France Travel

FRANCE Geography History Politics Culture Transportation Lodging Restaurants Museums and Monuments Nightlife Currency 1. Geography France is bordered by the English Channel to the North; Belgium and Luxembourg to the Northeast; Germany, Switzerland and Italy tothe East; the Mediterranean Sea to the South; Spain and Andorra to the Southwest; and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. It includes theisland of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea to the Southeast of the mainland. The country's 210,026 squre miles offer vastly diverse scenery. It is comprised of the Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges, the valleys of the Loire, Rhone, and Dordogne rivers, and the fertile flat lands and cliffs of Normandy and the Atlantic coast. France is bordered by 1800 miles of coastline. 2. History France was originally inhabited by Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon peoples. After the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, it was settled by Gauls - a Celtic people. In the 8th century, Charlemagne established his Frankish empire stretching from the Pyrenees to the Baltic. Over the next several centuries the feudal lords of Paris consolidated power over various regions, creating for the first time a French nation. The reign of Louis VI from 1108-1137 represented the first time that royal authority came to fruition in certain areas of France. There remained however powerful rulers who served as Louis VI's vassals in name only, such as the Dukes of Normandy. During the FrenchRenaissance, Francois I helped develop the chateaux in the Loire Valley. These luxuries reached their peak during the reign of the SunKing Louis XIV (1643-1715) in which the power of the French state was further centralized and France became the major Europeanpower. Louis XV's reign (1715-1774) saw a time of prosperity as well as a growing gap between rich and power. During this period, the nobility and clergy were exempt from the payment of taxes. These disparities culminated in the French Revolution of 1789 which overthrew Louis XVI and sought equality of the individual before the law. Rising army commander Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the weak and unpopular governemnts of the end of the 18th century in 1799.Five years later he was declared Emperor and attempted to establish a French empire in Europe. In 1812 Napoleon's good fortune wasreversed after his failed invasion of Russia. He was exiled and his army dismantled but escaped and returned to France for a briefHundered Days until he was defeated at Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington. The 19th century saw France waver from republic to monarchy to republic to empire, and finally back to republic. It faced an emerging Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871and again as the network of treaties and alliances collapsed in 1914 with the assassination of the Austrian Grand Duke Ferdinand in Serbia. In the interbellum period, after the Versailles Treaty, France recovered the Alsace-Lorraine region originally lost in the Franco-PrussianWar, and established a new electoral system based on proportional representation. With the advances of Nazi Germany into Poland in1939, France once again declared war on Germany and entered WWII. However, it was swiftly occupied by the Nazis who establishedthe Vichy Regime from 1940-1944. The Fourth Republic was established after the war but could not resist the pressures induced by the Algerian Conflict. General deGaulle, former Resistance leader of the exiled anti-Nazi government during WWII, established the Fifth Republic. 1968 saw the adventof student and industrial workers riots threatening to overthrow the fledgling Republic. Throughout the 1970s, conservative presidents and centre-right majorities governed in France. The Socialist party experienced its firstvictory in 1981 with the election of Francois Mitterand who remained in office until 1995. Jacques Chirac, the former mayor of Paris and Prime Minister in cohabitation with Mitterand was narrowly elected President in 1995. Edouard Balladur was first appointed PrimeMinister but was succeeded by Alain Juppe who was committed to streamlining the public sector. Having called for an early election, Chirac is now governing in cohabitation with the Socialist Lionel Jospin, his competitor in the 1995 election. 