Self-guided route around France by car. What people bring from France: a review of the best souvenirs All about France for tourists

general information about France
Capital: Paris is one of the most attractive cities for shopping and entertainment.
Square: 551500 sq. km.
Population: 59 million, these numbers have been constant for many years, the younger generation does not strive to leave their homes in search of work.
Currency unit: Euro.
Religion: Catholicism.
Official language: French.
Big cities: Nantes, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse.
In my own way state system France is a republic, and one of the oldest in Europe. The role of parliament in governing the country is enormous, but the president is also vested with significant powers.

Geographical location and climate
The location of the state's territory is the most suitable for recreation and living. In the northwestern part, the shores are washed by the English Channel, which is the water border with Great Britain. In the west the state is washed Atlantic Ocean, from the northern part you can get directly to Luxembourg and Belgium; Germany and Switzerland have their possessions in the east.
The wide variety of landscape zones makes the country extraordinary: most of the area is occupied by the flat part, 1/3 is the French Alps, the most high point of which is Mount Mont Blanc.
The coastline from the southeast is washed by waters Mediterranean Sea, in some places there is rocky terrain, mostly pebble beaches.
The climate is temperate, characterized by mild, wet winters, and subtropics dominate in the south.
Plains on south coast experience all the delights of the Mediterranean climate - there is practically no frost, summers are dry and hot, in spring and autumn there are torrential short-term rains. Experienced tourists advise traveling to the south of the country with caution; a piercing cold wind, the mistral, blows from the Rhone Valley at least 100 days a year.

TRAVEL THROUGH FRANCE

Traditions and culture
France- truly great in historical and culturally a country. The traditions of numerous provinces can be contradictory and very different from each other.
The main part is inhabited by modern French people, who are descendants of the original inhabitants, as well as tribes that different times seized lands (Romans, Scandinavian Vikings, Gauls). In the east of the country there is a fairly large number of residents of Italian origin. Each class has its own unique culture, which changes over time.
Among the most interesting rituals are:
- eating - table etiquette among the scrupulous French is always at its best; it is from this country that the roots of beautiful table settings and rules of conduct during meals come;
- the taboo of English speech is an unspoken rule based on an unshakable love for one’s native speech;
- On December 24, every family has a grandiose “reveillon” dinner: baked turkey with chestnuts, pie and foie gras are always on the table.

Painting and literature
France known throughout the world as the birthplace of the greatest artists; the impressionists, Renoir and Monet began to create here. Many creators of paintings and sculptures drew inspiration from Montmartre. There are many workshops open in this region, exhibitions and vernissages are held.
Dumas, Hugo and Balzac are names that are famous all over the world today. It was in this country that they lived and created their immortal works. Several of the literary masterpieces have been made into films and musicals.

