France tours & travel

The stereotypical French lifestyle still, in many ways, lives on. Locals are still arty, cigarette loving liberals who cherish their essentially French outlook. Only in France do you have philosophers as celebrities instead of movie stars, and dogs sitting in cafes with their owners. Today, many travellers are surprised by the ethnic diversity of France. There’s a large African and Arabic diaspora here, who are becoming more influential in the community where politics and religion are concerned. Make an effort to speak a few words in French while travelling, as the universality of English is not accepted here. 

France shared borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain and Andorra. France has a south coast on the Mediterranean Sea, a western border on the Atlantic, and a northeastern border along the North Sea. France has a hexagonal shape and is sometimes referred to as ‘the Hexagon’. 30% of the country is covered in forest, and it also has major mountains such as Mont Blanc and major rivers like the Seine. 

Shopping in France can be a diverse experience from boutique fashion to vintage flea markets. The best shopping districts include the Faubourg Saint-Honore district in Paris where you can find high-end fashion, perfumes and cosmetics. For flea markets, try Porte de Vanves and Porte de Saint-Ouen in Paris, where you can find eclectic items such as old clothing and vintage accessories. Village markets are charming places to collect fresh produce and cheeses for an afternoon picnic. 

• Bastille Day

Dedicated to the Fall of Bastille, Bastille Day is the culmination of the French revolution where the people overthrew the abusive aristocracy. This event is celebrated with parades, fancy balls, fireworks and street parties.

• Avignon Festival

For three weeks a year, the commune of Avignon comes alive with performing arts. Come to see dance shows, theatre, comedy and more.

• Nice Carnival

It’s one of the biggest carnivals in the world, with a flower parade, giant papier-mâché  and thousands of dancers and musicians. 

French cuisine is on the list of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage and has set the standard for world-class gastronomy. A French meal consists of an introductory course (hors d’oeuvres or entrée) main course and a cheese course or dessert. Entrées include French onion soup and duck liver of a specially fattened duck (foie gras). Mains include the simple yet elegant steak and fries, and the homey beef stew (pot-au-feu). French cuisine is made to accompany wine – some of the world’s finest –and is often served with or incorporates cheese. 

• A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
• Chocolat by Joanne Harris
• Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos De Laclos
• I'll Never be French (no matter what I do) by Mark Greenside
• A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
• A Very Long Engagement by Sebastien Japrisot
• Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser