Background: Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.
July 18th 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours
Today, Friday July 18, 2008, we left Sarlat for greener pastures to the north. Our final destination is Tours in the Loire Valley. We are meandering, because France does not have an I-5. Most o ... 15 photos[full story]
June 29th 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours I have been meaning to write an entry about driving, drivers, biking in France. I know that there are clichés--I am finding them to be true!
When I first rented a bike a few weeks ago, I observed th ... [full story]
June 27th 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours On Friday June 20 we visited two interconnecting Troglodytique Farms at Rochmenier. These were literally hand dug out of the stone in the XVIIth century. Why?
The guide told us 2 reasons: 1) it was ... [full story]
June 27th 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours Last Friday June 20 we had a fabulous day in the Saumur area. All 3 visits were very unusual, even for France: first to the ABBAYE DE FONTEVRAUD. What a fascinating place! It was started in 1101AD ... [full story]
June 22nd 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours The Fete de Musique is an annual event all over France. In Tours it started about 4pm and went on through the night. I rode my bike downtown to the Grand Theatre where there was supposed to be a con ... [full story]
June 22nd 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours A day of adventures. I invited others to join me but ended up going on my own (those young ones just can't keep up to me!). I arrived at the TOURS train station at 8.30 am in time to buy my ticket a ... [full story]
June 17th 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours I know it's been 17 days since I wrote a journal. You know how it is; I've been busy visiting chateaux and drinking good wine and studying.... So, I will try to catch up, starting with today and wor ... [full story]
May 14th 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours Wednesday 14th May
Chateau Chambord was our first destination today.
We had decided to forgo breakfast at our hotel and pulled in at a roadside cafe we passed on the way to the Chateau at arou ... 6 photos[full story]
May 13th 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours
A normal working day in Europe, so we should be free to visit whatever takes our fancy.
Seeing we are in the Loire Valley we feel it would be remiss not to visit some chateaus. We decide to vi ... 10 photos[full story]
May 31st 2008Europe » France » Centre » Tours Aujourd'hui, j'étais ravie de pouvoir louer un vélo à Tours sous un programme supporté par la ville.
6 Euros pour 3 mois! Mais que de paperasse! Il fallait des photocopies de notre passeport, de n ... [full story]
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