Welcome to France

France, located on the western parts of Europe, is the land of culture, fashion, food and fun. Sharing its borders with Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Belgium, Luxemburg, Andorra and Spain, France covers a land area of 211,209 sq. miles. Some of the important cities of France are Marseille, Paris, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes and Strasbourg. The Republic of France also includes the colonies of French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Reunion. The geographical co-ordinates of continental or metropolitan France is 46° 00 North latitude and 2° 00 east longitude.

France Country Map
France Country Map section helps to explore the thematic maps of France which offer a diverse range of information on the country. Some of these maps are France Location Map, France River Map, France Political Map, Paris City Map, France Travel Map, France Outline Map and France Regions Map. These maps provide users with a vivid knowledge about important and interesting France facts.

France Map
The France Map given here gives the outline of the political boundaries between the various regions of the country. It also marks the neighboring countries of France. The water bodies surrounding France, such as the North Sea, the English Channel, Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay and Gulf of Lion, are also shown on this map. You can click on the France Map to get an enlarged version and detailed map of France. Also refer to the various sections such as ‘Country Profile of France’, ‘France Travel’, ‘France History’, ‘France Region’, ‘France Fact’ and ‘France Cities’ to get detailed information about various aspects of France.
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Welcome to Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain is one of the finest and modern cities of the world. With a population of not less than a million, Bilbao is a thriving metropolis. The city has carved a niche among the leading cities of the country with its architectural brilliance, economic resurgence and social development. Bilbao in Spain takes pride of its excellent network of transportation. The roads and railway lines are superbly maintained with latest technologies and connect the city with other major cities of the country.

Bilbao Architecture :
The Guggenheim Museum is the must-see example of modern architecture in Bilbao. Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the building is a conglomeration of a variety of textures (glass and titanium) and shapes, creating a sculpture in its own right. Both admired and abhorred by residents and visitors alike, the building's shape and textures complement the modern art held within the museum's walls.
For examples of more traditional architecture, take a walk into the Casa Viejo, or Old Quarter, and visit the Iglesia de San Nicolas and Basilica de Begona. The Iglesia de San Nicolas, completed in the late nineteenth century, is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. The Basilica de Begona, built in the early 1500s, exemplifies Gothic architecture. The Catedral de Santiago, located in the Plaza de Santiago, was originally built in the late fourteenth century, was rebuilt in the sixteenth century after a fire destroyed most of the building. As the oldest church in Bilbao, the cathedral also exemplifies Gothic architecture. The cathedral is also a stop along the pilgrimage route of El Camino de Santiago.

Bilbao Health & Safety :
While descriptions of Bilbao can be less than flattering, these descriptions do not reflect a high crime rate. As with any locale you are unfamiliar with, it pays to be alert while traveling within large crowds, especially during the high season. Pickpockets can quickly pick you clean of your money or passport, quickly turning a dream vacation into a nightmare. Make use of your hotel's safe to protect items such as any jewelry you might have brought with you (which, in reality, is best left at home), extra monies, credit cards, and passports. Keep your eyes and a hand on bags at all times, and do not leave your items unattended.

In addition, when traveling abroad, it is often easiest to travel with traveller checques, which are easier to replace than cash or credit cards if stolen. Keep a copy of the front page from your passport, any tickets, traveller checque serial numbers, and any other important information in a location separate from the originals. You may also consider leaving a copy of these pages with someone back at home, whom you can contact if necessary if you get into trouble abroad. These copies will come in handy if you are a victim of theft.