If you are lucky and you lived in Paris in your youth, then wherever you are later, he will remain with you until the end of your days, because Paris is a holiday that is always with you.
Ernest Hemingway
France is a piquant, refined and romantic country of lovers, a country that never ceases to attract and delight us. Anyone who has visited this country at least once, got in touch with its culture, felt the breath of time and history, plunged into French carelessness and “savoir vivre”, will come back here again and again, discovering something new each time.
France- a country where you can enjoy the amazing natural landscapes, the fruits of the historical past and rich cultural heritage, the best wines and cuisine in numerous restaurants, bars and cafes.
Geographic location of France
France (French Republic, Republique Française) is located in the western part of Europe, belongs to the Western European states and ranks first among Western European countries in terms of area. The total area of the country is 551,500 km 2 (land area - 545,630 km 2). France owns the island Corsica in mediterranean sea.
The territory of the country is almost a regular hexagon. Even ancient historians and geographers noted an unusually convenient geographical position France. Strabo wrote that "providence itself erected mountains, brought the seas closer, laid the channels of the rivers in order to create here the most flourishing place on earth."
From UK France separated by a narrow strait pas de calais. France in the south it borders with Spain (the length of the border is 623 km) and Andorra (60 km), in the southeast with Monaco(4.4 km), in the northeast with Belgium (620 km) and Luxembourg(73 km), in the east with Switzerland (573 km) and Italy (488 km), with Germany (451 km) - in the east and northeast.
Western and northern regions France- plains ( paris basin etc.) and low mountains; in the center and in the east - medium-altitude mountains ( Central French Massif, Vosges, Yura). In the South-West - Pyrenees, in the southeast - Alps(highest point France and Western Europe- mountain Mont Blanc, 4807 m).
Climate
Climate France temperate maritime, in the east transitional to continental, in the Mediterranean - subtropical. Summers are quite hot (in July-August from +20°С to +25°С), winters are mild (in January from 0 to +3°С) and rather damp, although it rarely snows. Best time to visit Paris- May and September-October, Riviera- September. Mountainous regions have their own microclimate, which is inherent in regions of altitudinal zonation.
On the Corsica long and hot summer - from May to October + 21-27 ° С. Winters are quite cold (from +6 to 14°C in the valleys and down to -6°C in the mountains), snow lies on the mountain slopes until June. The influence of the winds is very great, each of which has its own name - “libecchio”, “mistral” (northern and western), “sirocco” (southwest), “levante” (east), “grecale” (northeast) and "tramontane" (northern) and in its own way affects the weather. The best months to visit Corsica- May-June and September-October.
Population of France
France predominantly French. However, due to the strong flow of migration, ethnic composition country has changed significantly. The country is home to many Portuguese, Italians, Spaniards, Moroccans, Turks, Algerians, people from other African countries. The vast majority of the population (more than 80%) professes Catholicism. Official language- French, which is spoken by most of the population. French is spoken by the population of many countries Africa, Haiti, french guiana. English is also used (widely only in paris), if you speak English in the suburbs or in the outback, you may not be understood.
Features of France
Major centers of tourism: is the capital of the country - Paris, with its many museums and monuments; valley Loire, where magnificent medieval castles and palaces have been preserved ( Blois, Cheverny, Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise, Chenonceau, Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Usse, Valençais, Chinon and Angers); Cote d'Azur with its world famous resorts ( Cannes, Nice and etc.); Alpine and Pyrenean mountain and ski resorts; Island Corsica with its warm sea and almost untouched landscapes; the Basque country with its original culture and Atlantic resorts ( Biarritz and etc.); regions Normandy, Brittany, Burgundy, Languedoc, Provence and picturesque valley Rhone. Of particular interest for tourism and recreation are also balneological resorts based on healing mineral waters, which are especially abundant in the southern and central parts of the country.
