France - a spicy, subtle and romantic country lovers. This is - a country that never ceases to attract and fascinate us. France
- a country where you can enjoy the stunning natural landscapes, fruits
of the historical past and rich cultural heritage, fine wines and
cuisine in numerous restaurants, bars and cafes. Who
has visited at least once in France, in touch with its culture, felt
the breath of time and history, and plunged into the French carelessness
and "savoir vivre", will return again and again, discovering something
new each time. France stuns visitors a variety of their wealth - it is easy to come to the confusion of so many choices. From
whatever region of this vast and diverse country you do not want to
start your trip and how much you would not stay here, your knowledge and
familiarity with France still at risk of being superficial. The
geography of the largest European countries varies from rough to the
coastline of endless beaches, from bustling cities where life dear to
the unusual and the villages of sun-soaked islands to luxurious ski
resorts. France
- a country that inspired Monet to experiment with color, Toulouse
Lautrec - images on the vulnerabilities of Parisian society, and Debussy
- to create elegant and hazy harmonies in his music. It
tempts our taste foie gras and frogs' legs, and captures the
imagination of resorts in St Tropez and Port Grimaud, which brings
together the cream of society. This
country gave the world champagne and camembert cheese, Tour de France
and the Eiffel Tower, and for their seductive lifestyle it is called
Douce France - Sweet France. Discover France, and you will find new joie de vivre - joy of life. The geographical position of France - a country in Central Europe. Area - 551 km2. It shares borders with Spain, Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg. In the English Channel and the Pas-de-Calais border with the United Kingdom. In the south, located microstate Principality of Monaco. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean, English Channel. Two mountain ranges of the Alps and the Pyrenees form its natural boundaries. France
is the highest mountain in Western Europe - Mont Blanc, whose height is
4807 meters Holidays 1 January - New Year Easter May 12 - Ascension Day
May 23 - Whit Monday 14 July - Bastille Day 15 August - Assumption 1
November - All Saints Day November 11 - Remembrance Day December 25 - Christmas is a little about the French. "Learning
to live» (savoir vivre) - the quality that we have a sense of mild envy
is usually ascribed to the French, does not mean life is expensive. A little attention and intuition - and you can master this kind of art, even for a short holiday. A
good school will be at the same time not expensive and prestigious
restaurants, and village pub, restaurant or a seafood stand in a modest
bar. Ease of negligence and tolerance certainly peculiar style of behavior in such places. There
is no spare time for a small cup of coffee, a dish of the day at
lunchtime, at dinner with an aperitif and a liqueur or brandy after the
meal. Useful
Tips And an essential feature of the French art of living is to not
take things too seriously and not to polish all surfaces up to a glossy
shine.
Things to do
THINGS TO DO, WHAT TO SEE Disneyland. Located 32 km east of Paris, and covers an area equal to one fifth the area of the capital of France. This
is the most popular tourist attraction in France, which attracts every
year twice as many visitors than the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. Royal Castles of France: Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte. Barbizon - a town of artists, whose streets and landscapes were celebrated paintings by Corot, Rousseau and others. World Heritage by UNESCO - the medieval town of Provence. City Mo (Meaux), famed brie cheese - the "king of cheeses". Tourist Road of Champagne region.
Nature and Climate
The climate is temperate. In France you can go at any time of year. Summer is dry and warm (up to +25 +30 ° C in July), the west wind brings freshness. The soft and snowy winter (at least -8 -12 ° C) in the mountainous and foothill areas, and on the plains of +3 ° C to -4 ° C. Spring and autumn terms of climatic conditions - the perfect time to travel.
State structure and language
The political system of the French Republic. Since
1958, the country has a regime of the Fifth Republic, characterized by
the concentration of political power in the hands of the president. Under the constitution, the supreme legislative power is vested in Parliament. Languages The official language in France, and French. Almost
everywhere understand English and German, the provinces also speak
dialects: Alsatian, Basque, Catalan, Flemish, Breton, Corsican, and
Provençal. French - State Breton - in Brittany, the Basque and Catalan - both in the Pyrenees, German dialects - in Lorraine
History
An interesting history has left its mark on the face of France. The unique historical and cultural monuments of different epochs and civilizations, attract tourists from all over the world. The French have taken pride in their country and its history. And
therefore no wonder that in many places, taking care of ancient
monuments - witnesses of bygone eras - is considered so important. The
interest and respect for the past are the reason that the abandoned
hamlets, homesteading, as well as castles, palaces and town houses are
the new owners, and they lovingly restored the ancient walls of the
accurate details. And because in the province of attractions and surprises perhaps more than in the capital and major cities of France. In 58-51 BC Gaul (modern France) was conquered by Julius Caesar and Roman rule lasted about 500 years old. In the last quarter of the V century AD, Gaul conquered the Franks, who created the kingdom. The monarchy was overthrown by the French Revolution of 1789 In 1792, France was proclaimed a Republic. After
the defeat of Napoleon in France, was established a constitutional
monarchy (1815g.), which lasted until 1848., When the country was
proclaimed a republic again. The Second Republic lasted until 1852, when Napoleon III proclaimed the Empire. In 1871 France was finally restored republican government.