3. Politics The strong executive branch of the 5th Republic is directed by the President who is elected by direct popular vote for a 7-year term.The legislative branch is governed by a bicameral parliament comprised of a 577-member National Assembly which is elected for 5-yearterms, and the 321-member senate which is elected for 9-year terms with one-third of the seats up for reelection every 3 years. France's main foreign commitment is to the European Union. Its relations with Germany have been considered to be the pillar of the integration movement. France continues to be active in multifarious regions of the world as a means to assert its status as a worldpower. In opposition to American hegemony, France has come into conflict with the United States on a number of instances, most notably at the Uruguay Round of negotion on the 1993 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and with regards to the commandof armed forces in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. France has conducted several military interventions in Africa where it maintians a significant economic, military, and cultural presence inmany former colonies. In the Franc Zone, many francophone African countires have linked their currencies to the French franc. Frenchmilitary involvement also existed in French Polynesia in the 1995 when the Chiracien goverment conducted a series of nuclear tests atthe Mururoa atoll. Rioting broke out on Tahiti, the main island and severe international condemnation followed. French domestic politics are also rocky as Chirac and Jospin attempt to govern cohesively side-by-side. With an unemployment rate at arecord high of 12.8%, they are finding it difficult to streamline their country's economy to meet the strict criteria necessary for entry into the scheduled European Union economic and monetary union. 4. Culture The official language is French, but many regional dialects such as Basque and Breton exist. Many French speak basic English, but polite efforts to speak French are generally appreciated. 90% of the French population is Roman Catholic. There exists a Protestant minority, and representatives of almost every religion exist. The family is still relatively central to French life, as are long meals with excellent wine and gastronomical delights. The cuisine varies by region as does the wine. Most everything shuts down between noon and 2pm during the week and closes on Sundays. Major national holiday include January 1, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day (May 8), Whit Monday (May 19), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas (December 25). In addition,much of the less touristic parts of France slow down the month of August when everyone is on holiday in the often crowded coastal towns. 5. Transportation Visas are not required of U.S., Canadian, New Zealand, or EU citizens. Visas are required however of South Africans and Australians. AIR : France's national airline is Air France(AF), domestically Air Inter(AI). RAIL : Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer (SNCF) operates an extensive rail network. Timetables are well-organized and color-codedto coincide with peak hours. Tickets are not valid until punched in the orange machine at the entrance to the platforms at the trainstation (la gare). Seat reservations are recommended for international trips, and are mandatory on EuroCity (EC), InterCity (IC), and TGV (train a grande vitesse/ high-speed) trains. All 3 mandate a ticket supplement (between US$3-18) and a reservation fee (betweenUS$2-3). The French Railpass which must be purchased outside France permits 3 days of travel within one month (US$145) with up to 6 additional days available (US$30 each). BUS : usually well-priced and well-organized. The bus station (gare routiere) is usually near the train station. PARIS : AIR : Most transatlantic flights arrive at Aeroport Roissy- Charles de Gaulle, NE of Paris. To get to town, take Roissy Rail, a cheap combination bus-rail system. To get to Roissy Rail, take free shuttle bus to train station, ride RER train B3 to the city. Taxis will be extremely expensive. Air France also offers a clean and safe shuttle bus service to various points in Paris as well as to Orly Airport. Flights arriving at Aeroport d'Orly, S of Paris usually arrive from various points in Europe. To get to town, take free shuttle bus to Orly train station and take RER C2 to central Paris. Or Air France shuttle buses also service Orly. RAIL : Gare du Nord services northern France, Belgium, Britain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and northern Germany. Gare de l'Est services eastern France, Luxembourg, northern Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Gare de Lyon services southeastern France, southern Switzerland, Italy, and Greece.Gare d'Austerlitz services the Loire Valley, southwestern France, Spain, and Portugal.Gare St. Lazare services Normandy. Gare de Montparnasse services Brittany and the TGV to southwestern France. Within Paris, the subway (Metropolitain, Metro, M) is efficient and quick. Lines are numbered but are referred to by their final destinations.Connections are called correspondances. Coupon Vert allows unlimited weekly travel.Carte Orange is an