France is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area from the Pyrenees to Central Europe, and is a country of lights and art, architectural and cultural marvels.
The capital, Paris, is considered as one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, and is the favourite destination for artists and bohemians seeking the cult of beauty and was home to the most noteworthy literary and artistic figures of the world, such as Oscar Wilde or Vincent Van Gogh. The "city of lights" is the home to places such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral or the Musée du Louvre where the Gioconda "half smiles" to her visitors.
The French territory is not limited to Europe; it also extends to other parts of the world such as Guyana, the island of Tahiti, the island of Martinique, Guadalupe or Reunion. A founder member of the European Union, it is a highly developed country both economically and socially, with a powerful culture which is very influential on a global scale. Its international relations have converted it into one of the main figures in international politics.
The rich and varied French cuisine is considered as one of the most important in the world in a land of world famous champagne, exquisite wines and delicious cheeses, which can be enjoyed on the shores of spectacular beaches such as those in Corsica, Nice or Biarritz, or in small villages hidden in the French countryside. Each year the famous international film festival is held in Cannes, where film stars and fans of the seventh art congregate in this beautiful French town.