FRENCH CITY

Cities of France

Visit famous French cities like Bordeaux, Cannes, Chamonix, Chartres, Clermont-Ferrand, Limoges, Marseille, Nice and Paris. Below a list of the official city sites of important cities in France.
Find information on the cities, as well as official visitors bureaus and travel and tourism offices with tips for travel, activities, sightseeing, lodging and accommodations for your next holidays in France.

Paris

A wonderful city, full of culture, history and stunning architecture, which draws more than 30 million visitors every year. That means you will never be short of things to do while you are in residence, but it also means a thriving rental market-short term rentals for periods when you are not using your pied-à-terre, or longer term if you should ever tire of your Parisian home away from home. Some 63 percent of Paris residents are renters, so finding a long-term tenant should never be a problem.
Currently, however, the short-term rental market is in a state of disarray, following a recent announcement by the City of Paris that has panicked many individual private landlords who rent furnished apartments by the week to tourists and other visitors. According to the Prefecture of Paris, more than 38,000 apartments in the capital are being rented illegally, and steps to prosecute owners have begun.
In fact, in Paris it is illegal for an owner to rent a property not classified as commercial for any period of less than one year. The sole exception is for student rentals, where the term can be no less than nine months. Properties intended for potentially lucrative short-term rentals by the week or month must be classified as commercial. If they are not, owners face a fine of up to €25,000.
The law is not new-it was introduced more than twenty years ago. But it is now being fully enforced in a bid to alleviate the chronic shortage of affordable housing in the city center. Susie Hollands, owner of the Paris-based real estate consulting firm Bonapart Consulting, says "This law potentially affects about 300 of my client-owners, many of them based in France, the UK and the US. What I'm advising is that they either switch to longer term rentals of one year, or go through the legal process to change their apartment's legal status to commercial." While the law has not yet been fully applied, Hollands recommends a preemptive approach to correct what could prove to be a serious situation for owners.
Yolanda McCafferty, a property consultant with Vivre à Paris, has stressed to her clients that if their property is unfurnished, it can still be considered residential rather than commercial, even if it is rented on a private basis. But she adds, "There are implications to this enforcement of the law, which has been around for years. One thing is the tax issue. If you change the status of the property to commercial you will also have to change it back to residential to sell it."
"But an unfurnished flat can still be residential," she insists. "As real estate agents, we don't think we will see an impact in the market unless the City tries to force changing the status of the property." Unfurnished apartments may be legally residential, of course, but they won't rent for the lucrative weekly-rental prices that made investment buying so interesting.
In general, the Paris property market cannot be compared to the average situation in the rest of France, but rather follows the same standards as other major European capitals-London, Rome, Madrid and Berlin. Paris prices also vary enormously depending on the district-nowhere is the old rule of location foremost more absolute.
The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, spiraling out in the shape of an escargot from the 1st, which includes the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens. These days the most expensive quartier is the Left Bank's 6th arrondissement, the neighborhood of Saint Germain des Prés, where figures for the first quarter this year put prices at €10,040 per square meter (at current exchange rates, approximately $1,400 per square foot). This area was followed closely behind by the 7th arrondissement at €9,760. The cheapest area is the 10th arrondissement--around the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l'Est railroad stations--where prices fall to as low as €4,850 per square meter. The 10th also includes the trendy and sought-after quays of the Canal Saint Martin, more expensive than the rest of the neighborhood but still an attractive place to do some hunting. Or try the 2nd arrondissement for some recently renovated loft conversions, at between €6,000 and €7,000 per square meter.
An overwhelming 95 percent of properties in Paris are apartments, rather than houses, and a large number of them look very much alike. Much of the city was rebuilt in the 19th century under the direction of Georges-Eugène Haussmann, who introduced straight, wide, tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and gardens, and a standard building height. As a rule, Haussmannian buildings tend to follow the same basic design, with the second story étage noble having the largest apartments and the most sumptuous balconies, but even the attic rooms in these classic buildings are very much in demand. Something else to consider, if you hope to rent your Paris apartment, is that authentic properties in central Paris might need a considerable amount of work done before they pass the necessary checks stipulated by rental agents.

