British system. Many Americans assume that the French system is like the system in Britain. Nothing could be further from the truth or more insulting to the French.

Exactly like the United States, the French system relies on both private insurance and government insurance. Also, just like in America, people generally get their insurance through their employer. What is different is that everyone in France has health insurance. Every legal resident of France has access to health care under the law of universal coverage called la Couverture maladie universelle.

Under the French system, health insurance is a branch of Social Security or the Sécurité Sociale. The system is funded primarily by taxing the salaries of workers. An employee in France will pay about 20% of their salary to fund the Sécurité Sociale. These taxes represent about 60% of the cost of the health insurance plan.

The balance of the funding comes from the self employed, who pay more than salaried workers, and by indirect Taxes on alcohol and tobacco. Finally, the additional taxes levied against other income, directly or indirectly.

The French share the same distaste for restrictions on patient choice as an American. The French system is based on autonomous private practitioners rather than a British-style National Health Service. The French are very negative attitude of the British system as "socialized medicine". Almost all physicians in France in the Nation's Public Healthinsurance, Sécurité Sociale.

Perhaps it's time for us to take a closer look at French ideas about health care reform.

Where To Watch Tour de France Online On Your Computer

I love cycling. In fact, if it wasn't for Lance Armstrong himself, I may have never gotten into this wonderful sport. So now every weekend, I go cycling with my friends down the sloping streets of Washington State, and boy do I have fun! But I need to be honest with you: I am terrible at it. I'm slow, I fall a lot, I bump other riders (unintentionally). That is why I love to watch the Tour de France. I love to watch the professionals do it and do it right. There is a lot that I have learned from past tours and I am sure that there is much more for me to learn. Unfortunately, this year they only show the Tour de France on a cable station that I am not subscribed to and even if I did want to pay the outrageous fees, it would take them weeks to come out and install it. That led me to wonder if I could watch Tour de France online and in real time.

After a few hours of searching, I was able to find a program online that allows you to watch Tour de France on your computer or laptop: Satellite TV For PC. All I had to do was put down a small one time payment and I had an all access pass to watch the Tour de France online. I am able to watch every single leg of the race in real time, from London to Paris. I don't have to stop myself from going to the official website of the race before its over to see results, because I can spend all my time watching the cyclists doing their thing for all 3553.9 kilometers of the grueling competition.

In case you were wondering, the race started on July 7, 2007 and will run until the grand finale on July 29, 2007. With over three weeks of unlimited coverage you'll be able to watch Tour de France on your computer at home, at work or even, if you want, at a coffee shop. As long as you have an internet connection you will be able to see the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team try and regain its old days of glory....or see an up and coming team come up from out of nowhere and take the yellow jersey in an upset. I mean, who doesn't love an upset? Well, not counting the French.

Discover Marseille, France

The pre-eminent port and the oldest city in France, Marseille was founded in 600 BC by Greeks. The beautiful city of Marseille is a melting pot of diversified culture, hence, it is considered as the "European Cultural Capital of France." In fact, visitors will find most of the cultural and entertainment attractions in France in this city. From cinemas, art galleries, museums to restaurants Marseille, has everything that you are looking for.

If you are planning on a trip to Marseilles, there are various places that you must visit to make the most of your vacation in France. One important tourist attraction in the city is the Chateau d'If, a fortress that was built Francois I in 154. This island fortress used to guard the city from attracts of the enemy and to ensure the safety of the supplies in the sea. It was later converted into a prison in 17th century to imprison the enemies of the royal families. Said prison was used by famous writer Alexander Dumas as the setting of his book "The Count of Monte Christo."

Another interesting place to visit is the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. It is a Romano-Byzantine inspired basilica made in 1864. The Basilica is covered completely in gold leaf. The 36-feet statue of the Virgin Mary is the Basilica's main attraction. Inside the Basilica, one will see wonderfully made marbles and murals.

