France is the dream of many tourists. Graceful streets, refined French women, brilliant palaces... But what to bring from France? A rare tourist leaves here without a handful of Eiffel towers-trinkets. However, in this country there are more interesting souvenirs.
The French are great gourmets. Gourmet cuisine will captivate travelers from Russia and not only so much that the choice often falls on edible presents. Perhaps we will begin our review with them.
1. Foie gras as a gift
One of the culinary symbols of France is foie gras. Considered a delicacy, this dish is as popular with tourists as the famous frog legs and French croissants.
The production of foie gras has long been put on stream, often in specialized shops and even ordinary supermarkets you can find this dish in souvenir packaging. As a rule, it is placed in a thoroughly closed glass or ordinary tin can. The main thing is to check the expiration date. Of course, this option bears little resemblance to a gourmet dish from a restaurant with a Michelin star, but it is suitable for an original souvenir.
What is foie gras? In fact, this is a pate made from goose liver. By the way, the poor bird suffers incredibly for the sake of this delicacy. She is force-fed by inserting a tube down her throat, through which corn constantly goes. As a result, the feathered liver increases 10 times, fat is formed there, which gives the dish a signature unique taste. Foie gras is translated from French as "fatty liver".
Animal advocates regularly campaign for a ban on this delicacy. Some countries have stopped producing it (Germany, Poland, Italy). But the French still cannot deny themselves such pleasure.
2. French alcohol
An alcoholic drink from France will become a universal present. French wines, cognac and, of course, champagne are highly valued all over the world.
An elegant bottle of French wine is a gift that first of all speaks of the good taste of the giver. The French love to live beautifully and are well versed in wines, so there is simply no cheap surrogate here. There are good and very good wines.
- Premier or Grant cru is the most elite wine, aged for more than 30 years, and the price is more than 700 euros.
- AOC - the best wines of certain provinces, made from a limited list of grape varieties, excise green.
- VDSQ is a good quality wine that can be made using a much larger number of grape varieties.
- VDP - wine from certain regions, the production of which is strictly controlled. But this is a more democratic option - the excise tax is blue.
- VDT - good table wine at an affordable price, excise burgundy.
Another pattern that applies to both wine and cognac and champagne: the less remarkable the label, the better the taste. By the way, in France only drinks produced in the Champagne region are called champagne, everything else is local sparkling wines.
For men, it is preferable to bring cognac. Moreover, only a drink produced in the vicinity of the city of the same name in the French province deserves to be called so. Charente. It is made from certain grape varieties and distinguished by aging. The most noble has the letters “XO” on the label.
3. Cheese delicacies
France has a huge selection of cheeses, and each one has a bright character and taste. After tasting them on a trip, you can choose a favorite variety or a delicacy option home.
Buying cheese as a present is the day before, or better, on the day of departure. You can transport it in a regular suitcase. Sealed packaging must not be opened. True French cheese is stored for no more than 4 days, so you should not delay the home tasting, and upon arrival you must immediately put the product in the refrigerator.
The most famous French cheeses:
- Bleu d "Auvergne. Blue cheese. Made from cow's milk.
- Bree. Also made from cow's milk. Cheese with white mold.
- Roquefort. Produced from sheep's milk. This is the famous blue cheese.
- Camembert. It has a moldy rind, and the inside of the cheese is moist and soft. Sold in a wooden box.
- Emmental. Hard grade with large holes. Production takes a long time - from 6 months to a year.
4. Original goodies
An unusual dessert - cider jam - will be a great gift for those with a sweet tooth. It has a fairly liquid consistency and an indescribable aroma of true cider - the aroma of France.
You can also pay attention to chestnut jam and classic French sweets.
Fans of more traditional desserts will love pasta. Beautiful and delicious round cakes made from almond flour.
5. Dijon mustard
As the name implies, the recipe for this mustard was invented in Dijon. Instead of vinegar, grape juice is added to it.
Now in France there are a huge number of varieties of Dijon mustard, in some of them white wine is added instead of juice.
6. Provence herbs
Almost every housewife knows about this excellent seasoning, which has unique flavors. It is named after the province Provence and consists of herbs growing on its territory.
This seasoning is able to turn any dish into a culinary masterpiece, so it will be a relevant gift for anyone who knows how to cook.
7. Violets as a gift
This souvenir is also from the category of culinary ones, because we are talking about a French delicacy - candied violets. His homeland is Toulouse- there, by the way, you can even buy violet ice cream and syrup.
8. Limoges porcelain
Incredibly beautiful porcelain tableware is a great premium gift. V Limoges use a unique technology for its production, thanks to which the base is distinguished by a unique whiteness, and the patterns - by brightness and clarity. Add to this the excellent refined taste inherent in all the French, and you get real masterpieces of porcelain.
9. Ladies' things
And what is France without spirits! The subtle, refined aroma of the most famous brands is associated with this country as steadily as the Louvre or Versailles. Chanel, Cartier, Guerlain, Givenchy, Christian Dior - popular French brands can be listed endlessly.