I love Paris - Cole Porter 1953
Every time I look down on this timeless town,
Whether blue or gray be her skies,
Whether loud be her cheers, or whether soft be her tears,
More and more do I realize that....
I love Paris in the springtime
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love Paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love Paris, why oh why do I love Paris
Because my love is here
Why do Parisians like vertical erections? The place is full of towers, obelisks and monuments.

Eiffel Tower was a ‘temporary’ erection to impress visitors to the Universal Exhibition of 1889 and it was much decried by 19th century critics. Some even took detours to avoid seeing it. Designed by Gustave Eiffel (who also designed Statue of Liberte), the tower antennae is 320m (1051 ft) high. On hot days, she is 15 cm (6 in) higher due to metal expansion. I think the coolest thing is the hydraulic lift mechanism, which still works.

3,200-year-old obelisk from Luxor erected on Place de la Concorde. This is a large historic place of more than 20 acres in the middle of Paris. Starting off as Place Louis XV in 18th century to display a statue of the king, it became the Place de la Révolution with the guillotine replacing the statue. La Guillotine caressed 1,119 victims in two years, including Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, Danton and Robespierre. The last two were revolutionary leaders...hmm...better the Devil you know?
The chastened Revolutionaries renamed the place as Concorde and in the 19th century grand additions enhanced the square. Two fountains, the obelisk and eight statues personifying French cities were added.

It is a delightful stroll down the rue de Rivoli from Place de la Concorde to my objective, Place Vendôme.
The more cultural amongst you can continue on the Rivoli until you get to some museum which the French call Musée du Louvre. People go "Ooo-er" at a tiny painting of some woman with a crooked smile there .

The Column - 44 metres high - is comprised of a stone core, encased in the bronze of 1250 cannons captured at the Battle of Austerliz (1805). It was designed by Denon, Gondouin, and Lepère and modeled in the style of Trajan's Column in Rome. It was constructioned during 1806 – 1810. Bergeret created the spiral bronze bas-relief.
Originally a statue of Napoléon a Caesar was placed on top. This was replaced by a likeness of Henri IV, which was removed during the 100 Days (1815) when Napoléon returned from Elba and attempted to regain power. Afterwards Louis XVIII installed an enormous fleur-de-lys, but Louis-Philippe restored Napoléon in military uniform.
During the Commune in 1871, a group of Communards lead by Gustave Courbet the artist, tore down the column. Rather than pay for its re-erection, as he was ordered, Courbet died (1877) in exile in Switzerland. During 1873 - 1874, the column was reestablished at the center of Place Vendôme with a copy of the original statue on top.
Place Vendôme – 18th century elegance and 21st century avarice. Originally planned to house academies and embassies behind an octagon of arcaded facades, bankers moved in instead and created ornate homes. Federic Chopin died at No.12 in 1848 and César Ritz established his famous hotel at No.15. Today, the Place is virtually intact and jewellers, banks, financial consultants and watch houses occupy it and the surrounding area (rue de Castiglione and rue de la Paix):
Boucheron, Breguet, Buccellati, Bvlgari, Cartier, Chanel, Chaumet, Chopard, Mauboussin, Omega, Patek Philipe, Piaget, Répossi, Swatch and Van Cleef & Arpels amongst others. More of those later.
It was near lunchtime so I decided to stroll up rue de la Paix at the north end of Place Vendôme until this building swung into view.

