8/08/2011

What you need to know about France



France is a popular destination for millions of tourists for its charming atmosphere. There are numerous sights in the country which never cease to amaze visitors. Paris, also known as the "city of romance", is the capital of France. France is the largest country in Western Europe. It is composed of lush plains, rich mountains and beautiful coasts. Because of its high-yielding resources, it is the lead country in the European Union for food exports. France's climate is temperately cold, except near mountains or in the northeast as compared to Southern France, which is generally tropical, making it an ideal place for grape farm business. French wine is considered as one of the most magnificent tasting wines internationally. The country is the largest wine producer in the world. Paris is well recognised by the tourists for its pre-historic heritage, and the sort of environment that the city has to offer for those who are planning their first holiday, on any ocassion, will certainly keep them reminded of how amazing the experience they must have had during a stay in this amazing country.




The Eiffel Tower in Paris needs no presentation, it is one the most famous monuments in the world visited by more than 5 million people each year. Built 1889 for the Universal Exhibition in celebration of the French Revolution. The metal structure of the Eiffel Tower weighs 7,300 tonnes while the entire structure, including non-metal components, is approximately 10,000 tonnes. The tower stands 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building.    


Notre Dame


Masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, was conceptualized by Bishop Maurice de Sully. The building was constituted between the 12th and the 14th century, 1163-1345. The French road distances have been established from the (0 km) point, situated upon the square in front of the cathedral entrance.


 The Louvre


The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) is the most monumental exhibition building in the world, and unquestionablly very well recognized by many as well. Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” probably transformed Louvre to a more legendary place than it already was. The architecture of Louvre itself resembled a significant story behind it. Originally, the Louvre was to defend the country from the Anglo-Norman imperilment during the 12th century. The fortress disinherited its purpose in the 15th century, hence the building was demolished to be reassembled into a royal residence in the 16th century.  

The constitution of the current Louvre building commenced in 1546 and was only accomplished in 1876. Since Louis XIV established his place in Versailles in 1670s, the Palais du Louvre's original purpose of reconstruction a few years later around (1692's) was disrupted. Louis XIV arranged for the gallery innovations of antique sculpture in Louvre, next focused on the revolutionary of Louvre by transforming the mansion into a museum. The Museum Central des Arts was officially exhibited to the nation, as a museum in 1793, and the collections gradually disseminated to dominate over the building, to become the Louvre Museum we have today.


Arc De Triomphe


The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognized monuments in Paris. It is a triumphal arch in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, commissioned by Napoleon by 1806. The building stands at a stagerring 167 feet. This Arc de Triomphe was addressed to the French military force and, since 1920 has been the residence to the Unknown Soldier’s grave, the image that resembles the Arch of Titus in Rome, which was purely executed by Jean Chalgrin.


Palais Garnier


The Palais Garnier is the thirteenth theatre to house the Paris Opera since it was invented by Louis XIV in 1669. A profoundly resplendent building, the Paris Opera House was introduced by the architect Charles Garnier and developed between the years of 1860 and 1875. Regardless of the incurred problems, such as the eruption of war and the collapse of the sovereignity, the building was initiated on 15th January 1875. The most famous and impressive feature of the Opera House is the grand staircase, which must be a considerably deluxe staircases in existence. Derived from various marble complexion, the double staircase leads from the entrance hall to the auditorium. 

It adds to the romance and glamour to them, which may convince the public that this was once the ultimate place for socialites to be seen in all their fashionable glory. The primary effect of the building is one of stunning luxury, in spite of its corruption in the 18th century. The foyers were designed not merely as foyers but to offer the audience somewhere to people-watch and enjoy a casual work during the interval. They are magnificently embelished with mosaics, mirrors and sculpture. The Paris Opera House is also home to a small gallery which hosts exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition of the operas establishments within its history.


Musee d'Orsay


Musée d’Orsay (The Orsay Museum) is one of the finest art museums in Paris. Earlier, it used to be a railway station (Gare d'Orsay), which was first constructed in 1900s, and later was abandoned in the 1930s. By the 1970s, Gare d'Orsay was arranged for removal, however the Parisians withdrew that decision, hence the building was defended and eventually became one of the most known museums in Paris.


 Chatres Cathedral


Chartres Cathedral (13th century), France. Famed for its sculpture, stained-glass windows, and architectural innovations, that transformed this building into the greatest French Gothic cathedrals. The Amiens and Reims cathedrals fall into the same category. Residing in north central France in the city of the similar designation, Chartres Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral which is perceived to be among the best representations of High Gothic architecture in France, and was fully established between 1193 and 1250. A building is dedicated to the Goddess, and one of the Virgin Mary cathedral sites in the pattern of Virgo in France.


Les Invalides


It’s frequently spoken of when you come across a historic building designed for something other than its elementary purpose. While a building can preserve in a good condition for a long time, the reason behind its existence lies in the changes that are consistently being made over the years. Such is the case with Les Invalides in Paris – a series of buildings which once served as a military hospital, being surrounded by many museums, and is one of the most recognized graves in Paris. In 1670, an order for a new building was authorized, that consolidated a hospital for soldiers and a sort of residence for retired soldiers, due to which the building was later known as a “hôpital des invalides”, interpreted as a (hospital for invalids).


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The knowledge of the French language

It is very relevant for tourists to consider learning the French language. A tourist requires the skill to speak French to be able to communicate with the local people. Your trip to France will be more productive and indulging if you manage to involve with French people. Speaking their language reveals respect. French people appreciate foreign visitors who gain the courage to input an adequate effort in speaking this particular language. In return it will also be easier and enable you to become acquainted with a French culture once you have learned to speak an equal language. There are lots of ways to learn French. You can receive a personal tutor as many tutorial classes are available in Paris and other cities. One effective measure to obtain such knowledge is to enroll in a public Institution.


Passport and Visa

A passport is required in order to gain the eligibility for entry to France. A visa may as well be in demand for foreign visitors having arranged their arrival to France depending on the nationality, the length of the residence and the main purpose of the trip. Of those who are interested in getting settled in Paris permanently must therefore inherit a Visa Work Permit to get into employment on the legal basis. However, the process after the submission of the application form may take up to a few days or more for it to be approved. EU citizens are permitted to work in France without having to obtain a Work Permit or a Visa. On the other hand, the British nationals wishing to live in France should have a valid passport. For further details visit: France Visa Information

1 comment:

Akhil said...

very well written article! paris is indeed a great place to visit. and i loved travelling there last month. what a shame i was there only for 2 days.