La Serenissima of Venice annually attracts millions of tourists who come to meet a city full of life, full of culture … Of memories that you share with your friends or lovers.

A maritime empire
Venice took off thanks to its seaport and trade of salt (useful for preserving food). She also has an impressive fleet in the Middle Ages and has long participated in the Crusades organized by the papacy. It has acquired comptoirs trade throughout the Mediterranean, has diversified its economy, which was a prosperous city and very attractive. Its population grew, and she took possession of the islands around the area of Rialto, previously the center of the city.

Venice is Venice
As soon as free from the yoke of the Byzantines, Venice took care not s’inféoder to the powerful papacy in Rome. It becomes a republic with institutions. The Doge is the Serene Republic of Venice until the end of his life. He is assisted by advisers, often significant. Visit the Palazzo Ducale is very instructive in this regard.

Venice was then conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797 before being integrated into the Kingdom of Italy under Austrian authority. She becomes only the 19th century Italian.

Lagoons, islands and bridges
Of course, what makes the charm of Venice, which makes it unique, the islands on which the city of Venice. It is in fact a land imported by the Venetians, who have also drained some of the ground. The foundations of houses are Istrian stone, which is resistant to salt water.
To connect the islands, many bridges were built: the famous Bridge of Sighs, but also the Rialto Bridge, the true economic center of the city. You do not end up going up and down these small bridges. Suffice it to say that good shoes are required for this trip!

Heritage and culture festival
Each city has its neighborhood or its famous monuments: Venice has several, but it’s St. Mark’s Square who wins all the votes. Stroll through the center of the square and admire the front of the Basilica San Marco and his golden statues finely carved. From here you can wander through the narrow streets with medieval charm persists, go up on the Rialto or take a gondola to see the city from the calm waters of the canals.

The city of love
At night, climb aboard one boat-bus, and admire the illuminated palaces along the Grand Canal. A moment to live in two! And it is not Casanova who say the opposite!
Venice is not as museums and monuments to visit, it is also important events in life. Who has heard of the famous Carnival of Venice? Reappeared in 70 years, it is themed every year and takes place in February. However, you will find masks relate to remember throughout the year at meetings of your shopping.

An experience to live
Better than long speeches, the best way to know Venice is undoubtedly to visit it. How to understand the pride Venetians, the charm of its small streets, the playfulness of gondoliers, other than visiting this beautiful city and experiencing?

A stay between tradition and modernity

The volcanic archipelago, located north-east Asia between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, has forged a culture of originality and an exceptionally rich. However, Japan still seems like a strange country for Westerners. Samurai of the Kamikaze, through Geishas, its culture, history and traditions fascinates us and we intrigue. While respecting their traditions millennia and cultivating their identity, the Japanese have made their country a major world economic powers. “The Land of the Rising Sun” was opened to foreigners until the mid-nineteenth century and a tourist destination remains mysterious and still largely unknown to tourists. But you have more time to lose: get to its scenery, its 4000 islands, a culture which combines the manga and samurai and where cities like Tokyo, retain the traditional habitat and temples, while building, a few meters of shopping malls.

City or mountains? You have the choice!

About 73% of the country consists of mountains, with a string through each of the main islands. The largest Japanese mountain is the famous Mount Fuji (Fujisan) peaked at 3 776 m altitude. Atlasov Island at the north end of the Kuril islands, is a magnificent snowy peak (2 337 m) emerging directly from the sea Because there is so little flat land, many hills and mountains are cultivated on any their height and cities are often taken over where tradition and modernity go hand in hand! Tokyo is a very good example. Visit the Asakusa district with its Senso-ji temple and its traditional shops then head to the district skyscrapers of Shinjuku overlooking the city from the two observatories Tokyo Government Office and made a tour in Shibuya, Harajuku , Omotesando and Ginza for shopping.
In Kyoto the contrast is equally striking temples and shrines of Nikko will amaze you with their colors and delicious restaurants Pontocho satisfy the biggest appetites! During a day visit the Todai-Ji and his great Buddha and walk in the shopping district Naramachi. At nightfall, Osaka and the direction the 39th floor of Umeda Sky Building a garden there with view over the city!
The air of the mountain will make you a crazy and a little hiking on the volcano Fujiyama in the heart of the island Honshu, promises of magical landscapes.

Immersion in Japanese culture

Japanese culture has always fascinated western populations. Come discover first the fighting in sumo, the Japanese sports struggle par excellence, attending the tournament in Tokyo where the biggest wrestlers clash.
You also may be lucky to host a Japanese family who will be a pleasure to serve you mint tea. During the ceremony, which can last for hours, the owner of the house must engage all his being to create “an atmosphere conducive to aesthetic delight, the physical and intellectual stimulation, spiritual and calm of his hosts’ . All you say that the reception is more than warm!
While Japanese cuisine is established not only around the major four ingredients (rice, pasta, fish and soy), it offers a wide variety of original dishes and especially a very healthy food. It is of course impossible to miss sushi and sashimi, both based on fish or seafood, which will be accompanied by sticky rice noodles or Japanese. There are also recipes for fondues, meat in sweet sauce to omelets, etc..

