One of the first things you need to consider for web design in France is that there is a high potential for you needing to produce a bilingual web design.
This does not only apply to France of course; it could be in any country where the website owner is trying to reach a wider audience. You may have a combined English/French site to produce but this could easily be English/Spanish, Portuguese/Spanish or any other combination for that matter.
Also it does not necessarily follow that English will be the lead language e.g. you could be producing a French/English arrangement.
So now the question arises of how the site should be structured in order to be discovered by the search engines in a way that gives the site proper recognition and appropriate ranking so that it gets listed appropriately in search engine results.
There are a few general rules of thumb to adhere to:
try not to mix languages in side by side or above below translations
identify individual pages in the language they represent
use the metatag for language to tell the search engine what language is being presented
provide links from one language to the other that are easy to follow
for sites that are multiple language sites consider an entrance page as the ‘index’ page that offers all the available languages so that the visitor can decide which set of pages they would like to visit i.e. they select their language of choice
Expanding on the ‘linking from one language to another’ statement a little, there are a couple of options available. You could provide a link that takes the visitor from the page they are on to the replica page in the alternative language, or you could just take them to the ‘index’ page equivalent for the alternative language and let them navigate from there.
The latter is obviously easier and has some benefits in that it takes the visitor to the main welcome page for the site so that they get the site message before moving on to the detail.
But this may not always suit the visitor who may see it as an unnecessary click. This is really a judgment call and probably a decision that needs to made by the customer. Either approach works for multilingual sites as well, although the navigation is a little more complex.
There are a couple of preferred ways of approaching how the language pages are collected together. Folders can be created for the alternative languages or alternatively sub domains can be created for the alternative languages e.g. fr.mydomain.com
This general approach to bilingual or multilingual sites does mean that the web designer needs to be fastidious in his site updates and to ensure that all pages where required get updated appropriately in all languages.
With respect to Google there are assumptions that are made on a sites geographic location based on the domain name that is used, what server the site is located on and to an extent the language used. To ensure that the site is targeted to the correct geographic [...]
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Web Design In France Could Mean Bilingual Website Designs
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River Cruises in France: Examining the Best Options Available
If you are bored with the same old ocean cruise, perhaps it is time that you considered river cruises in France. You can have the opportunity to explore this beautiful and passion-filled country with an enjoyable and bustling river cruise.
Essentially, a western Europe cruise allows passengers to travel on a small riverboat or barge, up and down the canals and rivers of a specific country, or countries. It is a great opportunity to take in some sights that would otherwise have passed you by. Small villages are often on the itinerary sheet which gives passengers the chance to see how the residents truly live. Of course, the riverboats can also access many of the famous cities and towns where you can visit the major tourist attractions and activities on offer. Just imagine cruising along at a delicate pace and being able to admire castle ruins, ripening vineyards and stunning woodland scenery. Taking any of the river cruises in France really means experiencing the very best that this country has to offer.
Generally, there are two main ways to see the hidden treasures of France. Cruise companies will either offer a trip along the River Seine or along the Rhone and Saone Rivers. Whichever waterway you choose, you will encounter numerous idyllic landmarks and breathtaking scenery to escape into. It is sometimes possible to transfer from one option to the other if you fancy giving both waterways a go.
Many of the cruises can be tailored to certain themes. For example, you may enjoy cooking and some cruises have classes where you can brush up on your culinary skills. A family theme will have lots of activities on board for the children to enjoy and may have activities such as pony trekking and treasure hunts when the boat docks.
The cabins on board riverboats and barges are as luxurious as any large cruise liner. Some cabins may have a balcony or large French doors so you can enjoy the spectacular views as and when you wish. Many ships have facilities such as hairdressers, laundry services, steamrooms and gymnasiums. The dining areas are superbly kept and offer a great range of tasty food and drink.
River cruises in France offer a variety of duration, so no matter how long you have to relax, you can take advantage of many things that this beautiful country has to offer. Many companies that offer a western Europe cruise are flexible when it comes to the duration and itinerary of your trip and so you can be sure that you will find a break that suits your needs.