Paris- the capital of France, since the X century. ad. Along with the suburbs Versailles, Saint Denis, Ivry etc.) forms the "Greater Paris". There is hardly a person in the world who would not like to visit Louvre and Versailles; climb on Eiffel Tower, wander through the halls of the station d'Orsay and center Pompidou. Nothing compares to the French capital! A special spirit dominates here, here you are surrounded by history itself, associations with once read novels Dumas, with latin quarter described Hemingway and other writers. Paris- this is a "holiday that is always with you"!
The main attractions of Paris stretch to the city center, to Seine. Not far from the island sieve, often referred to as the "heart of Paris", is located Louvre is one of the greatest museums in the world. If you go from the Louvre to Champs Elysees then in the garden Tuileries you can see the small buildings of the Museum of Impressionism and the Orangerie. Large museums are also located on the left bank Seine- This is the Gare d'Orsay Museum of Impressionism, Museum of Medieval Art Cluny, Museum Rodin and Atelier Bourdelle. The architecture of Paris is diverse in centuries and styles. The main architectural ensembles: Cathedral of Notre Dame, eiffel tower, Elysian Fields, Triumphal Arch, Sorbonne, Louvre.
For many decades France- the most popular tourist attraction. Every year there are as many tourists in the country as there are French people. According to the French themselves, here are the most exquisite wines, the best cuisine in the world, beautiful architecture - Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, royal castles, Versailles and Disneyland, great history, the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay, the famous Cannes Festival and the brilliance of high society .. France is a trendsetter, the birthplace of champagne and cognac, the best perfumes in the world and the most delicious cheeses are made here.
National cuisine of France
French national cuisine is distinguished by its diversity, which is due to the wide range of products used and different ways their preparation. It should be borne in mind that in different regions of France there are favorite dishes that have original technology. Thus, in the southern regions of the country, food is spicy, using wine and spices for its preparation, especially garlic and onions. Inhabitants Alsace more pork and cabbage are consumed, coastal residents - seafood, etc. These differences can also be seen in the consumption of one or another type of fat used for cooking. For example, in the northern and central regions, butter is used more, in the south - olive oil.
Despite regional differences, French national cuisine has characteristics. This is, first of all, wide application vegetables and root crops. Potatoes, various varieties of onions (including shallots, which give food a specific taste), green beans, spinach, cabbage of various varieties, tomatoes, eggplants, celery, parsley, salads are used for preparing snacks, first and second courses, and also as side dishes . Vitamin-rich vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes, leeks, and lettuce are especially popular. A prominent place is given to vegetable salads - both fresh and canned. As a rule, green salad and coleslaw are served with the second meat dishes.
Compared to other countries Western Europe French cooking uses less milk and dairy products. The exception is cheese. They are used to prepare various dishes, including the first. Cheese is always served before dessert. Cheese with bread and wine is a typical French worker's breakfast. Dozens of varieties of cheese are produced in France. Among them are such well-known ones as Roquefort, Gruyere, Camembert, etc.
Another feature of French cuisine is a wide variety of sauces. There are over three thousand of them. Sauces are widely used in the preparation of meat dishes, salads, various cold appetizers; they have a wide variety of food.
French national cuisine is also characterized by the use of wine, cognac and liquor in the preparation of many dishes. In this case, the wine, as a rule, undergoes significant digestion, as a result of which the wine alcohol evaporates, and the remaining composition gives the food a specific flavor and pleasant aroma. Only natural red and white dry and semi-dry wines are used. In order to reduce acidity, very acidic wines are boiled down before drinking.
french customs
The French are proud of their democratic traditions, so they react painfully to emphasizing, as it seems to them, social and racial inequality. The contempt of a Frenchman can be aroused by a hint of skin color or by calling a waiter "garcon". The French are traditionally friendly to the Russians.
The usual tip is 5-10% (of course, at your discretion). It is customary to tip waiters, maids, hotel porters, and taxi drivers. Sometimes the restaurant bill says "service compris", which means "tips are included in the price."
