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France is an independent nation in Western Europe and the center of a large overseas administration. It is the third-largest European nation, after Russia and Ukraine. In ancient times France was part of the Celtic territory known as Gaul or Gallia. Since the 17th century, France has played a major role in European and world events. In the 20th century, it has experienced numerous crises, including the devastation of two world wars, political and social upheavals, and the loss of a large empire in Indochina, Algeria, and West and Equatorial Africa. It has, however, survived and emerged from the ruins of World War II to become an important world supplier of agricultural and industrial products and a major partner in the European Community, EC, or Common Market. HISTORY Credits

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Paris France is a city full of attractions, world-class art galleries and museums, and beautiful parks and gardens. Take a romantic boat cruise on the Seine River or visit the Mona Lisa at the world-famous Louvre. Enjoy a fun-filled day at Disneyland Paris or experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower. Paris France has something of interest for everyone! Two major airports and 6 train stations serve metropolitan Paris. The high-speed Eurostar train service from London will zoom you under the English Channel and right into downtown Paris! Once in Paris, the Paris Metro or RER commuter rail will take you just about anywhere in the city.Paris has many great hotels. From economy accommodation to luxurious grand hotels, there is something available for any budget. Hotel rooms are available near the Louvre, the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter and near all the major rail stations. Click to enlarge Paris Credits

Lyon Lyon is the third largest city in France, is located 268 miles southeast of Paris and 193 miles north of Marseille, is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and the second largest contributor to the French economy after Paris, has a population of inhabitants. Lyon is between two hills: the Fourvière and Croix-Rousse and between two rivers: the turbulent Rhône and the tranquil Saône. Lyon is a very industrial city, textile manufacturing is one of the most important businesses in Lyon. Not only that, this city is known as the capital of food, like Paris, this city has the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, the most famous chef Paul Bocuse has his restaurant in Lyon and this city can be called the cuisine's paradise. Lyon is considered an UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1998, specifically the Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas. A very beautiful city with its architectural renaissance buildings and monuments. Lyon is also called the 'city of light' because of its history which began on Fourvière Hill, when the city was under the Romans, and the city was declared capital of the three Gauls, while during this time Lyon obtained a big development in economic, politic, religious and military aspects. The tradition of the city of Lights or 'Lugdunum' (as called by the Romans) is still present, every evening more than 100 sites across the city are lit up to show the splendor of Lyon’s architecture. Click to enlarge Credits

The centerpiece of La Rochelle is its heavily fortified old port, called the Vieux Port. Behind the three 14th-century stone towers is the medieval core of the city lined with shops and seafood restaurants, a good place to take your evening walk. You can visit the towers, and according to Fortified Places, "the Tour de la Lanterne is particularly interesting for the graffiti inscribed on the walls by captured English privateers who were held there." La Rochelle features a modern Aquarium which has gotten raves from visitors. The history of La Rochelle is connected with the sea, of course, so there's a floating Maritime Museum to visit. The Calypso, which carried Jacques Cousteau and his crew on expeditions around the world, was sunk in an accident in Singapore and was donated to the La Rochelle Musée Maritime. Boating trips are very popular. But what's the best part about La Rochelle? Strolling the old town, then sitting at a cafe, sipping a glass of wine, and looking out at the medieval harbor fortifications. La Rochelle Click to enlarge Credits

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Disneyland Paris

View from the Fourvière Hill

Vieux Port