Bordeaux

Home to just over half a million people on the southwest coast of France, Bordeaux has always been one of the most beautiful cities in the country, and now, after a major program of urban renovation, it is stunning-polished and sparkling, filled with splendid examples of neoclassical architecture, with wide avenues and plenty of open spaces. Like Nice, it has a convenient international airport, a new, state-of-the-art tramway. It's an excellent base from which to travel around the region, from the popular surfing beaches on the Atlantic coast to the famous vineyards of Médoc and Saint Emilion.
A large section of the city center is for pedestrians only and offers a superb range of fashionable shops, notably on Rue Saint Catherine, which claims to be Europe's longest shopping street. There is also a huge student population and a high level of employment, and enough of the city's historic architecture has been preserved to earn a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.
Traditionally, property in the center city has been the domain of the French themselves, while international buyers have preferred to buy in the suburbs. However, there are some wonderful neoclassical properties with spacious rooms and high ceilings right in town that would make ideal vacation homes, whether rented out part-time or not. Best bets here are properties in the Chartrons quarter, overlooking the Garonne River, where you can find one-bedroom apartments for under €200,000 and good buys can also be found near the popular Place Gambetta, in the Grands Hommes quarter.

Bordeaux is in the Gironde, Aquitaine
One of the most important cities in south-western France, the agreeable climate and rich history make the city an interesting place to explore.
Laying on the banks of the river Garonne the city was founded in 350B.C, the city of Bordeaux prospered under the Roman Empire, then called Burdigala. The Atlantic ocean and river access allowing important economic activities to develop.
Once part the English kingdom, but in the 15th century, when the French retook possession, the city was left to decline. The people had to wait more than 200 years for prosperity to return, when Louis XI installed a parliament.
The name of Bordeaux is associated with the great wines produced in the region.
The largest department and located on the Atlantic coast in southern France. The population who are not located within the major cities are inevitable involved with the wine industry.
The long coastline, river Gironde and the bay of Arcachon (famous for oysters) created a great maritime importance for the area. With a gentle climate, there is much tourism.

The French city of Bordeaux in the south-west also made the list as the location of one of Europe's biggest 18th Century architectural urban areas.

Welcome to Château Coulon Laurensac Bordeaux

A romantic château next to Bordeaux
Prepare yourself to experience a wonderful holiday with us. We are Ronald and Margaret Rens and we've been living at Château Coulon Laurensac since January 2002, together with our two sons Roderick and Alexander and our little Jack-Russell terrier "Easy".
Superbly located at just 10 minutes from the center of Bordeaux and only 20 minutes from Bordeaux Airport, we have three charming independent holiday homes, thus enabling us to maintain and restore this unique 18th century château and its beautiful grounds. Perfectly situated, Coulon Laurensac provides a haven of peace and tranquility, just a few minutes drive from Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world.
We invite you to have a further look at our web site to discover this splendid place and all that it has to offer

Lyon is in the Rhône, Rhone-Alpes
The river Saône, which joins the Rhône flow through the heart of the city. The Roman ruins and early buildings are to be found on the right bank of the Saone. Lugdunum, which was the Roman name for the town began 100 years B.C. The rivers providing commercial importance, trade routes to and from the Mediterranean, and also natural defence.
The fertile valleys of the rivers allowed important crop farming, the surrounding steep hillsides were ideal for wine production, which the Romans introduced.
The city is of geographical and economical importance, with important infrastructures such as a very modern Metro underground, TGV train lines, international airport and more.
Also home to one of France's most important football clubs Olympique Lyon.

Lyon cities at night

A rather unusual new construction project was revealed this week. Dubai entrepreneur and developer, Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, who heads up the Emivest capital film, has just announced his intention to build a replica of a French city in the middle of the desert.
The city in question is Lyons and the plan was formally announced, strangely enough, in Lyons on Wednesday – the real one. Lyons’ mayor, Gerard Collomb said, “We are flattered that Lyon can inspire… a city like Dubai.”
The project is estimated to be costing at around 500 million euros and will cover an area of between 3 and 400 hundred hectares (741- 988 acres.)
Apparently, Buti first conceived the idea after traveling to Lyons during the planning stages of a French language university in Dubai. He plans to expand this idea and re-create a huge town which is to be named Lyon-Dubai city. In an attempt to capture the feel of a genuine French town there are plans for the usual French arrangement of public squares, outdoor cafés and the like.
Lyons itself was originally a Roman colony founded in 43 BC, named Lugdunum, but we suppose Lyon-Dubai City has more of a ring to it. Hot on the heels of sister UAE state, Abu Dhabi’s decision to build a McLouvre, this seems to be a little bit of one-upmanship. The first phase of the project will include 3,000 homes, a football training center and, of course, replicas of all the major Lyonaise museums.
We are certainly looking forward to sampling some of the local cheeses and wines, once that particular facility can be replicated.