Customs regulations
Duty-free
import of cigarettes - 200 pcs., Alcoholic beverages - 1 liter., Wine -
2 liters., Spirits - 50 oz, Eau de Cologne - 500 grams, coffee - 500
gr, tea - 40 oz., Food (fish - 2 kg .,
eggs - 250 gr., animal products - 1 kg., new items or food for personal
consumption - the amount of not more than 300 francs (150 francs for
children under the age of 15.) The import of gold bullion, in plates
and coins - bank in the country without permission, illegally produced
printed materials. When exporting to mandatory customs control shall be
subject to: weapons, antiques and art objects made of gold and precious
metals. if their value exceeds 20 thousand Franks, charged fees at
a rate of 6-7% of their value. number of imported and exported means of
payment is not limited. amount exceeding € 10,000 or equivalent must be
included in the declaration.
Money, currency exchange
Currency The single European currency (EUR). We accept all major credit cards international. More than 10,000 USD cash is desirable to declare.
Shopping
Shopping in France "LA VALE" - center of chic shopping and low prices! "LA
VALE" OUTLET SHOPPING VILLAGE - ONLY in its genre TOWN IN FRANCE Our
stores that combine more than 70 brands of French and international
fashion, offer you a collection of last year at discounted prices. Discount: 33% to 60%. The center is open year round (except Dec. 25, 1 January and 1 May). Schedule:
Monday through Saturday from 10 to 19 hours (October-April), Monday
through Saturday from 10 am to 20 pm (May-September), and Sundays from
11 to 19 hours (the schedule may change during the year). Our
stores are: Agnes B., Armani, Burberry, Cacharel, Charles Jourdan,
Celine, Christian Lacroix, Diesel, Givenchy, Kenzo, Lancel, Max Mara,
Nina Ricci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Samsonite, Polo Ralph Lauren,
Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, ST Dupont, Versace, ... And soon will be opened: Clio Blue, Gerard Darel, Fornarina ... In the commercial center of the open-air "Vale la" all the homes comply with the classic style of the region Ile-de-France. Our home - your stores, our windows - your shop window. Benches allow you to rest in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. In the cafe you can choose a soft drink and a good time. The
idea of such a center was developed by Value Retail in different
European countries: Bicester Village (near London), La Rosa Village
(near Barcelona), Las Rozas Village (near Madrid), Maasmechelen Village
(near Brussels), Fidenza Village ( near Milan), and will soon open Weirtheim Village (near Frankfurt) and Ingolstadt Village (near Munich). Each center provides the most famous fashion designers, and each of them reflects and respects the style of these cities. Do not worry! In
"la Vale" contains all the amenities: an information center for
tourists, playrooms for children, 2 ATMs, telephone booth, restrooms,
where there is a place for the care of a baby (changing table, etc.),
free parking for 2000 cars . HOW
TO GET IN "LA VALE" OUTLET SHOPPING VILLAGE bus company Sitirama
(Cityrama) 3 times a week bus circulates between the center of Paris and
"la Valle." Departure
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from Sitirama agency, located on the
place des Pyramides, at 10.15 and back at 17.00. Tickets: 15 euros for adults (round trip), 10 euros for children (W up to 11 years), up to N - free of charge. Mandatory reservation before departure to 17.00 in hotels or in the agency Sitirama tel: +33 (0) 1 44 55 60 00 . From Paris on the RER: RER line A towards Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy/Pars Disneyland; stop Serris-Montevrain/Val d'Europe. Free shuttle buses circulate between the station and "la Vale", tel: +33 (0) 1 60423501 . On
the train TGV train to a stop: Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy/Pars Disneyland,
change to line A - RER in the direction of Paris to the station
Serris-Montevrain/Val d'Europe (one stop). Free shuttle buses circulate between the station and "la Valle." Tel: +33 (0) 1 60 42 35 01 . by
car from the center of Paris: on the right side of the embankment or
the ring road to get to the Porte de Bercy, there turn on the A4
motorway in the direction of Metz-Nancy. Departure № 12.1, follow the sign: "Centre Sommercial Montevrain". At
the second roundabout to enter A, follow the sign "La Vallee Outlet
Shopping Village". First parking lot on the right side free. From Reims: A4 motorway towards Paris, exit number 14 Park Disney, the signs "Centre Urbain, Val d'Europe" get to "La Valle". Free parking at the entrance. From
Orly airport: motorway A 86 towards the airport Roissy CDG, then on the
highway A4 direction Metz-Nancy, leaving № 12.1, the signs: "Centre
Commercial Montevrain" get to "La Vallee Outlet Shopping Village". After the second roundabout to enter A. Free parking at the entrance. From
Roissy airport (Roissy CDG): A1 motorway towards Paris, then on the
A104 road in the direction of Marne la Vallee, then the A4 motorway