Transport system of France
France has an extensive network railways and the fastest in Europe high speed train system TGV. The fare depends on the distance, train class, travel time and age of the passenger. At the entrance to the platform, you need to compost train tickets, there are also controllers on the trains themselves. Public transport in France is the subway (in paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Rouen), buses and, in some cities, trams. The Paris metro consists of 16 lines and runs from 5:30 to 00:30. Travel tickets can be purchased at all stations, as well as at some tobacconists. Buses usually run from 06:30 to 00:30 in major cities and until 20:30 in the provinces. Tickets can be purchased at tobacconists, special ticket sales points, as well as on the bus itself. Taxis can usually be found at special parking lots or ordered by phone. It is almost impossible to hail a taxi on the street. Outside, at the front window of each taxi, there is a counter with a flag: raised - the taxi is free, lowered - busy. There are two payment rates: a weekday rate and a weekend, holiday and night rate. There is an additional charge for taxis and luggage. To rent a car, you need to have an international driver's license, a passport and a credit card. The driver must be at least 21 years old and have at least a year of driving experience. Car rental offices are located in hotels, airports, railway stations and city centers.
Time in France
The entire territory of the country is in a single time zone - GMT + 1. France practices the transition to "summer time", so the time difference with Moscow is minus 3 hours, and from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October - minus 2 hours.
Customs regulations in France
The number of imported and exported means of payment is not limited. Cash and securities in excess of 7.5 thousand euros (or other currency equivalent) are subject to declaration. Foreign currency converted into euros can only be re-translated into foreign currencies up to the equivalent of 800 euros.
In addition to personal items, you can import duty-free up to 1 liter of spirits, drinks with a strength of less than 22 ° - up to 2 liters, 2 liters of wine, 200 pcs. cigarettes, 500 g of coffee (or 200 g of coffee extracts), up to 50 g of perfume (toilet water - up to 250 g), tea - 100 g (or 40 g of tea extracts), as well as food (fish - up to 2 kg, caviar - 250 g, products of animal origin - up to 1 kg) and other goods (for persons over 15 years old) in the amount of 15 euros (for children - 10 euros).
Attention! Labeling of food expiration dates is mandatory.
The import and export of drugs, objects of historical value, weapons and ammunition, as well as animals and plants listed as endangered species are prohibited. When importing medicines for personal use, no permit is required, but you must have a prescription issued by a doctor or lawyer with you.
Plants, animals and plant products must be presented to quarantine officials. Animals must have a certificate of vaccination, as well as medical certificate in French, issued no earlier than five days before departure.
Export discount in France
You will be able to benefit from the exemption from French VAT - "TVA" provided that: 1) the value of your purchases in the same store is 300 € (in some stores starting from 250 €); 2) upon purchase, you will issue a "bordereau" - an inventory for export; 3) you will leave European Community within 3 months. On the day of departure, you need to present the bordereau received in the store to the customs service (along with the purchased goods - for a possible inspection). You will receive the refund upon your return to your country by check by mail or by transfer to a credit card, either at the airport at a specially authorized bank, or at a special Tax Free for Tourists kiosk. This system does not apply to food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco
Telephone codes, internet, electricity in France
France - 33, city codes: Paris - 1, Bordeaux - 56, Cannes - 93, Strasbourg - 88, Marseille - 91, Lyon - 78, Nice - 93. You can call from pay phones that work with phone cards that are sold in post offices or tobacconists. There are discounts for calls: from 22.30 to 08.00 on weekdays and from 14.00 on weekends.
Police - tel: 17
Ambulance - tel.: 15, in Paris - 48-87-27-50
Fire brigade - 18
Information in Russian: 01-40-07-01-65
International roaming is provided by all major mobile operators.
The Internet is available everywhere - at airports, railway stations, hotels, shopping centers, ordinary cafes and Internet cafes.
Mains voltage 220 V, 50 Hz, European type sockets.
Sights of France
Embassy and Consulate of Russia in France
Address: Paris, Boulevard Lannes, m. "Avenue Foch", tel.: 01-45-04-05-50.
