France: Berlitz Handbook (Berlitz Handbooks)

Berlitz Handbook France is the ultimate practical, inspirational guide to beautiful country, with 304 pages combining authoritative narrative detail and stunning color photography. What sets the guide apart is the illuminating Unique Experiences section, packed full of practical advice on how to make the most of all the opportunities available to the visitor to France – from exploring the best vineyards and châteaux, heading out on a canal boat, or visiting the battlefields of the world wars.
The guide starts with a rundown of France’s Top 25 Attractions, ranging from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the perched villages of the Côte d’Azur. In the Trip Planner you’ll find itineraries outlining suggestions for themed visits, whether you’re spending a week exploring Brittany’s megalithic coast, ten days checking out the castles, coast and vineyards of Bordeaux, or two weeks following in the footsteps of Napoleon.

The Places Section tackles each of France’s regions in turn – starting with Paris then heading round the country, finishing our grand tour on the Mediterranean coast. Each chapter is color-coded for easy reference, and features everything you’ll need to know about the sights and attractions in the area, as well as maps to help you get around, and carefully chosen listings of the best places to sleep, eat, drink, and get active. The Places section is interspersed with fully mapped tours, including walks round Montmartre in Paris and St Tropez on the Côte d’Azur, and Cultural Spreads that give a striking insight into an element of France’s culture, from the châteaux of the Loire and Celtic heritage in Brittany to prehistoric cave art, and the catacombs and cemeteries in Paris.

Further practical advice is provided in a chapter dedicated to accommodations, transportation, health and safety, money and budgeting, responsible travel, and family holidays. The Setting the Scene chapter is devoted to France’s historical and cultural background, plus information on the country’s cuisine.
Finally, a handy 8-page Phrasebook section provides a wealth of language expertise for which the Berlitz brand is famous.