Metz-Nancy, vyezd № 12.1. The signs: "Centre Commercial Montevrain" get to "La Vallee Outlet Shopping Village". After the second roundabout exit A. Free parking at the entrance. SYMBIOSIS
SHOPPING AND TOURISM IN "la Vale" guests are invited to visit the
tourist areas of Saint-domain and the Marne, Picardie, and many others. At your disposal - travel brochures and plans. Various hiking trails are located within 100 kilometers of "la Vale", deserve special attention. Located
in the heart of the complex Disneyland Resort Paris, "la Vale" Outlet
Shopping Village is surrounded by prestigious neighbors. In a few minutes away from "la Vale" You will be able to plunge into the magical realm of world marine park Sea Life. The
new Walt Disney Studios Park you can discover all the secrets of world
cinema and experience a lot of feelings in the famous park Pars
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Tips
Tipping is 5 - 10%. Typically,
the fee is already included in the bill (service compris - service
included), but decided to leave the "top" 3-5 frankov.Sdachu (coins)
should be left on the table. When you leave the hotel, do not forget to leave room 10 francs - it is an unwritten rule.
Religion
The bulk of the population - Catholics. In France, there are also churches belonging to other religions: Christianity, Protestant, Lutheran.
Population
The total population of 58 million people (10 million in Paris and its suburbs). 90% of the population is French. It is also home to Italians, Spaniards, Algerians, Moroccans.
Visas
For a trip to France need a Schengen visa which is issued in the French embassy in Kiev two weeks. Cost of visa - 35 euros.
Food
For French cuisine French food, cuisine, desserts, cheeses and wines - a way of life. France produces an incredible variety of products, so the love of good food is understandable. In every region of France has its own peculiarities. From
the Loire Valley, where there are beautiful castles, supply of salmon
and mushrooms grown in the caves of Saumur, as well as a variety of game
and asparagus. South-West France, in Gascony producing foie gras, and truffles are grown in the Perigord. In the province of Provence fragrant kavayonskie grow melons, tomatoes and basil. In France, the freshness of the food shall be calculated for hours, not days. In Normandy, Burgundy, and seafood restaurants in the fall in a few hours and sometimes minutes. Famous chefs in France are no less or even greater glory than a movie star, singer or a football. Record
visitors to such chefs as Georges Blanc from the town of Vaughn in
Burgundy, Paul Bocuse near Lyon and Truagro of Roan, is made in 2-3
months. In these restaurants you will enjoy the snails from the Burgundy vineyards, the best chickens from Bresse Alpine mutton. A characteristic feature of French cuisine - widely used for cooking vegetables, appetizers, first and second courses. Especially popular in France, vitamin-rich vegetables like asparagus. For meat dishes are usually served a green salad, coleslaw. Of the first courses are very popular French soup of leek and potatoes and onion soup, filled with cheese. Widely known Provencal fish soup buyabess. In France, the use of all types of meat products: beef, beef, pork, poultry, game. A very popular dish in France, from marine and freshwater fish: cod, flounder, mackerel. From the French prefer to drink wine. Very popular coffee. Almost before each meal drink an aperitif. Breakfast at the French prefer a light breakfast - coffee, juice, bread. Therefore, in most hotels in France you will be offered this choice. Buffet in most hotels in France can be called an extended continental breakfast. And only a few hotels offer a buffet with hot. As a rule, hotels of high category, or belong to the world's networks. Wines of France. Its significance in the lives of French wine is not as important as gastronomy. In
France, they say that the wine - it is not just a drink, but also fun,
comparable to hearing music and the contemplation of works of art. In
France, the 11 major wine regions: Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy,
Beaujolais, Alsace, the Rhone Valley, Loire Valley, Provence, Roussillon
- Languedoc, South - West and Franche - Comté. The first five areas are known throughout the world. Of the most well-known grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, merlot and din. Wine tasting - one of the incomparable pleasures that can get a tourist in France. Combining wine and food in every province of France cuisine combined with local wines. In Alsace - dry white wine is served with pork and cabbage or a local cheese - Muenster. In Provence, bouillabaisse soup served with a red local wine. In Burgundy, to the Epoisses cheese must be served chilled Burgundy. When ordering wine in a restaurant or at home holiday white wine is served before the red and the best wine is served last. Sweet wines such as Sauternes served with goose liver. In recent years ceased to be observed generally that the meat dishes served with red wine and the fish - white.