Sourcing and reserving river cruises in France is a straightforward and hassle free process and can usually be done on the internet or over the phone. It is paramount that you read all of the conditions and terms of service before making your booking as some companies may charge extra for items such as single supplements and internet access aboard the boat.
It is normally the case that when you [...]
France – 90 Days Is Not Enough
For those of you who will be spending a mere 90 days in one of Europe’s most romantic countries, you’ll find travel to France easy. The Schengen agreement allows U.S. citizens to spend 3 months or less in France without a French visa.
However, if you are like many travelers who have discovered that the only way to see France is to live it, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa. Start saving up you money, however, as a long-stay visa doesn’t mean you’ll be allowed to work in France. But then again, while in France, who wants to work?
After starting a savings plan, set up an interview at one of the 10 U.S. based General Consulate of France offices closest to your home. They each share responsibility for a range of states and are located in New York NY, Atlanta GA, San Francisco CA, Houston TX, Boston MA, Chicago IL, Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, New Orleans LA, and Washington DC.
Did I mention you’d need to save up your pennies? The French government will want to know how many you’ve saved. You’ll have to submit at least the last 3-month’s worth of bank statements to prove your financial independence. You’ll also need to show that you have insurance to cover your medical expenses and have a background check done to prove you’re not some criminal looking to hide away in Paris.
Get your credit card out, as the $148.00 processing fee can only be paid by saying “Charge It!” Start your application as soon as you know of your travel plans. Visas can take, on average, 2 months to be approved. Check with the Consulate office near you to find out how soon you can expect to receive your long-stay visa to France and how much of backlog they have.
Pouvez-vous écrire en français? If not, then you’ll have to hire a translator to translate all your documents into French before sending them in.
When you finally find yourself gazing up at the Eiffel Tower or passing under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll know that all that trouble you went to for your long stay visa was worth the effort.
Cheap Holidays For A South of France Getaway
The desire to visit France is not just a British or American pipe dream, but an urge felt all over the world. Whether you stay in one of the larger cities, the countryside, on the beach, close to the castle regions, or you simply focus on visiting all the glorious villages, France has something that will appeal to urbanites, city-dwellers, and even those more suited and appreciative of a slower pace.
The beautiful areas of southern France captivate and seduce travelers every year, and appeal to many who’ve yet to find the way over. However, trips to anywhere in Europe can be straining on the pocket book, especially in these difficult economic times.
What is a desperate traveler to do? First things first?investigate!
Take the time to find the best possible travel arrangements. On the web, sites such as South-of-France or France This Way are there to help with information on how and where to find the cheapest flights. Don’t rush into a ticket, and remember that commercial airlines may not necessarily have the best deals available.
But before you can find the best travel itinerary, do your research, and determine where it is you’d like to go. If visiting the south of France, try out these excellent locations as well as these affordable suggestions for building memories that will last you a lifetime.
Aquitaine
Follow its Atlantic coastline to the Spanish frontier and discover worlds of adventure. Visit medieval villages and castles, or spend all your time surfing or lounging on the beach, during the day. At night, take in authentic French restaurants and the fast-paced nightlife of Bordeaux and other major cities in the area.
Northern Languedoc
Take a stroll through the Gard department and visit some of the ruins of Rome. Explore the cosmopolitan town of Montpellier, or, if you’re a fan of French literature, check out Pezenas, a town that is a living shrine to the great writer Molieres. From Cathar castle country to the sea and mountains, this region continues a tradition common in the south of France?having something for everyone.
La Couvertoirade
One of the most beautiful villages in France, La Couvertoirade housed a chapter of the Knights Templar in the 13th Century. It boasts historical significance and natural beauty. While there, you may consider visiting the castle and its ramparts, which remain in good condition, despite hundreds of years having passed since its origin. In addition to this, there is the Saint-Christophe church, which dates back to the Knights of Saint John (14th century). If visited outside the peak of summer or early in the morning, a traveler can really get a sense of what this village was like ages ago. Highlight: a view from the watchtower gives travelers an excellent look at the community, and all its neighboring villages!
So pinpoint the south of France for your next destination. Do your research and planning. Use the tools that are available online, such as those discussed in this article, and [...]