Sights of France

Associations of tourists with the country are traditional - the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees and Cote d'Azur. Many people are not even aware of the huge number of historical monuments present in every city.
Forest of Fontainebleau - located 50 km from the capital, if you move south. It is located in the vicinity of a city with the same name. On the territory of the forest there is a palace that has survived to this day (erected in the 16th century). total area is 25 thousand hectares, there are only two varieties of trees - pines and oaks, then there are picturesque plains, valleys, giving way to heather heaths. Fontainebleau is glorified in Druon's novel about King Phillip. In the shade of the trees, he became stressed and suffered a stroke; after a while he dies in the castle.
Bordeaux , located in the southwest, famous for its large and beautiful squares. Entire ensembles built in the 18th century are devoid of pretentiousness and modernity; the architects focused on classicism. Almost all objects are on the UNESCO list. Vacationers will be interested in looking at the bay, tasting local cuisine and tasting wine, which is valued throughout the world.
Lyon - a unique city where families with small children love to relax. This is the historical center of France, in the vicinity of which there is a huge aquarium. Excursions here will allow you to get acquainted with thousands of varieties of marine life, touch some harmless fish and look at toothy sharks from afar. The main attractions can be considered the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the triumph of Christian values - the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Fourvière Tower, built of metal, and the Hotel Dieu. Last place notable for the fact that the writer Rabelais stayed here.
Mont Saint Michel - small island, on which rises a fortress in the form fairytale castle. Most of the time its spiers are shrouded in low, ragged clouds. At the very top of the spire (at an altitude of almost 155 meters above sea level) there is a skillfully made gold figurine of an archangel who raised a sharp sword high. The island is surrounded on all sides by the sea, only a narrow 2-kilometer dam connects it to the mainland. Many years ago, Victor Hugo, impressed by its appearance, called the castle “A Pyramid in the Ocean.”
Reims - a commune in the northeast, on whose territory the Reims Cathedral is located. Its architectural style is classified as Gothic, built in the 13th century. Royal Square, the Carnegie Library, and the circus arena are also noteworthy. In the suburbs, the most visited places are Fort Pompey and the Castle of Condé.
Strasbourg - located at the junction of two states - Germany and France. This is where parliamentarians go for official meetings, and there are several courthouses where the most important international cases take place. Every year before each Christmas, an enchanting event is held in Strasbourg - a fair where you can buy gifts for yourself and loved ones at huge discounts. Historical heart indigenous people and visitors call " Big Island", which will captivate discerning connoisseurs of architecture with its grandeur and variety of forms.
Chartres - built on a hill in the middle of the plain, from any point you can admire the beauty of nature. The city is famous for its cathedral. By visiting the stained glass museum, you can get acquainted not only with countless examples of stained glass art. This is also the workshop in which they are made; clients from all over Europe order stained glass compositions here. The Museum of Fine Arts is also very interesting for visitors with Western European exhibits and exhibitions held here regularly.
IN museum Wax figures there are entire rooms dedicated to historical events, starting from the time of Louis. The exhibits are dressed in police and military uniforms from a distant time. Their realism amazes even the most experienced tourists.
La Rochelle belongs to the category of port towns, it is located on coastline Bay of Biscay. The main attraction was the Old Harbor. It is surrounded on all sides by narrow half-timbered houses, each of which has the common design feature of two separate exits and two facades, although the owner may be one person.
Cannes - The most famous here will be the Croisette. Its length is several kilometers, it stretches along the coastline. On the one hand you can go down to the sea, on the other you can continue your journey through luxury shops and buy souvenirs and clothes.

HOLIDAY IN FRANCE

France- one of the most romantic and colorful countries, which has everything for a comfortable and memorable holiday. To ensure that your stay in this wonderful country leaves only bright and pleasant impressions, we have collected in our guide to France the most necessary and up-to-date information for tourists.

Helpful information

Visa to France
In order for Russians to enter this wonderful country, they must obtain a visa. For tourism purposes it is worth to receive a Schengen visa, the period you should expect at the embassy is from 3 to 7 working days. Visa issuing authorities do not work on holidays; in some cases, the period for issuing a visa can be extended to 1 month without explanation.
After submitting the documents, you need to pay a fee in rubles. Rules for submitting documents:
- it is necessary to collect and submit a package of certificates and copies to the French Embassy 90 days before the date of the intended trip;
- there must be an invitation from a state representative and it can only be used once;
- If it is necessary to correct documents, the procedure can be repeated.
The Embassy in Moscow is located at: st. Bolshaya Yakimanka, 45, telephone for inquiries: 937-14-30.

Customs regulations
Officially, there is no ban on importing currency into the country; if the amount of cash exceeds 7,500 euros, it must be declared.
When a tourist reaches 17 years of age, he is allowed to have with him: cigarettes - 200 pcs. or 250 g of tobacco,coffee (500 g) and tea (100 g), fish 2 kg, perfumes - 50 ml. It is strictly forbidden to import goods that imitate French brands, fakes and copies of things and shoes. If the tourist is carrying narcotic substances, he will be detained at the airport until the circumstances are clarified. You cannot import toys, antiques, or explosive substances that are dangerous for children.
You can export: tobacco products (800 cigarettes),alcohol (strong drinks - 10 l, wine - 90 l).
It is strictly forbidden to export antiques and materials containing pornographic elements.

