SWITZERLAND

Switzerland

Switzerland , officially the Swiss Confederation is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe where it is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is a landlocked country whose territory is geographically divided between the Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura that yields a total area of 41,285 km². The Swiss population of approximately 7.8 million people concentrates mostly on the Plateau, where the largest cities are to be found. Among them are the two global cities and economic centres of Zürich and Geneva. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product, with a nominal per capita GDP of $67,384. Zürich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the second and third highest quality of life in the world.

The Swiss Confederation has a long history of neutrality—it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815—and was one of the last countries to join the United Nations. Switzerland is home to many international organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and the second largest UN office. The Swiss Confederation has a long history of neutrality—it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815—and was one of the last countries to join the United Nations. Switzerland is home to many international organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and the second largest UN office.

Tourism in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty and cultural and trade events. The Alps are the legendary symbol of Switzerland, home to the beloved Heidi of the Johanna Spyri book. The snow-covered peaks of the Alps are the darling of skiers and snow boarders, who throng the winter resorts for adventure sports in Switzerland. The festivals of this culturally rich country include the traditional festivals like Christmas and Easter. Switzerland is also known internationally for the Locarno Film Festival and many other arts and music festivals .

Visiting Switzerland will be an event of a lifetime, since you get to have myriad experiences within a single destination. Traveling the length and breadth of the country many scenic destinations of Switzerland. One of the best ways to take in this natural splendor is to go on a scenic rail journey in Switzerland, or indulge in a lake cruise in Switzerland.

All the cities in Switzerland have a distinct character of their own. While Zurich is a busy trading and business hub, Locarno is known for its avant-garde film and art festivals. Interlaken is a quiet winter resort that comes alive in the winter season.

Switzerland has a highly developed tourism infrastructure, especially in the mountainous regions and cities, making it a good market for tourism-related equipment and services. Tourism provides a total of 144,838 full time equivalent jobs in the entire country. As of 2011, tourism accounted for an estimated 2.9% of Switzerland's gross domestic product.

Geneva

Geneva is the one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Geneva was ranked as the world's ninth most important financial centre for competitiveness by the Global Financial Centres Index. The city has over 40 museums, and many pubs, cafes, and nightclubs. The Art and History Museum and the Natural History Museum are a must visit for all those who wish to know about the history and culture of Geneva. The Red Cross Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the various humanitarian crises that have overshadowed the world from time to time and the stellar role played by the organization in alleviating the suffering of people.

Geneva is also famous for its breathtaking beauty. Situated on the shores of the Lake Geneva, Geneva is a tourist paradise for thousands of people from around the world. The Flower Clock is a timekeeper made of real flowers, located inside a lush landscaped garden. Another Geneva tourist attraction is the Jet d'Eau, the 140-meter high fountain in Lake Geneva that is visible from most parts of the city.

Other quirky customs add to the quaint flavor of Geneva, Switzerland. One of them is the official proclamation issued to announce the arrival of spring when a particular chestnut tree gets blooms on it. This custom has been followed since 1818. Despite all that several agencies are headquartered at Geneva, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Bern

The capital of Switzerland, Bern, is a charming blend of the modern and traditional. The latest models in cars whiz past the UNESCO recognized Heritage Site of the city, as the tall church spires and 18^th century mansions jostle for space with spanking new exhibition centers, Grand Prix racetracks and pubs.

Bern is also an eclectic city when it comes to cuisine. Tourists can eat out at any of the myriad restaurants, cafes and eating outlets dotting the city. From Oriental cuisine to Mediterranean delicacies, from Greek food to Spanish cuisine from the land of the Matadors, Bern offers visitors a dazzling array of dining options.

And when it comes to Museums and Theaters, Bern relegates competitors to the background. The Bern Art Gallery, inaugurated in 1918, is a symbol of Bernese cultural accomplishments. The Collection of Classical Antiquities displays fascinating artifacts from the Greek, Roman and Egyptian Empires of the ancient world.

One of the most distinguished citizens of Bern has been Albert Einstein. Visit the Einstein House and the Historical Museum of Bern to know more about the man known as the "Greatest Mind of the 20^th century".

The Cathedral Clock, dating back to 1191 AD, is one of the most famous Bern landmarks. The Zoological Gardens are popular with children, while the Kornhaus delights lovers of Baroque architecture. The Bear Pit and the Gurten are also popular Bern tourist attractions. Zurich

Zurich, not to be confused with its German namesake, is one of the more staid cities of Switzerland. This cultured, laid back city is home to the famous University of Zurich, and has many other tourist attractions besides. From the Zurich Botanical Gardens to the Lake Zurich, the sightseeing destinations of Zurich attract many international tourists.

The Zurich Great Minster, dating back to the 12^th century, has none of the light whimsicality associated with the monuments of Switzerland. The dark, brooding aspect of the monument is probably a testimony of its times, since the period was one of the more turbulent ones in the history of Switzerland.

The Swiss National Museum is another Zurich tourist attraction. Here, you will get to know more about the history and culture of Zurich. The museum is situated just behind the Main Station, making it easily accessible by Metro Train.

The Lake Zurich, placid and serene, is a paradise for those who love boat cruises. The cruise from Burkliplatz to Bahnhofstrasse, able to take in some lovely scenery and understand why Switzerland is so popular as a tourist destination.

Tourists come for shopping in Switzerland, then start with the Bahnh of strasse, the busy shopping district in Zurich, Switzerland. From branded electronics to designer clothes, the Bahnh of strasse has all, and more.

Lugano

Lugano is located on the Italian border with Switzerland. So it is no surprise that the region has traces of Italian influence in its culture. The city of parks, a lake and beautiful hills is a tourist paradise. Switzerland Hub takes on a tour of Lugano, as you enjoy the many wonderful sights and sounds of the cities of Switzerland.

The Lugano Festival, in the month of June one of the best music festivals in Switzerland. Here, tourists get to enjoy performances of Western classical music.

The lush parks of Lugano are a sight for sore eyes. The Belvedere garden on the shore of the Lake Geneva has wonderful walkways that allow to stroll through the park, admiring the beauty of the flowers and plants. The Ciani Park offers a splendid view of the Lake Ceresio, and has some grand old trees, gnarled and knotted with age.

Boating on the Lake Lugano is an experience of a lifetime. The quays, the little cruising boats, and the chatter of the tourists in a dozen different languages, all go towards making Lugano tour an affair to remember.

Other Lugano tourist attractions include the many mountains around Lugano that offer the city a picture perfect backdrop. The Monte Saint Salvatore, Mount Bre, Mount Lema and Mt. Tamaro have cable lifts to take tourists to the summit.

St. Moritz

St. Moritz offers visitors what they have come to expect in a typical Swiss city- ski slopes, chalets, the Alps and the Lake. St. Moritz is basically known for its ski resorts, but there are a few sightseeing destinations apart from the ski slopes that are worth visiting.

The Segantini Museum and Engadin Museum offer a chance to spend a relaxed afternoon strolling from display to display. To dine in St. Moritz, have many cozy restaurants near the Lake. The traditional "Raclette" is something must taste to get acquainted with the local flavors. Other St. Moritz gourmet specialties include fish prepared in many different ways. The Kurhaus and the Grishchuna Restaurant are specially recommended.

St. Moritz also has many pubs and discotheques for the ardent clubber. They are frequented by ski enthusiasts from all over the world, who come here for drinks and entertainment after a day spent skiing on the Alpine slopes of St. Moritz.