Photo galleries
- Club Med Arcs Altitude Ski Town (now Club mmv Altitude Hotel)
- Club Med Cargese, Corsica
- Club Med Opio en Provence, France
- Ski town Club Med Valmorel (France)
- Plaza Athenee Hotel Paris
- Ski resort Club Med Chamonix Mont-Blanc
- Club Med Valmorel
- Township renovation Club Med Opio en Provence
- Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon
- Club Med Les Arcs Panorama
French cuisine is considered one of the best in the world. Its most famous products are croissant buns, chocolate bread, baguette, long loaves, as well as burgundy snails, eggs "cocotte" with tarragon, pancakes from "socca" pea flour, sausages in Lyon, lobsters with parsley, pie from onion "pisladier" and, of course, onion soup. Plus, the obligatory use of a variety of sauces (more than 3000 recipes) and many spices.
At the same time, each region of the country has its own traditional cuisine, often completely different from the "neighbors".
The cuisine of Provence, Languedoc and Gascony is distinguished by its sharpness and extensive use of wines and spices for cooking. On the coast of the Loire, you can taste extraordinary dishes from dandelion leaves and freshwater fish. Alsatian cuisine is very similar to German cuisine.
The cuisine of Burgundy is famous for its cheeses ("chaurs", "vezeley", "macone", "epuas", "charolais" and "sumantran"), sausages "chablis", chicken in red wine, mustard from Dijon, snails in Burgundy, goat cheese from Macon, poultry from Bresse, parsley ham, Burgundy truffles and the famous Charolais beef. Ot cider and blackcurrant liqueur are very popular.
Brittany is widely known for its "marine cuisine", almost all edible representatives of the marine fauna are used here, and fish, oysters, crabs, lobsters, lobsters and shrimp are used to prepare every second dish. Also popular are "crepes" - a kind of pancakes with a variety of fillings.
Normandy is famous for its dairy products, primarily cheese ("Camembert", "Pont-Leveque", "Livaro", "Nefchatel", etc.), sour cream and mushrooms, added to almost all dishes, as well as Virsky sausage and "true normand" - apple popsicles in Calvados.
The cuisine of Provence is primarily "bouillabaisse" of various types of fish with "rouille" sauce, fresh mussels in onion broth with spices, boat-shaped bread - "navette", crab and fish dishes with sauce or fried with anise liqueur on the grill , fish soup with garlic sauce - "burrida", vegetable ragout "ratatouille" and lamb stew, Provencal tomatoes, goat cheese, truffles and more, all richly seasoned with olive oil. And, of course, the famous "nougat" from Montelimar.
Corsica is famous for its brocchio sheep's milk cheeses, coppa ham, fig jam, mint and cheese omelets, game, corn porridge, seafood, delicious sweets, several types of honey and strawberry jam. Fine meat dishes are prepared here - chestnut soup with onions and garlic in meat broth, pork fillet "lonzu", ham "prizuttu", bacon with eggs or baked potatoes "panzetta" and smoked liverwurst "figatella". The most popular "fruits" on the island are the sweet chestnut, from which a huge number of dishes are made, as well as the Corsican variety of tangerines - "clementine".
French wines deserve a separate discussion. France produces thousands of varieties of excellent wine "of all colors", the vineyards are considered the national treasure of this country, which gave the world cognac (in its modern sense), champagne and the famous Armagnac. The magnificent red wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy were considered the "liquid currency of Europe" in the Middle Ages. Brittany and Normandy are famous for their cider (a sparkling apple-based drink with an alcohol content of about 3-5%) and calvados (a distillation product of cider aged two or three years using cognac technology, with a “strength” of more than 40%), which began to be produced here back in 13th century Corsican wines are more tart and aromatic than "continental" varieties, and are made from several grape varieties. Known varieties such as Schiacharelli and Nielucci, dry white wines from Vermentino, aperitif Cap Corse, Corsican vodka Aquavita, Ratafia liqueur, numerous liqueurs from myrtle, lemon, strawberry, orange, plum and walnut guilt.
