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This is the largest country of the European Union. Being in the heart of Europe, France has had borders with all main European countries for ages: Italy, Spain in the south, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Great Britain in the north. Despite the age-old experience of exchanging traditions and cultural values, France was and still remains the most unique and mysterious country in Europe.
According to archeologists, Homo sapiens started to spread on the Earth from Neanderthal caves from the territory of present-day France. From here again, many thousands of years later, ideas of republic and revolution started to spread around the world. Simultaneously – and this reflects the contradictions of France – recipes for world’s best wines and cheese, as well as high fashion, accompanied them.
In France, like nowhere else in Europe, people are friendly toward strangers, visitors and guests. From way back people from different countries came to Paris for a visit or to stay, and everyone found their place here. The great American classic writer Ernest Hemingway, who also found France for himself, said this about Paris: “The holiday which is always with you”. Brilliant, Bohemian, tranquil and cosy at the same time – that is modern Paris.
Actually, in every part of France you can find most contradictory but beautiful qualities that will help every person instantly become “theirs” and let France in his heart.
Such is Normandy, for example, rural and aristocratic at the same time. Vast meadows end right above the ocean; orchards near the coast give place to the cleanest sand beaches. According to historical studies, it was right here the people started to tan on the beach and swim in the sea; and it was here, in Normandy, that beach vacations, as they are now, originated. To this day, umbrellas on all Normandy beaches have zebra stripes: this is done in memory of the first bathing suits in history.
Those who love warmer weather will like the Mediterranean coast. France owns the island of Corsica, which is famous for not only being the homeland of Napoleon, but also for its wonderful beaches, rocky landscapes and crystal lakes.
Still, the most famous district for enjoying life is, of course, the Côte d’Azur. A long chain of golden beaches along the turquoise sea is a genuine treasure of France.
Alsace is beautiful in a somewhat different way; it’s the real heart of Europe. Located on the banks of the Rhein, it has always been a bone of discord between France and Germany. But those dreadful years are long gone, and now everything pleases the eye in Alsace: German accurateness of houses, French splendor of gardens, moderate climate and vineyards with prodigious harvests. By the way, the famous Route des Vins (Wine Route) crossing the whole country starts in Alsace. And then it’s almost like in a song from the film about the musketeers: “Burgundy, Normandy, Champagne or Provence…” You need to add only Bordeaux and the Loire valley, and the “wine map” of France becomes clearly visible.
France is always accessible and understandable, especially for the Russians. In Russia before the Revolution, the French language was equal with the Russian language among the nobility. From the middle of the previous century, Paris was stunned by Russian ballet, Russian artists and Russian composers. Then two largest waves of Russian emigration rushed into France at the beginning of the previous century. That’s why the French take the Russians as old acquaintances.
A visit to France means to find their own home for many people. To find a place you love and that loves you. To find a shelter where you will come back again and again.
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