Even in pre-Roman times, France was highly coveted real estate. During the Iron Age the Celts arrived and left behind a number of mysterious stone formations in Brittany as well as metal tools and armor that helped protect their fierce army. A complex agricultural society developed with well-defined roles and nature worshipping druidic religion.

By around 125 BC, Rome had moved into the southern part of the country; the rest gained by Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars from 58-51 BC. Romans set up their usual infrastructure of roads connecting prosperous cities and wealthy country estates throughout Gaul, an area composed of territories to the north and east of France’s current border. 

But peace and prosperity did not last forever, as marauding Germanic tribes arrived around the 3rd century AD, gaining enough power to start their own settlements all around Gaul starting in the 5th century. The fact that the Roman Empire was disintegrating during that time also played a part in their success. Between the 6th and 10th centuries various families tried to create united kingdoms, but the only thing that created a sense of order similar to that established by Rome was the Church, as new Christian communities provided spiritual as well as economic support through their advances in farming. 

Around the 11th century, France was still covered in small kingdoms, none able to gain enough power to consolidate the land under a single monarchy. Around this time Viking raiders from Scandinavia took an interest in, among other things, the area’s productive soil and mild climate. Although it didn’t seem like a very nice thing at the time, their repeated attacks proved to be the rallying force that enabled the many disparate kingdoms to unite in defense of their lands. 

A decisive defeat of Vikings brought attention to the small community of Paris perched on an island in the River Seine, and her governor eventually gained national prominence. The Vikings left, though some remained and formed a settlement in Normandy. It was from this community that William the Conqueror emerged and brought England under French rule in 1066.

Ornate, imposing gothic style took over from France’s more humble monastic beginnings in the 12th century, asserting the nation’s growing wealth and success as well as the growing authority of its religion and monarchy. But rivalries still existed between the courts of France and the independent kingdom of Burgundy. From this competition arose the chivalric culture of the Middle Ages, as the two tried to top each other in style, manners, and wit, as they were unable to do so with military might. Troubadours improvising epic poems of love and adventure were all the rage and helped to seal the image of the Middle Ages that persists today.

The English turned things around on the French during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) when they tried to conquer their former ruler. The Black Plague and conniving Burgundians almost secured English victory until young Joan of Arc restored the nation’s resolve that finally got rid of the English.

The arts flourished once again when the Renaissance arrived after a century of war. Italian artists toured the country, but trouble flared up again, this time between Catholics and newly established Protestant sects. Catholicism won out, and the end of religious conflict ushered in a period of absolute monarchy, the power of which was thoroughly enjoyed by Louis XIV, who saw himself as a god and was treated with the impunity of one at his palace in Versailles. 

The free spending of Louis and his successors did quite a bit of damage to the country. This fact, coupled with the philosophies of the Enlightenment that advocated man’s natural rights and equality, made people tire quickly of tyrannous kings, bringing the French Revolution in 1789 and the establishment of the First Republic. But after violently doing away with kings, France ended up with an emperor as Napoleon Bonaparte stepped into the power vacuum that followed the revolution.

Defeat came quickly in 1814, though during his 14-year rule Napoleon was able to conquer much of Western Europe. Political upheaval followed as various dethroned families vied for control of the country amid protest and revolution. Napoleon III established the Second Republic in 1848 just as the Industrial Revolution made its way into the country. 

The pre-World War I period, known as the Belle Époque, was not as idyllic as people remember it, but did see a flowering of the arts and a society changed by new innovations in technology and medicine, all developing against a backdrop of unrest and socialist organization among French laborers. 

The ravages of both World Wars took their toll on France but culture and vivacity were quick to make a comeback as the country began to rebuild. 1950's Paris became a hotspot for young artists and intellectuals, from novelists to jazz musicians and experimental filmmakers. The sunny French Riviera also came into the spotlight during this time. As France continued to modernize throughout the 20th century, the traditional way of life was threatened, but political woes were dealt with in very traditional French fashion, as tumultuous protests and scandalous artistic expressions forced the voice of this vibrant, intelligent nation to be heard.

 The farmer and his simple, traditional way of life is a cherished image in France, even among its most urban populations. After one look at the vibrant color of a field of lavender or a creamy goat’s milk cheese tucked inside a wicker basket at a local market, it will be easy to understand why. This admiration illuminates two timeless activities in France - a vacation to a country cottage, and a big, extravagant meal. 

Throughout the year, but especially during August, when it seems the entire country goes on vacation, people take refuge in a more relaxed lifestyle in what they are convinced is the world's most gorgeous countryside (an opinion that is hard to argue with). The meal, though, does not need to be enjoyed in the country. Good food is a national obsession, and as such is always taken seriously. Whatever appears on the menu, it is savored slowly, enjoyed with the delicious combination of wine, friends and family.

 One of the largest countries in Western Europe, France is also positioned such that it encompasses both the cold forests of northern Europe and the glamorous Mediterranean beaches of southern Europe. It is bordered to the northeast by Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and by Spain, Switzerland and Italy to the south. It’s northwestern coast skirts along the southeast of England - a flight from London to Paris only takes 40 minutes.

Climate depends largely on how close you are to a body of water-and which body it is. The northwest Atlantic coast experiences mild winters and humid conditions thanks to warm currents traveling up from the south. The further inland you go, the more variation between summer and winter. As you head south, forests give way into fertile rolling valleys until things really heat up on the Mediterranean coast-though it is good to remember that moderate seasonal variation does exist here as well. If you plan on spending Christmas in Nice, there is no need to pack a swimsuit. Except maybe for the Jacuzzi at your luxurious hotel suite. 

 In France, culture is serious business. Artists have long been inspired by the country’s landscape, while for centuries people have tried to compete with their gorgeous surroundings by taking interior decorating to gilded new heights. But French art is no historical relic-it is something that is always growing and evolving, thanks to a country that celebrates cultural achievement and a government that subsidizes experimentation.

Modern painting and sculpture can be seen in prestigious museums, but avant-garde styles are popular across many art forms, from film and fashion to the newest architectural achievements in Paris. The French also take care to maintain the unique nationality of their culture-in films, literature, and even the French language itself, the infiltration of styles from other cultures is regarded with suspicion. What results is a country that is stunning-and knows it. And luckily for us, the French are all too happy to share what centuries of art appreciation can do for a place. 

Food in France is its own art form. It assaults all your senses with a philosophy of indulgence that seems to be a rarity in the modern world. Another benefit of the country’s love of small farms is the variety of unique delicacies to be found in each region and in every season. Restaurants range from the most upscale to extremely casual and rustic, but the one guarantee is that the food is never dull. Things like pâté and escargot sound chic to many but in France, it’s all just food-tasty food that has been perfected over the years. And in a country that uses pork products, butter, and wine as liberally as France, there is little for even the toughest critic to turn their nose up at. 

 * Insight Guide: Bermuda.

* Bermuda: A World Apart by Roger A. Labrucherie.

* Diving Bermuda (2nd edition) by Jesse Cancelmo (2005).

* Hiking Bermuda: 20 Nature Walks and Day Hikes by Cecile Davidson and Stephen Davidson

 * DK Eyewitness Travel Guides: France (2005).

* A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle, published by Vintage. 

* Edible France: A Traveler’s Guide, by Glynn Christian and Jenni Muir, published by Interlink Books in 1998. 

* French Wines: The Essential Guide to the Wines and Wine Growing Regions of France by Robert F. Joseph, published by DK in 1999.