If you want to buy the best perfumes - take a bottle with the inscription "Essence de parfum", they contain more essence than alcohol.
Beautiful ladies who are indifferent to perfume can be presented with cosmetics. The selection is also impressive - Estée Lauder, Dior, Clarins, Clinique and many other global brands. They can be purchased in branded boutiques and pharmacies.
Communication in France is good. Payphones can be found even in a distant village. If you intend to use just this type of communication, then stock up on a card in advance, for example, with a face value of 10 euros at any kiosk or store.
If you will use mobile communications, then you should choose an SFR mobile operator, since it is considered the best in terms of coverage. You will be provided with communication even in the mountains, which is very important for skiers. A SIM card will cost approximately 30 euros. The average cost of a call to Russia is 1.5 euros per minute.
Most likely, you decide to use the mobile Internet, including for calls. Therefore, it will be more profitable to immediately purchase a SIM card for 10 euros, pay 30 euros for unlimited Internet and use all the features - communication, the Internet, and applications on the phone, for example, Google maps.
With free Wi-Fi in France, everything is also not bad. It is provided in many public places: hotels, bars, restaurants, museums, parks, and, of course, McDonald's.
Language and communication
All the French are united by an incredible love not only for their country, but also for their language. Therefore, even a Frenchman who knows English may refuse to speak it. Since knowing English does not always help communication here, knowing at least the basic phrases necessary for communication in French is simply a must!
Features of the French mentality
The French are crazy patriots in everything! They prefer French food and drinks, they want to communicate only in French, drive cars of the French car industry, listen to songs performed by French singers, and in spite of everything, they idolize Napoleon Bonaparte!
For the most part, the French are very smiling, polite and sociable, which is a bit unusual for us. The norms of behavior and morality are the words "please" and "I'm sorry." If they are looking at you, it is not customary to look away. You need to smile back, otherwise you will be considered a rude person. French kisses are sacred: even if you are not familiar with someone, be prepared to be kissed on both cheeks twice: at a meeting and goodbye.
Shopping in France
It is profitable to go to France for the purpose of shopping during the sales season. But even at this time, lovers of low prices will be disappointed. After all, you need to come here not for discounts, but for originality, quality and genuine brands. Basically, tourists buy French cosmetics and perfumes, branded clothes and accessories, world-famous delicacies, especially cheese and wine.
You can easily find high-end boutiques in Paris as they are concentrated in the city center. If you are interested in more democratic clothing brands, you should visit Osman Boulevard and Rivoli Street, where Naf-Naf, Zara, Marks & Spencer's and others are represented. They certainly have retail chains in Russia, but they differ radically in assortment.
In France, there are a huge number of outlets where you can shop all year round with discounts of up to 70%, their addresses can be easily found on the Internet.
It is worth visiting the flea market at least once. Here you will find original items made of antique silver, paintings, decor items, dishes or even furniture.
Important! In Paris, some goods are much more expensive than in the provinces. It is usually impossible to exchange or return an item bought on sale. From purchases (not less than 175 euros in one check), you can return VAT (TVA) equal to 12% of the cost, for which you must issue a tax-free check before paying.
Kitchen. Where and what to eat in France?
Food in France is a real cult. The French are very fond of, and most importantly, they know how to cook. They know how to combine products and tastes that are completely incompatible for us, for example, meat with berries, cheese with chocolate, spicy with sweet. In the preparation of many dishes, regardless of whether it is the first, second or dessert, chefs use alcohol, which, in their opinion, gives the dishes a special taste.
Baguette & croissant. Traditional french food. You will be captivated by French baguettes and croissants, even if you thought you were completely indifferent to pastries.
Wine&cheese. The selection is incredible! More than 400 types of cheeses for every taste are officially registered in France alone. It is believed that the stronger the cheese smells, the better it is! In every good restaurant you will be offered both a wine list and a cheese list. In France, you will definitely not be served bad wine, in addition, in different regions of the country you will have the opportunity to taste the wines characteristic of this particular area and find your own taste and aroma.
Frog legs, oysters, foie gras, snails. These delicacies are relatively expensive. But this is haute French cuisine and worth a try. By the way, the opinion that frog legs can be ordered in any restaurant is wrong! They are not cooked everywhere, and, by the way, not every Frenchman can boast that he knows what they taste like.
Desserts. In France, simply luxurious desserts. Cakes with fruit, pies, creme brulee, soufflés, waffles, gingerbread, cakes, cookies and, of course, macaroons and profiteroles! Forget about the diet for the duration of the trip and enjoy!
Each of the 20 regions has its own gastronomic peculiarities. So, in Champagne- tasting real champagne, Burgundy- Burgundy wines, Dijon mustard, snails and cassis - blackcurrant liqueur. Alsatian cuisine largely absorbed the German culinary traditions. The main dishes here are warm sauerkraut with pork knuckle, various sausages, Münster cheese, Kugelhopf cake, white wines. French culinary mecca region of Aquitaine. Here are the famous Bordeaux wines, and Perigord truffles, and oysters from Arcachon, and foie gras. To Normandy we go for Calvados and cheeses, the most famous of them are Camembert, Livaro, Pont-l'Eveque, Neuchâtel. Well and to Brittany— for the freshest seafood, buckwheat pancakes and cider.
