| Paris, the city of love and a thousand other | | | | Provided you can steer clear of the boy |
| clichés, still holds a certain mystic. But | | | | racers who treat the roads as racing tracks, |
| no matter how many written words this great | | | | France will satisfy even the most ardent |
| city has commanded - however familiar this | | | | explorers. |
| town may appear - Paris will always remain an | | | | |
| enigma, a magnet for millions of visitors | | | | When visiting France, the first place on most |
| from around the world. | | | | people's itineraries is Paris, and the |
| | | | fabulous Louvre. Whilst Napoleon endeavoured |
| Paris carries an enchantment that you cannot | | | | to conquer Europe, his armies busied |
| always put your finger on. We perceive | | | | themselves collecting the spoils from their |
| Parisians as chic and stylish, forever | | | | defeated hosts. |
| setting the trend. | | | | |
| | | | When the Louvre was built in 1793, these |
| But there is more to this country than just | | | | trophies were exhibited in the new museum for |
| its capital. France is home to over 60 | | | | the whole of France to witness. |
| million people, including many of North | | | | |
| African descent. | | | | Today the Louvre has been given a modern day |
| | | | makeover. A magnificent glass pyramid |
| One of the things that keeps France great is | | | | embraces the museum making it instantly |
| its attention to detail: the back street shop | | | | recognisable around the world. |
| that sells 30 varieties of croissant, the | | | | |
| creaseless department store bags to carry | | | | If you can endure the crowds, some of the |
| home your latest in fashionable attire, the | | | | world's most celebrated art can be witnessed. |
| delightful little chocolates that accompany | | | | These include 'Winged Victory' and the 'Mona |
| your coffee on one of the street corner | | | | Lisa' with her legendary smile. |
| cafes. | | | | |
| | | | For those wanting an escape from the hustle |
| The French language itself conjures up magic | | | | and bustle of France's busy cities, the town |
| and mystery, adding to the romance of being | | | | of Chamonix offers the perfect contrast to |
| in an alien land. | | | | city life. Located in one of the spectacular |
| | | | valleys of the French Alps, Chamonix offers |
| The modern France bears aspects of foreign | | | | picture postcard views, dominated by |
| influence. Alongside the chic boutiques and | | | | centuries old glaciers and the imposing |
| stylish cafes sit far-western heavyweights | | | | summit of Mount Blanc. |
| such as McDonalds. But France will forever | | | | |
| remain French. Chic and panache will always | | | | Just one of the many reasons for France being |
| prevail. | | | | the world's number one tourist destination. |
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