January might seem a bit early to be thinking about an event in July, but few events in France attract the global attention that the Tour de France does. This year, particularly with Lance Armstrong's plan to return to the Tour de France, it can't be too early to start making plans. In fact, it really isn't all that hard to catch a seat at the sidelines of Tour de France if you just know the right time and place to be.

Fortunately, the official Tour de France organization releases information about the route early enough to allow you to make those plans, and I've added some resources to help you along the way. You can consult a map, as well as a list of the stopovers including dates and a link to search for a room in that town on that date.

Also, of course, keep an eye on this site in July when the tour begins, where you will find daily coverage with a traveler's spin (each day, you will learn about the wonderful destinations where the tour will go).

Find out more:

• Tour de France 2009
• Tour de France 2009 Map
• Tour de France List of Stages and Where to Find a Room for the Tour de France

One of my fondest memories from the time I lived in Nice was the Carnaval. My daughter was a baby at the time, and she was in awe when we went to the first parade (of many held each year during the two-week festivities leading up to Mardi Gras). There were floats and paper-mâché, 10-foot-tall jesters and all these colorful and amazing sights. It was a pretty wonderful two weeks. We still have the flowers, now dry and faded, that were tossed her way from a float in the Flower Parade.

We watched as a group of people participated in the annual Carnaval ritual, and dived into the chilly waters along the Promenade des Anglais. My daughter sat in her stroller, sunglasses on her face and stylish white beret on her head. We saw street performers, we heard music, and we sampled amazing food. Nice's central Place Massena seemed just a little too peaceful when it was all over.

The one thing that is nice about Nice Carnaval is it's very much a family-friendly Mardi Gras. Many of the activities are, in fact, during the day. It was never too crazy or hectic to take a child, even a baby, and there were many strollers around.

There's still time to visit during Nice Carnaval, which starts in February, and you can even plan to visit with a baby or toddler.

If France has always been a dream, but never a reality, make this the year you resolve to visit France. Yes, the dollar is performing poorly against the euro. Maybe you think only people with trust funds do France. You're absolutely wrong, though. It is possible to visit France, even on a budget.

Get started now:

• France Budget Tips
• Cheat the Euro Exchange Rate
• France Travel Budget Calculator

Have you always wanted to visit France, but never been there? Add a comment below about your dream France trip, or what's stopping you from going.

The Seine River might be France's most famous, but it's actually only its third longest. It's hard to imagine many French cities or villages without envisioning a lovely, picturesque river winding through its heart. The longest rivers in France wind their way through both city and countryside, and are a key part of France's geography.

Find out which river is at the top of the list: Longest Rivers in France

_{Photo of Seine River, copyright Paris Tourist Office}