France - Travel To A Country Steeped In History

France is a Western European country which is also made up of a collection of overseas islands and territories located in other countries. Rising from its ashes like a phoenix, France has risen from many internal and external conflicts and wars. Now, it is a developed nation whose modern economy is the fifth largest in the world.

Metropolitan France is bordered by the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Andorra, Italy and Spain. The country extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Sea and from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean.

The main territory of France is located in Western Europe. Territories of North America, the Caribbean, South America, the western and southern Indian Ocean, the northern and southern Pacific Ocean, and Antarctica also constitute France.

France is decorated with a large variety of landscapes; ranging from coastal plains in the north and west to the mountain ranges in the south like the Pyrenees and the Alps. If you are a nature lover, then you get to see spectacular scenery that you will be a treasure for lifetime.

If you go to France, then you should go to see The Alps. The Alps contains the highest point of Europe which is the Mont Blanc at 4810 m. It will surely be a unique experience!

The official language of France is French. English is not commonly used in France. There are other regional languages spoken in the country like Basque, Breton, Catalan, Corsican, Dutch, Alsatian, Occitan and Oïl.

It will be good if you have a bit of information about France before you visit the country. France is the European Union's leading agricultural producer. If you visit northern France, then you will see large wheat farms. Western France concentrates on dairy products, pork, poultry and apple production. Beef production is located in central France and southern France produces fruits, vegetables and wine ranges. In France, you will find uniformity in diversity.

France is the fourth-largest western industrialized economy in the world. The country has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base and a highly skilled work force.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the French economy as tourists throng to see the splendours this beautiful country has to offer.

Paris, the capital of France is one of the most populous, beautiful and famous cities in the world. It is home to numerous historical buildings and monuments too! So, if you are interested in ancient art and architecture, then you should surely visit Paris.

The Palace of Versailles and the great châteaux of the Loire valley are popular tourist destinations which you can visit.

France was traditionally a predominantly Roman Catholic country with anticlerical leanings, but since the 1970s, it has grown to become a secular country with freedom of religion as a constitutional right.

France is also the only European power to have its own national space centre. The country is the most energy independent Western country due to its heavy investment in nuclear power. What makes France the leading agricultural producer in Western Europe is the availability of large tracts of fertile land, the application of modern technology and EU subsidies.

Visiting France will be a special experience as the picturesque country abounds in natural beauty as well as the luxuries of modern day life.

Mark Minding is a top travel journalist who has recently established a string of websites based on his travels, including places like Australia ( http://www.australias.co.uk ), Portugal ( http://www.portugaluk.co.uk ), and France ( http://www.franceuk.co.uk ).