France Travel

France Travel Guide and Destination Overview on Concierge.com Destinations USA + Canada > Europe > Caribbean > Latin America > Asia > Australia + Pacific > Middle East + Africa > See All > Ideas Beach + Island > Cruise > Culinary Travel > Global Style > Luxury > Romantic > Ski + Adventure > See All > Best Of Gold List > Readers' Choice Awards > Hot List Hotels > Hot List Tables > Hot List Nights > Ski Resorts > Top Spas > Gourmet Guide > See All > Tools Destination Finder > Hotel Finder > Forums > Travel Tips > Currency Converter > Maps > Photos > Weather > See All > Deals Booking > Travel Deals > See All > Destinations | Europe | Europe Condé Nast Traveler Read Condé Nast Traveler Subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler Articles > Lists > Travel Tips > Great Drives > Room With a View > Where Are You? Contest > Word Trips Contest > Subscribe > See All > forums france Paris Museums, gourmet dining, romance, more Provence Beaches; mountains; villages... more Loire Valley Châteaus, châteaus, and still more... more Intro Map Fact Sheet Photos Why Go? The chateaux of the Loire, the bateaux of the Cote d'Azur Despite rumors to the contrary, French chefs are not yet ready to relinquish "World's Best Cooks" title We'll always have Paris All france Guides Loire Valley Provence Chamonix Bordeaux Avignon Marseille Paris Megève Côte d'Azur Paris Loire Valley Chamonix Megève Bordeaux Avignon Côte D'Azur Provence Deals Farmhouse Hotel on the Hill in Provence Experience the romance of Paris with 5 nights in grand style Book your 2006 cruise now and get 2-for-1 fares, free airfare, and more Two night stay + Da Vinci Code Tour French Legacy of Romantic Chteau Living More Related Articles July 2005 The Med Untamed History's embattled French annex is an off-season... June 2005 Q & A: Decoding Da Vinci Following a best seller through Paris June 2005 Cabin Fever Remember when flying felt good? Condé... May 2005 Trip Tech: Road Show Adam Sachs takes four GPS systems to three... May 2005 Paris Warms Up Forget the snooty city, the natives have become... May 2005 Q & A: Shades of Gray at 30,000 Feet I frequently travel to France in first class,... April 2005 A Nonstop, Unapologetically High-Calorie Foodie's Tour de France Gustatory marathon man Adam Sachs shadows Lance January 2005 The Chef Comes With the Room G. Y. Dryansky ties on his bib in four of... January 2005 Great Hotel Chefs For G. Y. Dryansky's article, "The Chef... October 2004 Mr. Clean There are few things rock impresario Malcolm... from CondéNast Traveler December 2005 Experiences That Only Insiders Can Deliver You can delve deeper into an unfamiliar culture... December 2005 Next Generation Nice Once the Riviera's answer to Atlantic City,... December 2005 Concierges, A User's Manual A mystery to many but a friend to all, the hotel... November 2005 They're the Top Joseph Ward offers a toast to prestige... November 2005 Peak Experiences Hitting the slopes in the Alps can cost less than... September 2005 Around the World in 50 Films They don't call them motion pictures for nothing:... From our Forums Share opinions, advice, and travel tales about France Information may have changed since date of publication. Please confirm details with individual establishments before planning your trip. Subscribe Now And Save 78%! 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Germany Travel