With how many countries? This question is not as trivial as it seems. This country is large, approximately equal in area to Ukraine. And who are her neighbors? And where, in fact, is such a state as France? To say that in Western Europe would be true. But this answer is incomplete. After all, France still has the so-called overseas territories, which used to be nothing more than colonies. And if you take into account these countries and islands, then the number of neighbors will increase.
The answer to the question of whom France borders on also depends on whether we take into account the sea cordons of this power or only the land ones. Indeed, in the first case, Great Britain is included in the number of neighbors. Paris and London are connected by an underground road and rail tunnel across the English Channel. And this already allows us to call France and its old rival Great Britain close neighbors. And with whom else does this country border? Read about it in our article.
Geographical position
In terms of territory, France is the largest state in Western Europe. Its area is 551.5 thousand square meters. km. France is usually divided into the "central part", that which is located in the Old World, that is, in Western Europe, and "overseas territories". The first includes a large one lying near the coast of the country in the Mediterranean Sea. But even without taking into account its and overseas territories, mainland "central" (or "old") France still leads in terms of area among Western European states. Its territory on the continent is 545,630 square kilometers. A quick glance at the map gives us an idea that France is bordered by three countries: Germany and Italy to the east, and Spain to the southwest. But this opinion is wrong.
Watch out for the "dwarfs"!
Next to the giant countries, such as Germany and Spain (which are slightly inferior to France in terms of territory), very small states also took refuge. This is primarily Switzerland. It, unlike France, is not a member of the European Union, it retains its own currency. But Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Agreement. In the northeast, in close proximity to France, is Belgium. This country is included in the EU, and in the Schengen agreement, and in the distribution zone of the euro currency. In the east, France borders on Germany. But one dwarf state squeezed between them - Luxembourg. Not far from the Franco-Italian border there is another tiny principality - Monaco. The Principality is an enclave, as it is surrounded on all sides by France. However, Monaco has its own private access to the sea. In the southwest, between France and Spain, another "dwarf" wedged. This is Andorra. The Principality is interesting because its co-rulers are equally (according to the medieval treaty of paréage) the Republic of France and the King of Spain. Andorra is not part of the Schengen area. Therefore, in order to come to this Iberian principality, which does not have airports, you theoretically need a multiple entry visa.
Who borders France on the European continent
Let's summarize. So, land borders make France a neighbor of seven European countries. These are Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Monaco on the east side and Spain and Andorra on the southwest side. If we take into account the sea cordons, then the UK also falls into this list. It is separated from France by the English Channel, the smallest width of which (between Calais and Dover) is only thirty-two kilometers.
The longest is the border with Spain. It runs through the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean. The length of this border is 623 kilometers. Only 3 km shorter cordon with Belgium. This is followed by Switzerland (573), Italy (488), Germany (451 kilometers). The length of cordons with dwarf countries is small due to the miniaturization of the latter. Among the small but independent principalities, Luxembourg has the longest border with France - 73 kilometers. Andorra (60 km) and Monaco (only four and a half kilometers) close the list.
Maritime frontiers
From the west, France is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, the state has no close neighbors on the other side of the world. We have already found out with whom France borders in the north. Across the English Channel lies the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In the Mediterranean Sea, French Corsica is closely adjacent to Sardinia, which is located to the south of it. This island belongs to Italy. However, France also has land borders with this Apennine state. If we add up all the maritime cordons of the republic, we get a fairly solid figure - five and a half thousand kilometers.
overseas territories
France has long been a metropolis and owned colonies. Now these territories are called differently. Nevertheless, they significantly expand the list of those countries with which France borders. Some of these territories are departments, that is, their inhabitants are considered full French citizens. These are: Guadeloupe, Mayotte, Martinique Reunion and Guiana.
There are also overseas communities. As a rule, they are located on the islands. These are French Polynesia, and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna. Among the territories owned by the Republic is New Caledonia, an administrative-territorial entity with a special status.