During this time of the year, when the sky is grey all over the country, French cities actually look best at night. And it's a good thing 'coz I wouldn't have gotten a chance to take those pictures at daytime anyway!

It's funny how many cities I've been to lately... I just wish I had my camera handy more often... I really gotta get one of those camera phones... But they make crappy pictures anyway, so I'm not sure they'd really fit the purpose here... ahh whatever

Nice

The sunny resort on the Mediterranean coast has been popular with visitors since the 19th century, when Queen Victoria came to escape harsh English winters on its balmy, sheltered shores. The fifth largest city in France and the economic center of the Côte d'Azur, Nice may lack some of the glittery sophistication of its smaller but more glamorous neighbors such as Cannes and Saint Tropez, but it has plenty to offer. The city stretches back from the curving coastline of the azure blue Baie des Anges-the aptly named Bay of Angels-to the northern hills that harbor exclusive residential areas such as Mont Boron, where Elton John has a house.
Every year, more than four million tourists arrive at Nice's international airport to savor the city's delights-not only a stunning waterfront but also wonderful museums, a national theater, scores of restaurants and cafés, a sleek new tramway, a busy shopping district, and more than 300 days of sunshine every year.
Nice is divided into eight districts, and property prices vary hugely depending on the neighborhood. Among the most expensive areas is Cimiez, a hilly expanse in the northeast of the city, where prices last year hovered between €3,370 and €4,540 per square meter. Another high-priced district is Vieux Nice, the historic old town, just back from the seafront beneath the hill that was once the site of the city's château-fortress. Properties in the northern section of the central city are among the cheapest, at an average of €2,440 per square meter. Especially when compared with other resorts along the Côte d'Azur, prices in Nice have remained relatively reasonable.
Founded by Greek traders in the 4th century BC, Nice was ruled by the counts of Provence and then the Italian dukes of Savoy until 1860, when it reverted to France. While Vieux Nice has retained some of its Italianate features-including beautiful Baroque churches-much of the city was rebuilt, and its urban planning and architecture were heavily influenced by what Haussmann was doing in Paris at the time. As in Paris, most properties in central Nice are apartments-there are said to be only a dozen or so individual houses in the entire city center.
More recently, the city has undergone considerable renovation, and experts now tout Nice as the place to find some of the best property investments in France. Property prices between 2004 and 2008 increased by an average of 14.4 percent, and although growth has slowed over the last year, real estate agents seem confident that things will pick up again next year.
Nice also enjoys a booming all-year rental market, and rental opportunities will only increase with the local government's major plans for development, which include the creation of a new student district, a luxury marina in what is now a mainly functional port, and the extension of the TGV Méditerranée, which will reduce the travel time from Paris from six hours to just over three and a half. Average rents in Nice are the second highest in France, after the Paris region, and apartments, depending on location and condition, can be rented at peak rates for as many as 35 weeks per year.

