France at a Glance
With its certain je ne sais quoi, France's cultured air combines with
its legends of kings and queens, castles and fairies to lure the sophisticated
and the romantic. Its cities are characterized by stylish sidewalk cafes and
medieval architecture, and its palpable history is detailed by narrow, cobblestone
streets leading to countless monuments, memorials and museums.
France's revolutionary capital city of Paris'
Gothic Cathédral
de Notre Dame saw knights kneel at its altar before leaving to fight the
Crusades, and the landmark
Eiffel Tower is lit spectacularly at night. Louis XIV built his extravagant
chateau in nearby Versailles,
and resorts, casinos and luxury shops line the French
Riviera, where the festival cities of Cannes
and Nice draw international celebrities
yearly. The dramatic French Alps'
slopes are precious to skiers, outdoor enthusiasts and the wildlife they support.
Normandy's now-quiet beaches
belie their violent past, and Lyon's
notable restaurants epitomize French cuisine. Bordeaux
and Burgundy's wines speak for
themselves, and Champagne's
famous beverage is toasted every day around the world.
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