Skiing is the biggest draw for tourists to St. Moritz. Adventure sports in Switzerland and winter sports in Switzerland are both enriched by the skiing, trekking and sledging facilities in St. Moritz.

Zermatt

Zermatt is an Alpine resort town of Switzerland. The Mount Matterhorn towers over this sleepy resort town that becomes active only during the winters, when winter sports lovers descend on it in droves. This unique city is probably the only city in the world without cars- horse drawn vehicles are the only ones allowed!

The town has an Alpine Museum where people can get to learn about the history and geography of Zermatt. The natural history section of the museum has a collection of butterflies from the area.

Zermatt is chiefly known for its ski resorts. For a complete winter experience, you can opt for the skiing, snowboarding, water hiking, ice climbing and other adventure sports packages.

A mountain lover, then Zermatt is bound to Mecca. Zermatt is ringed by mountains, including the Dent Blanche, Dom, Gabelhorn, Weisshorn and Monte Rosa. The tragic history of Zermatt is well documented, and more in the Alpine Museum.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a charming little resort village tucked away in the Alps. This Swiss city is a paradise for mountaineers, skiers, and adventure sports lovers. Those who do not wish to be quite so exploratory on their vacation need not despair, Interlaken's splendid natural beauty, the icy majesty of the Alps, the little red trains chugging through green hillsides- all make Interlaken a nature lover's paradise. Tourists can spend hours amidst the majestic Eiger and Monch, lost in contemplation; or a poet, penning down some tribute to the beauty of Interlaken!

The Jungfrau is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Interlaken, Switzerland. Once you have reached the summit by cable car, enter a winter wonderland that reminds of Santa Claus' workshop! The Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Hall are also intriguingly beautiful.

The Alpine Garden in Shynige Platte is great a visit for botany enthusiasts. The Shynige Platt also features a permanent Teddy Bear Exhibition that is sure to be a hit with children.

The Harder Kulm is just a few minutes away from Interlaken. From here, visitors can see the Bernese Oberland and a panorama of the Jungfrau and its surroundings. The Harder Kulm also features a funicular railway and a wildlife sanctuary. Sports enthusiasts can indulge in badminton, volleyball, climbing, diving, canyoning, fishing, bungee jumping and boating.

Winters in Interlaken are an exciting time, for indulge in skiing, hiking, sledging, snow boarding and more. There are 45 cable cars and 213 ski slopes in Jungfrau, making this city a winter sports lover's heaven.

Adventure sports in Switzerland

Switzerland is not just popular with poets, lovers and dreamers, but is also a Mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts! To those who love the thrills of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountaineering, skydiving, rappelling, and kayaking, the lakes, rivers and mountains of Switzerland offers many options to indulge in the same.

Trekkers will be delighted with the hiking trails that wind through the mountains, leading to lush meadows and shimmering lakes. The Chamoix region's Grand Balcon is a very popular trekking route, since it offers tourists a view of the Mt. Blanc. After a tiring, but rewarding trek you can choose to relax in the small but comfortable chalets dotting the region.

Another adventure sport in Switzerland is skydiving. The thrill of the air whooshing past, as the ground seems to get closer and bigger, is something that most skydive enthusiasts cannot resist. There are many skydiving schools in Switzerland, offering skydiving lessons to the layperson. The Thun Airport is one of the best skydiving sites in Switzerland.

Verbier is a paradise for mountain bikers. The Verbier- Grimetz route is especially challenging to mountain biker. While most people do not attempt to cover the entire route due to the difficulty of the terrain, bike enthusiasts still go at least part of the way to experience the adrenaline rush and feel the Alpine breeze rush past.

Shopping in Switzerland

Shopping in Switzerland is a pleasurable experience not just for those looking for designer clothes, but also the hoi polloi who are looking to buy some souvenirs to take back home with them.

The Swiss knife is the eternal favorite when it comes to souvenirs. This multi utility knife, designed more than a century back, is very popular with boys. Also popular are Swiss watches, and of course, the delicious, delectable Swiss chocolates! For those who read "Heidi", the delectable Swiss cheeses must be familiar. Swiss cheese is made in many different ways, and come in a breathtaking variety. Swiss watches are also world famous due to their delicate workmanship and the wonderful array of designs to choose from.

Start your shopping in Switzerland tour with the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. This is considered the world's longest covered shopping mall, and can get anything from antique furniture to sleek watches, designer accessories and chocolates. In Geneva, the Rue Basses is a trendy shopping arcade, featuring designer boutiques and showrooms. Rue de la Croix de Or is also another great Switzerland shopping destination.

Shopping in Switzerland becomes an eclectic experience when it comes to shopping in Bern. This old city entices shoppers with its quaint shopping districts, where trendy showrooms and humble delicatessens jostle for space. The covered shopping district protects visitors from chill and cold, making this Switzerland shopping experience a very pleasant little diversion.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses ‒ that of the North and South Islands ‒ as well as numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans.

The majority of New Zealand's population is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and non-Māori Polynesians. Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages, with English predominant. Much of New Zealand's culture is derived from Māori and early British settlers.  

Geography

New Zealand is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands, located near the centre of the water hemisphere. The main North and South Islands are separated by the Cook Strait, 22 kilometres.  The South Island is the largest land mass of New Zealand, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps.  The country owes its varied topography.

Tourism in New Zealand

Tourism is an important industry in New Zealand, contributing NZ$15 billion (or 9%) of the country's gross domestic product in 2010. It is also New Zealand's largest export industry, with about 2.4 million international tourists visiting per year (as of September 2009), providing 18% of the country's export earnings in 2010. New Zealand is marketed abroad as a "clean, green" adventure playground, with typical destinations being nature areas such as Milford Sound, Abel Tasman National Park or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, while activities such as bungee jumping or whale watching exemplify typical tourist attractions, often marketed primarily to individual- and small-group travellers.

The vast majority of tourist arrivals to New Zealand come through Auckland Airport which handled over eleven million passengers in 2004. Many international tourists also spend time in Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Wellington. Other high-profile destinations include the Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Milford Sound. Many tourists travel large distances through the country during their stays, typically using coach lines or hire cars.

Domestic tourism is also important, with domestic tourism expenditure of $13 billion outweighing international tourist expenditure of $9 billion in 2010. Overall, tourism supports some 180,000 full-time equivalent jobs (10% of the New Zealand workforce), with half directly related to tourism. 

Auckland

Auckland, known as the 'City of Sails' for its many boating enthusiasts and weekend waters filled with yachts, has many great attractions the main one being the Hauraki Gulf where there are numerous islands and good deep-sea fishing waters. A number of the islands in Hauraki Gulf are used in efforts to re-establish rare or endangered species of birds and insects. There is an extensive range of shops and complexes, cafes and restaurants but you are never far away from the many beaches in Auckland. View our Auckland regional listings. 

 Queen Street  - The city's busy main artery and show street is Queen Street, along which numerous high-rise office blocks occupied by banks, insurance companies and commercial firms have mushroomed. Between the Ferry Building and K' Road are department stores, shops and restaurants. There is a variety architecture in this area, with imposing colonial-period buildings rubbing shoulders with art-nouveau, art-deco and modern buildings. 

 Sky Tower  - West of Queen Street is the 328m Sky Tower, which is the new symbol of the city. From the viewing platform and revolving restaurant there is a magnificent panorama. Around the tower are grouped the buildings of Sky City, a postmodern complex with a luxury hotel and several restaurants. 