And most importantly: try to eat where the locals eat!
Holidays and events
Cannes International Film Festival
The festival is a prestigious and widely publicized event in the artistic world. For 10 days, stars, film professionals and fans of the big screen from all over the world gather in Cannes: 10,000 accredited professionals, about 4,000 journalists. It was the Cannes Festival that made Cannes what it is - not just a fashionable resort, but also the center of social life for the whole world. The city attracts mega-stars for only two weeks in mid-May, but a brilliant trail trails behind the famous festival throughout the year.
Bastille Day
The French call this day National Day. Celebrations on a grand scale are held throughout the country, but it is celebrated especially enchantingly in Carcassonne.
Every year on July 14 at 22:30, an unforgettable show takes place here - a grandiose fireworks, which annually gathers up to 1 million spectators. 25 minutes of a wonderful pyrotechnic show over the castle, a real storm of blooming colorful fiery flowers!
Carnival in Nice
Carnival in Nice is the most beautiful and noisy celebration on the French Riviera and one of the three largest in the world. These are two weeks of concerts, night and day processions of giant dolls, flower battles, when millions of roses, cyclomens, mimosas, violets and carnations, as well as confetti are poured from huge baskets onto the heads of the audience.
The procession of dolls is always led by the King of the Carnival, as high as a six-story building. He is carried on a large platform, on which smaller dolls dance and make faces. And after the platform, the whole royal army floats smoothly - "four-story" mermaids and "three-story" knights, "five-story" Harry Potter and "two-story" Snow White. Creeping dragons the size of a locomotive, swans, fish, bats.
Third Thursday of November. Bojo and all France
"God's new", new wine festival
Wine lovers from all over the world are waiting for this holiday and even call it the New Year of Wine. At the end, hundreds of thousands of bottles should be immediately sent to different parts of the world, because Beaujolais has a shelf life of 4 to 5 months! This wine is produced exclusively in Burgundy, and it is distinguished by tart cherry and currant notes on the palate.
First weekend of September. Lille
Annual flea market
Every year, for two days, Lille turns into a huge colorful bazaar - the streets are literally teeming with merchants of all stripes, selling both really nice gizmos and completely implausible rubbish. The Lille flea market is the largest in Europe. It has more than 100 km of stands! Every year, about 10,000 sellers take part in it, among which there are professionals and more than 2 million buyers both from France itself and from other countries.
Safety
In France, as in other European countries, pickpockets are active: at airports, train stations, in the subway, on the streets, especially in popular tourist areas.
You need to be prudent about motorcyclists who can snatch your bag and instantly disappear in an unknown direction.
It is worth being careful when visiting some districts of Paris and the so-called ethnic quarters (areas located near the West and North stations). Not only robbery can occur there, but also fraud, as a result of which you can get into the police. Of course, it is better not to appear here. Especially in the evening and at night, and even more so, alone.
5 tips that you will definitely need when traveling around the country
1. Perhaps the main advice is to be friendly, polite and smiling. Learn from the French to enjoy life and not rush anywhere!
2. In France, be sure to say hello to the staff at the hotel, shop, restaurant - everywhere! Etiquette for the native French is a sacred thing, and those who do not observe it will not wait for a decent service.
3. Keep your entrance tickets to the metro throughout the trip, as there are controllers in the French metro. The fine for traveling without a ticket is 50 euros.
4. The fine for smoking in the wrong place in France is 450 euros! Usually the police are limited to warning and explanation, but is it worth the risk?!
5. Do not take large banknotes of 200, and even more so 500 euros with you. They are extremely difficult to exchange due to the lack of change.
Paris is one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. People are ready to stand in line for hours to climb the Eiffel Tower, descend into the mysterious Catacombs or see world masterpieces in the Louvre. Of course, such a crowd of enchanted with money in their pockets attracts scammers of all stripes. We will talk about several common fraud schemes in the capital of France.
Bracelet for a scammer
This kind of "divorce" can be encountered at the foot of the magnificent Sacré Coeur - the usual place of deployment of strong guys ("Afro-French"), quickly surrounding the crowd of a person who wants to climb to the cathedral. They offer to weave a bracelet of threads on the hand.
This company looks quite arrogant and threatening, not everyone dares to refuse. It is best to pass by them, joining a large tourist group. If this does not work out, then it is better to politely but clearly refuse the offer and, without delay, move on.
What happens to those who are deceived? After the thread, the price of which is 3 kopecks, is tied, the tourist is required to pay for a souvenir. Usually in the amount of 10 euros. They will try to talk you, making compliments, trying to chat in a language you know or in some other way - in all these cases, if you want to keep your money and property with you, ignore and pass by.
Gypsies are everywhere
There are many gypsies in Paris, especially in the most crowded tourist spots. Of course, not all representatives of this people are involved in crime. But with most of them, you are unlikely to enjoy close communication.