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SecureComm brings together security and privacy experts in academia, industry and government as well as practitioners, standards developers and policy makers. SecureComm also serves as a venue for learning about state-of-the-art in security and privacy research. Presentations reporting on cutting-edge research results are supplemented by panels on controversial issues and invited talks on timely and important topics.
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Nice Travel Guide

Nice is the 5th of the largest French cities located in southern France on the Mediterranean coast. It is really situated between Marseille and Genoa. Nice is well-known as a center of the famous Côte d’Azur. Its population is about 1200 000 people.
Nice is very old: it was founded around 350 BC by the Greeks from Massilia, now ? Marseille. The city has a rich history. First, it was a large Ligurian trading port compared with the Roman Cemenelum. By the way, the ruins of Cemenelum you can see in Cimiez, one of the Nice districts. Then in the seventh century the city became a part of the Genoese League and successfully fought with Saracens. Nevertheless, in the eighth century Saracens pillaged and burned the city and ruled it till the tenth century. Nice played a large role in the Italian and Savoy history during the Middle Ages, then in the wars between Francis I and Charles V. Nice suffered very hard in 1543 from the united forces of Francis I Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha. After 1600 Nice was under duke of Guise, then became a part of France, again belonged to Savoy? Louis XIV ruled it from 1691 till 1731, Napoleon I ? from 1792 till 1814. After 1814 it became the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, and again became a part of F rance after 1860 (Napoleon III). Nice is a native city of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Nice became a famous resort after Napoleon wars because of its clement climate and warm winters. The Russian empress dowager Alexandra Feodorovna came here in 1856, and soon a large Russian colony (about 400 Families) was in Nice. The beautiful Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral was finished in 1912.
Formula One started in Nice in 1932 (to be exact, Formula Libre that later transformed to Formula One).
Places of interest:
- Monument Aux Morts
- Promenade des Anglais
- Hotel Negresco
- Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
- Place Masséna
- Place du Palais
- The port
- Cours Saleya
- The botanical garden: Jardin botanique de la Ville de Nice

Toulouse

La Ville Rose--the pink city, so called because of its predominant pink-brick architecture--is France's fourth largest city, and home to the Airbus and the sprawling aerospace industry. The capital of the southwestern Midi-Pyrénées region, midway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the city on the banks of the Garonne River enjoys a mild climate and a bustling, cosmopolitan lifestyle. A renowned university center since the Middle Ages, it has a huge student population, as well as a hefty share of tourist visitors attracted by its superb museums, Renaissance mansions and magnificent Romanesque and Gothic churches. And while it is famous for its aeronautical industry, it is also known for its electronics, information technology and biotechnology sectors. The city's booming industrial success has prompted major infrastructure investment and excellent transport links. And as if all that weren't enough it's also a bastion of great food and wine.
Property prices have risen considerably over recent years, as more businesses and their employees have been drawn to the city. But a current downturn in the aeronautical industry, with extensive job losses expected to continue at Airbus, has led to a fall in prices of about 10 percent over the last year.
But with apartments accounting for almost 80 percent of the city's real estate, and with 64 percent of some 400,000 residents renting, Toulouse is an ideal place to purchase for investment or part-time rental. The areas around Le Capitole, Busca and Les Carmes are very popular for tourist rentals, or-if you hope to attract student tenants- try Saint Cyprien, Saint Michel or Patte d'Oie. Apartments in Toulouse tend to be larger than in other major French cities, and they currently average around €3,304 per square meter.

Toulouse is in the Haute Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees
The city is half way between the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea. To the south the impressive Pyrenees mountains mark the frontier with Spain.
During the Gaule empire, the city assured the routes to and from the seas.
The city is home and a temple to one of best national Rugby Union clubs.
The city is considered to have developed due to the wise use of local resources such as gas and hydro-electricity, it is home to the French Space research program SNIAS and there is an important concentration of high-tech.
The traditional sausage "Saucisse de Toulouse" is a local delicacy and is made of pork, smoky bacon and red wine. You should also enjoy another local specialty called Cassoulet with beans in a tomato sauce and various meats
The region's important agricultural tradition (poly-culture, sheep farming in the mountains); suffered a large population exodus due to the Industrial revolution.
A very contrasted landscape, with the mountains reaching more than 3000m (providing excellent skiing), whilst further to the north there are fertile plains beside the rivers for agriculture.
During recent years an important electronic, avionic and space industry, has been centred around Toulouse. This has provoked radical changes in the local infrastructure and communications network.

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