Reminder for tourists

In general, tourists are safe in the country, but they must adhere to certain rules: dark time do not go through poor neighborhoods and those that are unfamiliar; It is better not to carry original documents with you, but only their copies; check your bank account balance after making a purchase.
As in any state, at train stations, near commuter trains and in public transport pickpockets work. You should not take a significant amount of cash with you. In order to protect your rights, you can contact one of the nearest police commissariats; if the city or village is small, with similar problems they go to the mayor’s office. Specialists will help you draw up a statement that will serve as the basis for the insurance company to compensate the tourist for damages.
Before your trip, you should familiarize yourself with the list dangerous areas provinces that sometimes even a taxi won’t take you to in the dark.

Smoking
Cigarettes (cigars, cigarillos) in France They are very expensive, if the habit is stronger than financial problems, it is better to take several packs with you. Locals They make their own rolling papers from paper and home-grown or purchased tobacco. If they see that a tourist has arrived with his own cigarettes, they will certainly ask to take one, but instead they will snatch as many as they can. It is better to take one with your own hands and give it to the one who asks. Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places.

Mobile and landline communications
You can call relatives and friends from a public pay phone or hotel room. The first option will cost much less, but it is less comfortable.
To save money, you can buy a special telephone card at the nearest kiosk, the account of which is replenished depending on the needs of the tourist. Coin-operated phones are much less common; they are installed in bars and cafes.
You can keep in touch via the Internet; there are free access points at airports and public institutions; connecting to them is a matter of a few minutes (by setting up a mobile gadget).
Emergency numbers:
- rescue service - 112;
- fire department - 18;
- ambulance - 15;
- police - 17.

Prices in France
You can pay in shops and other public institutions only in euros - this is the only this moment currency used in the country. A trip can be expensive or economical, it all depends on the choice of the traveler:dine in an expensive restaurant or a cozy budget cafe,book a tour of the museum or take advantage of a free day of visiting and a discount,buy branded clothing from a new or old collection on sale.
It is better to take cash with you and credit card, which can be used to pay almost everywhere where there is a special mark at the entrance to a store or cafe. The only limitation is that it is better to arrange a special one for these purposes. international card, which has a microchip.
The abundance of ATMs allows you to withdraw the required amount at any time, and exchange offices change rubles or other monetary unit. It is advisable to do this in your own country, so the savings will be impressive only on the exchange rate.
The network of banks is quite developed, the largest of them are: Central, Credit Agricole. General operating hours are from 9:00 to 12:00, after a break from 14:00 to 17:00. IN holidays and the day before and on weekends, financial institutions are closed.
It is customary here to leave tips for taxi drivers, waiters and sellers. In good form, their size is approximately 5%. Money for service is already included in the total price; if you wish, you don’t have to leave personal thanks.