At the Eiffel Tower, at Notre Dame Cathedral, at Montmartre - in almost all famous places in the city you can see groups of young women with strange folders in their hands. They approach all foreigners passing by, pestering them with the same phrase: “speak English?”. As soon as a gullible tourist makes contact, tries to understand what is being offered to him, a simple scam begins.
Gypsies try to disguise themselves as ordinary Parisians, preferring jeans, T-shirts and sneakers to long skirts and massive jewelry. But gait, facial features, swarthy skin color, hair length and many other details still betray nationality. An attentive person will immediately notice that in the hands of these ladies are plastic tablets for paper, a bunch of signatures are affixed to the sheet. As soon as you positively answer the gypsy to her hackneyed question, she will instantly begin to offer you to sign some kind of petition allegedly related to charity.
Of course, all this is an ordinary "divorce". You will be asked to pay a few euros (5-10 euros) to contribute to a noble cause. It is quite possible that while you delve into the offer, other people's hands will already be in your bag. If you start shrugging it off, they will swear at you, because you just signed "on the document."
The most amazing thing about this story is that all this is happening in front of the eyes of the Parisian law enforcement agencies. Local law enforcement officers usually do not pay any attention to the groups of these smart ladies.
Don't give charity either. Especially when gypsies are sitting on the street with small children in their arms. With children who are often completely different from their mothers even in skin color, but that's another story ...
By the way, it is necessary to say separately about another category of gypsies who are engaged in theft in fashionable places. They disguise themselves as wealthy women (it would never occur to you that they are ordinary scammers), go into expensive cafes, shopping centers and discreetly rob tourists during a delicious dinner or shopping. Therefore, for example, in some restaurants, waiters will ask you every five minutes to keep your purse on your lap. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but you have to be patient.
“Free” toilets
It often happens that at the entrance to free public toilets near the sights there are people blatantly extorting money for entry. Some scammers say so: “Pay as much as you don’t mind!”. This is especially common, for example, in the same Sacré-Coeur.
Is it worth it to conflict and fight against a vicious system? The question is difficult. Most likely, you don’t need a showdown with local outcasts, it’s better to go further and use the toilet in another place if you are not going to pay scammers.
Souvenir attack
Like annoying flies, guys with bundles of eiffel towers and other souvenirs walk around the tourist points. There is nothing wrong with people wanting to make money. The bad thing is that at some point the intrusiveness and the number of sellers starts to get on your nerves. Especially if, instead of calmly enjoying the beautiful views, you have to worry about the safety of your property. In addition, often the same souvenirs can be bought elsewhere for much cheaper.
Dubious dating
This point is also very important. Do not trust too much new acquaintances, be on the lookout. This is especially true for women. Perhaps, while you are drawing in your head the wonderful prospects of marrying a foreigner and emigrating to your favorite country, the chosen one is already looking at your jewelry and thinking about the contents of your wallet.
In Vladivostok, we met French tourists who traveled by bus from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean in 50 days with the main goal of seeing as many Russian cities as possible, getting to know the culture and traditions of their inhabitants.
Vladivostok met tourists with foggy and cool weather. However, for many of them this is a familiar climate. They came from Brest - a small French town, which is also located on the ocean, only the Atlantic, reports.
“I live on the seashore. But your sea smells stronger of iodine. We don’t smell like that in France,” said tourist Jacques Poisson.
27 Frenchmen left their business in their homeland and went on the "Journey of the Century" - a bus tour from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. And most of the route in Russia.
“Since childhood, my husband dreamed of getting to the Pacific Ocean. We thought for a long time how to do it. He wanted to go by car with friends, but it didn’t work out. And now, the dream has come true. We are very happy,” said tourist Manik Shotaye.
16 thousand 300 kilometers of road - for Jean-Pierre Laban, this is the longest trip in the entire 35-year career of a driver. Decided on such a tour for the second time. In 2014, he also drove a group from French Brest to Russia. He says that in two years the roads have become much better.
“After this trip, I realized that 50 days behind the wheel is the maximum for me. Well, in general, I am very glad that everything ended successfully,” said bus driver Jean-Pierre Laban.
This is a unique opportunity for Europeans to see not only Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tourists have seen more than 26 cities of Russia. In Novosibirsk, the French were told how tea is brewed in a samovar, they had a picnic on the shores of Lake Baikal and were treated to local hot-smoked omul. In Vladivostok, tourists were greeted with a dance of sailors and a loaf.
“I tried many dishes of Russian cuisine and even got fat. I liked your soups and how meat is cooked,” said tourist Jonik Shoseru.
Michel Salen has been to Russia 98 times. But, he only traveled to Ulan-Ude, and then by train. Connecting two oceans and seeing all of Russia is his idea.
“It was possible to make such a trip by plane, but you can’t see anything from the plane, by train, but you won’t see much either, the best option is by bus to see your wonderful country,” said Michel Salen.
The Ministry of Culture has declared this year the year of cross-tourism between Russia and France. The Journey of the Century route is also scheduled for 2017. The French are already making reservations. It is planned that the bus will leave Russia not empty, but with a group of our tourists.
