FrAnCe

FRANCE France is a country located in Western Europe . Clockwise from the north, France borders Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Germany and Switzerland to the east, Italy to the south-east and Spain to the south-west, across the Pyrenees mountain range (the small country of Andorra lies in between the two countries). The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south of France, with the Principality of Monacco forming a small enclave. To the west, France has a long Atlantic Ocean coastline, while to the north lies the English Channel, across which lies the last of France's neighbors, England (part of the United Kingdom). France is the world's most popular tourist destination (78 million in 2006) boasting dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris , Cote de'Azur (the French Riviera ), the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the Alps, the Castles of Loire Valley , Brittany , Normandy : Mont Saint Michael . The country is renowned for its gastronomy (particularly wines and cheeses), history, culture and fashion. A lot of variety, but temperate winters and mild summers on most of the territory, and especially in Paris . Mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean and in the south west (the latter has lots of rain in winter). Mild winters (with lots of rain) and cool summers in the north west (Brittany). Cool to cold winters and hot summer along the German border (Alsace). Along the Rhone Valley , occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral. Cold winters with lots of the snow in the Mountainous regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Auvergne.

More about Sychelles

-Seychelles-

Seychelles' 115 islands fall under two distinct groups. The tall granite, Inner Islands cluster mainly within the relatively shallow Seychelles' plateau, 4° south of the equator and roughly 1800 km. distant from the east coast of Africa while the low-lying coralline cays, atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands lie mainly beyond the plateau up to 10° south of the equator.

These Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes group lying 230km distant from Mahé, the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group and finally the Aldabra Group, some 1150km from Mahé.There are 43 Inner Islands in al 41 granitic and 2 coralline and a total of 72 coralline Outer Islands.

These 100-or-so Indian Ocean islands have a land area of just 175 square miles. It’s a deceptive statistic. The Seychelles’ appeal spans the broadest of spectrum. Here there are near-empty beaches of legendary magic. Granite mountains dressed in the lush greens of the tropics. Coral islands to suit every Crusoe. Colorful bird life and exotic flora (like the unique Coco de Mer double coconut). Prestigious 5-star resorts and spas. Romantic desert-island sanctuaries. Friendly islanders whose exotic pedigree – like their delicious Creole cuisine – is a fusion of African, European and Asian influences.

It’s this feature of the Seychelles – their sheer diversity – that we especially love. With a choice of a dozen islands to stay on, you can island-hop to your heart’s content.