Old and new sights of FranceMar 08, 2010
In 2010 many Parisian museums and other sightseeing places all over France are renovating and changing their work schedule. Paris' Picasso Museum has closed for a 30-month renovation. The Musee d'Orsay is also under major renovations. At the Louvre, construction is under way on an Islamic Art wing until 2011. Also, the Classical Greek pieces will likely be reorganized. The Army Museum's recently renovated Arms and Uniforms section covers French military history from Louis XIV to Napoleon III. And for those who like Paris views, you can now get an escalator ticket at the Pompidou Center, which is much cheaper than an entrance ticket to museum.
The Parisian Catacombs were closed down after a spate of vandalism several years ago. They were recently reopened and now the long lines are the norm at the Catacombs. Travelers need to be ready to stay in lines for one hour or so. Versailles is wrapping up its multi-year renovation project, and all parts of the palace and park should soon be open for visitors. Also outside Paris, Chartres' cathedral is undergoing routine restoration.
At Giverny, Monet's gardens are now open daily from April through October. The former Museum of American Art that has become the Museum of the Impressionists is now showing temporary exhibits. The island of Mont St. Michel has been a huge pilgrim attraction for centuries. A modern causeway made it easier to reach the island, but also changed the flow of the tidal waters, causing the bay to slowly become marshland. In the future, the causeway will be realigned to meet a sleek foot bridge, and by 2014 visitors will be shuttled from mainland parking lots to the bridge to walk the remaining 270 yards to the island.
In the Loire, taking a bus or minivan excursion to see the valley's beaucoup chateaux can save time and money. You just need to purchase a chateau ticket at a discounted group rate from the driver. Also, Amboise's tourist office now sells "le Pass" - tickets bundled in groups of three to save on entry fees. To avoid the lines at the popular Chateau de Chenonceau, purchase advance tickets at local tourist offices or from ticket machines. In the great castle town of Chinon, a free panoramic elevator now zips visitors up to the newly renovated fortress that crowns the city.
On Provence's Cotes du Rhone wine road, a new winery called Domaine de Mourchon has become the most popular place in the area. Both modern technology and traditional winemaking methods are combined at this winery.
You may get more detailed information about some of attractions of France
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