Great Barrier Island  - Great Barrier Island is situated 90 kilometres northeast of Auckland and is easily accessible by air or sea. The island's untouched beauty and isolation make it an attractive destination for adventurous travelers. Its scenery is rugged, with rough seas pounding the eastern coast and creating excellent surf beaches at Awana and Medlands. In contrast, the waters of the western coastline are calm and well suited to the anchorage of yachts. The island's name comes from its role as a barrier, protecting the Hauraki Gulf from the stormy seas of the Pacific Ocean.

People come to this island for its natural and rugged appeal, whether catching a wave on the island's surf beaches; tramping through bush to Kauri dams and natural hot springs; getting close to wildlife, including rare lizards and birds; or fishing, kayaking and diving in the surrounding waters. While experiencing the untouched side of New Zealand's outdoors, visitors can stay in backpacker, holiday home or luxury lodge accommodation on the island.

Devonport  - Devonport is a picturesque seaside suburb on Auckland's North Shore, with a population of about 10,000. A ferry service runs regularly across the Waitemata Harbour between Devonport and Auckland City. The area was first settled in 1840, making it one of the earliest established settlements on the North Shore. A deep water anchorage made Devonport an ideal base for naval vessels; today, it remains the base for the Royal New Zealand Navy. Tourists, locals and visitors from Auckland City enjoy the suburb's boutique gift and antique shops, as well as its cafe and restaurant dining. The suburb celebrates its cuisine and wine at the annual Devonport Food & Wine Festival.

Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, lies at the southwestern tip of the North Island in a supremely beautiful situation, surrounded by water and steep hills, with its picturesque natural harbor, Port Nicholson. Another characteristic of the city is the strong and sometimes stormy westerly wind that blows in almost constantly from the Cook Strait, giving Wellington its name of the 'windy city'. One disadvantage of the magnificent situation, however, is a shortage of level ground, so that the city has been compelled to spread into widely scattered areas of land between the hills and inlets of the sea, which are linked by a network of winding roads, sometimes running high above sea level. 

Some land was gained by earth movements during a severe earthquake in 1855, when the harbor area rose about 1.5 m, and more recently land reclamation schemes have created more room in the city center and for the airport; but it has still been necessary to resort to high-rise building in the central area to meet the city's needs. Wellington has the most modern skyline in New Zealand but at the cost of losing much of its Victorian architectural heritage. Many old shops and offices were demolished on the grounds that they were not earthquake-proof, to be replaced by steel-frame tower blocks that have turned many streets in the city center into channels for the wind. The residential areas have now moved far out into suburbs and satellite towns - northeast to Hutt Valley (Petone, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt), north to the Kapiti Coast (Porirua, Paekakariki, Paraparaumu). Access to the city center is provided by urban expressways and suburban rail lines, tunneling through the hills and destroying more of the city's older buildings.

Wellington is the seat of New Zealand's Parliament and government, and thanks to its situation on the north side of the Cook Strait is an important traffic hub for communications with the South Island. As a metropolis, however, Wellington has now been overtaken by Auckland - a reversal of past history, when Wellington fought for years to supersede Auckland as capital. 

Mount Victoria - 

Mount Victoria (196m), immediately east of the city center, is the best-known and also the windiest of Wellington's viewpoints. A narrow winding road, signposted 'Lookout', runs up from Oriental Bay to the Byrd Memorial below the viewing platform. From the terrace on the summit there is a magnificent panorama of the broad city, the harbor, Cook Strait, Hutt Valley and Kelburn Park with the university buildings. The Byrd Memorial commemorates the American aviator Richard Byrd, who in 1929 made the first flight over the South Pole from his base in New Zealand. 

Kapiti Island - This long narrow island (17.6 sq.km) lies off the west coast at Waikanae, 70km north of Wellington. It is now a nature reserve but can be visited only with the permission of the Department of Conservation. There is no overnight accommodation on the island. The east side, facing the mainland, has gentle wooded slopes, but the west coast has cliffs or falls sharply to the Tasman Sea.

Waterfront.

The waterfront of Wellington is very attractive. Queen's Wharf and Frank Kitts Park are surrounded by fine buildings, including the Civic Centre, the modern City of Sea Bridge and the recent National Museum (1998). From Frank Kitts Park there is a good view of the nearby harbor. Features include a mast from the ferry Wahine that went down with 51 passengers in a storm in the harbor in 1968, and a bronze representation of the two ships in which Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand in 1642. 

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

The city's latest attraction is the new Te Papa (Maori expression for 'our country') National Museum opened on the south side of the harbor in 1998 and showing multimedia and interactive displays of the country's history. Mountains to Sea explains how New Zealand was created; Awesome Forces features a multimedia presentation on earthquakes; On the Sheep's Back highlights the economic significance of sheep farming; The Time Warp gives a thrilling high-tech trip through time and space. The heart of the museum is formed by Te Marae, a modern Maori shrine, the Maori meeting place Te Wharenui and a giant canoe used as a Maori warship. The new museum complex also includes collections from the National Art Gallery and 19th C and 20th C works by artists from New Zealand, Australia and Europe. It also has some works by Rembrandt. 

Queenstown

Queenstown is an old gold-miners' settlement on the east side of Lake Wakatipu, unchallenged as the leading tourist center on the South Island. It is well supplied with hotels and other accommodations and offers a varied program of entertainment and leisure activities throughout the year. For the more energetic tourist there is a choice of activities, including bungee jumping, jet-boat trips, white-water rafting, paragliding and rock climbing. 

Lake Wakatipu  

This Z-shape lake, hemmed in by high hills, has an area of 293 sq.km. It is some 80km long, barely 5km across at its widest point, and up to 378m deep.According to a Maori legend the lake came into being when a sleeping giant was burned to death. His heart still beats, however, at the bottom of the lake, causing variations in the level of the lake, which can rise or fall by several centimeters within 5 minutes.The first Europeans reached Lake Wakatipu in 1853, and some years later the whole lake was surveyed. The Otago gold rush of the 1860s brought thousands of prospectors into the area. In those days there were 30 or 40 passenger ships, including four steamers, plying on the lake. One old steamer, the Earnshaw (1912), is now one of the lake's tourist attractions

  Town Center 

The town center is charmingly situated beside a promontory that reaches far out into Lake Wakatipu, now beautifully laid out as Queenstown Gardens. The best starting point for a tour of the sights is the Old Stone Library (1877), which is built on to the courthouse. From here the route runs under magnificent old trees into Camp Street. St Peter's Church (1932; Anglican) looks much older than it really is. Church Street leads down to the shores of the lake. Passing the Lake Lodge of St Ophir (1873), you come to the place where William Rees established his sheep farm, the Camp, in the early 19th C.

Coronet Peak 

Queenstown is the most popular winter-sports center in New Zealand, the season lasting from June to September or October. Coronet Peak (1650m), 15km north of the town, has excellent skiing facilities. 

Christchurch 

Christchurch, the largest town on the South Island and its economic and cultural center, lies on the east coast, not far from the Banks Peninsula, in whose natural harbor of Lyttleton the first settlers landed in the 19th C. The city extends over an almost treeless plain that is bounded on the southeast by the hills, rising to some 400 m, between the city and Lyttleton Harbour.  In summer an unpleasant hot, dry wind from the northwest often blows for days at a time. With its spacious parks, its numerous sports grounds and well-tended gardens - amounting altogether to more than 30 sq.km of green space - Christchurch has become known as the Garden City. The city's architecture and atmosphere lead many visitors to declare that it is the most British of New Zealand's towns. Its situation in an extensive plain has allowed its planners to lay it out on a rectangular grid with broad main streets. Only the winding course of the Avon River and the diagonal line of the High Street and Victoria Street disturb the regularity of its plan.