Vladivostok is the final point in the Journey of the Century route. Here tourists will be introduced to the eastern culture of Russia. They will not go home by bus, but by plane.
Olga Skripnikova, Sergey Drobyshev. Far Eastern Bureau of TV Center. Vladivostok.
General information about France
Capital:
Paris is one of the most attractive cities for shopping and entertainment.
Square:
551500 sq. km.
Population:
59 million, these numbers have been constant for many years, the younger generation does not seek to leave their homes in search of work.
Currency unit:
Euro.
Religion:
Catholicism.
Official language:
French.
Big cities:
Nantes, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse.
According to their state system France is a republic, and one of the oldest in Europe. The role of parliament in governing the country is enormous, but the president is endowed with significant powers.
Geographic location and climate
The location of the territory of the state is the most acceptable for recreation and living. In the northwestern part of the coast are washed by the English Channel, which is the water border with Great Britain. In the west, the state is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, from the northern part you can get directly to Luxembourg and Belgium, in the east Germany and Switzerland have spread their possessions.
A wide variety of landscape zones makes the country extraordinary: most of the area is flat, 1/3 is the French Alps, the highest point of which is Mont Blanc.
The coast from the southeast is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, in some places there is rocky terrain, mostly pebble beaches.
The climate is temperate, it is characterized by mild, wet winters, subtropics dominate in the south.
The plains on the southern coast experience all the delights of the Mediterranean climate - there is practically no frost, the summer is dry and hot, in spring and autumn - torrential short-term rains. Experienced tourists advise caution when going on vacation to the south of the country, as a piercing cold wind, the mistral, blows from the Rhone Valley for at least 100 days a year.
JOURNEY IN FRANCE
Traditions and culture
France- a truly great country in historical and cultural terms. The traditions of numerous provinces can be contradictory and very different from each other.
The main part is inhabited by modern French, who are descendants of the original inhabitants, as well as tribes, which in different times seized lands (Romans, Scandinavian Vikings, Gauls). Enough in the east of the country a large number of residents of Italian origin. Each estate carries its own distinctive culture, which changes over time.
Among the most interesting rituals are:
- eating - the table etiquette of the scrupulous French is always on top, it is from this country that the roots of a beautiful table setting, rules of conduct during a meal come from;
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the taboo of English speech is an unspoken rule based on an unshakable love for one's native speech;
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On December 24, every family hosts a grand reveillon dinner: a baked turkey with chestnuts, a pie and foie gras are always on the table.
Painting and literature
France known throughout the world as the birthplace of the greatest artists, the Impressionists, Renoir and Monet began to work here. In Montmartre, many creators of paintings and sculptures drew inspiration. Many workshops are open in this region, exhibitions and vernissages are held.
Dumas, Hugo and Balzac are names that are famous all over the world today. It was in this country that they lived and created their immortal works. Several of the literary masterpieces have been made into films and musicals.
Sights of France
Associations of tourists with the country are traditional - the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees and the Cote d'Azur. Many do not even realize the huge number of historical monuments present in each city.
Forest of Fontainebleau
- located 50 km from the capital, if you move south. It is located in the vicinity of the city of the same name. On the territory of the forest there is a palace that has been preserved to this day (built in the 16th century). The total area is 25 thousand hectares, there are only two varieties of trees - pines and oaks, then there are picturesque plains, valleys, followed by moorlands. Fontainebleau is sung in Druon's novel about King Phillip. In the shade of the trees, he experienced stress and had a stroke, after a while he dies in the castle.
Bordeaux
located in the southwest, known for its large and beautiful squares. Entire ensembles built in the 18th century are devoid of pretentiousness and modernity; the architects focused on classicism. Almost all objects are on the UNESCO list. Vacationers will be interested in looking at the bay, tasting local cuisine and tasting wine, which is appreciated all over the world.
Lyon
- a unique city in which families with small children love to relax. This history Center France, in the vicinity of which there is a huge aquarium. Excursions here will allow you to get acquainted with thousands of varieties of marine abodes, touch some harmless fish and look at toothy sharks from afar. The main attractions can be considered the Cathedral of Saint-Jean, the triumph of Christian values - the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière, the Fourvière tower, rebuilt from metal and the Hotel Dieu. The last place is notable for the fact that the writer Rabelais stayed here.
Mont Saint Michel
- a small island on which a fortress rises in the form of a fairy-tale castle. Most of the time its spiers are shrouded in low, ragged clouds. At the very top of the spire (at an altitude of almost 155 meters above sea level) there is a figurine of an archangel skillfully made of gold, who raised a sharp sword up. From all sides the island is surrounded by the sea, only a narrow 2-kilometer dam connects it to the mainland. Many years ago, Victor Hugo, impressed by the appearance, called the castle "Pyramid in the ocean."
Reims
- a commune in the northeast, on the territory of which the Reims Cathedral is located. Its architectural style belongs to the Gothic category, built in the 13th century. Royal Square, the Carnegie Library, and the circus arena also deserve attention. In the suburbs, the most visited places are Pompeii Fort and Condé Castle.
