France is a beautiful country. It has lots to do like skiing, swimming,shopping, gambling, drinking, and dining. Here are the topics I will include inmy report, government, history, culture, tourist attractions, language,entertainment, transportation, climate, currency, accommodations, and traveltips. Sit back have some wine because you are about to embark on a journey, AJourney to France!GovernmentFrance is a republic with a president and a premier. The president isJacques Chirac and the premier is Alain Juppe.
The legislature consists of theNational Assembly and the Senate. The president appoints the premier. He alsoserves a 7-year term. Ages 18 and up can vote for the president and thelegislature. The National Assembly consists of 577 deputies that are elected intheir political division. They serve a five-year term.
The senate has 319members that are elected for a five-year term. France is divided into 22 regions,96 metropolitan areas, 4 overseas departments, 4 overseas territories, and 2collective territories. HistoryIn ancient times the Celts and Germanic tribes lived in France. When theromans invaded, they called France Gaul. Gaul was eventually annexed. In 400 A.
D. the west roman empire’s defense began to fall. After that France was anindependent country. Hugh Carpet was crowned the first king of France in 987 A.
D. In the 1700’s the French Revolution started. The end of the French revolutionmarked the end of absolute power for the French kings. Napoleon seized power in1799.
He founded the first empire in 1804. He was exiled in 1814. CultureThe 1993 estimate of the French population was 57,566,091. The averagepopulation density is 105. 8 people per square kilometer.
The populationdistribution is 76% for urban areas and 26% for rural areas. Studies show thatthe majority prefer houses to apartments. The major religion is Roman Catholic. 99% of the French population is literate.
There are 72 universities in France. Tourist AttractionsShopping is a big attraction in France. In Paris, department stores aregood places to shop. In Normandy, shops have a rich selection of antiques. Sunday is a good day to shop on in Normandy because many stores have discounts. Normandy has a lot of lace too.
The prices are high and the pieces are laborintensive. There are some good beaches in Normandy. It has lots of seasidecoasts. There are many widely spaced resorts.
On the Atlantic coast there aremany waterslides, wavepools, and other water goodies. Paris has lots of culture. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889. It costs $8 to go to the top.
It’s opendaily from 9:30 A. M. to 11 P. M.
At night you can almost see all of Paris. Incase you get hungry there are cafes to eat at on the Eiffel Tower. The Louvrehas a collection of great art works throughout history. It was built in the 13thcentury.
It has the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Divinci. There are seven sections atthe Louvre. They are ancient civilizations, sculptures, furniture, drawings,paintings, prints, and arms armor. Don’t try to see it all at once. The hoursare wed-Mon.
9-6 and Tuesday open til 9:45. Admission $10 for adults, $7 forages 18-25, 18 and under are free. LanguageIn France the official language is French. English is usually understoodin most tourist areas. Speak slowly in either English or French.
Your French maysound prickly. If your French isn’t that good just try to learn a few words. EntertainmentSo you need something to do in your free time? Okay now listen well. Atnight you may want to go to a nightclub. Many have an English atmosphere andlots of whiskeys. Try Le Queen’s Bar, it has a karioke machine and a videorecorder so you can see your performance later.
There are hundreds of theatersin France. Look at “Officiel du Spectacle” for the movies you want. If you wantto “jazz” it up a little go to Le Petit Journal for tradional jazz. Bring $20per person and some money for food. Wait til 10 or 11 P. M.
for some “real” music. Go to Centr la Meret des Eaux, it is an aquarium. It costs $5 per person. It’sopen from Tues. -Friday from 10- 12:30 A. M.
and 1:15-5:30 P. M. TransportationIn France many places are accessible to cars. Some high-cost hotels havecar-renting services. Paris has 6 train stations, so you could get around easily.
Most taxis will charge $2-3 per mile. FashionIn France you should bring sweaters and sweatshirts because it can getcold. Also, you should bring winter coats. You should try to wear dressy clothesas much as you can because many fashion designers are in France. CurrencyThe french currency is a franc. Five francs are equal to one dollar.
Some hotels accept American money, but don’t depend on it. Also, some hotelshave a currency exchange. AccommodationsA lot of good hotels are in Paris. The Meurice Hotel costs about $ 300per night.
This hotel has Persian carpets and big rooms with a bath. The FleurieHotel costs up to $ 300 per night, this hotel has exceptional dining and a bath. The Imperial Palace is in Lyons, it costs $ 200 per night it also has a bath. The Alexandria costs about $ 150 per night. It has a bath. Most hotels in Francedo not have bathes.
Travel TipsFor traveling on the airplane try to get a nonstop flight. Most flightsdo not allow smoking. Get as much sleep as you can. In customs don’t worry aboutyour laptops, video cameras, etc. They won’t be damaged by the x-rays. Changethe batteries before leaving on all of your electronics.
Bring all of the lensesfor cameras. Wear dressy clothes at the restaurants. Tip about 10% of the billfor restaurants. Category: History
