Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
France is a big country by European standards—and would be one of the biggest states if
it ever joined the US (unlikely). Geographically, it's a bit smaller than Texas, but has 65
million people (Texas has 25 million) and some 400 different cheeses (Texas has...not that
many).
Diversité
is a French forte. This country features three mountain ranges (the Alps,
thePyrenees,andtheMassifCentral),twocoastlinesasdifferentasnightandday(Atlantic
and Mediterranean), cosmopolitan cities (such as Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Nice), and
countless sleepy villages. From the Swiss-like Alps to the
molto
Italian Riviera, and from
the Spanish Pyrenees to
das
German Alsace, you can stay in France and feel like you've
sampled much of Europe—and never be more than a short stroll from a
bon vin rouge
.
We've covered the predictable must-sees while mixing in a healthy dose of Back
Door intimacy. Along with seeing the Eiffel Tower, Mont St-Michel, and the French Rivi-
era,you'lltake aminivan touroftheD-Daybeaches, pedal yourwayfromvillage tovine-
yardintheAlsace,marvelat15,000-year-oldcavepaintings,andpaddleacanoedownthe
lazyDordogneRiver.You'llfinda
magnifique
hill-townperchtocatchaProvençalsunset,
ride Europe's highest mountain lift over the Alps, and touch the quiet Romanesque soul
of Burgundian abbeys and villages. You'll learn about each region's key monuments and
cities with our thoughtfully presented walking tours and background information. Just as
important,you'llmeettheintriguingpeoplewhorunyourhotel,bed-and-breakfast,orres-
taurant. We've also listed our favorite local guides, all well worth the time and money, to
help you gain a better understanding of this marvelous country's past and present.
The destinations covered in this topic are balanced to include the most interesting
cities and intimate villages, from jet-setting beach resorts to the traditional heartland. This
book is selective, including only the most exciting sights and romantic villages—for ex-
ample, there are hundreds of beautiful châteaux in the Loire region, but we cover only the
top 12. And though there are dozens of Loire towns you could use for a home base, we
recommend just the best two: Amboise and Chinon.
