For several millennia now, France has been at the core of European economic and cultural renaissance, and the heritage of this wealth, liveliness, and experience is clearly evident in the astounding multiplicity of things to see in a normal expedition of the country. Indeed, the sheer physical and cultural diversity offered by the country would be almost difficult to deplete in a lifetime of visits. One would be safe to argue that France is adequately endowed with very many attractions that serve to connect the visitors to the origin and essence of European civilization, at least according to what history books teach us. I personally found this to be true after I undertook a trip to the country of many wonders in the fall of 2008.
There are very many attractions in France that five, ten, or perhaps twenty holiday days may never be enough for a typical holiday maker to sample the beauty and elegance of the country. I was mainly attracted by the richness of cultural attractions in the country, which transformed my holidaymaking tour into an educational expedition of some sort. I had previously viewed some TV documentaries about the Gothic cathedrals of the north and the Roman monuments of the south, and read about Dordogne’s prehistoric cave-paintings, but never did it occur to me that I would have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking sceneries firsthand. But here I was, sampling the mesmerizing and well kept cultural artifacts in person. I must say it was a huge educational experience for me especially after I attended several lectures about the historical and cultural importance of the monuments.
No expedition of France can be complete without paying a visit to its capital city, Paris. Referred also as the City of Lights, Paris is seat to some of the most sought after cultural attractions in the world, including the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. The tour guides offered a detailed description of the history and cultural importance of these two marvels, and I must say that the educational experience received was an eye opener, especially after I came to learn that the Eiffel Tower is more than a tourist attraction. The tower, built in 1989, has a very special place in the hearts of many French nationals since it symbolizes the French Revolution. To date, the tower is perhaps the most identifiable structure globally.
The Louvre Palace and Museum are also located in the City of Lights. The palace is certainly one of the largest in the worlds, and has a rich collection of cultural artifacts used by the former rulers of France, including the famous King Napoleon. The palace illustrates traditional French architecture and culture dating back to the Renaissance era. It also houses splendid collection of renowned oriental antiquities from the ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations. The museum is also endowed with sculptures and paintings from the middle ages to present times. The richness and diversity of culture found in Louvre Museum makes one to appreciate the origins and roots of civilization. It is a cultural experience to behold.
It is never enough to talk about my cultural experience in France without talking about its people. The French populace makes one realize that there exist huge potential in diversity. The capital city, in particular, can be described as a convergence of different cultural orientations as nearly all known racial groups are represented. The cultures have been synchronized to bring out their best potential in thoughts, ideas, innovativeness, dressing styles, food choices, among others. The result is that Paris is a sea of beauty and elegance under the auspices of cultural diversity.