To complete your vacation in Marseille, make sure to visit the The Palais du Pharo. It is considered as a magnificent attraction of the city because it was built by then Emperor Napoleon III to serve as his residence. It was given to the city of Marseille in 1839 by the wife of Napoleon III, Empress Eugenie de Monjito. At present, the Palace is used as a venue for conferences and exhibits.

Great Tips You Need to Know Before Traveling to France

Just about the city

The crowd is attracted to sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, light vineyards and sun-baked beaches of this beautiful motherland. France is a motherland which draws additional tourists than a few other motherland. It is comfortable to notice why this is the lawsuit known France's notable reputation in support of fine wines, competent food, sharp devise and relaxed lifestyle. But while France is undoubtedly a place to have and drink plow your mind is content, there's much additional to this fascinating motherland than barely cutting-edge cuisines. Spring is the superlative generation to be present at this point, and individuals interested modish winter sports can decline by the side of the Alps and Pyrenees with a little polar gear. The summers are very stormy and winters are moderate. An all-weather coat and duo of comfortable shoes are a duty. Women, especially, be supposed to relay cocktail dresses at the same time as a little of the restaurants ask in support of it. Whilst visiting a few religious spot, refrain from wearing sleeveless shirt and shorts, at the same time as they are disliked by the side of such spaces.

Culture

English is widely verbal at this point, although French is the formal language. Handshaking is Customary welcoming and women be supposed to be present kissed on both cheeks and be supposed to be present addressed.

At the same time as Monsieur before Madame. French fill are popularly celebrated in support of their like in support of stylish sportswear and of sequence perfumes. Nudism is allowable on a little beaches barely. Social functions, fine Restaurants, and clubs call in support of additional official dressing. Whilst by the side of a official banquet, put off plow the host Gestures to start the banquet. Smoking is banned modish freely available spaces.

Spot since

Paris, the city of have a weakness for, is a massive city with many attractions modish reachable distance recognition to the Highly efficient freely available tickle pink scheme. It boasts of additional than 80 museums and 200 arts Galleries. A trip up to Disney kingdom and the magnificent Eiffel tower spirit command somebody to the trip up valuable.

The desirable tourists bad skin are the Arc de triomphe which spans greater than the tomb of an Unknown soldier, the forbidding Gothic architecture of the Notre Dame cathedral, the picturesque Sacre Coeur, to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Moulin Rouge and liner tours along the Seine. Step the Carte Musees-Monuments pass, which gives access to 70 monuments and Museums.

Shopping

Although service stretch is incorporated modish the receipt, a humble tip won't cost much. An bonus cash can be present known at the same time as tip to the waiter. A tip of $2 can be present gone in support of the motor vehicle drivers.

Electricity

220-volt, 50-cycle AC current.

Getting nearby

The resident airline so as to operates at this point is Air France. Many low-cost airlines, too, provide services from UK. Paris-Charles de Gaulle too celebrated at the same time as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle is the foremost airport of France, which is 23km away from the city. Coaches, taxis, limousines services are provided by the side of the airport. The railway talent provided by the airport, claims to get hold of all the terminals inside eight minutes. These trains run 24 hours. The other airports so as to offer air travel services are Paris-Orly, Marseille, Bordeaux, kind, Lyon and Toulouse.

Ferry and cruise trips can be present made from ports such at the same time as Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Havre.

Duty free of charge Items

1. 200 cigarettes before 50 cigars before 100 cigarillos before 250g of tobacco

2. 1liter of spirits greater than 22 for each cent before 2liter of alcoholic beverage up to 22 for each cent

3. 2liter of wine

4. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

5. 500g of coffee before 200g of coffee extract

6. 100g of tea before 40g of tea extract

Food and agricultural products be supposed to be present avoided.

Holidays in Moselle, Lorraine, France

Moselle is a department in the north-east of France bordered by the rest of the Lorraine region and Germany. In fact, the Moselle region became part of Germany during the Second World War before being returned to France when the Allies won. The capital of the region is the historic town of Metz, but there are other beautiful villages to visit as well outstanding natural scenery.

