France
European Caravan sites
http://www.europe-camping-guide.com/
France
http://www.europe-camping-guide.com/en/list/france/
http://www.motorhomingfrance.co.uk/public/733.cfm
France and Holland
http://www.rcn-campings.fr/index_gb.htm
Regional Maps
Region names, then capital cities
From Kerry Loire Valley
Number
1
Paris
Do the prerequisite tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral (Quasimodo's home), but
don't overlook the cultural value of the Catacombes and the Place des Vosges, a
former aristocratic center now filled with great architecture and interesting
shops. Of course, the Centre Georges Pompidou is one of Paris' most visited
sites and an absolute wonder, considering its wide array of art galleries,
theatrical venues and neighboring city square. For fun, don't forget about the
vixens at the Moulin Rouge or a canal boat ride on the Seine River.
Must-see/do: I could go on forever, but the Muse d'Orsay cannot be passed
up, as it houses some of the world's best Impressionist and Post-Impressionist
art.
say
oui oui to france
Whatever
your pleasure or poison, France offers it in spades. Quite simply, it is heaven
for the culturally minded, a place to savor and visit over and over again. Just
remember, there is more to this country than berets and baguettes, so consult
this list to find out what's best before you head out there.
Number
2
Nice
As
the capital of the Cte d'Azur, Nice is the centerpiece of one of Europe's most
spectacular areas. It is a city buzzing with life and offering pleasures of all
kinds. The most famous of these are the great beaches, where you'll understand
why French babes have such a good reputation. Pry your eyes away from the sandy
areas and visit Vieux Nice , a classic area filled with old churches as well as
great baroque and belle epoque -style buildings.
Another recommended area is the Promenade des Anglais (Promenade of the
English), an energetic seaside walkway lined with palm trees and impressive
buildings. After checking out the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, head on
over to the wealthy neighborhood of Cimiez for a visit to the Matisse Museum.
Must-see/do: Visit during Mardi Gras in February to check out the Nice
Carnival, a two-week-long party featuring great music, colorful floats and yes,
even scantily clad ladies. Very nice indeed.
Number
3
Versailles
Constructed by the decree of Louis XIV, this town is truly fit for a king.
Divided into five main sections, Versailles holds some of the most amazing sites
France has to offer. The most famous and awe-inspiring is of course the Chateau
de Versailles, a symbol of opulence, beauty and power. A full day is needed to
stroll through this incredible royal palace's Hall of Mirrors, pavilions of the
Trianon, and surrounding gardens.
Both the Vieux Versailles (Old Versailles) and Notre Dame districts boast
architectural feats, cobbled streets and great shops. Stop by the Notre Dame
market and the Saint Louis Cathedral in the quarter of the same name. To
discover the true beauty of a city whose layout has been copied the world over,
take a helicopter ride over Versailles -- it is truly memorable.
Must-see/do: Book a boat ride on the Grand Canal, a perfect way to score
points as a romantic and experience Versailles on the water.
Number
5
Strasbourg
The
heart and soul of the province of Alsace, Strasbourg is one of France's
best-kept secrets. A center for fine arts and everything medieval, its beauty
leaves no question as to why it is the site of the European Union parliament.
The most astonishing sight of this city, which sees three million tourists every
year, is the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The highest medieval building in Europe, its
one sky-scraping spire and intricate Gothic design have inspired Goethe and
Victor Hugo to praise it as a world treasure.
South of this wonder is a museum corridor, where you can catch works by Picasso,
Rubens, Monet, and Gauguin for fairly cheap, at the different museums that line
the area. Take a boat tour along the River le and you'll see amazing Alsatian
scenery as well as the imposingly beautiful Rohan Palace.
Must-see/do: The quaint Petite France Quarter, where people watching
(more like hottie watching ) is a must.
Home of the film and porn festival, and the very best of France...
Number
6
Saint
Tropez
Much
of what you have heard is true: St. Tropez is a land of sinful delights. Over 40
beaches line the peninsula of this jet-setters' paradise, and these areas are
the central focus of the lively town. Bask at Bouillabaisse, Caneliers or Salins
Beach and then head down to Place des Lices (in the heart of St. Tropez) to
people watch.
Celebrities, including Naomi
Campbell, Robert De
Niro and Claudia
Schiffer vacation here, showing
off their yachts and taking helicopter rides to infamous villa house parties.
Experience a smidgeon of this craziness at one of many nightclubs or sample the
local concoctions at Le Gorille or Snquier, two well-known brasseries. During
the day, the markets are just as lively as the clubs, especially between May and
June, when festivities take place amid the vendors every week.
Must-see/do: Don't pass up a cruise through the old port, where you can
take a new lady friend to experience the energetic air and cool sites.
Number
7
Lyon
Perfectly
encompassing France's joie de vivre , Lyon is a city of glorious contrasts. You
can wind your way through Old Lyon's narrow streets for a window into a
different world, or stare in awe at the modern way Lyon has become a true
"city of lights." For inspiring sites, check out the St. Jean
Cathedral, which houses the remains of King Louis, and then walk along the
surrounding area for more cultural gems.
The Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls and the Odeon will also impress, as they are
well-preserved Roman ruins. Travel back to the present with great shopping
within "the golden triangle," home to high fashion, great food and
interesting art galleries. In keeping with typical French attractions, Lyon also
has over 20 museums for art enthusiasts.
Must-see/do: The Festival of Lights , a fantastic annual affair taking
place on the 8th of December, when the whole city is illuminated and people can
enjoy a spectacular show put on by musicians, artists and singers.
Number
8
Marseille
The
best way to describe Marseille is "classic" -- simple and understated,
it is a place where the old and traditional are revered. Overlooking the city is
the glorious Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, a true masterpiece. From its
steps, you can glance out over the entire landscape and spot other important
destinations: the Opera House, the Courthouse, and the Chateau d'If, made famous
thanks to Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo .
You also cannot miss a visit to the Panier, France's oldest quarter, as well as
a stroll along the Old Port. Finally, the Saint-Victor Abbey remains a powerful
tourist attraction with a storied history dating back, incredibly, to the 5th
century.
Must-see/do: Watching an Olympique Marseilles soccer match -- a team
whose traditions and success run deep in the city.
The real city of lights and where all the celebs go to party...
Number
9
Grenoble
Nestled
in the heart of the French Alps, this lively city and host of the 1968 Winter
Olympics really packs a punch. You can get your cultural fill at the Magasin, a
center for contemporary art, the Church of St. Laurent's archaeological museum,
and Saint Chef's Abbey, which dates back to the Middle Ages.
Though these visits are pretty cool, the real Grenoble selling point can be
found at the nearby hills, where the skiing is world-renowned. Try out the
Alcans resort in the Vercors National Park or the Alpe du Grand Serre, as both
areas offer prime conditions, panoramic views and many chances to show off for
the "snow bunnies." When your muscles start cramping, leisurely peruse
the city's dozens of gourmet and arts and crafts markets.
Must-see/do: La Casamaures, a funky mock oriental palace where
architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the rare use of molded cement.
Number
10
Avignon
A
haven for pedestrians and lovers of all things Gothic, Avignon will take you
back in time, in style. The heart of Provence, this town easily lures visitors
thanks to its simple, understated beauty, great food and ancient landmarks. As
you stroll on the tree-lined promenade near the Sorgue River, you can indulge in
some famous boutique shopping where luxury items, ceramics and handicrafts
abound (let's be honest, if you're traveling with a woman, then she'll surely
drag you there).
The city became a "second Rome" in the 14th century with the arrival
of the popes and in light of this, a visit to the Popes' Palace cannot be passed
up. It is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and an important attraction, right
behind the Pont d'Avignon, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and
oft-photographed bridge.
Must-see/do: Avignon is also a haven for epicurists -- sip Ctes du Rhnes
wines and try out Papalines and Carpentras truffles at quaint, picture-perfect
restaurants.
Paris, France Average Weather
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Average Sunlight (hours) | Temperature | Discomfort from heat and humidity | Relative humidity | Average Precipitation (mm) | Wet Days (+0.25 mm) | ||||
| Average | Record | |||||||||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | am | pm | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jan | 2 | 1 | 6 | -12 | 15 | - | 88 | 80 | 56 | 17 |
| Feb | 3 | 1 | 7 | -15 | 21 | - | 87 | 73 | 46 | 14 |
| March | 5 | 4 | 12 | -4 | 26 | - | 85 | 63 | 35 | 12 |
| April | 6 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 30 | - | 82 | 54 | 42 | 13 |
| May | 7 | 10 | 20 | 2 | 33 | - | 83 | 55 | 57 | 12 |
| June | 8 | 13 | 23 | 6 | 38 | - | 83 | 58 | 54 | 12 |
| July | 8 | 15 | 25 | 9 | 40 | Moderate | 83 | 57 | 59 | 12 |
| Aug (expected arrival) | 7 | 14 | 24 | 8 | 35 | Moderate | 87 | 61 | 64 | 13 |
| Sept | 6 | 12 | 21 | 3 | 33 | - | 90 | 65 | 55 | 13 |
| Oct | 4 | 8 | 16 | -3 | 28 | - | 91 | 71 | 50 | 13 |
| Nov | 2 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 21 | - | 91 | 79 | 51 | 15 |
| Dec | 2 | 2 | 7 | -13 | 17 | - | 90 | 82 | 50 | 16 |
Climate General
A lot of variety, but temperate winters and mild summers on most of the territory, and especially in Paris. Mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean and in the southwest (the latter has lots of rain in winter). Mild winters (with lots of rain) and cool summers in the northwest (Brittany). Cool to cold winters and hot summer along the German border (Alsace). Along the Rhône Valley, occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral. Cold winters with lots of the snow in the Mountainous regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Auvergne.