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Casino
The Monte Carlo Casino is one of Monaco's main attractions, and it is probably the world's most glamorous casino. It has served as the backdrop of several James Bond movies, including the newest one (Casino Royale).
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| Nice | |
Russian Cathedral
In the 19th century many Russian aristocratic families (including the tsars) spent the winter season on the French Riviera. The Russian Cathedral is a remnant of this time.
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| Paris | |
La Défense
One of the newest contributions to the Paris cityscape is La Défense, a major business district. The district surrounds La Grand Arche, a 100 meter tall modern equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe.
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| Travel | |
Discovering France
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Just France
Travel Guide
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France: La Belle Pays
France epitomizes what many associate with style and elegance, with a key word being chic. It is the world's most populous tourist destination (78 million visitors in 2006), and sports a wide range of attractions and experiences. Two of its most popular destinations are the capital Paris and the Côte d'Azur (also known as the French Riviera) facing the Mediterranean in the southeast. Learning at least some basic French gets you a long way. Bon voyage! |
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Nice: Beach on the Bay
With its international airport just a few kilometers outside the city, Nice is the main entrypoint to the French Riviera. Even though Nice is more of a working city than the other coastal cities of the riviera, its blue-green waters, pebble-covered beach, panoramic Promenade des Anglais and surrounding mountains makes it one of France's top tourist destinations. Nice also ranks second in France in the number of museums and galleries, after Paris. |
Paris: Eiffel Tower
Named after its designer Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris, with a height of 324 meters. When it was first built in 1889 for the World Fair, its reception by a large part of the population was all but welcome. It was almost torn down 20 years later, but was saved in the 12th hour since it was found to be well suited as a platform for the mounting of radio antennas. Since then it has became an integral part of Paris' landmarks. The tower has three viewing platforms, with the third only being accessible by lift. Queues to enter the tower are long during the high season. |
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Monaco: Glamour Nation
The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent nation in the world (one of six mictostates in Europe), but it also has one of the largest population densities. Its zero taxation on income tax has attracted a great number of wealthy "tax refugees", making it into one of the prime playgrounds of Europe's movers and shakers. The highlight of the year s the annual Monaco Grand Prix, the greatest and one of the most demanding of all Formula One races. |
Paris: Notre Dame
Notre Dame (meaning Our Lady) in Paris is one of the French capital's greatest gothic masterpieces. Its construction began in 1163 and took almost 200 years to complete. On the square just outside the cathedral is the Point Zéro, the geographical reference point of Paris. One of the most famous tributes to the cathedral is Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Notre Dame sits on the Île de la Cite an island in the middle of the Seine River. |
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Cannes: Ville du Film
Cannes is most famous for its annual International Film Festival, hel during the spring (usually in the month of May). For the duration of the festival the city fills up with world class directors, screenplay writers, actors and actresses, competing for one of several prestigious awards. For tourists visiting Cannes the main attraction is La Croisette, the main beach and promenade of the city. Besides beach, Cannes also offers exclusive eating and shopping. |
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| Paris | |
Louvre
The Musée du Louvre in Paris holds several of the world's greatest pieces of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Owing to its grand collection, it is the world's most visited art museum.
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| Facts | |
République Française
Capital
Paris
Largest city
Paris
Population
63,713,000 (2007)
Area
643,427 km²
Official language(s)
French
Government
Semi-presidential unitary republic
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| History | |
France
•768-814: Charlemagne rules as King of the Franks.
•16th century: End of feudal system.
•1789: French Revolution.
•1804: Napoleon crowns himself as emperor.
•1815: Napoleon defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.
•1940-45: Invaded by Germany during WWII.
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