Cathedral Square 

The large open square in front of the Christchurch Cathedral is the hub of the city's life and for long the pride of its citizens. There was great indignation when George Bernard Shaw, visiting Christchurch in 1935, admired Petre's neoclassical Roman Catholic cathedral and dismissed the Anglican cathedral as 'too academic'. 

Christchurch Cathedral 

The Christchurch Cathedral was severly damaged on February 22, 2011 by an earthquake. The top of the famous spire crumbled to the ground. The city's principal sight is the cathedral, a prominent landmark with its 65m spire. It was designed by the famous London architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The foundation stone was laid in 1864, but only a year later the work was halted because of shortage of money and only resumed in 1873. The direction of the work was entrusted to Benjamin Mountfort, who modified Scott's plan by adding turrets, pinnacles and small balconies. The building was completed in 1904, 6 years after Mountfort's death and 40 years after the start of work - though the first services were held in the nave in 1881. In the interior of this monumental church are a series of pictures illustrating the history of the Anglican church and its bishops in New Zealand. There is also fine stained glass. 

 Hagley Park 

Beyond the Arts Centre and the Museum is Hagley Park (180ha). It is planted with trees brought from Europe. Within the park are various sports grounds, including the Harley Cricket Oval, a golf course and a riding track. 

Air Force Museum 

To the southwest of Christchurch, on the old Wigram airfield (9km west of the city center), is the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, with a number of old military aircraft, aeronautical apparatus and flying equipment. There are also showings of war films.

Nelson

The port town of Nelson lies on the southeast side of Tasman Bay, in an area famed for its mild climate. In its fertile hinterland various fruits (particularly apples and pears) for export are grown, as well as grapes, hops and tobacco.  In the surrounding hills there is lucrative forestry, the timber from which is processed in the Nelson area and shipped from the port. The population of the area is increasing markedly, growing within a decade by over 5 per cent. The town's harbor, Nelson Haven, is sheltered by a long breakwater. The town itself has many old wooden houses, both mansions and cottages. Modern amenities include seafront promenades and many parks and gardens. In recent years Nelson's beautiful situation has attracted many artists and craftsmen. South of the town on the road to Richmond is the Craft Habitat, an arts and crafts center. 

Cable Bay 

The lovely landscape is ample reward for the difficult drive from Nelson northwards to Cable Bay, with its fine beach, and on via Rai Valley to the idyllic Croisilles Harbour. The more adventurous may drive on to Admiralty Bay and the strongpoint at French Pass. 

Founders Park

2km north of Nelson town center is Founders Park, an open-air museum in which various buildings of the Victorian period (some of them reconstructions) are displayed. Of particular note are a windmill and an exhibition on the history of Nelson Haven.

Mount Richmond Forest Park 

The densely wooded and beautiful Mount Richmond Forest Park extends to the south and east of Nelson, over the hills of the Richmond Range and down into the valley of the Wairau River. A popular trail is the Wakamarina-Onamalutu Track, which follows in the footsteps of the gold prospectors. The walk, which begins 20km south of Canvastown, takes 2 days. 

Suter Art Gallery 

The Suter Art Gallery, was founded by Bishop Suter in 1889. It has an excellent collection of paintings, with works by Woollaston, Gully, Lindauer, Van der Velden, Hodgkins and Richmond.

Abel Tasman National Park  

The Abel Tasman National Park is an accessible and extremely popular area for tramping, recognised as one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. It is the smallest National Park in New Zealand, with an area of 22,500 hectares. The inland area is rough and mountainous; the park is better known for its coastal areas which feature crescent bays, clear waters, golden beaches and granite headlands.

Maori have inhabited the Abel Tasman region for over 500 years, living along the coastline and gathering food from the sea and the forest. Abel Tasman, the first European to discover New Zealand, arrived in 1642, but settlement did not begin until 1855. At this time, newly arrived residents began logging and quarrying. In 1942, 300 years after Abel Tasman's visit, 15,000 hectares of land was assigned as a National Park and named in honour of the Dutch explorer.

Today, the most notable walking track in the area is the coastal walkway, a 51 kilometre walk taking between three and five days to complete. The walkway passes through native bush and offers stunning views of sandy beaches and sparkling ocean waters. Along the way, there are many bays to explore, either on foot or by kayak. Many people combine walking with kayaking, or complete the entire length of the track by kayak, as the waters in the region are relatively safe and sheltered. Due to the popularity of this track, the walkways are crowded in the summer months.

The coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops have been formed from granite, which extends inland into the Park. Further west, however, the landforms are made from marble, limestone and other rocks, similar to those in the Kahurangi National Park. The marble in this area has been eroded by water to create landforms such as caves, sink-holes and disappearing streams, including some of the deepest caves in New Zealand. Harwood's Hole has a vertical drop of 176 metres, making it the country's deepest cave shaft. Waikoropupu Springs, New Zealand's largest freshwater springs, discharge an average of 14,000 litres of water each second.

As a protected area, the National Park is a safe haven for a wide variety of birds, inhabiting sea, coast and forest habitats. In the area, there are populations of Kaka, Parakeet, Falcon and Kea. Little Blue Penguins, once common in the bays, have been destroyed by introduced stoats and are now confined to offshore islands.

THE NETHERLANDS

A small country with a big profile, the Netherlands offers a beguiling blend of rural, traditional beauty and vibrant culture. Occupying a delta at the confluence of three major rivers where they empty into the North Sea, it is truly a water world: canals, coast and lakes are never far from view. Flat as a pannenkoek, it also makes an ideal destination for cycling, an integral mode of transport among the Dutch themselves.
The country is host to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and five international courts: the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Court and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The first four are situated in The Hague, as is the EU's criminal intelligence agency Europol and judicial co-operation agency Eurojust. 2011, the Netherlands was ranked as the "happiest" country according to results published by the OECD
Holland (as the country is alternatively referred to) is also a deeply cosmopolitan place where museums overflow with paintings from its Golden Age and a cavalcade of festivals showcase performing artists from within and beyond its borders. Added to this is an eye-opening nightlife scene in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Tourism is an important economic sector in the Netherlands. The country receives some 10 million foreign visitors every year, primarily from Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and Belgium.
The Netherlands is a densely populated country. Amsterdam is the capital and largest city known for its many canals, historic buildings and cannabis coffee shops.

Amsterdam tourist attractions and sights
Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam has a broad spectrum of recreational and cultural sights that range from fascinating old buildings, like the Oude Kerk, to oddities such as the Hash Marihuana Museum.
Museums are the main tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much, much more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums which attract many millions of visitors every year. Read more about the museums in Amsterdam. The following sites and monuments should also be of interest and are an essential part of the Amsterdam experience.

