France

France is one of the largest countries in Europe and is bounded to the north by the English Channel, the northeast by Belgium and Luxembourg, the east by Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, the south by the Mediterranean, the southwest by Spain and Andorra, and the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The country offers spectacular variety of scenery, from the mountain ranges of the Alps and Pyrenees to the attractive river valleys of the Loire, Rhone and Dordogne and the flatter countryside in Normandy and in the Atlantic coast. The country has some 2900 km (1800 miles) of coastline.

Climate

A temperate climate in the north; northeastern areas have a more continental climate with warm summers and colder winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year. Lorraine, sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate. Mediterranean climate in the south; mountains are cooler with heavy snows in winter. The Atlantic influences the climate of the western coastal areas from the Loire to the Basque region; the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall distributed throughout the year.

Mediterranean climate exists on the Riviera, and in Provence and Roussillon. Continental weather is present in Auvergne, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. Very strong winds (such as the Mistral) can occur throughout the entire region. All of our tours are scheduled for times when conditions should be warm to hot in most locations, depending on elevation and proximity to the sea. Generally one can expect temps of 13-20 C (58-70 F) daytime in April/May, 21-28 C in July, and 13-20 C in Oct. Rain showers occur at any time, especially in the north and in April; the south has a more pronounced rainfall regime in summer and fall when rain is unlikely.

General Information

Major destinations

Food

The vegetables, cheese, butter and fruit in restaurants are usually fresh. Dishes include tournedos (small steaks ringed with bacon), chateaubriand, entrecote (rib steak) served with bearnaise (tarragon-flavoured sauce with egg-base), ratatouille nicoise (stew of zucchini / courgettes, tomatoes and eggplant / aubergines braised with garlic in olive oil). In the north of France fish and shellfish are the star features-oysters, cockles and shrimps are extremely popular. Desserts include souffle grand marnier, oeufs a la neige (meringues floating on custard), mille feuilles (layers of flaky pastry and custard cream), fruit tarts and flans. Wine is abundant and cheap. Beer and spirits are available.

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