France
shares its borders with Belgium, Luxembourg,
Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. It lies
in the Atlantic as well as the Mediterranean
regions of Europe and hence has a drastically
diverse climate. This shows its influence on
the land as well; from sunny beaches in the
French Riviera to the snow capped Alps in the
north. The country has a rich history and cultural
heritage, drawing in an estimated 70 million
tourists a year and it ranks as the number one
tourist destination. Nationals of the EU, the
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel
do not need visas to visit France as tourists
for up to three months. The best time to visit
France is during spring as you can enjoy its
beautiful beaches and Mediterranean climate
through longer days than in winter. Some of
the places of interest in France are;
Paris, with its romantic landscapes
and world famous monuments like the Quais, the
Quartier Latin, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower,
the Grand Boulevards and the Arc de Triomphe
offers the new-comer a truly magical experience
with the food, language, art and culture only
enhancing the pleasure of the senses. Along
the French Riviera, Cannes
draws more than its fair share of tourists and
visitors with its sunny beaches and Mediterranean
climate, apart from this are it numerous boutiques,
hotels and restaurants. Toulouse
in the south of France, located between the
Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast is popular
for its educational institutions and fine food.
The city also has an 18th century Old quarter
with fabulous old mansions and churches. You
may live in France for a lifetime and still
not discover everything it has to offer but
its an experience which you will cherish for
a lifetime.
Other Useful Information
Airports - France has a well organised airport network of 10 international airports and 45 domestic airports. The airports are maintained by France's Aviation Ministry with all the airports strictly adhering to safety rules and regulations, sustaining high standards of quality and providing excellent and modern amenities suiting the needs of the traveller.
Apartments - Apartments are up for sale in many French cities in the north and south of France. The south of France is more popular among tourists due to marvellous beaches and Mediterranean climate along the French Riviera. Hence the apartment’s prices are shooting up everyday. In the north, Paris offers some splendid deals and excellent housing with the most popular attractions in France for the tourist.
Mortgages - To finance your new property, you may take a loan in the form of a bank mortgage from any of the local or international banking chains in the country. It’s always a good idea to retain the services of a good lawyer who can advise you on the different ways of owning a French property, your mortgage options and the inheritance and tax rules in France.
Property - Buying property in France is a good investment if you plan on renting it out. The south of France has more expensive property than that in the northern region of France. Mortgages are a good way to finance the purchasing of the property. If you plan on renting the property out, then you should buy property in a prime tourist location.
Villas - The most popular places to rent a villa in France are Normandy, Brittany and Provence. They are often let out to tourists at reasonable rates, though they are negotiable and vary from region to region. Overall the south of France is the most popular region amongst tourists because of its magnificent coastline and Mediterranean climate.