Oude Kerk
This old church with little houses clinging to its sides, remains a calm heaven at the heart of the freneric Red Light District. Its buildings, especially the Gothic-renaissance style octagonal bell tower, was used by sailors to get their bearings.
Dam square
The Dam is the very centre and heart of Amsterdam, although there are arguably prettier sights in the city. As an historical site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to appreciate. The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and was for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808 take-over of the city. The impressive history of the square is well documented in the Amsterdam Historical Museum. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) which dominates the square, was originally used as the town hall and its classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify the city of Amsterdam and its government. In contrast to its turbulent history, the square is now a peaceful place and is home to hundreds of pigeons and tourists resting their tired feet.
Begijnhof
A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded by old houses. The houses in the courtyard were once occupied by devout celibate Béguine nuns and are still home to single women today. In the centre of the lawns is a medieval church and at No.34 stands the oldest house in Amsterdam. The entrance is on the Spui and is indicated by a carved sign. Entry is free, but you must be quiet!
Amsterdam's canals
The number of canals have led Amsterdam to become known as “The Venice of the North”. And thus, a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat cruise. A canal tour can be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated. The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel. There are also numerous smaller canals in the neighbourhood of Jordaan, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.
Magere Brug
Of Amsterdam's 1280 or so bridges, the Magere Brug, or “ Skinny Bridge” is the most famous. It is a traditional double-leaf, Dutch draw-bridge connecting the banks of the river Amstel. Approximately every twenty minutes, the bridge opens to let boats through. The original bridge was built in 1670, but as the traffic on Amstel increased, a wider bridge was built to replace the
Rembrandtplein (square)
Rembrandtplein is lined with pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels and is thus a tourist magnet. A popular centre for nightlife, it also includes traditional Dutch pubs which play real Dutch music. In summer, the terraces are packed with people enjoying a drink and watching the world go by. In the centre of the square is a small but pleasant park where you can relax or pay homage at the statue of Rembrandt. Around the area you’ll also find quality night clubs, gay venues, respectable diamond dealers and the inevitable tacky souvenir shops.
Leidseplein (square)
The Leidseplein or Leidse-square is one of Amsterdam's most popular centres for nightlife. With many restaurants, clubs, coffeeshops, cinemas and theatres in the area, the Leidseplein is vibrant and colourful. On warm summer evenings, tourists and locals alike take advantage of the pubs’ outdoor seating for a long, lazy drinks with friends. Street musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters and other performers liven up the square, often till the early hours.
Artis ZOO
Right in the center of Amsterdam, you can also find the oldest Zoo of Holland. It consists of four main areas: Zoo, Planetarium, Botanical Gardens and Geological and Zoological museum. In the zoo itself you will find animals from all over the world. In addition, a unique canal aquarium shows you which animals roam the canals of Amsterdam. The planetarium offers children a trip trough the universe. In the peaceful gardens, you can find many old trees and statues of contemporary artists and aswell as an impressive, tropical rainforest greenhouse. The Geological museum shows you how the planet has evolved over the past 4 billion years.
Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is located in the south of Amsterdam, just five minutes walk from the Leidseplein and in walking distance from the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum. With 10 million visitors a year, the Vondelpark is the most famous park in the Netherlands.
Hortus Botanicus - the Botanical Garden
Amsterdam has a big and attractive botanical garden called Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest in the world (est. 1632). It has more than 6000 plants and some of the plants are really unique as 2000 years old agave cactus. In the recently renovated Orangery of Hortus Botanicus, a beautiful café with a large outside terrace open to the garden welcomes the visitors. Located in a short walking distance from the Rembrandts House, very close to Artis – Amsterdam ZOO, the Jewish Historical Museum and the Resistance Museum, Hortus Botanicus remains a pleasurable oasis of peace in the busy and crowded Amsterdam centre.

The Hague attractions
The Hague has numerous attractions and museums of which Mauritshuis and Gemeentemuseum are the most famous.
Mauritshuis
The mansion of Johan Maurits, governor-general of Dutch Brazil, Count of Nassau Siegen, arose in about 1640. The collection consists of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.
Gemeentemuseum Den Haag
The Gemeentemuseum (municipal museum) owns an extensive collections of modern art, the applied arts, fashion and music. The modern art collection provides an overview of developments in the fine arts since the early 19th century.
Museum Bredius Den Haag
Dr. Abraham Bredius was an art historian and art collector as well as director of the Mauritshuis. On his death in 1946, he bequeathed his vast collection of 17-th century art to the city of Den Haag. The museum now features a collection of silver, china and paintings.
Historical Museum Den Haag
The museum is housed in a monumental 17-th century edifice. Numerous paintings and objects from the museum's collection illustrate the history of more than seven centuries of The Hague.
Binnenhof
The historic Buitenhof is a collection of buildings were built around the hunting lodge of the counts of Holland. The oldest parts of this medieval complex, the Ridderzaal (Knight's Hall) and the Rolgebouw (Roll Building) situated at the rear, date from the 13-th century.

JAPAN

JAPAN

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun".Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. The four largest islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan's land area. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. Japan has the world's tenth-largest population, with about 128 million people.

Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, at the juncture of three tectonic plates, gives Japan frequent low-intensity tremors and occasional volcanic activity. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunamis, occur several times each century.

A major power, Japan has the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third largest in purchasing power parity. It is also the world's fourth largest exporter and fifth largest importer. It is also the only Asian country in the G8 and is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Although Japan has officially renounced its right to declare war, it maintains a modern and extensive military force which is employed in self-defense and peacekeeping roles. It is a developed country with very high living standards (10th highest HDI). Japan has the highest life expectancy of any country in the world (according to both the UN and WHO estimates) and the third lowest infant mortality rate. 

Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power of the Emperor is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the constitution as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister of Japan

Tourism in Japan

Tourism in Japan has a vibrant domestic sector and eight million foreign visitors each year. It has sites such as Kyoto World Historical Site, attractions in Tokyo and Nara, Mount Fuji, ski resorts such as Niseko in Hokkaidō, Okinawa, the shinkansen and a well-developed hotel and onsen network.

Tourism is a vital part of the Japanese economy and society.. The extensive rail network together with domestic flights sometimes in planes with modifications to favor the relatively short distances involved in intra-Japan travel allows efficient and speedy transport. In inbound tourism, Japan was ranked 28th in the world in 2007.

Major tourist destinations of Japan

• Tokyo  

• Kyoto 

• Nara 

• Nikkō 

• Mount Fuji 

• Hakone 

Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital city of the parliamentary democratic monarchy of Japan, the Imperial Residence with the Emperor's Palace and the seat of Government and of Parliament. Tokyo is situated in East-Central Honshu, the largest of Japan's main islands. The city lies north of the Bay of Tokyo, between the River Arakawa to the east and the River Tama to the west.

The cityscape in Tokyo has been changed twice in history - the 1923 earthquake and the extensive bombings during World War II. Due to this devastation, the architecture in Tokyo is mainly modern and contemporary.

Tokyo is a major international centre of finance with the the largest metropolitan gross domestic product for a city as well as the title - the world's most expensive city! It is also the largest hub for rail, ground, and air transportation in Japan. With the most extensive urban railway network in the world, Tokyo residents rely on rail for their main mode of transportation.

The cultural side of Tokyo include numerous museums, theaters, festivals, internationally noted cuisine and a number of sports. Sports clubs include baseball, sumo, football or soccer, tennis and gymnastics. The theaters feature Japanese and modern dramas, symphony orchestras, and pop and rock events.

Tokyo Disney Resort is a theme park and vacation resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, just east of Tokyo). It is owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company with a license from The Walt Disney Company. The resort opened on April 15, 1983, as a single theme park (Tokyo Disneyland), but developed into a resort with two theme parks, three (Disney) hotels and a shopping complex. Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park opened outside the United States.

Tokyo Disney Resort has three main entertainment sections: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea and Ikspiari, which is a variation of the Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment area found at the Disney resorts in California and Florida. It also contains Bon Voyage!, which is the official Disney goods specialty shop of Tokyo Disney Resort. In October 2008, the resort opened a new theater housing an original Cirque du Soleil production named Zed.