Unlike other Asian countries, the dishes are rarely very spicy.
And as in France, there are regional cuisines and kitchens in different social strata: bowl of noodles or Donburi workers, or Buddhist vegetarian cooking meals finest ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). And if you do not know you use chopsticks, you learn very quickly once Japan. There can not eat with it!
The Shinto and Buddhist temples are genuine haven of peace and invites you to quiet even if you’re not a believer. And all around these temples, many cherry trees (in bloom in April) just brighten more gardens. Found elsewhere, everywhere in major cities, green spaces completely artificial. These gardens take many forms but the most famous garden is the dry Zen temples, consisting of gravel, rocks and bushes.

You can return from Japan of bonsai (miniature trees that cost so dear in Europe!), The famous manga or a bunch of objects Hi-Tech, which the Japanese love but also tourists, especially for very attractive prices stores offer.

Huge metropolis located near the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok combines the skyscrapers to Buddhist temples and other ancient palaces. The Venice of the East, which involves canals and rivers, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia. Confusing at first with its towers of concrete and pollution is a fascinating and chaotic city, which contains many hidden treasures as you go away from the main tourist.

Identity card
- Currency: Baht
- National holiday: Anniversary of King Phumiphon, December 5 (1927)
- Hours: lorsqu”il is midday in France it is 20 hours in Bangkok in summer, 19 hours in winter.
- Official Language: Thai
- Religion: An overwhelming majority of the population is Buddhist. Muslims and Christians are the main religious minorities.

People
- Population: 9 200 000

Climate
The rainy season runs from June to October, with heavy rain but brief, which sometimes floods. Temperatures around 30 degrees then C. From November to February is the season “cool” with slightly warmer temperatures (25 ° C and 27 ° C), especially at night.

Geography
Located in the center of the country, near the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok is crossed by the Chao Phraya River. On the right bank are the oldest neighborhoods, separated by Khlong (channels). The left bank, more modern houses most skyscrapers.

Area
1 568 km ²

Hotels
More than 300 Bangkok Hotels

Countries of Southeast Asia, located at the extreme east of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is finally ready to deliver all its secrets to travelers eager for its rich culture. The new currency of the country would be: “No more bombing, hello landing … tourists, of course! “. To the delight of all, Vietnam looks to the world and welcomes more visitors. His story twice millennium has kept all its authenticity and originality, despite numerous attempts at intrusion of other countries. While length, take advantage of its coastal front extending from north to south on 3 200 km and its relief …

What satisfy nature lovers! more info ..

The Chateau de Versailles is one of the major unavoidable Paris, like the Louvre. Check out this historical monument built to the glory of the Sun King.

The Chateau de Versailles is a fine example of baroque architecture. Castle unique, often copied but never matched, it radiates today. The Hall of Mirrors, the murals, the vast throne room … Everything is qu’émerveillement before this immense heritage left by Louis XIV.

From early morning in Versailles, you can enjoy the afternoon for a walk in the park of the castle. You will then parterres of flowers, fountains …

The summer evenings, the park hosts many performances: major musical waters are best known. In winter, you can also listen to classical music concerts in the castle. You will then be seized by the majesty of places and music.

Practical information
Located in the Paris region, one hour from Paris, the Chateau de Versailles deserve devotes one day. It takes any expectancy of queue still very impressive. Getting there in good time is therefore strongly advised to take advantage of the Hall of Mirrors with the least possible tourists.

Plan your visit by taking your tickets in advance: Fnac and the Meeting of National Museums let you come in tickets in his pocket. At the Tourist Office of the Carrousel du Louvre, you can get a ticket combining a visit to the castle and your trip to Versailles.

Open:
Chateau de Versailles
Open Tuesday to Sunday
1 April to 1 November: 9am to 18.30
2 November to 31 March: 9 am to 17:30

Domaine de Marie-Antoinette and Grand Trianon
Every day from April 1 to November 1, from 12 to 19h
2 November to 31 March: 12 am to 17:30

The garden and the park are open all year and allow you to access the Chapelle du Petit Trianon, the Queen’s Theater, at Belvedere, and the Hameau de la Reine.

Visit:
There are three main charges: passport, ticket castle, and ticket Domaine de Marie-Antoinette. You can also enjoy tours. Check with the Chateau de Versailles.

Address:
33 (0) 1 30 83 78 00
direction.public@chateauversailles.fr
Site Château de Versailles

Cuba expected to this year the number of “record” for the island of more than 2.3 million tourists, despite the destruction caused by three hurricanes and global financial crisis, said Vice-Minister of Tourism, Alexis Morejon.

The number of tourists to the island rose by 10.7% over the same period of 2007 and “? We will exceed the 2.34 million visitors, a record,” he said to Airport of Havana where he had come welcome the two millionth tourist, the Canadian entrepreneur Enrique Illaida, who arrived in Toronto on Air Canada.

Overall the hotel infrastructure have withstood hurricanes Gustav, Ike and Paloma that caused three months to nearly $ 10 billion in damage in the communist island, according to President Raul Castro.

Mr. Morejon said expected for the year 2009 to “another good season even if the global financial crisis worse.

“There could be some impact but I do not think it will mean for Cuba a significant decline” in the number of tourists, he said.

The tourism industry is one of the most important sectors of the Cuban economy, reporting annually more than $ 2 billion. For five years, the sandy beaches of the island Communist attract more than 2 million visitors, mostly Canadian and European.