GRAND FRANCE

Situated on the River Rhone the historic holiday destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309 making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378 but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes until the last Pope Benedict XIII fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods fire the plague and the Le Mistral the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'.Despite all this Avignon has one of the best-preserved centres in France a strong holiday attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls built in 1403 by Pope Benedict enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists which double the town's population of 100 000 this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on holiday in the Avignon area.

Situated on the River Rhone the historic holiday destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309 making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378 but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes until the last Pope Benedict XIII fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods fire the plague and the Le Mistral the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'.Despite all this Avignon has one of the best-preserved centres in France a strong holiday attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls built in 1403 by Pope Benedict enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists which double the town's population of 100 000 this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on holiday in the Avignon area.

Lyon is a city synonymous with the silk industry, the French Resistance and a reputation as the 'gastronomic capital of the world'. It is located between the Rhone and the Saône rivers in the south of France. Lyon is home to some of the finest restaurants and chefs in the country and forms the second largest metropolitan area in France, after Paris.

Besides the many restaurants, bistros and cafes that entice people to this endearing city, Lyon boasts three large city parks, some 30 museums and countless monuments symbolising Lyon's development through the ages. It is home to the world-famous Lyon Opera House, whose orchestra's reputation has travelled far beyond French borders.

UNESCO lists Lyon as a World Heritage site due to its rich and diverse 2,000-year history, evident in the awe-inspiring Romanesque architecture and medieval buildings in Old Lyon, including the Primatiale St-Jean Cathedral, and the 15th-century Hôtel du Chamarier.

To the west, Fourviere Hill offers panoramic views of the city, and its own attractions include the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, and the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine.

By day, Lyon can be viewed by boat on a trip down its rivers and, at night, dinner cruises add an element of fantasy to the city. Lyon is a city rich in food, history and culture, making it a hidden treasure in the French landscape. It certainly lives up to its Roman name, Lugdunum, meaning 'the hill of light'.

Lyon is a city synonymous with the silk industry, the French Resistance and a reputation as the 'gastronomic capital of the world'. It is located between the Rhone and the Saône rivers in the south of France. Lyon is home to some of the finest restaurants and chefs in the country and forms the second largest metropolitan area in France, after Paris.

Besides the many restaurants, bistros and cafes that entice people to this endearing city, Lyon boasts three large city parks, some 30 museums and countless monuments symbolising Lyon's development through the ages. It is home to the world-famous Lyon Opera House, whose orchestra's reputation has travelled far beyond French borders.

UNESCO lists Lyon as a World Heritage site due to its rich and diverse 2,000-year history, evident in the awe-inspiring Romanesque architecture and medieval buildings in Old Lyon, including the Primatiale St-Jean Cathedral, and the 15th-century Hôtel du Chamarier.

To the west, Fourviere Hill offers panoramic views of the city, and its own attractions include the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, and the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine.

By day, Lyon can be viewed by boat on a trip down its rivers and, at night, dinner cruises add an element of fantasy to the city. Lyon is a city rich in food, history and culture, making it a hidden treasure in the French landscape. It certainly lives up to its Roman name, Lugdunum, meaning 'the hill of light'.

Vernon lies on the banks of the river Seine, about midway between Paris and Rouen. The village gave its name to a family who took part in the Norman Conquest of England, and then became a British first name.

Rouen was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy during the Middle Ages. It was one of the capitals of the Anglo-Norman dynasties, which ruled both England and large parts of modern France from the 11th to the 15th centuries. From the 13th century onwards. Endowed with a prestige established during the medieval era, and with a long architectural heritage in its historical monuments, Rouen is an important cultural capital. Several renowned establishments are located here, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Secq des Tournelles museum, and Rouen Cathedral.

Rouen was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy during the Middle Ages. It was one of the capitals of the Anglo-Norman dynasties, which ruled both England and large parts of modern France from the 11th to the 15th centuries. From the 13th century onwards. Endowed with a prestige established during the medieval era, and with a long architectural heritage in its historical monuments, Rouen is an important cultural capital. Several renowned establishments are located here, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Secq des Tournelles museum, and Rouen Cathedral.

Mantes was halfway between the centres of power of the dukes of Normandy at Rouen and the Kings of France at Paris. Along with most of northern France, it changed hands frequently in the Hundred Years' War. Louis XIV instituted the manufacture of musical instruments in Mantes, and it was chosen as the centre of brass and woodwind instrument manufacture. In the 19th century, painters were attracted to the town, particularly Corot, whose paintings of the bridge and the cathedral are celebrated. Prokofiev spent the summer of 1920 there orchestrating the ballet Chout.

It is impossible not to fall in love with Paris. The city is a unique blend of iconic architecture, stylish fashion, hedonistic cuisine and illustrious art, all beautifully laid out on the banks of the river Seine.

Paris has nurtured the artistic talents of Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. Victor Hugo's inspired the renovation of the famous Gothic cathedral after which the tale was named. The concert halls have hosted the premiere of Bizet's opera, and the impressionist melodies of Claude Debussy. Cabaret found its home in the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre, where the notorious Moulin Rouge saw the invention of the Cancan dance.

Paris owes much of its beauty and elegance to the vision of Baron Haussmann, who renovated and modernised the city in the late 19th century. The city has contrived to remain untouched by conflict or catastrophe over the years, so all of its history is preserved in the new layout. Wide boulevards lead to squares lined with facades built from the distinctive pale cream 'Paris stone'. Haussman even designed new parks for the city. The Bois de Bologne was inspired by Hyde Park in London.

Paris is a city for all seasons. Summer sees visitors and locals alike relaxing on the banks of the Seine and sipping coffee on sidewalk cafes. On autumn afternoons the brisk walk from the Eiffel Tower through the Parc du Champ de Mars and up the glittering Champs Elysees is carpeted with colourful fallen leaves. Visitors in winter can take to the ice rink outside the Hotel de Ville, while spring sees the city gardens burst into colour and the street performers emerge to practice their trade.