An Old-World treasure with an incredible history, France remains the #1 tourist destination on earth. Containing Roman ruins, the City of Love and the Beaches of Normandy, the historical tourist can embark on an endless pursuit of the past in this vast, well-preserved Western European nation.
Paris’ famous Eiffel Tower.
History
The area now known as France used to be called Gaul and was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BCE. Around 400 CE, Germanic tribes known as Franks began entering Gaul, which is where France derived its modern name.
In the year 843 CE, the Treaty of Verdun created Western Francia, the prototype to modern France. Several noble families ruled France until the French Revolution overthrew the monarchy in 1789. A mere 10 years after the revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte seized control of France and declared himself Emperor’ he waged several wars and conquered most of Europe before being defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After this, France transferred over to a more democratic system, with occasional relapses into monarchism.
Southern France looks much different than Paris. Arles, France.
France suffered huge losses during World War I, as trench warfare ravaged French territory. World War II brought conquest by the Germans, as the Nazis seized Paris almost immediately; the swift conquest gives France the advantage of having few bombed cities and a well-preserved medieval infrastructure. France was eventually liberated in a joint effort by the United States, United Kingdom and Canada in 1944, after the famous storming of the beaches at Normandy.
After the war, Charles De Gaulle became the first president of the Fifth Republic. During the last decades, France has remained an economic titan, and a travel powerhouse.
Places To Go
Some of the places I’ve been and other places everyone should see in France.
Tips
France is expensive. There. I said it. The charm, the cheese, the wine, and the whining…it all comes at a price. But there are still ways to travel on the cheap. Look into guest houses, small inns and hostels.
Enjoy the local fare. Try some traditional food establishments. Grab a baguette or two, while sipping steaming espresso. Yes, French Fries count. Baguette sandwiches are amazingly simple and delicious.
Ride the train. Trains (as in much of Europe) go everywhere. Your trip does not have to be limited to Paris. Book in advance to get the best deals.
Southern France is very laid back and a lovely place to visit. It’s only a high-speed train ride away from Paris.