ID which accompanies the Coupon Vert. The Reseau ExpressRegional (RER) is a commuter train to the suburbs and an express subway in Paris. BUS : use same tickets as Metro which may be purchased from driver. NICE : AIR : Aeroport Nice-Cote d'Azur. Take Sunbus 23 "St. Laurent" from the train station. The airport bus runs from the bus station by pl Massena. RAIL : Gare SNCF Nice-Ville, avenue Thiers is in the center of town next to the tourist office. Trains run frequently to Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and elsewhere in France, Italy, and Spain. In summer months, several trains connect with the TGV from Marseille to Paris. BUS : Gare Routiere, promenade du Paillon to Monaco, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and Cannes. Sunbus to museums and youth hostels. Can buy 5 ticket booklets or weekly passes at agency or kiosk at sq. Leclerc. Bus 12 goes from train station to pl Massena and the beach. LYON : AIR : Aeroport Lyon-Satolas E of Lyon. Take bus from Perrache via Part-Dieu. RAIL : Part-Dieu and Perrache stations both have TGV trains to Paris. Perrache is more central. Part-Dieu is the business district on the east bankof the Rhone. The Metro operates with tickets good for 1hr in 1 direction withbus and trolley connections included. Can purchase 1 day unlimited travel at tourist and TAG offices, not in stations. Troleys operate from pl. St. Jean to St. Just and the top of Fourviere. BUS : Perrache train station to Annecy, Grenoble. Philbert handlesmany domestic routes. Eurolines runs throughout Europe. Iberbus goes to Spain. 6. Lodging HOTELS : Room and all meals (pension) are most often offered with a stay of 3 days or longer. Room, breakfast, and one meal (demi-pension) are often offered outside peak holiday periods. Hotels are generally not expensive but have strict standards. Hotels docharge extra for a third bed in a double room and will charge extra for extra occupants. Logis de France are small or medium sized inexpensive hotels with basic clean and comfortable accomodations. Hotels de Tourisme are graded into categories according to government quality regulations. CAMPING : 7000 campsites exist throughout France. Some have tents and/or caravans for rent. Prices vary but all graded campsitesprovide water, toilet, and washing facilities. YOUTH HOSTELS : Hundreds exist throughout France. Simple accomodation at very low prices. Stays are usually limited to certain agebrackets and to 3-4 nights a week. Most require membership in the National Youth Hostel Association. Some accomodations are privaterooms and others are bunk-beds in shared rooms. Some have curfews. Reservations are advised during peak-seasons. This is a great way to travel cheaply and meet interesting people. Further information may be obtained from national youth hostel organizations. PARIS : HOTELS : Hotels in Paris may be the most practical for most and maybe the most economical for large groups. Costs range, and cheaper rooms maynot come with private baths. You may pay extra for the key to the hall shower. Rooms disappera quickly after morning checkout, so reserve ahead. They usually require one night's deposit. HOTEL DE NEVERS : -53, rue de Malte, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 56 18 HENRI IV : -25 place Dauphine, 1e, tel: 01 43 54 44 53 HOTEL STE-MARIE: -6 rue de la Ville Neuve, tel: 01 42 33 21 61 YOUTH HOSTELS : Most Parisian hostels don't have many restrictionswhich may be found in other hostels. They do often have maximum stays. Theyusually include breakfast and showersin the price. Only 2 HI hostels exist in the city proper. The rest are private hostels or fosters. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE PARIS (BVJ) : -Paris Louvre- 20, rue J.-J. Rousseau, 1er., tel: 01 42 36 88 18 -Paris Quartier Latin- 44, rue des Bernardins, 5e., tel: 01 43 29 34 80 AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE JULES FERRY (HI) : -Jules Ferry- 8 bd Jules Ferry, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 60 AUBERGE INTERNATIONALE DES JEUNES : -10, rue Trousseau, tel: 01 47 00 62 00 LYON : HOTELS : A financial center, Lyon has little lodging during the week,but many openings on the weekends so plan ahead. First try the hotels near Perrache, then near Pl. des Terreaux if they are full. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE SEJOUR : -46 rue du Commandant Pegoud, tel: 04 78 01 23 45 RESIDENCE BENJAMIN DELESSERT : -145 av. Jean Jaures, tel: 04 78 61 41 41 HOTEL VAUBECOUR : -28 rue Vaubecour, tel: 04 78 37 44 91 YOUTH HOSTELS : AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -51, rue Roger Salengro, Venissieux, tel: 04 78 76 39 23 NICE : HOTELS : Summer accomodations require advance reservation.Most affordable and clean hotels surround Notre-Dame rue d'Angleterre,rue de la Suisse, and rue de Russie. HOTEL BACCARAT : -39 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 35 73 HOTEL LES ALIZES : -10 ru de Suisse, tel: 04 93 88 85 08 HOTEL DES FLANDERS : -6 rue de Belgique, tel: 04 93 88 78 94 YOUTH HOSTELS : Very often full, especially summer months.Camping in front of the train station is a dangerous idea, even in groups. AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -rte. Forestiere du Mont-Alban, tel: 04 93 89 23 64 RELAIS INTERNL DE LA JEUNESSE CLAIRVALLON : -26 av Scuderi, tel: 04 93 81 27 63 RESIDENCE LES COLLINETTES (HI) : -Summer only! 3 av Robert Schumann, tel: 04 93 86 58 48 7. Restaurants LUNCH / DINNER : a complete meal includes an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entree (an appetizer), a plat (main course),salad, cheese, dessert, fruits, coffee, and a digestif (after-dinner drink). Wine is typically taken with meals. Boisson comprise means that you are entitled to a free drink, often wine, with your meal. In restaurants, fixed-price 3-course meals (menus) begin at 60f. A 15% gratuity is most often included in the price (service compris). BREAKFAST : continental breakfast usually includes your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate; and breads and pastries with jam. PARIS : Cafes : LA COUPOLE : -102 bd du Montparnasse, tel: 01 43 20 14 20 LA CLOSERIE DES LILAS : -171 bd du Montparnasse, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 70 50 LES DEUX MAGOTS : -6 pl St-Germain des Pres, 6e, tel:01 45 48 55 25 RESTAURANTS : AU TROU NORMAND : -9 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 80 23 LES FOUS DE L'ISLE : -33 rue des Deux-Ponts, tel: 01 43 25 76 67 CHEZ LES FONDUES : -17 rue des Trois Freres, 18e, tel: 01 42 55 22 65 CREMERIE RESTAURANT POLIDOR : -41 rue Monsieur-le Prince, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 95 34 TY BRIEZ : -52 bd de Vaugirard, 15e, tel: 01 43 20 83 72 LYON : RESTAURANTS : LE SUD : -11 pl Antonin Porcet, tel: 04 72 77 80 00 CHEZ MOUNIER : -3 rue des Marrioniers, tel: 04 78 37 79 26 CHAERT ET FILS : -11 rue des Marroniers, tel: 04 78 37 01 94 LA MERE VITTET : -26, cours de Verdun, tel: 04 78 37 20 17 CHEZ CARLO : -22 rue du Palais Grillet, tel: 04 78 42 05 79 NICE : RESTAURANTS : O MICHELANGELO : -28 cours Saleya, tel: 04 93 80 05 27 NISSA SOCCA : -5 rue Ste-Reparte, tel: 04 93 80 18 35 LE FAUBOURG MONTMARTRE : -39 rue Pertinax, tel: 04 93 62 55 03 RESTAURANT DE PARIS : -28 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 99 88 8. Museums and Monuments PARIS : MUSEUMS : LES CATACOMBS : -1 pl Denfert-Rochereau, 15e-5-6 million Parisians buried in former limestone mines CENTRE NATIONAL D'ART ET DE CULTURE GEORGES-POMPIDOU : -Palais Beaubourg, 4e.-Musee National d'Art Moderne, 20th century art MUSEE DES EGOUTS DE PARIS : -Quai D'Orsay and pl de la Resistance, 7e. -Sewer Museum MUSEE DU LOUVRE : -Palais-Royal, 1e-Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samotrace,David, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, MonaLisa MUSEE D'ORSAY : -1 rue de Bellechasse, 7e-1848-1914 Impressionism, etc. MUSEE PICASSO : -5 rue de Thorigny, 3e MONUMENTS : ILE DE LA CITE/ ILE ST-LOUIS : -Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris-Palais de Justice -Ste.-Chapelle LATIN QUARTER/ St-GERMAIN-des-Pres : -Pantheon-La Crypt-Le Jardin des Plantes-Boulevard et Place St-Michel-Jardin du Luxembourg FAUBOURG ST-GERMAIN : -Espanade des Invalides-Musee de l'Armee / Napoleon's tomb-Tour Eiffel LOUVRE/OPERA/MARAIS/BASTILLE : -Louvre-Jardin des Tuilleries-Place Vendome-Palais-Royal-Opera CHAMPS ELYSEES/ BOIS DE BOULOGNE/ LA DEFENSE : -Place de la Concorde-Obelisque de Louxor-Avenue des Champs-Elysees-Arc de Triomphe-Bois de Boulogne-La Defense MONTMARTRE / PERE-LACHAISE : -Basilique du Sacre-Coeur-Butte Montmartre-Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise, Jim Morrison's grave LYON : MUSEUMS : MUSEE GALLO-ROMAIN : -17 rue Cleberg-mosaics, helmets, swords, jewlery MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -Hotel de Ville-French, Spanish and Dutch painters-Italian Renaissance. MUSEE D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Quai Charles de Gaulle-Modern Art MONUMENTS :-Basilique Notre-Dame de la Fourviere-Vieux Lyon-Cathedrale St-Jean-Place Bellecour NICE : MUSEUMS : MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -33 av Baumettes-Fragonard, Monet, Sisley, Degas, sculptures MUSEE MATISSE : -164 av des Arenes de Cimiez MUSEE NATIONAL MARC CHAGALL : -av du Docteur Menard MUSEE D'ART MODERNE ET D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Av St-Jean Baptiste and Traverse Garibaldi MONUMENTS :-Promenade des Anglais-Jardin Albert 1er-Espace Massena-La Colle du Chateau-Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas-Monastere Cimiez 9. Nightlife PARIS : DANCE CLUBS : -Les Bains, 7 rue