Frances Border Regions And Their Multitude Of Cultures

By Julio Florentino


The border regions of France are very popular places to visit and vacation, and they offer more than one culture that you will be able to enjoy within a short distance. These are the areas that are situated along the border of other nations, and travel across all of Europe is freely allowed. This means that you can take a short train ride or go for a drive and end up in another country within minutes or an hour or so.

The Alsace region is close to Germany, and a short trip across the Rhine River from Strasbourg will put you in another country entirely. Cuisine from old German recipes and traditions will be sure to tempt everyone, and there are plenty of attractions and historical sites to visit here. You will find architecture reminiscent of something from a fairy tale, and you will often find signs and directions in both languages because of the amount of traffic that goes back and forth.

If you want to get to Spain, you ought to check out the Languedoc-Roussilon area. Near the border itself, you'll be able to see many remnants of Spanish architecture on its buildings. There is also the famed Pyrenees Mountains which will be of wonderful view. Cassoulets and wines of all sorts will have certain features of Spain mixed into them as well.

A trip to Nice means being close to Italian influences and a fascinating history that was not always pleasant or even honorable. In this region you will find many sidewalk cafes that offer typical fare found in Italy, rather than the French cuisine that may be expected. Farmer markets offer many varieties of olives and other products, and this is a land of sun and sea as well as plenty of things to see and enjoy. You can spend your entire stay here going back and forth, visiting the local attractions and sampling some of the finest foods and meals you can find anywhere.

Two other well known border regions include the Nord Pas De Calais as well as the Rhone Alps. Located just a stone's throw away from Nord Pas De Calais will be the nation of Belgium. Here, beer is the preferred beverage instead of wine, which you might be expecting. Similarly, you'll see many little breweries around the area instead of vineyards. In Rhone Alps, astounding views of snow-capped mountains will be available, along with its distinguished spa services and magnificent massages which are not available anyplace else.




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