What could be more romantic than a vacation to France? The country is legendary for the joie de vivre that permeates its culture. Whether a vacation in France includes skiing in the Alps, museum-hopping in Paris, sunbathing in the Riviera or sampling vintages in Loire Valley, it’s sure to be influenced by the live-life-to-the-fullest French attitude that has seduced so many.
Culture buffs, gourmands and active vacationers will all find plenty to do in France’s varied regions. The Côte d’Azur, for example, is known for the glamour of St. Tropez and Cannes; Provence for its gorgeous landscapes and fine food; Brittany for its Celtic heritage and fishing villages; Normandy for its historical sites and picturesque city of Rouen; and Burgundy and Champagne-Ardenne for its vineyards. And then, of course, there’s Paris, with so many famous sights and cultural attractions that it’s beloved the world over. It’s no wonder that people who travel to France tend to return time and time again.
U.S. citizens traveling to France require only a passport (although some restrictions apply; for more information visit www.ambafrance-us.org, the French embassy’s website). It’s easy to travel within France by train or rental car. Driving is on the right. France is divided into four climate zones: Oceanic (Atlantic), which features average precipitation with cool summers; Continental (central and eastern), featuring harsh winters and hot summers; Mountain, with high precipitation and snow part of the year; and Mediterranean (southeastern), with mild winters and hot summers. Currency is the euro. For more information on travel French vacations, log on to us.franceguide.com, the official website of the French Government Tourist Office.