France
France remains the world's number one tourist destination, and it's not hard to understand why. France has it all - or more or less. It has tourist sights for all tastes; it has some of the greatest beaches in Europe, as well as the highest mountains and the finest historic monuments, the most beautiful cities, the most idyllic countryside, the most magnificent castles, the finest rivers, and plenty more, not to mention some of the best restaurants and the finest wines and more hotels than any other country in Europe.
Paris
Paris is the icing on the cake - the French capital city and surely the most interesting city in the world. With its museums and monuments, its fine boulevards and its river Seine, its culture, its restaurants and its unique atmosphere, Paris is a city that you can visit for a week or a month or a year, and never tire of. In the memorable words of Thomas Jefferson, "A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life." But Paris is just a starting point. France is much more than just Paris.
Climate
France enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year: not too hot and not too cold, with a plentiful mix of rainfall and sunshine. Naturally, each region has its own particular climate: cooler and wetter to the north and west and warmer and drier in the Mediterranean.
In winter, there is plenty of snow for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy in mountainous areas. More rarely, snow falls on the plains, mainly north of the Loire, and extremely rarely in Paris.
In spring, temperatures quickly rise above 20°C in the south, with the first swimmers appearing in Nice and Cannes. From the month of May, the whole of France puts on a tee-shirt. The days lengthen and it's time to take a trip to the countryside and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace.
Summers are hot and peaceful, the sun shining across the whole country. There are temperatures to suit everyone: often reaching 30°C in Ajaccio and Marseille, 25°C in Brest and Deauville. People top up their tans and throng the beaches. It's the perfect time to go on a long trek in the mountains or explore the various regions of France.
Autumn marks the return of the rain, with the weather turning cooler as Christmas approaches. All across the country, the trees begin to show off their new colors. Walkers go out a little more wrapped up and the days start getting shorter.
Visa
Visas are never issued the same day, and processing time can vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. Never make nonrefundable travel arrangements before receiving confirmation that your application has been processed and your visa approved.
Your passport will be mailed back to you with the prepaid USPS Express Mail envelope that you must provide with your file.