Transport connections in France

The country is one of the most comfortable for travelers in terms of organizing transfers and moving around cities and beyond.
Airports in France
It is most convenient to use the air corridor. In Russia, Transaero and Aeroflot provide passenger services. Travel time is minimal - 3-4 hours, depending on weather conditions and objective circumstances. The time difference with the capital of Russia is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer. In the high season (summer) the cost of air tickets will be higher, but by autumn it decreases.To save money, you need to book tickets about two months in advance using the service early booking. The most major airports France:Charles de Gaulle (located 25 km from Paris), Orly (13 km), Paris Beauvais (85 km),Marseille Provence (27 km from Marseille).
Public transport
Traveling within the country is very easy and fast; there is practically no crowding at bus stops, despite the large number of tourists visiting each region every year. The transport system has been thought out by the developers to the smallest detail; there are many signs and it is impossible to confuse anything.
For those who want to save money, there are offers for purchasing travel tickets; it is quite possible to do without a taxi. Their cost varies depending on the city; on average, one trip will cost a tourist 2 euros. Tickets are sold in special machines at public stops or ticket offices. You can also buy a one-stop pass, which will be valid on a single route.
The main transport is buses, they run strictly on schedule and are never late. Special routes run at night. Additional means of transportation are the metro, trams and electric trains.
Bicycles for rent
Almost no one travels into the country with their own bicycle, but this will not be a problem. There are special rental points that can provide a vehicle for a certain period of time for a reasonable fee.
Travel by rail
The railway is relevant for those who want to save money (an airplane will cost much more, and there may be a fear of taking it into the air, especially for those who have never flown).
There are two direct trains from Moscow all year round to Paris and Nice, they depart from Belorussky Station. The carriages come in 3 classes: 2, 1 and Lux coupe. The last option will give you maximum comfort on the road: it has a double bed, an armchair, a TV, a table, and a minibar. Breakfast is provided free of charge and the caravan has a shower room and separate toilet.
Moscow-Paris
Travel time 38 hours 30 minutes.
Approximate ticket price range: 347-1116 euros.
Departure: summer period- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday; winter - Thursday and Sunday
Moscow-Nice
Travel time 48 hours 20 minutes.
Cost: 321-1133 euros.
Departure: on Thursdays.
When ordering a ticket, indicate the passenger’s age if he is under 26 or over 60 years old, travel document available at a discount. Several people fit into one, unlike in domestic countries. The maximum number of passengers is 6.
Water transport
In almost every city where there is access to the sea, water vehicles operate. It is not used for transport purposes; it is more a service for the entertainment needs of tourists.
In Paris you can order unusual river cruise, yacht trips in Cannes are very popular. The island of Corsica can be reached from one of the ports on the Cote d'Azur.
Also implemented cruise ships, departing from the river embankment. The ticket can be purchased directly on the spot before departure, but it is better to reserve a cabin in advance. This will give you confidence that upon arrival free places there will be. It’s better to contact one of the trusted cruise companies; you can do this before leaving your country on the companies’ official website: Croise Europe, Locaboat, Viking Rivers.
A cruise is not a one-day event, it lasts approximately 8-9 days. For recreation, special ships are organized, which have restaurants, cozy rooms and premises for public events. In ports and cities, ships stop to break the voyage for an excursion, tasting of local cuisine and wine.

Holidays in France by the sea

The country attracts tourists with the opportunity to soak up the beaches. Most of them belong to municipal authorities, therefore there is no entrance fee. In case of private ownership, you will have to pay approximately 20 euros per day per person. Children can be provided with more flexible payment conditions. You can enter and exit the beach area countless times, this amount also includes the use of an umbrella, a warm shower, a comfortable sun lounger, a toilet and, if necessary, an inflatable mattress that you can take with you into the water.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that public beaches are always crowded, sometimes it is not possible to find a comfortable place near the coastline, there are practically no sun loungers and umbrellas. Private beaches are more comfortable; clean, sifted sand and the absence of garbage attract customers who are not deterred by the rather high cost. Many restaurants and cafes allow you not to interrupt beach holiday for breakfast and dinner.
On South France spreads its territory on the Cote d'Azur, is distinguished by a high level of service and a developed range of services. Tourists are also offered to go to Antibes, where cleanest beaches with fine sand are surrounded by centuries-old pine trees.
Not far from them there are small ports with a wide range of water activities: diving, diving into sea caves, exciting trips on yachts, fast boats, for professionals and beginners they will offer jet ski riding independently or with an experienced instructor.
Cannes does not have its own sandy areas, the beaches are decorated with imported sand, so there are almost no free ones, several municipal ones are located far from the hotels, on the very outskirts. In Nice, the pebble beaches will cause some inconvenience; in the Cassis area the shores are not flat, but steep and rocky.
For those who love space and a wide beach area, you need to go to the Atlantic coast. The water temperature here is lower, so this area is ideal for families with small children and elderly people with joint diseases. sea trips doesn't fit.
On the beaches in Costa Verde there is a water park and a whole staff of animators who can keep children busy with various games while parents relax.