Strasbourg
- located at the junction of two states - Germany and France. It is here that parliamentarians go to official meetings, there are several court buildings in which the most important international affairs take place. Every year, before every Christmas, an enchanting action is held in Strasbourg - a fair where you can buy gifts for yourself and your loved ones at huge discounts. The historical heart of the natives and guests is called " Big Island", which will conquer the discerning connoisseurs of architecture with its grandeur and variety of forms.
Chartres
- built on a hill among the plains, from any point you can admire the beauties of nature. City known for its cathedral. Visiting the Museum of Stained Glass, you can get acquainted not only with countless examples of stained glass art. It is also a workshop in which they are made; customers from all over Europe order stained glass compositions here. The Museum of Fine Arts is also very interesting for visitors with Western European exhibits and exhibitions held here regularly.
V wax museum
there are entire halls dedicated to historical events, starting from the time of Louis. The exhibits are dressed in the uniform of the police and the military of a distant time. Their realism strikes the imagination of even the most sophisticated tourists.
La Rochelle
belongs to the category of port towns, it is located on the coastline of the Bay of Biscay. The main attraction was the Old Harbor. It is surrounded on all sides by narrow half-timbered houses, each of which has a common structural feature - two separate exits and two facades, although the owner may be one person.
Cannes
- The most famous here will be the Croisette. Its length is several kilometers, it stretches along the coastline. On the one hand, you can go down to the sea, on the other hand, continue your journey through luxury shops and buy souvenirs and clothes.
HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE
France- one of the most romantic and colorful countries, which has everything for a comfortable and memorable vacation. In order to leave only vivid and pleasant impressions of your stay in this wonderful country, we have collected the most necessary and relevant information for tourists in our guide to France.
Helpful information
Visa to France
In order for Russians to enter this wonderful country, a visa is required. For the purpose of tourism 
to receive a Schengen visa, the period to be expected at the embassy is from 3 to 7 working days. The visa issuing authorities do not work on holidays, in some cases the visa issuance period can be extended up to 1 month without explanation.
After submitting the documents, you need to pay a fee in rubles. Rules for submitting documents:
- it is necessary to collect and submit to the French Embassy a package of certificates and copies 90 days before the date of the intended trip;
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there must be an invitation from a representative of the state and it can be used only once;
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You can repeat the process if you need to correct the documents.
The Embassy in Moscow is located at: st. Bolshaya Yakimanka, 45, telephone for information: 937-14-30.
Customs regulations
Officially, there is no ban on the import of foreign currency into the country, if the amount of cash exceeds 7,500 euros, it must be declared.
When a tourist reaches the age of 17, he is allowed to have with him: cigarettes - 200 pcs. or 250 g of tobacco,coffee (500 g) and tea (100 g), fish 2 kg, perfumery - 50 ml. It is strictly forbidden to import goods that imitate French brands, fakes and copies of things, shoes. Having narcotic substances with him, the tourist will be detained at the airport until the circumstances are clarified. It is forbidden to import toys, antiques, explosive substances dangerous for children.
You can export: tobacco products (800 cigarettes),alcohol (strong drinks - 10 l, wine - 90 l).
It is strictly forbidden to export antiques and materials containing pornographic elements.
Memo to tourists
In general, it is safe for tourists in the country, but you need to follow certain rules: do not walk in the dark 
through poor neighborhoods and those that are unfamiliar; It is better not to carry original documents with you, but only their copies; Check your bank account balance after making a purchase.
As in any state at stations, near commuter trains and in public transport pickpockets work. Do not take a large amount of cash with you. In order to protect your rights, you can contact one of the nearest police commissariats, if the city or village is small - with similar problems they go to the mayor's office. Specialists will help to draw up a statement, which will become the basis for compensation of damage to the tourist by the insurance company.
Before the trip, you should familiarize yourself with the list of dangerous areas of the provinces, to which sometimes even a taxi will not take you at night.
Smoking
Cigarettes (cigars, cigarillos) France are very expensive, if the habit is stronger than financial problems - it is better to take a few packs with you. Locals make self-rolled cigarettes from paper and home-grown or purchased tobacco. If they see that a tourist has arrived with his cigarettes, they will certainly ask to take one, but instead they snatch as many as they can. It is better to take one with your own hands and give it to the one who asks. Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places.
Mobile and fixed communication
You can call relatives and friends from a street pay phone or a hotel room. The first option is much cheaper, but it is less comfortable.
To save money, you can buy a special phone card at the nearest kiosk, the account of which is replenished depending on the needs of the tourist. Coin operated phones are much rarer, they are installed in bars and cafes.
You can keep in touch via the Internet, there are free access points at airports and public institutions, connecting to them is a matter of a few minutes (by setting up a mobile gadget).
Emergency numbers:
- rescue service - 112;
- fire department - 18;
- ambulance - 15;
- police - 17.
Prices in France
You can pay in shops and other public institutions only in euros - this is the only one at the moment 
the currency used in the country. The trip can be expensive or economical, it all depends on the choice of the traveler:dine in an expensive restaurant or a cozy budget cafe,order an excursion to the museum or take advantage of a free visit day and a discount,buy branded clothes of a new or old collection at a sale.
