France

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France has an unsurpassable quality of life. Healthy lifestyle in the cities, picturesque landscapes, splendid ancient architecture, great culture, fine cuisine and last but not least, the best health care in the world make it one of the world’s best country to live. But what cannot be measured in real terms is the soul of this place.

"How can you lead a country that has two hundred and forty six different kinds of cheese?" (Charles de Gaulle, French president, 1oct 1962). If he were alive today, the General de Gaulle would have had to revise his statement - France now boasts over 400 varieties of cheese, this suggesting to a large extent the country's cultural diversity. Much of its originallity comes from the fact that its territories are found in all major regions of the continent, each with its own personality. Both the diversity of landscape and tumultuous history of political leadership, have formed the habits, language and attitudes of residents.

Stereotypes die hard, so the French are still represented in white striped shirt, black beret, smoking a cigarette Gauloise and onion with a string of their neck. Another typical image of the Frenchman is that of driving a Citroen 2CV. Of course it is very unlikely to encounter such a thing in France, but the rural parts still retain the rustic traditions and lifestyle which are centuries old. Old France is to be found in villages and markets, traditions and regional specialties. Its charm lies somwhere in the chic boulevards of Paris, the sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunny vineyards and golden beaches, a game of boules, or coffee and croissant in a hidden village.

Fall in love with Paris and its famous Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Sacre Coeur in the very heart of Montmatre and the Louvre pyramid. Take a step back in time at the Versailles Castle and enjoy the fireworks show during the summer. Visit one of the many castles of the Loire Valley, among which Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, Azay, Rideau and Chinon. Admire the rough atmosphere of Corsica, the island consisting of two French departments, with picturesque towns of Bastia and Ajaccio, famous due to Napoleon. Discover the Millau bridge, designed by the British architect Norman Foster; visit the Pont du Grant, which is 2,000 years old -this Roman aqueduct is one of the greatest architectural achievements of humanity. In the south you can admire the Roman and Gallic ruins in the Languedos-Roussillon region; Maison Carre, Temple of Diana, Roman Arena of Nimes, "Rome of Wales", are among the finest examples of Greek-Roman architecture.

Visit Marseilles, the most important commercial port of France on the Mediterranean sea; other sites of interest include the Old Port, Notre Dame de La Garde church on top of the hill, several museums and the Vieille Charite asylum. Visit the many cathedrals of France, among which that of Reims, where the first French king, Clovis, was baptized, Chartres and Tours. Relax in the 80 museums and 200 art galleries in Paris - visit the Orsay Museum housed in a beautiful restored train station, Louvre Palace Modern Art Centre George Pampidou or Rodin Museum. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, near the Latin perimeter (boulevards Saint Michel and Saint Germain), student activity center. Pay a visit to Mickey Mouse in Disneyland Resort in Marne la Vallee.

Enjoy a wide range of watersports on the 3000 km coast of France; some of the most famous resorts include St. Jacut and St. Enogat on the emerald Coast in Brittany and Cannes, Nice, St Tropez, Antibes and Menton on the southern coast. Discover winter sports in the French Alps and Pyrenees. Let yourself pampered in a spa in Biarritz or Vittel. Make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, located in south-west of France, a place made famous by the visions of Bernadette Soubirous in the nineteenth century. If you have the opportunity to take part in a grape harvest - there are 10 main wine regions, which include among others Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne and Rhone Valley, each with its own identity based on grape varieties and soil.

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By Maria Morari

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