Saint Helena is owned by Great Britain. But the place of exile of Napoleon and the valley in which the emperor is buried belongs to France. The Republic also staked out Adélie Land in Antarctica. But this is contrary to UN rules, and claims to this territory are considered unfounded.
States bordering France "over the sea"
Based on the foregoing, the list of neighbors of the European state has expanded. Even if we do not take into account the islands and Adélie Land, the extent of land borders increases significantly. The longest is the cordon with Brazil - 730 kilometers. Suriname, which is adjacent to the west, has a common border with it 510 km. The shortest cordon in the overseas territories is on the island of Saint Martin. Its length is ten and a half kilometers. But this border divides a tiny piece of land into two halves. The southern part - Sint Maarten - is part of the Netherlands Antilles.
Author Nastya krupskaya asked a question in Other about cities and countries
which countries borders france and got the best answer
Answer from YOTASYAN WINCHESTER[guru]
1. Mayotte;
2. New Caledonia;
3. Saint Pierre and Miquelon;
4. Wallis and Futuna;
5. French Polynesia;
and 4 overseas regions:
1. Guadeloupe;
2. Martinique;
3. Reunion;
4. French Guiana. 
I have already answered the same question before. And 1 answer was impudently copied, since a male person personally checked A on the map =]
Source: 09/04/2011 13:24 (UTC+4)
Answer from Darkhan Urustimov[active]
It borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain and Andorra. (Personally checked on the map :)).
This is if we talk about the LAND borders of the MAIN part of the country located in EUROPE. In addition, France has overseas possessions in North and South America, the West Indies, the Indian and pacific ocean.
If you get into this jungle, then this:
1) Guadeloupe (islands in the eastern Caribbean)
2) Martinique (an island in the eastern Caribbean)
3) Reunion (an island east of Madagascar)
4) French Guiana (bordered in the west by Suriname, in the south and east by Brazil, in the north and northeast by the Atlantic Ocean).
5) Mayotte (located in the Mozambique Channel, in the western Indian Ocean, between northern Mozambique and northern Madagascar. Consists of the main island, Grande Terre (or Mahore), the smaller island of Petite Terre (or Pamanzi) and several other tiny islets Geographically refers to the Comoros).
6) Saint Barthelemy (a group of islands in the Caribbean)
7) Saint Martin (part of an island in the Caribbean)
8) Saint Pierre and Miquelon (located on small islands in the Atlantic Ocean, a few dozen kilometers south of Newfoundland)
9) Wallis and Futuna (islands in the South Pacific, about 2/3 of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand)
10) French Polynesia (130 islands located in the South Pacific).
11) New Caledonia (a group of islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean)
But how appropriate it is to talk about the neighborhood across the sea with the UK - I doubt it. Because in most reference books, the emphasis is on LAND borders.
Answer from Vologda lace maker[guru]
At your age, it would be time to learn how to use the card, and not ask for an answer from good uncles and aunts.
Answer from Marina astafieva[guru]
Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and small: Luxembourg, Andorra, Monaco.
Answer from Veronika Zaitseva[newbie]
FRANCE borders Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast; with Germany in the northeast and east; with Switzerland in the east; with Monaco and Italy in the southeast; with Spain and Andorra in the southwest.
Also under the sovereignty of France are 6 overseas territories:
1. Mayotte;
2. New Caledonia;
3. Saint Pierre and Miquelon;
4. Wallis and Futuna;
5. French Polynesia;
6. French Southern and Antarctic Territories.
and 4 overseas regions:
1. Guadeloupe;
2. Martinique;
3. Reunion;
4. French Guiana.
All these territories are islands except French Guiana.
FRENCH GUIANA borders Suriname to the west; with Brazil to the south and east.
LOCATION OF FRENCH GUIANA:
I have already answered the same question here before. And 1 answer was impudently copied, since a male person personally checked A on the map =]