Akihabara

Akihabara also known as Akihabara Electric Town is an area of Tokyo, Japan. It is located less than five minutes by rail from Tokyo Station. Its name is frequently shortened to Akiba in Japan. While there is an official locality named Akihabara nearby, part of Taitō-ku, the area known to most people as Akihabara (including the railway station of the same name) is actually Soto-Kanda, a part of Chiyoda-ku. 

Akihabara is a major shopping area for electronic, computer, anime, and otaku goods, including new and used items. New items are mostly to be found on the main street, Chūōdōri, with many kinds of used items found in the back streets of Soto Kanda 3-chōme. First-hand parts for PC-building are readily available from a variety of stores. Tools, electrical parts, wires, microsized cameras and similar items are found in the cramped passageways of Soto Kanda 1-chōme (near the station). Foreign tourists tend to visit the big name shops like Laox or other speciality shops near the station, though there is more variety and lower prices at locales a little further away. Akihabara gained some fame through being home to one of the first stores devoted to personal robots and robotics.

Ginza  is a district of Chūō, Tokyo, located south of Yaesu and Kyōbashi, west of Tsukiji, east of Yūrakuchō and Uchisaiwaichō, and north of Shinbashi. It is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. It is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Many upscale fashion clothing flagship stores are located here. Prominent are Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. A recent addition is the 12-story Abercrombie & Fitch flagship. 

Kyoto

The city of Kyoto lies, surrounded by hills, in central Honshu, near the southwest end of Lake Biwa. Occupying an area of more than 230sq.mi/ 600sq.km in the south facing basin between the rivers Katsura to the west and Kamo to the east, it is Japan's fifth largest city, chief town of Kyoto prefecture and the educational 

hub of western Japan, with several universities and higher educational establishments. Although it is one of Japan's great tourist Meccas, attracting more than ten million visitors every year, it has preserved much of the atmosphere of the past, having been the only one of Japan's major cities to escape damage during the Second World War. The climate of the Kyoto area shows marked differences between the seasons, with hot dry summers and relatively cold winters.

Fushimi-Inari Shrine is much frequented by merchants and tradesmen who pray for prosperity. One of the greatest shrines in Japan, founded in 711, is dedicated to the goddess of rice-growing, Ukanomitama-no-mikoto. The main building (1499) is in typical Momoyama style. A notable feature is the 21/2 mi/ 4km long avenue of red torii presented by worshippers. Here, too, are many sculptures of foxes.

Nijo Castle has belonged to the city of Kyoto since 1939. The castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. The castle is surrounded by a moat and stone walls with corner towers. It is entered by the East Gate (Higashi Otemon) and an inner gate, Karamon, which has fine carving by Hidari Jingoro and decorated metalwork. This gate originally came from Fushimi Castle. Beyond it is still another gate, the Mikuruma-yose, also decorated  by  Hidari Jingoro, which gave access to the Ninomaru Palace. This consists of five separate buildings linked by corridors. The interiors are decorated with paintings by Kano Tanyu and his pupils. The principal apartment is the Jodan-no-ma (Hall of the Imperial Emissary); in the adjoining rooms, Ni-no-ma and Tozamurai-no-ma, are pictures of tigers. 

The Ginkakuji (or Silver Pavilion) Temple lies in the northeast part of the city. In contrast to the Kinkakuji (or Golden Pavilion) Temple, this was never decorated with a covering of silver. It was built in 1482 by the eighth Ashikaga Shogun as a country residence. On his death it was converted into a Zen temple. It stands by a pool in which the two-story building is reflected. In its upper story it houses a gilded statue of Kannon. Behind it is the main hall with an important statue of Buddha. There is a tearoom adjacent.

Nara

The city of Nara, celebrated as the cradle of Japanese culture, lies in central Honshu, to the south of Lake Biwa, surrounded by hills, forests and fields, with the Nara Basin extending to the south. With its wealth of ancient and historic buildings and its treasures of art, it attracts more than a million visitors every year 

Nara's historic old buildings lie in a particularly beautiful setting of which there are fine views from Mount Mikasayama. The climate varies over the year but in general is mild. The city retains something of the atmosphere of a small town, and has practically no industry. Its best-known craft products are carved wooden dolls (Nara-ningyo), lacquerware (Nara-shikki), fans (Nara-uchiwa) and ceramics (Akahada-yaki).

The National Museum (built 1895, extended 1972), which contains major works of art, particularly of the Nara period. There are periodically temporary displays of exhibits selected from the museum's large reserves. The western gallery features archeological finds and the eastern gallery has displays of sculpture, paintings and calligraphy. 

Nara Park is the largest of its kind in Japan (1300ac). Within the park, finely wooded with ancient trees, are many historic old buildings, and a further attraction is provided by the large numbers of tame roe deer which live here. To the right of the entrance is Sarusawa Pond (circumference 1200ft/ 360m), with the five-story pagoda of the Kofukuji Temple reflected in its waters. At the northwest corner is the Uneme Shrine.

The Kasuga Shrine, founded by Fujiwara Nagate (714-771), consists of four separate buildings and is dedicated to the divinities Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi and the ancestral gods of the Fujiwara family, Amenokoyane and his consort Hime-okami. The buildings are characteristic examples of the Kasuga-zukuri style, differing from early timber buildings in the red painting of the beams, the white facing of the walls and the curving roofline. Until 1863 the buildings were pulled down every 20 years and re-erected in their original form, as is still the practice at the Ise Shrines; nowadays this process of renewal is confined to the roofs.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 m  Along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, it is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" An active volcano[3] that last erupted in 1707–08, Mount Fuji is just west of Tokyo, and can be seen on a clear day. Mount Fuji's exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as visited by sightseers and climbers.

Nikko National Park

Nikko National Park (543sq.mi/ 1407sq.km) with its mighty peaks, ancient forests, wide expanses of moorland, lakes and waterfalls is one of the most beautiful and most visited regions in Japan.

Nikko National Park has a number of spas that yield a plentiful supply of hot mineral water and have become a favorite resting place for visitors. Recreational and sports facilities include hiking, camping, mountain climbing, boating, fishing, skiing and skating.

Among the Nikko mountains are Mt Okushirane (2,578m), Mt Nantai, Mt Nasu, and Mt Hiuchi.