Shopping Features

Along with Italian designers, many fashion designers live and work here, annually presenting their collections on the world's leading catwalks. Fashionistas who want to get their hands on the next hot hit come here for shopping. in the form of a dress or blouse from a famous designer.
Boutiques, department stores, shops, large shopping and entertainment centers - this is far from full list what you can visit. The largest number of them is concentrated in Paris.
By visiting outlets, you can save money; discounts and sales are held constantly. The only inconvenience is that most of these shopping centers are located in the suburbs. At spontaneous markets you can buy antiques, vintage vases, clothes and shoes (both new and used).
Large sales, during which discounts reach 70%, are held twice a year. Moreover, everything is subject to certain rules: a month before the start, it is forbidden to change the price of goods in any direction. The exact dates are not the same every year, they are set by the government. The total sales period is five weeks. In winter, approximate period: second week of January until mid-February. In summer - late June - early August. After this, the price tags come back again.
Some brands never reduce the cost of their goods (Louis Vuitton, Ermes).

Tax free
Tax Free is a relatively new service that allows tourists to save on purchases. This is a procedure, the correct execution of documents for which allows you to return value added tax (VAT).
The minimum total purchase amount to receive a refund must be 175.01 euros, the tax refund percentage is 12%. You can apply for it in almost any store; for ease of service, there are icons in specially designated areas.
Persons over 15 years of age (as confirmed by documents) are entitled to a tax free refund. They must not be residents of the European Union, that is, they live outside its member states for more than six months or are on business trips in France.
To make a refund, you must arrive at the airport at least two hours before the plane departs home. In the store, you cannot forget to get a receipt for tax free (it differs from a regular cash register). Exchange points can be found at passenger information stands.

Features of French cuisine

This country was created specifically for gourmets who decided to try real cheese and taste rare types of wine. Cuisine is traditionally divided into regional and haute cuisine. In Provence, almost every dish is supplemented with aromatic herbs prepared by local specialists; Burgundy is famous for its meat baked in wine sauce. Haute cuisine is unusual; it is a unique recipe of dishes combined with exquisite table setting.
There are many varieties of cheeses: salty, blue, sweet, Parmesan, in salad or wine, spicy and hard. It is impossible to try each one during a vacation in the province, there are a lot of them, the cost is also different. All guests are offered to try signature dishes: oysters, grape snails, mussels, foie gras (duck or goose liver prepared according to a special recipe), onion soup. One of the most revered delicacies among the French is frog legs. Currently, they are not served in all restaurants, due to multiple bans on catching frogs.
The most popular baked goods are croissants. They are served for breakfast and lunch; the fillings in the airy puff pastry can be very diverse. Wine brands: Muscat, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay.

What to bring from France

French perfumes - one of the highest quality and most durable, there are many offers for every taste and wallet size. You can also choose cosmetics from leading brands. Mascaras and lipsticks, lip glosses and nail polishes are very popular.
Dijon mustard - manufactured in the city of the same name. There are several varieties, each of which has an aroma and mild taste. The secret of production is simple - black mustard seeds are used as a basis.
Spices and herbs from Provence - aromatic basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, sage - all this can make any dish a real culinary masterpiece. Most of the herbs that are sold in Russia are not grown in Provencal fields; the original can only be brought from their homeland.
Poppy syrup - an original gift for those with a sweet tooth, it can be added to baked goods, poured over pancakes and pies.
Violets from Toulouse - flower petals in sugar, which are a delicious delicacy. This is the emblem city of the same name, which is why you can find violet jam and sweets on the shelves of confectionery shops.
Cicadas - this does not mean an insect, but keychains or magnets with its image. This is a symbol Cote d'Azur, here you can hear the wonderful singing of cicadas everywhere, but you can’t always see them with your own eyes.

France is rightfully considered one of the most attractive countries in Europe, which tourists from all over the world are sure to visit. Capital of Culture country - Paris, only on its territory there are countless historical and architectural monuments.
This is a country associated with Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Cannes Film Festival. The unique French wine has not been produced in rural vineyards for many years, but is produced in large factory batches, but this does not in the least affect its multifaceted, noble taste.

The most attractive country for tourists around the world is France. In 2012, it received 83 million guests, and if we consider that in 2011 the number of tourists was 81.4 million, then there is a clear upward trend in this figure.

This attractiveness can be explained by a large number of historical and architectural monuments, a wide variety of museums and exhibitions, a mild climate, beautiful natural landscapes, excellent tourism infrastructure, designed for clients of different financial capabilities. The capital of France, Paris, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in the world. Therefore it is not surprising that tours to France are organized all year round.