de Bourg l'Abbee, 3e, tel: 01 48 87 01 80-Le Balajo, 9 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 07 87-Le Palace, 8 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9e, tel:01 42 46 10 87 BARS : -Le Bar Sans Nom, 49 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 59 36-Le Piano Vache, 8 rue Laplace, 5e, tel: 01 46 33 75 03-Cafe Charbon, 109 rue Oberkampf, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 13 LYON : DANCE CLUBS : Check out quai Romain Rolland,quai de Bondy, and quai Pierre Scize in the old city. BARS : -Albion, 12 rue Ste-Catherine-Le Verre a Soi, 25 rue des Capucins-Le Broadway, 9 rue Terraille NICE : DANCE CLUBS : -Chez Wayne, 15 rue de la Prefcture, tel: 04 93 13 46-Master Home, rue de la Prefecture, tel: 04 93 80 33 82-Le Studio, 29 rue Alphonse Karr, tel: 04 93 82 37 66-De Klomp, 6 rue Mascoinat, tel: 04 93 92 42 85-The Hole in the Wall, 3 rue de l'Abbaye, tel: 04 93 80 40 16 10. Currency The basic currency unit is the French franc (Ffr), which is issued in both coins and paper notes, and is subdivided in 100 centimes.Coins are in denominations of Ffr 10,5,2, and 1 + 50,20,10, and 5 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Ffr 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Some first-class hotels exchange foreign currency. Also the Credit Mutuel, Credit Agricole exchange currency. Shops and hotelsare prohibited from accepting foreign currency. American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and Travellers checques are widely accepted. Also Visit These Travel Pages GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE

Hotel Travel

MySQL Users Conference Co-presented by O'Reilly Media, Inc. and MySQL AB Home Submit a Proposal Why Attend Registration Speakers Tutorials Sessions Events At-a-Glance BOFs Wiki Stay Informed Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel/Travel See & Do Media Center MySQL AB O'Reilly Hotel and Travel Information Hotel Info | Room Sharing | Travel Assistance | Rental Cars | Airline Tickets Hotel Information The MySQL Users Conference 2005 will be held at The Westin Santa Clara, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Just off of US Highway 101, The Westin Santa Clara is convenient to the Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. The San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland International Airports are located within minimal driving distance. For those who like to combine business with pleasure, The Westin Santa Clara is a treat, located within walking distance of Paramount's Great America theme park and a 72-par championship golf course. Looking to make a splash? Jump into the Westin's oversized pool or soak up some rays on the 5,000-square-foot pool deck. However you like to relax, The Westin Santa Clara will make you feel right at home. Make your hotel reservations by phone, call: 1-888-627-8405 or call the hotel directly at (408) 986-0700. The cutoff date for room reservations is: March 14, 2005 . Rate Guest Room: $154.00 In order to receive the discounted room rate, you must identify yourself as attending the "MySQL Users Conference 2005" Reservations received after the extended cutoff date of March 14, 2005 will be honored on a space-available basis at the prevailing rate of the hotel. All rates are single or double occupancy. All room rates listed above do not include a 9.5% local & state tax (subject to change without notice). Please provide 24 hours' notice when cancelling your reservations to avoid deposit forfeiture or penalties. Hotel Address The Westin Santa Clara 5101 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: (408) 986-0700 Due to the overwhelming popularity of MySQL Users Conference, the room block at the Westin Santa Clara is currently sold out. The following is a partial list of alternate hotels in Santa Clara, close to the Westin Santa Clara. Santa Clara Marriott 2700 Mission Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: 408-988-1500 Santa Clara Hilton 4949 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: 408-330-0001 O'Reilly Media, Inc. and MySQL AB have no affiliation with these hotels. Getting There Airport Shuttle Services From Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose Airports SuperShuttle Phone: 800-258-3826 VIP Airport Shuttle Phone: (408) 885-1800 Driving Directions From San Jose Int'l Airport Start out going Northwest on Airport Blvd. towards Terminal C. Turn right onto Airport Pkwy. Turn left onto Guadalupe Pkwy. Take the US-101 N ramp towards San Francisco. Merge onto US-101 N. Take the Great America Pkwy. Exit towards Bowers Avenue. Keep right at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto Great American Pkwy. Approx. 