FRANCE

France

France officially the French Republic, is a state in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It is often referred to as l’Hexagone  because of the geometric shape of its territory. It is bordered (clockwise starting from the northeast) by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco; with Spain and Andorra to the south. France is linked to the United Kingdom by the Channel Tunnel, which passes underneath the English Channel. In addition to these borders on the European continent France has land borders with Suriname and Brazil through French Guiana, as well as with the Netherlands through the Collectivity of Saint Martin. It is the largest west-European country and it possesses the second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world, covering 11,035,000 km2 (4,260,000 mi2), just behind that of the United States (11,351,000 km2 / 4,383,000 mi2).
Over the past 500 years, France has been a major power with strong cultural, economic, military and political influence in Europe and in the world. During the 17th and 18th centuries, France colonised great parts of North America and South Asia; during the 19th and early 20th centuries, France built the second largest empire of the time, including large portions of North, West and Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and many Caribbean and Pacific Islands.
France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its main ideals expressed in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. The French Republic is defined as indivisible, secular, democratic and social by its constitution. France is one of the world's most developed countries and possesses the world's fifth largest and Europe's second largest economy by nominal GDP. France is the wealthiest European (and the world's 4th) nation in aggregate household wealth. France enjoys a high standard of living as well as a high public education level, and has also one of the world's highest life expectancies. France has been listed as the world's "best overall health care" provider by the World Health Organization. It is the most visited country in the world, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annually.
France has the world's fourth largest nominal military budget, the third largest military in NATO and EU's largest army. France also possesses the third largest nuclear weapons stockpile in the world-with ~300 active warheads as of 25 May 2010- and the world's second largest diplomatic corps (only second to the one of the United States).
France is a founding member of the United Nations, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and a member of the Francophonie, the G8, G20, NATO, OECD, WTO, and the Latin Union. It is also a founding and leading member state of the European Union and the largest one by area. In 2010, France was listed 14th on the Human Development Index and 24th on the Corruption Perceptions Index.
With 81.9 million foreign tourists in 2007, France is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world, ahead of Spain (58.5 million in 2006) and the United States (51.1 million in 2006). This 81.9 million figure excludes people staying less than 24 hours in France, such as Northern Europeans crossing France on their way to Spain or Italy during the summer.
The Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most visited sites of France
France features cities of high cultural interest, beaches and seaside resorts, ski resorts, and rural regions that many enjoy for their beauty and tranquillity (green tourism). Small and picturesque French villages of quality heritage are promoted through the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France . The "Remarkable Gardens" label is a list of the over two hundred gardens classified by the French Ministry of Culture. This label is intended to protect and promote remarkable gardens and parks. France also attracts many religious pilgrims on their way to St. James, or to Lourdes, a town in the Hautes-Pyrénées that hosts a few million visitors a year.
France, and especially Paris, have some of the world's largest and renowned museums, including the Louvre, which is the most visited art museum in the world, but also the Musée d'Orsay, mostly devoted to impressionism, and Beaubourg, dedicated to Contemporary art.
The Château de Chambord is one of the many French royal residences of the Loire Valley.
Disneyland Paris is France's and indeed Europe's most popular theme park, with 15,405,000 combined visitors to the resort's Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park in 2009. The historical theme park Puy du Fou in Vendée is the second most visited park of France. Other popular theme parks are the Futuroscope of Poitiers and the Parc Astérix.
With more than 10 millions tourists a year, the French Riviera (or Côte d'Azur), in south-eastern France, is the second leading tourist destination in the country, after the Parisian region. According to the Côte d'Azur Economic Development Agency, it benefits from 300 days of sunshine per year, 115 kilometres of coastline and beaches, 18 golf courses, 14 ski resorts and 3,000 restaurants. Each year the Côte d'Azur hosts 50% of the world's superyacht fleet, with 90% of all superyachts visiting the region's coast at least once in their lifetime.
An other major destination are the Châteaux of the Loire Valley, this World Heritage Site is noteworthy for the quality of its architectural heritage, in its historic towns such as Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Nantes, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours, but in particular for its castles (châteaux), such as the Châteaux d'Amboise, de Chambord, d'Ussé, de Villandry and Chenonceau, which illustrate to an exceptional degree the ideals of the French Renaissance.
The most popular tourist sites in France:
Paris
Corsica
Brittany
Normandy
Rhone-Alps
 Cannes

Tourist Attractions in Corsica




There are a number of tourist attractions in Corsica, which reminds one the rich history and the cultural heritage of France. One can find a large number of museums, cathedrals, castles, historic villas, gardens and a host of natural wonders in this Mediterranean Island.
Firstly, Corsica is known for its white sandy beaches and rugged mountains. One can also find a number of forests, nature parks and marine reserves in this island. One can see a large number of sea turtles i8n the marine reserve in Bonifacio, a small village in this island. Then there is the Valdo Niello Forest where one can get to see different kinds of birds, animals and plants. Monte Cinto, the highest mountain in Corsica, is found over and is also a popular tourist attraction of the island.
There are a large number of museums in Corsica, which are worth a visit. One can check out the paintings, sculptures and other art works in the Fesch Museum, Musee de la Corse, Museum of Corsica and others. One can take a look at the ancient costumes of Corsica in the Costume Museum or admire the archaeological and prehistoric articles kept in The Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Levie. Other popular and famous museum of the country is the Napoleonic Museum, where the articles used by the Bonaparte family is displayed.

One can also find numerous castles and chateaus in Corsica, which act as major Tourist Attractions in Corsica. These castles, forts, palaces and chateaus are the symbols of France's rich history. Some of the popular ones include Fesch Palace in Ajaccio, Balagne in Ile Rouse and others. These palaces and chateaus are known for their grandeur and opulence and house the furniture and other articles used by the French aristocracy.

Apart from these, the historic towns and cities of the island are also some of the major Tourist Attractions in Corsica in France. Some of the places worth visiting include Filitosa, Nonza, Sartene, St. Florent, Propriano, Vezzani, Cap Corsi, Calvi, Centuri and others. Besides these, other Tourist Attractions in Corsica island include the Old Town in Bastia, the Gorges de la Restonica, the Place St. Nicholas in Bastia, Bay of Porto and others.

The innumerable Tourist Attractions in Corsica are worth a visit and one can have a great time exploring and visiting the forests, mountains, museums and castles found on this fantastic island.

Tourist Attractions in Brittany

There are a large number of Tourist attractions in Brittany in France. The region is not only filled with a large number of historical monuments and exquisite architectural buildings, but one can also find a large number of parks, lush green forests, exotic beaches and beautiful landscapes, which makes it's a popular tourist destination of the country.




Speaking of historical monuments, well, one can find a large number of chateaus, churches, cathedrals, castles and other buildings in this most fabulous region of the country. Most of these tourist spots are located in Brest, Saint Malo, Brittany, Vannes, Rennes, Quimper, Dinan, Pont-Aven, Carnac and others. Some of the most famous religious buildings of this region include Saint Pierre Cathedral in Vannes, St. Corentin Cathedral in Quimper, Basilique Saint Sauveur in Dinan and others.
There are a large number of historical buildings also in this part of the country. There are a large number of castles and forts over here like Fort National, La Bourbansai Castle and others. One can also pay a visit to the numerous chateaus for which this region is famous. Some of the popular chateaus include Saint Malo Chateau, Chateau de Combourg in Brittany, Chateau de Vitre and others. Other popular historical tourist attractions of this region include Menhirs, Place Henri IV, Cairn du Bernenez, Ile du Grand Be and others.
Brittany is also known for its extensive forest area and natural wonders. Tourists can go for a trip to the Quenecan Forest, Le Foret de Paimpont, Broceliande and others. Besides these, one can also check out the islands located close to this region. Some of the popular islands, which are worth visiting, include Ile de Sein, Ile d'Ouessant and others.
Apart from these, other tourist attractions in Brittany include a large number of museums and art galleries. One can check out the fantastic paintings of great painters of the country in the Musee des Beaux Arts in Quimper or the Musee Municipal in Pont Aven. The Musee du Chateau in Saint Malo is one of the most famous historical museums of this little coastal city of France. The region is home to the Oceanopolis, the largest open-air aquarium of Europe. Another aquarium that one can visit is the Grand Aquarium in Saint Malo.
Besides these, the other tourist attractions in Brittany, which one can visit when on a holiday to this country, include Earthenware Museum, Port Museum, Great Lighthouse, Guehenno walking area, Odet River, Bay of Lannion, Les Thermes Marines Spa and others.

Tourist Attractions in Normandy

Normandy, one of the most historical and beautiful regions of the country, is home to a large number of historical sites, parks, gardens and other monuments, which attracts tourists to this part of the country all through then year. The various tourist attractions in Normandy are the symbol of France's rich cultural and historical heritage.