Nature

The country is located in temperate climatic zone However, due to the fact that the coast is washed by the warm Gulf Stream, the climate is very mild, with a small difference between winter and summer temperatures. For example, in Nice the average winter temperature is 8 degrees, and the summer temperature is 23 degrees. The eastern part of the country is characterized by mountainous terrain terrain, for the western - flat.

The country has many lakes and rivers, the clear water of which reflects beautiful forests. However, there are few of them left, since almost all the land suitable for cultivation is used in agriculture. The vegetation along the Mediterranean coast is very diverse.

Attractions

Almost every old City in this country it can be called a museum, since France has many architectural monuments, probably more than in any other country. As for the museums themselves, history lovers in France are simply spoiled for choice, as here they can see the sites of ancient people, Roman and Gallic settlements, the arenas of ancient amphitheatres, castles whose history dates back to the times of the Roman Empire, and the palaces of the French kings.

Ski resorts

Thanks to the presence of mountains on its territory, France is popular place fans' rest alpine skiing. In French Alps there are about 400 ski resorts, which are aimed at athletes of different levels of training and, importantly, people with different income levels. Hotels at resorts are designed for both family vacation, and for relaxation with a company.

Entertainment

If the tourist is not a skier and is not particularly interested in ancient artifacts and ruins of fortresses, then he can visit the Futuroscope film park near the city of Poitiers, which houses the world's largest collection of cinema history, as well as a magnificent amusement park. Entertainment is distributed according to age categories, which makes this place especially attractive for both adults and children.

32 kilometers from Paris is the town of Marc-la-Vallée, where EuroDisneyland is located, which also offers entertainment for tourists of different ages and financial status. Just wandering through the beautiful streets of Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees is also a great pleasure.

Travel around the country

Those who travel around Europe by personal car need to know what it is like to travel by car. highways France needs to pay. At the entrance to the next section of the highway there will be a sign indicating the amount of toll. Experienced Travelers know what for independent trip around the country will be very helpful map of France in Russian language.

At all, transport system this country is considered one of the best in the world. France is the world leader in the implementation of high-speed railway transport. More than 50 cities in the state are connected by high-speed railways.

Buses are an auxiliary mode of transport. Long-distance routes No. For those wishing to travel around the country by car, there are car rental companies in the country. Highway service stations are located every 25 miles. However, it is difficult to find a parking space in the capital, and most of the parking lots are paid.

Paris is one of the most popular cities in the world among tourists. People are ready to stand in lines for hours to climb the Eiffel Tower, go down to the mysterious Catacombs or see world masterpieces in the Louvre. Of course, such a crowd of enchanted people with money in their pockets attracts scammers of all stripes. We will tell you about several common deception schemes in the French capital.

Bracelet for scammer

This type of “divorce” can be encountered at the foot of the magnificent Sacre Coeur - the usual place of deployment of strong guys (“Afro-French”), quickly surrounding a crowd of a person who wants to climb to the cathedral. They offer to weave a bracelet from threads on your hand.

This company looks quite arrogant and threatening; not everyone would risk refusing. It is best to pass by them when joining a large tourist group. If you can’t do this, then it’s better to politely but clearly refuse the offer and move on without hesitation.

What happens to those who fall for deception? After the thread, the price of which is 3 kopecks, is tied, the tourist is required to pay for the souvenir. Usually 10 euros. They will try to get you to talk by making compliments, trying to chat in a language you know, or in some other way - in all these cases, if you want to keep your money and property to yourself, ignore and pass by.

Gypsies are everywhere

There are many gypsies in Paris, especially in the most crowded tourist spots. Of course, not all representatives of this people are involved in crime. But you are unlikely to enjoy close communication with most of them.

U Eiffel Tower, at Notre Dame Cathedral, at Montmartre - in almost all famous places of the city you can notice groups of young women with strange folders in their hands. They approach all foreigners passing by, pestering them with the same phrase: “speak English?” As soon as a gullible tourist makes contact and tries to understand what is being offered to him, a simple scam begins.