5 miles) From San Francisco Int'l Airport Take US Highway 101 South towards San Jose. Take the CA-237 East exit towards Alviso/Milpitas. Take the Great America Parkway exit towards Lafayette Street. Turn right onto Great American Parkway. (Approx. 31 miles) From Oakland Int'l Airport Start out going Northeast on Airport Drive towards Neil Armstrong Way by turning left. Turn right onto 98th Ave. Merge onto I-880 South towards San Jose. Take the Milpitas/Alviso Rd. exit towards CA-237/Calaveras Blvd. Merge onto CA-237 W. Take the Great America Pkwy ramp towards Lafayette Street. Turn left onto Great America Pkwy. (Approx. 33 miles) Parking Self Parking: Free Self-parking in the hotel parking lot or connecting convention center lot is free. Valet Parking: $5 Per Day, $11 Overnight Please Note: Parking fees are approximate and completely subject to change without notice. Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. We have set up a room-share mailing list to facilitate finding a suitable roommate. Please visit the Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at an O'Reilly conference. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Phone: (707) 525-0550 Fax: (707) 525-0560 Email: International Attendees Please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for important information about international travel to the United States. Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the The MySQL Users Conference 2005 . To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #01XY0025 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the MySQL Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to book your reservations, you will receive a 5% discounnt off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. Make sure you refer to Meeting ID #538GM. Dedicated reservation agents are on duty 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST. Mileaage Plus members receive full credit for all miles flown to this meeting. You must refer to Meeting ID #538GM in order to receive the conference attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1-800-521-4041) this number. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this conference releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this conference. ! -- Diamond Sponsor Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Media Sponsors MySQL User Conference Sponsor Opportunities — Reach business leaders and technology influencers at the MySQL User Conference. Download Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus. Call Andrew Calvo at 707-829-0515 or email at Press and Media For media-related inquiries, contact Suzanne Axtell at Media Center — Press releases, news, and information for the press. Conference News Want to receive conference news? Sign up for our email newsletter. ! -- ! --

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Norway Vacation Cruise Tour Norway Norway Tour & Cruise Vacation Specialist NORWAY VACATION TOUR CRUISE NORWAY NORWAY TOUR SELECTION OSLO & BERGEN CITY PACKAGES - NORWAY Three hotel nights including: Full Scandinavian Buffet Breakfast Tax and Service Charges. A city sightseeing tour. Oslo Bergen NORWAY IN WINTER ALTA City of Northern Lights 5 days/4 nights Jan 01 thru April 30 Arctic Winter Safari Spitsbergen 6 days/5 nights March - April Spitsbergen Dogsled Safari A five-day program in Longyearbyen and Svea Norway in Winter Christmas in Karasjok Winter in Norway A TASTE OF GEILO Norway's premier ski resort Norway in Winter Lapland New Year Norway in Winter Norwegian Lapland KILLER WHALES EXCURSION Lofoten Norway ESCORTED TOURS - NORWAY Fjord Images Norway - Three Fjords Geiranger, Sogne and Nord Fjords Briksdal Glacier, Lillehammer & Bergen 6 days/5 nights Land of the Fjords Bergen - Oslo 6 days/5 nights Magic Fjord Images Hardanger Fjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord 7 days/6 nights Fjords of Norway Oslo - Oslo 7 days/6 nights Four Fjord Images Geiranger, Nord, Sogne & Hardanger Fjords Briksdal Glacier & Bergen 7 days/6 nights Scenic Norway Oslo - Oslo 8 days/7 nights Prominent Fjords of Norway Tour 9 days/8 nights Above the Arctic Circle Tour 11 days/10 nights From Rovaniemi to Rovaniemi Trekking at the North Pole Rim A 13-day adventure through some of Svalbard's most spectacular mountain scenery. Spitsbergen Dogsled Safari A five-day program in Longyearbyen and Svea Arctic Winter Safari Spitsbergen 6 days/5 nights March - May NORWAY - DESIGN YOUR OWN TOUR SUGGESTIONS Norway In A Nutshell Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Oslo - Oslo or Bergen - Bergen Taste of Balestrand Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of A Glacier Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Gudvangen Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Flam Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily T aste of Fjord Norway & a Stave Church Oslo - Gudvangen - Laerdal - Bergen or Bergen - Gudvangen - Laerdal - Oslo Including Flam Mountain Railway Taste of Hardangerfjord Bergen - Lofthus - Bergen (4 days) Taste of Hardanger & Flam Oslo - Lofthus - Bergen or Bergen - Lofthus - Oslo Daily Taste of Sognefjord & Hardangerfjord Bergen - Lofthus - Ulvik - Balestrand - Bergen Daily Taste of Stavanger Bergen - Stavanger - Oslo or Oslo - Stavanger - Bergen Daily Taste of Telemark Oslo-Dalen - Skien - Oslo Daily Jun 18-Aug 11 Taste of Arctic & Lapland Kirkenes - Helsinki or Helsinki - Kirkenes Daily Taste of the Coast, Geiranger & Trondheim Bergen - Trondheim - Oslo - 6 Days Taste of Trondheim and the Coast Oslo - Trondheim - Bergen Daily Taste of North Cape Tromso - Hammerfest - Honningsvag - Tromso Daily Taste of Geiranger lesund - Bergen Daily Jun 12- Aug 18 Taste of Lofoten & Whales Bodo - Svolvaer - Andenes Daily Taste of Arctic Scandinavia Tromso - Kautokeino - North Cape - Alta - Tromso Daily Taste of Historic Hotels Oslo-Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Norway's Coast Oslo - Stockholm via Fjord Country Taste of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage The Ultimate Coastal Cruise 9 days/ 8 nights Norwegian Hotels Bergen Sightseeing Tours Oslo Sightseeing Tours More about Norway Webcam Links MAIN SELECTION OF TOURS & CRUISES NORWAY CRUISE VACATION NORWEGIAN FJORD & COASTAL CRUISES Fjord Cruises Our most popular excursions Norwegian Coastal Voyage With 34 ports of call, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage follows a stretch of coast characterized by vast distances, a sparse population and dramatic scenery. Taste of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage The Ultimate Coastal Cruise 9 days/ 8 nights Norway's Coast Oslo-Stockholm via Fjord Country Norway - Sweden 7 days Taste of the Coast, Geiranger & Trondheim Bergen - Trondheim - Oslo - 6 Days Arctic Adventure Cruise Spitsbergen's wild and beautiful north-west coast. Realm of the Polar Bear Svalbard's northernmost and eastern regions. Svalbard Norway Spitsbergen Wilderness Camp A 6-day summer experience with soft adventure. SCANDINAVIAN TOURS INCLUDING NORWAY Nordic Delight Denmark-Norway-Sweden Our most popular tour! Nordic Delight (incl. St. Petersburg & Tallinn) Our Bestseller With A New Twist Denmark-Norway-Sweden-Finland-Russia-Estonia Grand Tour of Scandinavia 15 days/14 nights Copenhagen - Helsinki Grand Tour of Scandinavia + Land of the Midnight Sun 18 days/17 nights Copenhagen Helsinki North Cape - Helsinki Land of the Midnight Sun 5 days/4 nights Helsinki-North Cape-Helsinki The Magic of Scandinavia with the Norwegian Fjords 11 days/10 nights Denmark - Norway - Sweden Tourist class The Scandinavian Capitals 9 days/8 nights + Extensions Complete Scandinavia in a Nutshell Bergen and the 4 Capitals, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen 19 days/18 nights Superior Tourist class and First class hotels Magic Fjord Images & Sweden 9 days/8 nights Tourist or First Class Hotels From OSLO to STOCKHOLM Four Capitals Tour 8 nights Stockholm - Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo Four Capitals Tour & Fjords Extension 8 nights Stockholm - Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo 14 nights as above + extension Oslo - Oslo Scandinavian Panorama 10 nights Copenhagen - Oslo Scandinavian Panorama + Stockholm 12 nights Copenhagen - Stockholm Scandinavian Panorama + Stockholm & Baltic Cruise 14 nights Copenhagen - Helsinki - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm 10 days/9 nights Oslo - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm, Helsinki 12 days/11 nights Oslo Helsinki - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm, Helsinki & Copenhagen 13 nights Oslo - Copenhagen Northern Highlights 11 nights Oslo - Helsinki Northern Highlights + Land of the Midnight Sun 15 days/14 nights Oslo Stockholm- Helsinki North Cape-Helsinki Helsinki + Spectacular Scandinavia 14 nights Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo - Stockholm Heart of Scandinavia with the Norwegian Fjords 15 days/14 nights Denmark-Norway-Sweden Scandinavian Dream & Norwegian Fjords Tour 13 days/12 nights Norway-Sweden Scandinavia & North Cape Capitals & Lapland Finland - Norway - Sweden North Cape Midnight Sun Journey 5 Days Taste of the Top of Scandinavia Oslo to Helsinki Norway Finland SCANDINAVIAN TOURS INCLUDING NORWAY & RUSSIA Grand Tour of Scandinavia + St. Petersburg 18 nights Copenhagen - St. Petersburg - Helsinki Grand Tour of Scandinavia + St. Petersburg & Moscow 20 nights Copenhagen Oslo - Fjords - Stockholm Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Moscow Northern Highlights with St. Petersburg 15 nights Oslo - St Petersburg - Helsinki Northern Highlights with St Petersburg & Moscow 18 days/17 nights Nordic Delight (incl. St. Petersburg & Tallinn) Our Bestseller With A New Twist Denmark-Norway-Sweden-Finland-Russia-Estonia Home | Country Links | Main Menu | Rail Passes | City Packages | Hotel Cheques | Car Rentals | Maps | Reservations About Scantours General Conditions Travel Insurance Practical Tips CST # 2022206-40 SCANTOURS INC. USA Toll free US & Canada: 1-800-223-7226 Local Phone: 310-636-4656 Fax: 310-390-0493 Comments? Suggestions? E-mail us at info@scantours.com 2004 Scantours Inc. All rights reserved. HOME USEFUL LINKS Webmaster

