France
Heartland Region
Why should people visit France and what tourist attractions would you find here?
Eiffel Tower
Gustave Eiffel built this sky scraping, architectural wonder in 1889. Ever since then, people from all over the world have traveled to Paris, France to see the Eiffel Tower, which attracts more visitors than any other tourist attraction in the world. Earlier in 1889, when the plans of the Eiffel Tower where unveiled at the World Fair, the plans were greatly criticized by the public. Despite these critics and labor laws, the tower was built in nearly two years. Today, the tower houses a post office, money exchange, and aquarium. Also every year, a million post cards are sold on the first floor.
Today, the Louvre is known for housing the worlds most famous paintings and sculptures, but when it was first built in 1190, the fortress was an effort to protect early medieval Paris from invaders. The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Virgin of the Rocks, and the Whistlers Mother are just four of nearly 35,000 paintings! (Making the Louvre one of the biggest art museums in the world.) In the front of the actual building, is a glass pyramid that was built during the renovation in 1983. The pyramid is also strictly modern compared to the building.
Alayna Miller, Travel Agent
How is France unique?
France's climate varies without the whole country, but if you like warm weather, I would suggest going to the southern region in summer, and if you like cold weather, I would suggest going to northern France in Winter.
- The Southern Region: The southern region in France has a Mediterranean Climate, with cool, moist winters and hot, dry summers.
- The Western Region: This region is rainy, and influenced by the Atlantic with moderate winter temperatures.
- Central/Eastern Region: The eastern part of France has a continental climate with fluctuating temperatures.
- Also, in the mountains, thunderstorms are prevalent.
Here are three major holidays that are celebrated in France.
1. Noel
In France, what Americans would call their "Christmas", is known as Noel. On December 25th, Children all through the country leave their shoes by the fireplace for Pere Noel (Santa Clause) to fill with presents. Families usually go to midnight mass at their churches, and when they return home, they find their shoes filled with the presents that Pere Noel left them.
2. World War One Armistice Day
On November 11th, parades and celebrations are held to honor the French soldiers who fought in world war 1.
3. Bastille Day
On July 14th, a huge parade in Paris, France, the capital, is held to commemorate the storming of the Bastille Prison during the French Revolution. Fireworks, games, and picnic's are also held to celebrate this holiday.
Creme of caramel, which is shown in the picture, clafouti, and fruit tart are three of many popular foods in France.
- Creme of Caramel: This is a rich custard dessert with caramel on top, and is usually flavored with vanilla.
- Clafouti: In France, this is called "Le Clafouti", and it is a custard batter with fruits. It kind of is a mix between a pancake and custard, like a runny pancake.
- Fruit Tart: This is called "Tarte aux Fruits" in France, and this is beautiful looking thick cake batter patted into a flan dish. Fruit is sliced and laid on top.
Here are three famous people who where from France. In the picture to the right, you will see one of Claude Monet's most famous paintings, called "Water Lilies".
Joan of Arc (1412-1431): At age 16, she heard voices of saints tell her she needed to help French expel English explorers. Wearing men's clothing, she led troops into battle and had many victories. She was then captured by the Catholic church and burnt at the stake. The church later beatified her, and she became a saint in 1920.
Claude Monet (1840-1926): Monet forged his own style of painting that was different than most of the styles that people in France where used to. He captured the impression of a single moment on a canvas. Monet studied in Paris, France and his house got turned into a french national monument.
Victor Marie Hugo (1802-1885): Hugo was a law student in Paris, France who wrote poetry and plays. He was exiled from France for disagreeing with the government. After 20 years, he returned to Paris and was elected for the legislature. Inside France, he was mostly known for "The Hunch Back of Notre Dame" and "Les Miserables", two novels.
Below, I will teach you five important phrases you should known before going to France.
1. English: "Where are the restrooms?"
French: "Ou sont les toilettes?"
2. English: "Do you speak English?"
French: "Parlez-vous anglais?"
3. English: "I speak little French."
French: "Je parle un peu francais."
4. English: "I'm here on vacation."
French: "Je suis la pour les vacances."
5. English: "Good evening."
French: "Bonsoir."
Below are the five most populated cities in France. In the picture, you will see a picture of France's capital, Paris.
- Paris - 2.34 million people.
- Marseille - 850,630 people.
- Lyon - 491,268 people.
- Toulouse - 447,340 people.
- Nice - 344,064 people.