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 Why come to France ? To make it short, we have listed the main reasons. You can find out more on each point by clicking on the words that interest you.
MILD CLIMATE
France has three different climates.
The west part is oceanic with mild winters and mild summers. Temperatures vary between + 5° and + 21°C on average.
The east part is continental with cold winters and hot summers. Temperatures vary between 0° and +25°C on average.
The south-east part is Mediterranean with mild winters and hot summers. Temperatures vary between + 5° and + 25°C on average.
EASY ACCESS
France is an easy destination to reach. Paris CDG hub has direct flights from all over the world and welcomes 74 million passengers a year. Nice on the French Riviera also has an important international airport. The Eurostar links Paris to London within 2h30 and the Thalys train links Paris to Brussels within 1h20.
GOOD INFRASTRUCTURES
Motorways and freeways make it very easy to drive around France. The density of our road network is such that there are few traffic jams and that driving is safe and timely.
Our rail network with the TGV bullet train makes journeys extremely rapid between cities, with trains going as fast as 200 mph (300 kmh) and putting Marseille and Bordeaux at only 3 hours from Paris, Strasbourg at 2h15, Lyon at 2 hours, the Loire Valley and Champagne at less than an hour…
VARIETY OF PLACES TO VISIT
In France, you can find within a relatively small country, all types of landscapes.
If you are looking for mountains and ski resorts, there are among the best in the world in the Alps (Chamonix and Courchevel), but also many in the lower mountains of the Pyrenees and the Jura regions.
Our coastline is renowned throughout the world with the French Riviera and mythical towns such as Cannes, Nice or Monaco, but also St. Tropez and other beautiful Provence villages along the Mediterranean sea. Other resorts are also highly recommended on the more vivid Atlantic ocean with Biarritz, Arcachon, La Baule and many others.
Our countryside is a compromise between nature and man-made mosaics of fields which give such a reputation to regions like the Dordogne valley, Normandy, Burgundy or Provence where forests and agricultural lands blend together showing the most beautiful landscapes in the world with postcard villages nestled within.
Our cities are also very much visited for their architecture and historical monuments, as well as for their market places, festivals and other social events.
CULTURE & ART
Culture & art date from the paintings in prehistoric caverns to futuristic contemporary art, France has been part of, and initiated, many artistic and architectural movements.
Literature, cinema, music, sculpture and even comic strips, we have always been interested in every segment of art.
The number of works that the past generations have left behind is among the richest cultural heritage in the world. Impressive collections of art are scattered throughout numerous museums and chateaux and great monuments are present all over the country.
GASTRONOMY & WINE
Simply the best in the world. Our chefs are a country pride and our wines are the most elaborated. We export our know-how throughout the world.
Whether you want a deluxe restaurant, a bistrot, a country inn or a modern and trendy venue, there is a vast choice of great places where food and wine are of excellent quality…
HISTORIC INTEREST
French history has traces up to the Roman days and France was among the world leading nations until the mid-20th century, as was UK, our eternal rivals when we were fighting to conquer and discover the world.
France’s history is one of invasions, occupation, colonisation, wars won and lost all over the world and has influenced many other nations.
Today, France still has territories in every ocean of the world, souvenirs of its glorious past and remains one of the politically influential countries of the world.
TOP QUALITY HOTELS
Whether your choice goes for classical or modern hotels, boutique or large hotels with conference facilities, France offers a large range to fit every need and taste.
Whatever the type of group you have, there is always the hotel they are looking for. Hotels are constantly being renovated and kept to the highest international level and the choice grows constantly with new hotels opening all over the country on a regular basis, especially on the 4-star level.
It is important to note that the 5-star category does not exist for French hotels and is replaced by the 4-star deluxe category.
GOOD SERVICE
French service is renowned for its efficiency. In restaurants or with caterers, the Maitre D, the sommelier and the waiter all know exactly what to do and how to do it with a maximum of discretion, and are always there when you need them. Service is part of the French art of the table. Today, most persons working in the tourism industry speak English and / or other foreign languages and are smiling and helpful to make your stay a pleasant one.
FASHION & LUXURY GOODS
Perfumes, jewelry, crystal goods, silk scarves, leather bags, fashion clothing…
France has concentrated the know-how on all luxury goods and many of the most renowned brands originate from our country. Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Baccarat, Hermès, Boucheron, Chanel to name but a few… they’re all in Paris, which is the world capital for fashion and luxury goods, and waiting for your visit to make you discover the most elaborate goods their craft can create.
FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS
Dance, theatre, art exhibitions, concerts, carnivals… the French love to organize large events which drain in crowds, with street parties, packed cafés and restaurants and an overall feeling that life is enjoyment. Throughout the year, there is always something going on where all are invited to participate. Throughout the summer, cities and beach resorts rival to have the largest festival with art and music in the streets and performances held in the theatres and concert halls. Typical examples are the theatre festival in Avignon, the classical music festivals of Aix en Provence or Evian, dance festival of Montpellier…Our newsletter gives you a selection of events which are happening and keeps you informed twice a year on the highlights.
MEETINGS AND CONGRESSES
Paris and the French Riviera are among the top world destinations for meetings and congresses. Easy access, a large choice of hotels and congress centres explain this. For a board meeting or a congress for 5 000 persons, you can organize your meeting in a pleasant setting with the latest technology for all your AV requirements.
INTERNATIONAL SPORT EVENTS
Soccer, rugby, tennis, formula 1 and horse-racing offer major sport events happening every year in France and broadcasted throughout the world. Ski races, golf tournaments, sailing events are also programmed regularly. French people enjoy many sports and we are always on the lists to host major international events with the necessary sport infrastructures to support them.
FRENCH LIFESTYLE
Over one million foreigner have bought a holiday home in France.
The French way of life is often the main reason for this purchase. Enjoying the small moments of life and taking time to live social events thoroughly is a tradition that has been preserved in a world that is going faster every day. Shopping in street markets, having a drink on the terrace of a café, taking time for lunch or lazing in the sun are typical of French lifestyle. Of course, stress and pressure also exist in our lives, but we make sure that they do not take over our everyday life and are more an exception than the usual pattern. Hard workers when it is necessary, we make sure to preserve time for leisure and relaxation.
SAFE DESTINATION
Security is a major criteria when choosing a destination, particularly for corporate clients who do not want to take any risk with their staff or guests. France comes out as a very safe destination with no major risk to fear. The French who regularly enjoy demonstrating in the streets and criticising their government are not an aggressive nation. It’s a country where tolerance towards someone different or who has different opinions is a rule and living together in harmony is normal behaviour. Criminality is rare and Paris is considered among the safest cities in the world.
N° 1 DESTINATION IN THE WORLD
After all what is listed above, no wonder France is the N° 1 destination in the world for tourism, congresses and meetings. We welcome 78 million tourists a year (2006) and Paris and the French Riviera are on top of the list as destinations. Progression is regular and the tourism industry is the N° 1 employer in France.
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