The various tourist attractions in Normandy can be classified into religious sites, ancient monuments, museums, gardens, parks and natural wonders. Speaking of the religious sites, one can find a large number of churches and chapels in Normandy. These buildings are examples of ancient gothic and Romanesque architecture and are thus worth visiting. Some of the popular religious sites include Abbaye du Mont Saint Michael, Eglise St. Ouen, Abbaye de Jumieges, Eglise Jeanne d'Arc and others. One can also check out the cemeteries like the American Cemetery and the British war Cemetery.
There are innumerable historical sites in Normandy, which reminds one of France's rich and aristocratic history. One can find a large number of ancient villas, chateaus, castles, forts and other buildings, which are known for their grandeur and architectural marvel. Some of the popular historic sites that one can find over here include Chateau Gaillard, Pointe du Hoc, Benedictine Palace, Claude Monet's House and Gardens, Satie House and Museum, Chateau de Pirou and many others.
The tourist attractions in Normandy also include a large number of museums and art galleries. France is known for its art and culture and the best place to get a glimpse of the same is by paying a visit to the museums and galleries. Some of the famous museums found in Normandy include the American Museum, Museum of Bayeux Tapestry, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Peace Museum, Musee Baron Gerard, Normandy Museum and others.

Apart from these, the tourists can also check out the numerous parks, gardens and beaches found over here. Once can go for a stroll or check out the flowers and fountains in the garden of Musee Christian Dior or in the Jardin des plantes de Coutances and others. Some of the popular beaches that one can find over here include the Omaha Beach, Utah Beach and the Sword Beach. Naturospace in Honfleur is a nature park where one can see different species of butterflies and different types of tropical trees. Besides these, there are a number of natural wonders also in Normandy, which the tourists can check out. The most popular ones include the Roumare Forest and the Rue du Gros Horloge.

Tourist Attractions in Rhone-Alps

The tourist attractions in Rhone-Alps region mainly consist of the mountains, landscapes, rivers and the forests. The entire region is known for its natural beauty, which attracts tourists to this place all through the year.




The biggest attraction of this region is the majestic Alps. One can go for trekking over here or check out the wildlife in this place. Mount Blanc is the highest peak of the country and is one of the most famous tourist spots of the country. The River Rhone is also a major attraction. One can walk past the clear waters of the river or follow its course through the lush green forests of this region. One can also pay a visit to the beautiful River Annecy also.

There are a number of historical monuments also in this region which one cab visit. The historical sites are mostly located in the ancient cities and towns of Lyon, Grenoble, Chamonix and others. There are a number of museums and architectural monuments and buildings that one can explore. As far as the museums are concerned, one can check out the paintings and drawings in the Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée des Tissus and others. Another popular museum is the Puppet Museum and the Museum of Gallo Roman Civilization.

There are a number of churches and cathedrals that one can find over here. These religious buildings are examples of French architecture and the symbol of French culture. Some of the most famous buildings include Cathédrale St-Jean, Abbaye De Saint Chef and others.

Besides these, there are a number of forts, castles and chateaus which re worth visiting. Some of the popular buildings include Chateau De Septeme, Fort Barraux, Fort Du Saint Eynard, Basilique de Notre Dame de Fourvière and others. One of the biggest tourist attractions of the Rhone-Alps region is the Horloge Sonaire. This is a sundial, which was built in the 17th century, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions situated in Grenoble.

Tourist Attractions in Paris

Paris, one of the most fashionable and historic cities of France, is a major tourist destination. There are a large number of tourist attractions in Paris, which attracts millions of tourist tom this city every year.



Paris is home to the famous Eiffel Tower. This tower was built in the year 1889 to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. This architectural marvel is 300 meters high and is one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World'. The tower has three platforms which houses a restaurant, a gift shop and a souvenir shop. The tower offers a panoramic view of the entire city from its topmost point.
One can also find a number of museums and art galleries in Paris. Each of the museums houses the paintings of some of the greatest and master painters of France. These museums are known for their architectural beauty. One can find numerous sculptures and paintings dating back to the renaissance and Romanesque periods. Some of the most popular museums include Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Rodin Museum, Jacquemart-Andre Museum, Picasso Museum and others.
The city is also home to a number of religious monuments and buildings. One can find a large number of magnificent cathedrals and churches, which are startling examples of ancient gothic architecture. Some of the most famous cathedrals that double up as important tourist attractions of Paris include the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, Basilique de St. Denis, St. Germain des Pres and others.
The city of Paris is also known for its magnificent gardens and parks. One can go for a stroll in these parks and check out the beautiful cherry trees and other types of trees found over here. Some of the gardens also have a number of magnificent fountains and are also decorated with beautiful sculptures. Some of the gardens and parks worth visiting include Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries Garden, Jardin des Plantes, Parc Monceau, Andre-Citroen Park, The Promenade Plantee and others. Paris is also home to the famous Disneyland Paris amusement park. Both the young and the old can have great fun going on the joy rides in this park.

Besides these, there are a large number of other monuments and historical sites that one can pay a visit too when on a tour to Paris. Some of the most famous tourist spots of Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, Arche de la Defense, Place de la Bastille, The Catacombs, Pantheon, Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte and others. Besides these, one can also take a walk or pay a visit to some of the most popular public areas of the city. There are a large number of avenues and streets in Paris, which are dotted with palm trees and a large number of cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and a speciality shops. Some of these famous public areas are the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Place Vendome, Place Dauphine, Place de l'Hotel de Ville and others.

Tourist Attractions in Cannes

There are a number of tourist attractions in the fashionable city of Cannes in France. A visit to the tourist attractions in Cannes will surely make your vacations a fun filled and adventurous one.



There are a large number of ancient monuments and religious sites in Cannes, which are worth a visit. These monuments and buildings are fine examples of ancient French architecture belonging to the Romanesque and the Gothic periods. The Eglise Reformee de France is one such fantastic religious site found in Cannes. The Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage is one of the most important and fantastic looking churches of the city.
Apart from this, one can also pay a visit to the numerous museums and galleries of the city. These museums are home to some of the most famous art works and paintings of the country. Some of the famous museums that one can visit over here include the Castre Museum, Musee de la Mer, Galerie de France, Aquarella, Galerie Alexandre Leadouze and others. A very famous and unique museum of the city is the Musee de I'Automobile or the Automobile Museum.
There are a number of parks and gardens, which are also the major tourist attractions of Cannes. One can go for walks in these parks and check out the fountains over there. Some of the gardens are decorated with a large number of sculptures also. The most famous park of the city that is worth visiting is the Parc Phoenix or Phoenix Park. This is a botanical park where one can get to see different kinds of plants and animals. Cannes is also known for its natural beauty and fantastic beaches. There are numerous beaches in Cannes where the tourists can go and have a good time. The beaches in La Croisette are the most popular. One can sun bathe hear or simply suit under the shade of the palm trees and watch the breathtaking view of the setting sun. The Promenade La Croisette is a famous area. With the beach on one side and a large number of cafes and shops on the other, this place Is a favorite destination amongst the tourists.
Apart from these, there are a host of other tourist attractions in Cannes, which consists of historical sites, ancient towns and buildings. Te other tourist attraction of the city include the Le Suquet or Old Town, Palais des Festivals, Massif de l'Esterel, St. Marguerite Island and St Honorat Island, Iles de Lerins, Rue Meynadier, Villas of Cannes and others.