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Explore The French Influence In Your Round The World Trip
- By Jeffery Nevil
- Published 11/30/2011
- Destinations
- Unrated
Jeffery Nevil
Jeffrey Nevil writes on a number of subjects including , hotels in Kent.
Explore The French Influence In Your Round The World Trip
The French always seem to exude an effortless style and flair, which can be seen in many places around the world they once colonised. From the crystal clear waters of French Polynesia to the incredible wildlife of Madagascar, those countries once colonised by Europeans have their own unique appeal combined with an unmistakably French influence. Including some of these fantastically French destinations is a sure fire way to add a little je ne sais quoi to your round the world trip and also a great way to see if your 'O' Level or GCSE French is still in working order!
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean off the south eastern coast of Africa. It's the fourth largest island in the world and this extraordinary place has some of the highest biodiversity on earth. Of around 200,000 known species on Madagascar, a staggering 150,000 or so are endemic, meaning they only exist here. The enormous variety of wildlife, the fascinating culture and the unspoilt landscape make this like nowhere else on earth. From lemurs and unspoilt beaches to Baobab trees and rainforests - c'est magnifique!
MAURITIUS
The island of Mauritius is located in the southwest Indian Ocean, some 550 miles east of Madagascar. It was under French rule for most of the 18th Century which is clearly illustrated in some of the colonial architecture in the capital Port Louis. Once called Ile de France, it's an island paradise of turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and a lush, mountainous interior and is the perfect place to take some time to relax as part of your around the world travels.
LA REUNION
The island of Reunion is easily combinable with Mauritius, being only 120 miles away. It may seem a little bizarre to find yourself eating croissants and drinking a good vin rouge off the coast of South eastern Africa, but La Reunion is like a little piece of France transported to the tropics. Although it's a region of France, the blend of African, Indian and Chinese influences make this island a veritable cultural melting pot. The landscape is no less diverse, changing within a couple of hours drive from volcanic lava fields to mountainous forests to sandy beaches. It's also home to the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most easily accessible active volcanoes in the world.
NEW CALEDONIA
Despite being found to the north of New Zealand and around 950 miles east of the coast of Queensland in Australia, Nouvelle Caledonie is unmistakeably French. Its cosmopolitan capital Noumea combines French chic with Pacific charm, where you can enjoy haute cuisine washed down with a tropical cocktail. The main island, Grand Terre, is home to the world's largest coral lagoon, the perfect destination for diving or snorkelling. You'll also find white sandy beaches, tumbling waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery, making it the perfect place to include on your around the world travels.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
These South Pacific island paradises are the perfect place to enjoy the Pacific with a taste of France. The largest and most populated island is Tahiti, however, this is often overlooked and used just as a hub to the other 129 islands which make up French Polynesia. The most famous island is the absurdly beautiful Bora Bora with its pristine turquoise lagoon and overwater bungalows dotted around its main coastline and motu, you'll feel like you're in the set of a James Bond movie. Also popular are Moorea which is easily accessible by ferry from Papeete, and an airpass will help you visit other gems such as Huanine, Raiatea and Maupiti. It's hard to imagine anywhere more idyllic, with palm fringed white sandy beaches lapped by crystal clear tropical seas. Oh la la!
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean off the south eastern coast of Africa. It's the fourth largest island in the world and this extraordinary place has some of the highest biodiversity on earth. Of around 200,000 known species on Madagascar, a staggering 150,000 or so are endemic, meaning they only exist here. The enormous variety of wildlife, the fascinating culture and the unspoilt landscape make this like nowhere else on earth. From lemurs and unspoilt beaches to Baobab trees and rainforests - c'est magnifique!
MAURITIUS
The island of Mauritius is located in the southwest Indian Ocean, some 550 miles east of Madagascar. It was under French rule for most of the 18th Century which is clearly illustrated in some of the colonial architecture in the capital Port Louis. Once called Ile de France, it's an island paradise of turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and a lush, mountainous interior and is the perfect place to take some time to relax as part of your around the world travels.
LA REUNION
The island of Reunion is easily combinable with Mauritius, being only 120 miles away. It may seem a little bizarre to find yourself eating croissants and drinking a good vin rouge off the coast of South eastern Africa, but La Reunion is like a little piece of France transported to the tropics. Although it's a region of France, the blend of African, Indian and Chinese influences make this island a veritable cultural melting pot. The landscape is no less diverse, changing within a couple of hours drive from volcanic lava fields to mountainous forests to sandy beaches. It's also home to the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most easily accessible active volcanoes in the world.
NEW CALEDONIA
Despite being found to the north of New Zealand and around 950 miles east of the coast of Queensland in Australia, Nouvelle Caledonie is unmistakeably French. Its cosmopolitan capital Noumea combines French chic with Pacific charm, where you can enjoy haute cuisine washed down with a tropical cocktail. The main island, Grand Terre, is home to the world's largest coral lagoon, the perfect destination for diving or snorkelling. You'll also find white sandy beaches, tumbling waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery, making it the perfect place to include on your around the world travels.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
These South Pacific island paradises are the perfect place to enjoy the Pacific with a taste of France. The largest and most populated island is Tahiti, however, this is often overlooked and used just as a hub to the other 129 islands which make up French Polynesia. The most famous island is the absurdly beautiful Bora Bora with its pristine turquoise lagoon and overwater bungalows dotted around its main coastline and motu, you'll feel like you're in the set of a James Bond movie. Also popular are Moorea which is easily accessible by ferry from Papeete, and an airpass will help you visit other gems such as Huanine, Raiatea and Maupiti. It's hard to imagine anywhere more idyllic, with palm fringed white sandy beaches lapped by crystal clear tropical seas. Oh la la!