It is better to take cash with you and credit card, which can be paid almost everywhere where there is a special mark at the entrance to a store or cafe. The only limitation is that it is better to issue a special international card for these purposes, on which there is a microchip.
The abundance of ATMs allows you to withdraw the required amount at any time, and exchange offices will change rubles or another monetary unit. It is advisable to do this on the territory of your country, so the savings will be impressive only on the exchange rate.
The network of banks is quite developed, the largest of them are: Central, Credit Agricole. General opening hours from 9:00 to 12:00, after a break from 14:00 to 17:00. Financial institutions are closed on holidays and the day before, on weekends.
It is customary to leave tips for taxi drivers, waiters and sellers. As part of a good tone, their size is approximately 5%. The money for the service is already included in the total cost, if you wish, you can not leave a personal thank you.
Transport links in France
The country is one of the most comfortable for travelers in terms of organizing transfers and moving around cities and beyond.
Airports in France
It is most convenient to use the air corridor. In Russia, passenger services are handled by Transaero and Aeroflot. Travel time is minimal - 3-4 hours, depending on weather conditions and objective circumstances. The time difference with the capital of Russia is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer. In the high season (summer) the cost of the air ticket will be higher, by autumn it will decrease.To save money, you need to book tickets about two months in advance using the service early booking. The largest airports in France:Charles de Gaulle (located 25 km from Paris), Orly (13 km), Paris Beauvais (85 km),Marseille Provence (27 km from Marseille).
public transport
Inside the country, moving around is very easy and fast, there is practically no crowd at stops, despite the large number of tourists visiting each region every year. The transport system is thought out by the developers to the smallest detail, there are a lot of signs and it is unrealistic to confuse anything.
For those who want to save money, there are offers to buy tickets, it is quite possible to do without a taxi. Their cost is different depending on the city, on average, one trip will cost a tourist 2 euros. Tickets are sold in special machines at public stops or ticket offices. You can also buy a one-stop travel card, which will be valid on a single route.
The main transport is buses, they run strictly on schedule and are never late. Special routes run at night. Additional means of transportation are metro, trams and electric trains.
Bike rental
Almost no one travels to the country with their bike, but this will not be a problem. There are special rental points that can give a vehicle for a certain time for a moderate fee.
Railroad trips
The railway is relevant for those who seek to save money (an airplane will cost much more, there may be a fear of taking off into the air, especially for those who have never flown).
There are two direct trains from Moscow all year round to Paris and Nice, they leave from the Belorussky railway station. Cars come in 3 classes: 2, 1 and coupe Lux. The latter option will give maximum comfort on the way: it has a double bed, an armchair, a TV, a table, a mini-bar. Breakfast is free and the room on wheels has a shower room and a separate toilet.
Moscow-Paris
Travel time 38 hours 30 minutes.
Estimated price range for tickets: 347-1116 euros.
Departure: summer period - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday; winter - Thursday and Sunday
Moscow-Nice
Travel time 48 hours 20 minutes.
Cost: 321-1133 euros.
Departure: Thursdays.
When ordering a ticket, indicate the age of the passenger, if he is under 26 or over 60 years old, the travel document is issued at a discount. Several people enter one, unlike domestic countries. The maximum number of passengers is 6.
Water transport
In almost every city where there is access to the sea, water vehicles ply. It is not used for transport purposes, it is more a service sector for the entertainment needs of tourists.
In Paris, you can book an unusual river cruise. Yacht trips in Cannes are very popular. The island of Corsica can be reached from one of the ports on the Côte d'Azur.
There are also cruise ships departing from the river embankment. The ticket can be purchased directly on the spot before departure, but it is better to book a cabin reservation in advance. This will give confidence that there will be free places upon arrival. It is better to contact one of the trusted cruise companies, you can do this before leaving your country on the official website of the companies: Croise Europe, Locaboat, Viking Rivers.
The cruise is not a one-day event, it lasts approximately 8-9 days. For recreation, special motor ships are organized, in which there are restaurants, cozy rooms and premises for public events. In ports and cities, ships stop to interrupt the voyage for an excursion, tasting of local cuisine and wine.
Holidays in France at sea
The country attracts tourists with the opportunity to soak up the beaches. Most of them belong to municipalities, 
so there is no entry fee. In the case of private ownership, you will have to pay approximately 20 euros per day per person. Children can be provided with more loyal terms in terms of payment. You can enter and leave the beach area countless times, this amount also includes the use of an umbrella, a warm shower, a comfortable sunbed, a toilet and, if necessary, an air mattress that you can take with you into the water.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that public beaches are always crowded, sometimes there is no way to find a comfortable place near the coastline, there are practically no sunbeds and umbrellas. Private beaches are cozier, clean sifted sand and no litter attract customers who are not deterred by the rather high cost. Plenty of restaurants and cafes let you not interrupt beach holiday for breakfast and dinner.
