Читать книгу 101 Romantic Weekends in Europe - Sarah Woods - Страница 18

TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +1

TELEPHONE CODE +33

CURRENCY Euro

LANGUAGE French

POPULATION 61.5 milion

SIZE OF COUNTRY 547,030 sq km (213,342 sq miles)

CAPITAL Paris

WHEN TO GO Coastal regions sizzle in July and August while the French Alps in the southeast of the country attract skiers in their droves in winter months. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for hiking, cycling, climbing and running.

TOURIST INFORMATION Maison de la France (the French Tourist Board) Tel: 09068 244 123 Email: info.uk@franceguide.com www.franceguide.com

Almost the entire world has in some way been exposed to French influences, be it the wine, coffee and croissants, lavender fields or elegant châteaux. Chic, tree-lined Parisian boulevards, the sun-speckled vineyards of Burgundy and the sun-kissed beaches of Cannes embody the diversity of French culture. Mountains and hills cover vast swathes of the country including the mighty Alps, Pyrenees and Vosges. France is also famed for its sun-drenched Mediterranean coast: a sizzling summer beach destination and popular winter resort. As one the world’s most beautiful cities, Paris, set in a sedimentary basin on the banks of the romantic River Seine, harbours fine Baroque architecture and world-class art galleries.