France

Want to avoid the Paris crowds but still feast your eyes on Notre Dame's magnificent architecture? Try Clermont-Ferrand's same-named version instead.The university town's original church structure dates back to the 13th century but has been extended over the years.It currently occupies an imposing position towering above Clermont-Ferrand's houses and shops in the old medieval town area.Unlike its pale Parisian counterpart, this cathedral is built from black local volcanic rock, giving the structure a dark mysterious charm.Just as gloomily fascinating is the church's interior. The darkness serves to accentuate the beautiful collection of stained glass windows on display, while it is also possible to see well-preserved 15th-century frescoes on the south transept wall.Clermont-Ferrand sits atop an extinct volcano in the Massif Central region and is the area's largest urban centre. Other religious sights beside the cathedral include the Romanesque church Notre-Dame du Port, nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1998.

The biggest celebration in the French calendar, Bastille Day is a fantastic event taking place across the whole of the country.Commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison that sparked the French revolution that eventually led to the downfall of Louis XVI and the rest of the monarchy, July 14th has been a national holiday in France since 1880.Although each city and town marks this event in its own way, the most spectacular example of celebrations takes place in Paris.The eve of the holiday is spent dancing at a number of balls around the city, including a special outdoor gay ball, while those less inclined to dance can eat at the Incredible Picnic.On the day itself the president leads an impressive military parade marches up the Champs-Elysees, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde.The holiday culminates with a magnificent firework display, while many clubs around the city welcome revellers throughout the night.Bastille Day is also marked at a number of locations around the world, including a huge celebration in New York City.

The town of Bayeaux, only a few kilometers from the beaches of D-Day, was the first French town to be liberated from the Nazis. The town has always been famous for the Bayeaux Tapestry, a seventy meter long embroidered that is almost one thousand years old. It takes several hours to see the tapestry since there is a photo display highlighting the tapestry and a film to see before actually seeing the tapestry. We ended up studying the tapestry for close to an hour since there wasn’t much of a crowd that morning. The tapestry really does read like a comic strip and the story of Harold’s betrayal is clearly told. It is truly remarkable how history can be captured in thread. 

Though the tapestry, which doesn’t look as old as it really is, is a highlight of any visit to Bayeaux, there are other attractions to keep a visitor busy for the rest of the day.

The Cathedral Notre Dame was the original home of the tapestry and is a lovely place to visit. The crypt, one of the few parts of the church remaining from the time of the tapestry, is particularly lovely. History buffs can head over to the Museum of the Battle of Normandy easily recognized by the huge guns out front. The British War Cemetery is next to the museum.

After the museum, head back to the cathedral area and have your pick of one of the many delicious restaurants serving Norman food. Beyond the delicious seafood, Norman butter, cream and cheeses are worth every pound that they put on.

You may not have heard of Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis just yet, but the enormous success the cinematic comedy has garnered in France this year so far points to global domination pretty soon too.In April the charming movie became the most successful in the country of all time, smashing box office records and grossing astonishing amounts of money.Now you can join the legions of French film fans who are journeying to the quiet town of Bergues, in which it was set, to see what all the giggles are about.Located six miles inland from Dunkirk, it makes a pretty picture with medieval walls and towers that have guarded the coastal marshes of Flanders for generations.Its close proximity to Belgium means much of the town reflects the Flemish style of architecture, including the stunning belfry, originally built in the 16th century as a fortified watchtower before being extensively renovated after destruction in WWII.Just as picturesque, but without a silver screen appearance, is the hill town of Cassel, just south of Bergues.