FRANCE Travel Guide Overview

VirtualTourist.com - France Travel Guide - Pictures, Tips and Reviews France Travel Guide. Tips, Reviews & Photos plus Hotels, Restaurants, Activities & More in France member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums FRANCE Travel Guide Overview | Hotels | Forum | Things To Do | Top Member Pages | Deals | Members | Meetings & Events Home » Travel Guides » Europe » France Destinations Members Keywords Sponsored Links for France Marriott Hotels Enjoy stylish luxury hotels with Marriott's new rooms. Book now. Costa Rica Vacation $995 10 Day Escorted Tour, All Inclusive 53 Years. Smart Shoppers Compare. Hotels Compare Prices, View Photos & More! Low Rates Guaranteed - Book Now Vacation In Paradise Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island for the vacation of a lifetime. Priceline Hotel Discounts Great Low Prices, Pictures, and Guest Reviews. Shop. Compare. Save. France Hotel Rates City: Check-In Date: Check-Out Date: Guests: 1 2 3 4 Hotels by OneTime.com France Forum Join a Discussion Campgrounds in France, especially near Paris (3 replies, 9:38 PM Dec. 23, 2005) Scary Roads (22 replies, 1:31 AM Dec. 26, 2005) HELP !!! I lost my confirmation number. HELP ASAP (3 replies, 11:58 AM Dec. 17, 2005) Be the first to reply to these questions Anyone know Biarritz? (no replies yet) Ancient romans and gallo-romains theaters in France (no replies yet) Guestfamily for teenage girl (no replies yet) » All France Discussions » Post a France Discussion Travel Resources Car Rental Cruises Vacations Luggage NEW! France Deals Weekends in France - two nights for the price of one (0 comments, 6:00 PM Nov. 22, 2005) Budget Hotels Chain (0 comments, 2:05 PM Mar. 5, 2005) » All France Deals » Post a France Deal FREE VT Deals Newsletter great deals, inside tips & no spam Popular France Hotels In: Paris Nice Strasbourg Lyon Versailles Marseille France Flight Rates From: To: Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Passengers: 1 2 3 4 Flights by OneTime.com France Local time: 11:38 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2005. TravelPro Sale - LuggageGuru.com Great hotels from $53/pp. Hotels in France Flights to France Map NEW! Members living here: 4,813 Member tips: 44,217 Member pictures: 72,470 Popular Destinations in France Paris Nice Strasbourg Lyon Versailles Marseille Bordeaux Toulouse Grenoble Aix-en-Provence Lille Rouen Cannes Avignon Tours Reims Montpellier Arles Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Carcassonne Marne-la-Valle Mont Saint Michel Nantes Nmes Metz » More Destinations in France Regions in France Alsace Aquitaine Auvergne Basse-Normandie Bourgogne Bretagne Centre Champagne-Ardenne Corsica Franche-Comt Haute-Normandie le-de-France Languedoc-Roussillon Limousin Lorraine Midi-Pyrnes Nord-Pas-de-Calais Pays de la Loire Picardie Poitou-Charentes Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur Rhne-Alpes Top Pages About France 1. Beautiful France !!! by Lady_Mystique 65 Tips 69 Pictures 2. La France by Maximilian21 69 Tips 66 Pictures 3. France - A Place For Many Adventures by 807Wheaton 53 Tips 166 Pictures 4. France 2002 & 1995 by Canadienne 40 Tips 52 Pictures 5. Vive La France, Terre Des Mes Reves by edwinadolly 31 Tips 32 Pictures » View all rated pages (401) » View newest pages » Build your own France page Tips and Photos about France in General Overview General Tips Tips: 1,055 - Pictures: 814 Restaurants Tips: 301 - Pictures: 175 Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 379 - Pictures: 219 Things To Do Tips: 1,778 - Pictures: 1,612 Nightlife Tips: 185 - Pictures: 140 Off the Beaten Path Tips: 486 - Pictures: 429 Tourist Traps Tips: 107 - Pictures: 50 Warnings or Dangers Tips: 152 - Pictures: 75 Transportation Tips: 315 - Pictures: 201 Local Customs Tips: 417 - Pictures: 320 Packing Lists Tips: 102 - Pictures: 51 Shopping Tips: 59 - Pictures: 52 Sports Travel Tips: 32 - Pictures: 27 » See tips about a specific place in France More Sponsored Links for France France Hotel Deals Super fast, online confirmation Bargain Rates, Instant Reservations France Vacations Book Your Entire Vacation Now and Save with Travelocity. France Flights The official Delta site has special deals and everyday low fares! Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Local Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.