Dresden, Germany - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Dresden car from Dresden Dresden Railway station (only days after the use of the West German Mark (1990), a mobile Burger King arrived) Dresden , city in east central Germany, capital of Saxony (Sachsen). A port on the Elbe River, near the Czech Republic, it is the focus of one of Germany's largest metropolitan areas and is a major manufacturing, transportation, and cultural center. At the heart of the city is the historic Altstadt (Old Town), on the southern bank of the Elbe, now partly restored after receiving severe damage in World War II (1939-1945). On the northern bank are the Neustadt, Antonstadt, and Albertstadt districts. Suburbs include Loschwitz, Blasewitz, Plauen, and Lbtau. Zwinger Palace The economy of Dresden centers on port activities and the manufacture of high-technology items. Products include specialized optical and medical equipment, business machines, computers, musical instruments, machinery, and tools. Dresden china, a fine porcelain once made in the city, is now produced at nearby Meissen. Dresden Technical University (1828), Carl Gustav Carus Medical Academy of Dresden (1954), Friedrich List University of Transportation of Dresden (1952), and a school of music (1856) are in the city. central part of the Zwinger Palace One of Europe's foremost cultural centers before World War II, Dresden's major landmark is the carefully restored 18th-century Zwinger Palace. The Zwinger houses several noted museums, the most famous of which is the Semper Gallery. The highlight of its collection of more than 2000 paintings is the Sistine Madonna by Raphael. Meissen porcelain, pewter items, scientific instruments, coins, and the crown jewels of Saxony are among other exhibits in the Zwinger museums. a bride Also rebuilt since World War II are the Dresden State Opera House (1878), once associated with the German composers Richard Wagner, Carl Maria von Weber, and Richard Strauss, and several fine churches, such as the rococo Hofkirche (1739-1751) and the Kreuzkirche (in part dating from the 15th century). Also of note in the city are the Dresden Technical Museum, the Dresden History Museum, and museums of transportation and military history. Sachsen Palace with a mural of the Sachsen Rulers More Photos of the Sachsen Palace part of the mural showing the Saxony notables More Photos of the Saxony Rulers First mentioned in the early 13th century, Dresden gained prominence from 1485 to 1918 as the capital of the powerful dukes (later electors and kings) of Saxony. The city emerged as a leading cultural center in the 17th century, most notably during the reign (1694-1733) of Frederick Augustus I, elector of Saxony (also during the reign, 1697-1733, of King Augustus II of Poland). During this period the alchemist John Friedrich Bttger invented the Meissen porcelain technique, making possible European production of the porcelain previously imported from Asia. bridge between sections of the Sachsen Palace Sachsen Palace and the royal church More Photos of the Sachsen Palace The city was partly rebuilt after suffering heavy damage during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and subsequently became known as the Florence on the Elbe because of its magnificent baroque and rococo architecture and its fine museums. Napoleon achieved his last major military success here in 1813. Dresden developed into an important industrial center in the late 19th century. ruins (1990) of the area where the Dresden Frauenkirche once stood Photos of the reconstructed Frauenkirche On the night of February 13, 1945, hundreds of Allied bombers released a firestorm of bombs on Dresden, killing 135,000 people and demolishing 80 percent of the city. Much of the city was meticulously restored after the war. Population (1997) 474,443. Text from Microsoft Encarta Dresden 2004 horse of Saxony the count down to Dresden's 800th anniversary Dresden Philharmonic Gothic fountain in the midst of modern buildings remnant from the Communist era glimpse of a Saxony Castle from the bus window monument to the "War of the Nations" Leipzig, Battle of , called the Battle of the Nations, decisive engagement between the French armies of Napoleon and those of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden, fought on October 16-19, 1813, at Leipzig, Germany. Threatened by the Allies with the loss of a vital communications line through the city, Napoleon fought a standoff battle on October 16, but the following day the Allies, vastly superior in strength, closed in with reinforcements. They began their assault on October 18, and early the next day, after some nine hours of fighting, Napoleon ordered a retreat over the Weisse Elster River. In the confusion the bridge across the river was blown up before the retreat was complete, leaving some 30,000 French troops to be taken prisoner in the city. Casualties on both sides were estimated between 90,000 and 120,000. The Battle of Leipzig effectively eliminated Napoleon's power east of the Confederation of the Rhine. Other Photos from Leipzig Return to Germany page Return to Europe page Return to People and Places

Switzerland Travel and Tourism

Map of Switzerland - Switzerland Tourism and Travel Information  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Swiss Map and Switzerland Tourism and Travel Facts Switzerland in a Nutshell -- find essential information on traveling to Switzerland using our map and resources. You are Here Home Europe Map Switzerland Map and Travel Resources Switzerland Map Showing Cities and Languages Map of Switzerland © 2003 by James Martin, licensed to About Destinations in Switzerland Our Switzerland Travel and Tourism Information Guide is a directory of information on Switzerland travel, including Swiss guidebooks, regions, public transportation and cities to visit. Accommodations in Switzerland Accommodations in Switzerland tend to be expensive. There are usually fewer hotels located around train stations than in other countries. You may inspect a hotel beforecommitting to it. Hotel rooms in Switzerland tend to be smaller than other places, but there are usually more services available. Prices include service, taxes and sometimes breakfast (ask). Most Swiss hotels are members of the Swiss Hotel Association, which rates them according to their facilities and not necessarily their charm. For more general information on European hotel ratings, see our article: Hotels and their Star Ratings . Swiss Currency The Swiss currency is the Swiss Franc, abbreviated to CHF. Swiss Franc banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Francs. At the time of writing, 1 US Dollar = 1.35350 Swiss Franc (January, 2003). For the current rate, see CurrencyConverter by OANDA.com, The Currency Site . Language in Switzerland Four primary languages are spoken in Switzerland. See the map above for the approximate areas those languages are spoken in. The Federal Constitution stipulates that German, French, and Italian are Switzerland's official languages, whereas Romansh is an official language for communicating with Romansh-speaking persons. English is increasingly taught at an early age, sometimes taking priorityover a second national language. Foreign Languages for the Tourist gives a list of resources for learning just enough language to get along. Page two of that article is an account of going to language school in Perugia, Italy. I recommend undertaking such an experience in Switzerland if you're interested in the Swiss languages and people. Transportation in Switzerland Switzerland isserved by more than 13000 miles of train, bus and boat routes. Find outmore about Swiss transportation options in the article SwissRail Passes and Transportation information . Weather in Switzerland Due to the mountainous terrain in Switzerland, weather can vary greatly with altitude. For somehistorical information, see GeographyIQ . For current weather in Switzerland, see the Weather Underground . Eating in Swiss Restaurants Although eating in a Swiss restaurant is generally more expensive than eating in a neighboring country, you can find interesting, inexpensive food in Switzerland. Lunches are often cheaper than the same meal at dinner. Look for the plateof the day. General Eating Times: Lunch: 12-2 Dinner 6-8 pm As you might expect, Swiss cuisine is based around dairy products -- cheese, milk, cream, butter and/or yogurt. Beer is often cheaper and more readily available then soft drinks. Tipping Meals include a service charge, but tipping is common. 5% of the total is the usual tip. According to locals in Zurich, it is customary, when paying with a creditcard, to leave the tip in cash rather than adding it to the card total. Public Holidays in Switzerland Public holidays New Years: January 1st and 2nd Good Friday Easter Monday Labor Day - May 1st Ascension Day Whit Monday National Day: August 1st Christmas Eve (afternoon only) Christmas: December 25 and 26th New Year's Eve (afternoon) From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... 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European Vacation By Ray