Metz

Metz is not only the capital of the Moselle department but is also considered the capital of the Lorraine region. The town dates from Roman times and in fact the remains of the baths make up part of the museums of Metz, also known as the Golden Courtyard, are split into four sections covering archaeology, medieval history, architecture and fine arts. The city is also home to a branch of Paris' Pompidou centre, displaying works of contemporary art from the permanent collection in the capital. There are numerous churches in the modern town of Metz that are worth visiting, including the Gothic cathedral of St Stephen and a Romanesque Protestant church on an island in the Jardin d'Amour or Garden of Love.

Medieval and Maginot

Once you get out into the Moselle countryside, you will find numerous medieval villages in the region, many still with castles or ramparts at least partly intact. Some of the best examples can be found at Fenetrange where the castle has a unique winding staircase and you can visit at twilight to see the night guard taking his traditional walk along the ramparts.

The Maginot Line is an example of more modern fortifications that were built during the build up to World War Two along the French and German border. Much of it remains standing today, including concrete forts, machine gun posts and even tank obstacles. The Line passes through the Moselle region and one of the best examples of a construction still standing is the Hackenburg fortress at Veckring. Here you can explore the underground tunnels that connected much of the Maginot Line, though not all of the guides are English-speaking. The tunnels are so extensive at this part of the line, you are even taken on a small train ride to explore as much as possible. Along the route, the train will make stops so you can visit the rooms that served secret and sometimes just functional purposes, like the kitchens that prepared food for the thousands of men that served here during the conflict.

Watch Romania Vs France Live Online on Group C of Euro 2008

Romania qualified in style as one of the seven group winners, and they hope for better in Austria - Switzerland Euro 2008. Their best performance in the UEFA European Championship was in 2000 when they got into the quarter finals, but lost to Italy. That was the last taste of a major tournament for Romania. They are the major underdogs today in this group of death, but despite the challenge that awaits them, the side led by manager Victor Piturca are undoubtedly in confident mood ahead of the tournament. Romania may have not many great players as France and Italy, and even the Netherlands, but the force of the team could make the difference if they have some fortune. You do not want to miss the matches of the Group of Death, and you can also watch Romania vs France live online on your computer.

France will hope to repeat the trick they did 12 years ago when they made Euro 96 at Romania's expense. They will once again meet in their opening Group C fixture in Zurich. With world champions Netherlands and Italy still to play, France will be desperate too for a positive outcome in the first game of what appears to be the toughest of the four UEFA Euro 2008 sections, the "Group of Death". History favours France, the winners in their last 3 encounters.

A lot of enthusiasts will be watching the Group C matches, with the first match between France and Romania. You can watch Romania vs France live online on your computer through live internet streaming, and you can do this through a software called satellite tv for pc. Lots of people are already using it right now to watch sports events, news, weather, tv shows, foreign shows, and many more since it has over 3000 channels to choose from. You can get all of these for a small and one time fee, which is really reasonable. This software has gone through rigid development and testing, which involved developers from IBM and Microsoft. It really is an innovative product.

For the requirements, you do not need to have a fast pc, since this is designed to still work with an old computer. It still works on a Pentium 3 computer. You also need to have a good broadband internet connection, which will allow you to have smooth streaming, good video and and good audio quality. The installation of the product is also a breeze, since it will only take you about 3 minutes to install it. It is also easy to use and to navigate, since it has a friendly user interface. For the top way to watch Romania vs France live online on your computer, use the satellite tv for pc software.

Here are the rest of the Group C schedule :

Monday 9 June 2008
Romania 18:00 France
Netherlands 20:45 Italy

Friday 13 June 2008
Italy 18:00 Romania
Netherlands 20:45 France

Tuesday 17 June 2008
Netherlands 20:45 Romania
France 20:45 Italy