On South France The Cote d'Azur has spread its possessions, it is distinguished by a high level of service and a developed range of services. Tourists are also offered to go to Antibes, where the cleanest beaches with fine sand are surrounded by centuries-old pine trees.
Not far from them there are small ports with a wide range of water activities: diving, diving in sea caves, exciting trips on yachts, fast boats, for professionals and beginners they will offer jet skiing on their own or with an experienced instructor.
Cannes does not have its own sandy areas, the beaches are decorated with imported sand, so there are almost no free ones, several municipal ones are located far from the hotels, on the very outskirts. In Nice, pebble beaches will cause a little inconvenience; in the Cassis region, the coast is not gentle, but steep and rocky.
For those who love space and a wide beach area, you need to go to the Atlantic coast. The water temperature here is lower, so for families with small children and elderly people with joint diseases, this area is not suitable for boat trips.
On the beaches in Costa Verde there is a water park and a whole staff of animators who can keep the children busy with various games while the parents are relaxing.
Shopping features
Along with Italian designers, many fashion designers live and work here, annually presenting their collections on the world's leading catwalks. For the purpose of shopping, fashionistas come here who want to get another hot hit in 
the form of a dress or blouse from a famous designer.
Boutiques, department stores, shops, large shopping and entertainment centers - this is not a complete list of what you can visit. Most of them are concentrated in Paris.
By visiting outlets, you can save money, discounts and sales are held constantly. The only inconvenience is that most of these shopping centers are located in the suburbs. In spontaneous markets, you can buy antiques, vintage vases, clothes and shoes (both new and used).
Large sales, during which discounts reach 70%, are arranged twice a year. At the same time, everything is subject to certain rules: a month before the start it is forbidden to change the cost of goods in any direction. The exact dates do not coincide annually, they are appointed by the government. The total sales period is five weeks. In winter, the approximate period: the second week of January and until mid-February. During the summer period - the end of June - the beginning of August. After that, the price tags are returned again.
Some brands never reduce the cost of their products (Louis Vuitton, Ermes).
Tax free
Tax Free is a relatively new service that allows tourists to save money on purchases. This is a procedure, the correct execution of documents for which allows you to return value added tax (VAT).
The minimum total amount of purchases to receive a refund must be - 175.01 euros, the tax refund percentage is 12%. You can issue it in almost any store; for ease of service, there are badges in specially designated places.
Persons who have reached the age of 15 are entitled to return tax-free (which is confirmed by documents). They must not be residents of the European Union, that is, they must live outside its member states for more than six months or who are on business trips in France.
To implement the refund, you must arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight home. In the store, you can not forget to get a check for tax-free (it is different from the usual cash register). Exchange points can be found at the passenger information boards.
Features of French cuisine
This country was created specifically for gourmets who decide to try real cheese and taste rare types of wine. Cuisine is traditionally divided into regional and haute cuisine. In Provence, fragrant herbs made by local specialists are added to almost every dish. Burgundy is famous for meat baked in wine sauce. Haute cuisine is unusual, it is a unique recipe of dishes combined with exquisite table setting.
There are a lot of varieties of cheeses: salty, moldy, sweet, parmesan, in salad or wine, spicy and hard. It is impossible to try each one for a vacation in the province, there are a lot of them, the cost is also different. All guests are offered to try signature dishes: oysters, grape snails, mussels, foie gras (duck or goose liver cooked according to a special recipe), onion soup. One of the most revered delicacies among the French can be called frog legs. Currently, they are not served in all restaurants, due to multiple bans on catching frogs.
Croissants are the most popular baked goods. They are served for breakfast and lunch, the fillings in puff pastry can be very diverse. Wine brands: Muscat, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay.
What to bring from France
french perfumery
- one of the highest quality and most durable, there are many offers for every taste and wallet size. You can also choose cosmetics from leading brands. Mascaras and lipsticks, lip glosses and nail polishes are very popular.
Dijon mustard
- made in the city of the same name. There are several varieties, each of which has an aroma and a mild taste. The secret of making is simple - black mustard seeds are taken as a basis.
Spices and herbs from Provence
- fragrant basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, sage - all this can make any dish a real culinary masterpiece. Most of the herbs that are sold in Russia are not grown in the fields of Provence, the original can only be brought from the homeland.
poppy syrup
- an original present for a sweet tooth, it can be added to pastries, pour over pancakes and pies.
Violets from Toulouse
- flower petals in sugar, which are an exquisite delicacy. This is the emblem of the city of the same name, so you can find violet jam and sweets on the counters of pastry shops.
cicadas
- I mean not an insect, but key chains or magnets with its image. It's a symbol Cote d'Azur, here you can hear the wonderful singing of cicadas everywhere, but you can not always see them with your own eyes.
France is rightfully considered one of the most attractive countries in Europe, which tourists from all over the world are sure to visit. The cultural capital of the country is Paris, only on its territory there are countless historical and architectural monuments.
This is the country associated with Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Cannes Film Festival. The unique French wine has not been made in rural vineyards for many years, but is produced in large factory batches, but this does not affect its multifaceted noble taste.
