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Extensive travel and tourism guide for France, Europe

France Tourist Information

Besides easy access from the U.S. there are a wealth of reasons to visit France. The elegant FGTO annual travel planner FranceGuide 2002 invites Americans to "Take a new look" at France. The 96-page free comprehensive magazine showcases France by featuring interviews and commentary by French actress Jeanne Moreau, Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, ending with Peter Mayle and his thoughts on the French flair for vacations. "FranceGuide 2002" covers the French Provinces with lively feature articles, suggested itineraries, information on events and special anniversaries. It also provides detailed practical information sections, from tips on the Euro to bringing the kids.

Traditionally known as an ancient country rich in cultural heritage and remarkable historic landmarks, France is inhabited by an energetic people that have happily married tradition and art de vivre with progress and innovation. Land of mysterious prehistoric caves and Celtic monoliths, Roman ruins, medieval fortresses and Renaissance castles, France is also home to the Ariane space rocket and Airbus Industries, and the boasts the world's most extensive high-speed train network. The French National Railroads--represented in the U.S. by Rail Europe--inaugurated last June the new TGV Méditerranée to Marseille, gateway to Provence, one of France's most famed regions.
You can also travel from London to Paris and the Northen France with the Eurostar.

Whether you're looking for a traditional trip, an active vacation or an off-the-beaten track adventure, travel to France in 2002 means year-round promotional offers and discounts. To keep you informed from this year's exceptional exceptional rail deals or chances to win a free trip to Paris, the French Government Tourist Office invites you to regularly consult its redesigned web site www.franceguide.com. Look for the J'aime la France promotions and special deals, or sign up for E-News From France, the FGTO's one-page monthly electronic newsletter for additional information on travel tips and ideas.

There are many other reasons why France remains the #1 tourist destination in the world and why "It's Time to Go!". To find out more about France consult www.franceguide.com

What's New in Europe!

Events & Festivals

London events highlights: Japanese crafts, ‘Pop Art’ and gardening all feature in London’s cultural events calendar this summer and beyond.

Royal wedding dress at Buckingham Palace: A special exhibition at Buckingham Palace this summer will recreate the day in 1947 when Princess Elizabeth - now Queen Elizabeth II - married the Duke of Edinburgh in a glittering ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

Attractions

Shrewsbury recreates its summer season: Performances by Jools Holland, George Melly and Beverly Knight are among the 370 cultural and artistic events over 100 days at the 'Shrewsbury Summer Season' this year (May 19-Sept. 9).

Scotland’s oldest house marks 900 years: The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

News

Ceramics Festival in The Potteries: Designers, studio potters, experts and collectors will be making their way to The Potteries this autumn for the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramics Festival 2007 (Oct.5-7).

Macdonald Hotels transforms Cheshire golf venue: Three championship golf courses and the largest indoor golf academy in Europe at The Portal Golf Club venue are to be part of the new four star Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Cheshire when it opens in July.


France Facts

Area: 211,208 square miles (almost the size of Texas).
Population: 58,518,395 (Paris, 2,150,000; Marseille, 868,000; Lyon, 410,000; Nice, 331,000).
Language: French.