Gypsies try to disguise themselves as ordinary Parisians, preferring jeans, T-shirts and sneakers to long skirts and massive jewelry. But gait, facial features, dark skin color, hair length and many other details still reveal nationality. An attentive person will immediately notice that these ladies are holding plastic tablets for paper, with a bunch of signatures on the sheet. As soon as you give the gypsy a positive answer to her hackneyed question, she will immediately begin asking you to sign a certain petition, supposedly related to charity.

Of course, all this is an ordinary “scam”. You will be asked to pay a few euros (5-10 euros) to contribute to a noble cause. It is quite possible that while you are delving into the offer, someone else’s hands will already be in your bag. If you start to brush it off, they will argue with you, because you just signed “on the document.”

The most amazing thing about this story is that all this is happening in front of the Parisian law enforcement agencies. Local law enforcement officers usually do not pay any attention to groups of these cunning ladies.

Giving alms is also not worth it. Especially when gypsies sit on the street with small children in their arms. With children who are often completely different from their mothers even in skin color, but that’s another story...

By the way, it is necessary to say separately about another category of gypsies who steal in fashionable places. They disguise themselves as wealthy women (you wouldn’t even think that these are ordinary scammers), go into expensive cafes, shopping centers and quietly rob tourists while having a delicious dinner or shopping. That's why, for example, in some restaurants, waiters will ask you every five minutes to keep your purse on your lap. Yes, it’s inconvenient, but you’ll have to endure it.

“Free” toilets

It often happens that at the entrance to free public toilets near attractions there are people brazenly extorting money for entry. Some scammers just say: “Pay as much as you don’t mind!” This is especially common, for example, in the same Sacré-Coeur.

Is it worth conflicting and fighting a vicious system? The question is complex. Most likely, you don’t need a showdown with local outcasts; it’s better to move on and use the toilet in another place if you are not going to pay scammers.

Souvenir Attack

Like annoying flies, guys walk around tourist spots with bundles of Eiffel towers and other souvenirs. There is nothing wrong with people wanting to make money. The bad thing is that at some point the intrusiveness and number of sellers begins to get on your nerves. Especially if instead of quietly enjoying beautiful views, you have to worry about the safety of your property. In addition, often the same souvenirs can be bought in other places for much less.

Dubious acquaintances

This point is also very important. You don’t need to trust new acquaintances too much, be on your guard. This especially applies to women. Perhaps, while you are picturing in your head the wonderful prospects of marrying a foreigner and emigrating to your favorite country, your chosen one is already looking at your jewelry and thinking about the contents of your wallet.

France is the dream of many tourists. Graceful streets, sophisticated French women, brilliant palaces... But what should you bring from France? Rarely does a tourist leave here without a handful of Eiffel Tower keychains. However, this country also has more interesting souvenirs.

The French are great gourmets. Exquisite cuisine will so captivate travelers from Russia and beyond that the choice often falls on edible gifts. Perhaps we’ll start our review with them.

1. Foie gras as a gift

One of the culinary symbols of France is foie gras. This dish is considered a delicacy, and its popularity among tourists is as high as the famous frog legs and French croissants.

The production of foie gras has long been on stream; you can often find this dish in souvenir packaging in specialized shops and even ordinary supermarkets. As a rule, it is placed in a tightly closed glass or regular tin jar. The main thing is to check the expiration date. Of course, this option bears little resemblance to a gourmet dish from a restaurant with a Michelin star, but it is suitable for an original souvenir.

What is foie gras? It is essentially a pate made from goose liver. By the way, the poor bird suffers incredibly for the sake of this delicacy. She is force-fed by inserting a tube down her throat through which corn constantly flows. As a result, the bird’s liver enlarges 10 times, and fat is formed there, which gives the dish its signature unique taste. Foie gras with French This is how it is translated - “fatty liver”.

Animal activists regularly advocate for a ban on this delicacy. Some countries have stopped producing it (Germany, Poland, Italy). But the French cannot yet deny themselves such pleasure.

2. French alcohol

An alcoholic drink from France will be a universal gift. French wines, cognac and, of course, champagne are highly valued all over the world.

