France

Paris

This city has everything a tourist’s soul might desire: hundreds of museums, stunning architecture of various epochs and styles, thousands of cafes, restaurants, numerous boutiques. Paris has such an incredible atmosphere of love floating in the air, which attracts people from all over the world. 

Marseille

On the south of France, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, there is a charming port city called Marseille. It is the second in the number of citizens city in the country. It greets its guests with an azure bay and the Old Port, ancient forts and romantic streets. Your trip here won’t be full without visiting the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde erected in the Byzantine style, and the renowned Château d'If, located on the island of the same name in the Frioul archipelago. While being in Marseille, you must try the classic bouillabaisse. It’s especially delicious in the port. 

Lyon

If you are heading to France to get acquainted with its art of cookery and check out the extraordinary night-time illumination, then a visit to Lyon is a must. The city was founded 2000 years ago by the Romans and is the most important economic, industrial, and cultural center in the country today. The Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, traboules in the Old Town, Odeon Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts, astronomical clock are only a few fascinated places on the list of sights which Lyon has prepared for its guests.

Toulouse

Toulouse is an original city and the scientific center of France where people conduct the main research in the domain of aviation and space exploration. Just like many other cities, Toulouse keeps the most interesting attractions in its historical center: the Capitole square, Cathedrale Saint-Etienne de Toulouse, Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Augustins museum (by the way, it’s one of the oldest museums in France). The buildings made of red bricks add an extraordinary charm to the city. Toulouse is even called “La Ville Rose” which means a “pink city”. 

Strasbourg

People interested in political news have most likely heard about Strasbourg. That’s the place where the Council of Europe and the European Parliament assemble. The city greets tourists with special cordiality, demonstrating them its attractions: the monumental Palais Rohan, Strasbourg Cathedral, Place Kleber, St. Paul’s Church. After you have explored and enjoyed the architectural masterpieces, don’t hesitate to take a boat trip along the Ill river, and visit a couple of cafes and bars at the waterfront. 

Nice

Fans of bohemian holidays should head to the French Riviera, to Nice. The richest and the most famous people in the world come to enjoy their vacation here. We can clearly understand them and even envy a little. Here, fantastic beaches, stunning nature, a diversity of nightclubs, marvelous architecture exist side by side in the atmosphere of total relax on the bank of the Mediterranean Sea. The Musée Matisse is one of the most renowned attractions in Nice. It displays almost all paintings of the great artist.

“The French care about what really matters in life - being French”, - that’s the conclusion made by the authors of the book called “The Xenophobe's Guide to the French” by Michel Syrett and Nicholas Yapp. 

The local citizens frequently predetermine the attitude of travelers to the country. They are frank and sociable people who value their freedom and independence. The French have self-respect and are without the least hint of indulgence to others. Nevertheless, what should we expect of them?

• In France, all the national aspects are treated with great respect and inspiration. They honor their history, adore national cuisine, literature, culture, and, especially, their language. The French would be delighted if you try to ask a question in French or at least try to do so. In such situations, they would most definitely smile back to you and answer in English. However, if you start a conversation in English, there is a high chance of being ignored or misinformed.
• An active, sociable, athletic, always in a hurry and smiling - that’s a typical image of a Frenchman. And their smiles are not put on like in Hollywood but are quite sincere. The French are polite and pleasant to talk to. You can feel it yourself as soon as you come to France. 
• Not everyone knows that the French have a specific dress-code. For example, if a woman is wearing a dress with a leopard print or it’s too short, translucent, and in addition to that she’s wearing heels, people can easily assume that she’s a representative of the world’s oldest profession. It’s not acceptable to wear sports clothing in public. In France, it must be wear for doing sports only. So, you should consider these aspects if you don’t want to get into an awkward situation. 
• If a Frenchmen notices that you are in a bad mood, confused, lost, looking for something, or getting into trouble, he or she will come up to you and talk. It’s typical here to get acquainted with anyone anywhere and anytime. This unique aspect of French life impresses all the visitors. 
• Sports in France became a lifestyle. These are not only conversations about football. Almost every citizen jogs both in the morning and evening: in the parks, public gardens, by the house or at the stadium. At the gym, you can meet people of various social status and age. Sports and healthy eating for the French are the earnest of health, slenderness, and longevity. 
• The Frenchwoman equals elegance. When you look at them, you are ready to give her your seat, help with the luggage at the railway station or the airport, and open all the doors. Every woman is ready to favorably listen to compliments, while the men are used to praise them anytime. A dalliance is a lifestyle. Otherwise, there’s no need to put on beautiful clothes and perfect your manners if you don’t want to impress someone.
• The French easily drink tap water without any additional cleaning. At the same time, they are very thrifty: water rates are high, there are water meters everywhere. Thus, taking a bath is too much of a luxury, and locals prefer taking a shower.
• Of course, France is a country of culinary tourism. Locals love eating delicious food. The lunch breaks at work can last for more than one hour, followed by the discussion of the latest gossips. The evening meal in an ordinary French family can last up to 4 hours with a continual changing of dishes. The feast typically ends with cheese served with wine only.
• Except for the megalopolises, life in the rest of France stops after 7 pm. Everyone hurries home and the streets get extremely quiet. Only restaurants and cafes are open. By the way, these are the places not for adults only, but children as well. A family is essential to the French and the weekends are devoted to spending time with your dear ones.