10 Money-Saving Tips for Your European Vacation Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living As seen in Transitions Abroad Magazine March/April 2001 Related Topics Back Door Travel with Rick Steves Budget Travel Related Articles Europe’s Online Travel Deals Cheap Travel in Europe Ricks Steves' Thrifty Fifty: How to Make Your Dollars and Sense Carry You Further in Europe Ricks Steves' Dirty Thirty: More Tips on How to Make Your Dollars, Euros, and Pounds Stretch 10 Money-Saving Tips for Your European Vacation By Ray Bangs Traveling cheaply is not just about saving a few francs, it is really about getting a better value for your money. Eat like the locals and you will save big bucks. Food and drink costs add up. For breakfast, a cup of coffee, a roll, assorted cold cuts, and a piece of fruit from the local market can be very reasonable. For lunch, try a picnic. Even in winter you may find Europeans unpacking a sandwich in the park. Choose the fixed menu and the house wine. Restaurants usually offer two or three choices that highlight some of the house specialties. Spend the night on a train. Your long-haul transportation and accommodations are taken both care of and you gain one more day for exploration. Bring a meal and snacks with you, since the dining car prices are often outrageous. Water is essential and will help you avoid that hangover effect if you do not sleep well. If you decide against the sleeper-car, an inflatable neck-pillow is important. Buy the postcard. Instead of snapshots of the Eiffel Tower take pictures of your friends and the people you meet. Keeping the rolls of film in a Ziploc bag will allow you to safely transport them back to the U.S. where developing costs are much less. Digital cameras are another eco- and wallet-friendly option, as long as you have some means of recharging the battery. Send an email instead. At a dollar each, the cost of mailing postcards can add up. Try to get everyone’s email address before you go, then at every city send a group email from an Internet café. If you are using a digital camera, you could even send that photo of you trying to distract the Buckingham Palace guards. It’s nice to receive emails from the people who write back to you as you travel. Try to speak the language and meet the locals. Everything can cost more than it should when you are unfamiliar with the currency, the customs, and the language. Following the advice of locals beats following the guidebooks. Use your credit card and get cash at ATMs. You will get a much better exchange rate and not have to pay conversion fees. Buy prepaid phone cards. In Europe these are available at any market or kiosk. Plan your souvenir budget. The little sew-on patches, stickers, or postcards are inexpensive mementos. If you simply must have a replica of Julius Caesar’s bust, remember that the further away from the Coliseum you go, the cheaper it will be. Get the discounted price. A student ID card can help you get the best prices on everything from museums to hotels. Joining a hostel association is worth the small investment. In the larger cities, an inexpensive public transportation ticket will allow you to enjoy the tour at your own pace. RAY BANGS lived for two years in Europe before moving to Tempe, AZ. He is planning a move back to Europe. Contact him at RCBangs@hotmail.com . Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad

Ski Vacation Packages City

Benz's Ski Resort Directory - Search for ski resorts, weatherconditions, ski vacation packages, and hotels near your destination. Home BIS Benz's Information Service SKI RESORT's, SKI AREA's & EQUIPMENT info@bisdirectory.com SEARCH BY UNITED STATES, CANADA, & MEXICO Plan Your Trip UNITED STATES CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS __________ Submit Ski Listing Submit Business Ad Submit Product Ad Sponsor A State ____________ Enter city or US Zip Clubs & Associations _________ Other BIS Directories Campgrounds SkiResorts & Area TourismSites Campgrounds near NASCAR Sponsors ProductAdvertisers ___________ Merchant Links ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA KENTUCKY MICHIGAN MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS MINNESOTA MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA CANADA BRITISH COLUMBIA MANITOBA ONTARIO QUEBEC OHIO OREGON PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE UTAH VERMONT VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN WYOMING Plan Your Ski Trip CheckFor Ski Vacation Packages City Name Check-in Date Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2005 2004 # of Nights 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Adult(s) Children 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 CNN Ski Report's Ski Resort Weather Tourism Sites Other Ski Directories Go Ski The Mountain Zone SkiNet SkiOnLine Ski-Europe A directory created by Eric& Lora Benz a camping family to help othercampers. COPY RIGHT 2002 Benz's InformationService