An elegant bottle of French wine is a gift that, above all, speaks of the good taste of the giver. The French love to live beautifully and are well versed in wine, so there is simply no cheap substitute here. There are good and very good wines.

Premier or Grant cru is the most elite wine, aged for more than 30 years, and the price is more than 700 euros.
AOC - the best wines of certain provinces, made from a limited list of grape varieties, excise tax green.
VDSQ is a good quality wine, in the production of which much can be used large quantity grape varieties.
VDP is wine from certain regions, the production of which is strictly controlled. But this is a more democratic option - a blue excise tax.
VDT – good table wine reasonable price, burgundy excise tax.

Another pattern that applies to both wine and cognac, and champagne: the less remarkable the label, the better the taste. By the way, in France only drinks produced in the Champagne region are called champagne; everything else is local sparkling wines.

For men, it is preferable to bring cognac. Moreover, only a drink produced in the vicinity of the city of the same name is worthy of the name. French province Charente. It is made from certain grape varieties and is distinguished by aging. The most noble ones have the letters “XO” on their label.

If you like to try unusual alcoholic drinks, pay attention to pastis. IN Dijon And Burgundy They really love this “Provencal milk” (that’s how the name is translated). It is made from pineapples and herbs, including licorice root. A very extravagant and spectacular souvenir, which, by the way, we have already talked about.

3. Cheese delicacies

France has a huge selection of cheeses, each with a distinct character and taste. Having tasted them while traveling, you can choose your favorite variety or a delicacy to take home.

You should buy cheese as a gift the day before, or better yet, on the day of departure. You can transport it in a regular suitcase. The sealed packaging must not be opened. True French cheese can be stored for no more than 4 days, so there is no point in delaying the home tasting, and upon arrival you must immediately put the product in the refrigerator.

The most famous French cheeses:

Bleu d'Auvergne. Blue cheese. Made from cow's milk.
Bree. Also made from cow's milk. Cheese with white mold.
Roquefort. Made from sheep's milk. This is the famous blue cheese.
Camembert. It has a moldy rind, and the cheese inside is moist and soft. Sold in a wooden box.
Emmental. Hard grade with large holes. Manufacturing takes a long time - from 6 months to a year.

4. Original treats

An unusual dessert - cider jam - will be an excellent gift for those with a sweet tooth. It has a fairly liquid consistency and an indescribable aroma of true cider - the aroma of France.

You can also pay attention to chestnut jam and classic French sweets.

Fans of more traditional desserts will enjoy pasta. Beautiful and delicious round cakes made from almond flour.

5. Dijon mustard

As the name suggests, the recipe for this mustard was invented in Dijon. Instead of vinegar, grape juice is added to it.

Now in France great amount varieties of Dijon mustard, some of them add white wine instead of juice.

6. Herbes de Provence

Almost every housewife knows about this excellent seasoning, which has unique flavors. It is named after the province Provence and consists of herbs growing on its territory.

This seasoning can turn any dish into a culinary masterpiece, so it will become a relevant gift for anyone who knows how to cook.

7. Violets as a gift

This souvenir is also a culinary souvenir, because we are talking about a French delicacy - candied violets. Its homeland is Toulouse- By the way, you can even buy violet ice cream and syrup there.

8. Limoges porcelain

Incredibly beautiful porcelain dishes are an excellent premium gift. IN Limoges They use a unique technology for its production, thanks to which the base is uniquely white, and the patterns are bright and clear. Add to this the excellent refined taste inherent in all the French, and you will get real porcelain masterpieces.

9. Ladies' things

And what would France be without perfume! The subtle, refined aroma of famous brands is associated with this country as firmly as the Louvre or Versailles. Chanel, Cartier, Guerlain, Givenchy, Christian Dior – the list of popular French brands can be endless.

If you want to buy the best perfume, take a bottle with the inscription “Essence de parfum”, it contains more essence than alcohol.

For beautiful ladies who are indifferent to perfume, you can give cosmetics. The choice is also impressive - Estée Lauder, Dior, Clarins, Clinique and many other global brands. They can be purchased in branded boutiques and pharmacies.

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