Lebanon Tourisme  (Office de Tourisme)

Learn Lebanese   (Apprendre le libanais)

It is not artilleries and violence that build nations, but the good will of people.

This explains why Lebanon despite all the conquests and difficulties he faced, has achieved what its neighbours have not, yet. In addition, you won't find any oriental country having similar features.

Lebanon is a strategic geographical area which makes it open to the whole world. You won't find any difficulty in communication since the majority of Lebanese speaks three languages: Arabic, French and English. Also you may easily deal with them because they are cultivated and acquainted to whatever lifestyle in the world. Hospitality also plays an important role here as in the rest of oriental countries. But what is particular in Lebanon is that you feel at home; people are friendly and care for you no matter what your nationality is. They could be even ready to leadyou and transport you in their own cars. Anyway, for a tourist with only 10452km2 and a favorable climate, the tourist may easily reach any region helikes.

Finally, what is interesting to discover and see in the country of Cedars is its history, tradition (Folklore, Lebanese Mezze...), and natural sights (Cedars, Jeita Grotto, etc.). You can also enjoy several activities with minimum efforts; you may for instance practice water activities then reach the ski stations in snowy mountains in only one hour. We are here to help you, we hope you will enjoy your trip.

BEIRUT

The ancient name of Beirut "Biruta " was derived from the semetic word "well" in Arabic "Bir" because of the abundance of wells that provided the citys water supply.

Beirut has long been considered es the natural crossroads between Eastand West. Thanks to its strategic position and its glamorous flourishing way of life, it has affected for centuries the envy of outsiders. Its history has been marked by the invasions of several civilizations. Many beautiful public buildings were constructed particularly during Roman's Age: monumental archway, forum, temples, baths etc. The city has also been destroyed by several earthquakes. But despite Beirut's endurance throughout the years, its sense of commerce, trade and enterprise brought it to its feet again.

Today, extensive reconstructing has begun in Beirut's infrastructure and economy. This reconstruction includes the Martyr's Square, the Par/iament Building, the Serail, and the traditional souks in such a manner as to combine the old soul with the new design of the city.

In addition, Beirut Centra/ District is being rebuilt under the supervision of "Solidere" a high powered private real estate company. The planning includes: modern infrastructure, commercial and residential districts, two marinas, public gardens, old souks and an archaeological park. As a maffer offact, during the excavations of the city center, many monuments dating from Ages such as Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine were found.

Furthermore, wide ranging programs have been taken to improve access roads and work out the traffic system. Today, foreign companies are aimed to set up and this time permanently which assures that Beirut will acquire its past role as economical and cultural leader of the Middle East.

THE CEDARS

120 kilometers North of Beirut. The Cedars, known as "Arz Ar-Rab": The Cedars of the Lord, is a biblical forest. It is Lebanon's greatest treasure. The majestic Cedar tree presents the emblem of Lebanon. Unfortunately, few of these trees remain, since they have been decimated over the centuries from the time when ancient Egypt governed this area. In the ancient world, Cedar trees were claimed enormously, particularly during Pharaoh's Age, because they provided long beams for ships masts, and offered a unique wood around the area.

The Cedars village is now a ski resort that offers the most complete combination of slopes, valleys and exposures. Furthermore, it has chalets, hotels, ski lifts and varied night life. Tourist will surely en joy their stay and seize the opportunity to visit Quadisha Grotto which is nearby, known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. Moreover, they can explore Becharreh, the birthplace and resting place of Lebanon's celebrated philosopher-artist-poet GIBRAN KHALIL GIBRAN.

BAALBEK

85 kilometers North-East of Beirut. The site dates back 4000 years, when the Canaanites built a temple to worship "Baal" the semitic God of thunders and storms. In the Hellenistic ages, Baalbek was called Heliopolis "The City Of Sun" as it is known till nowadays, identified with the Greek Sun God "Helios".

Baalbek was the home of the most marvelous ruins and temples of Roman Ancient Empire. Its gigantic acropolis presented one of the very unique projects conceived in the history of world architecture. In addition, it has the largest Freestone in the world: 21.5m long and 4.8m wide.

Tourist from all over the earth were astonished by the remaining of Baalbek greatest temples that took two hundred years to be built. The most famous are the following: The Temple Of Jupiter Heliopolitanus, was never fully completed, only six of the lofty columns remained. The Temple of Bacchus which is well preserved except for its roof, it is surrounded by 42 columns.

BYBLOS

37 kilometers North of Beirut. This distinctive site is one of the oldest inhabited city of the world. It has been continuously occupied by many civilizations for seven thousand years: Phoenician, Egyptian, Persian, Greek,Roman,Byzantine,Arab and Turk. Therefore, we can find the largest amount of archaeogical treasures dating from many Ages. Many temples have been devastated and new ones were built on the ruins. Among them was the"Temple of the Obelisks", so called because of huge amount of obelisks stone found within, and many precious objects were discovered kept in seal potter jars and hidden under the floors. The inhabitants of this land were famous in the making of pottery inventing different shapes and designs. Thus, the city became a center of craftsmen and arts in the Old World. Moreover, it was widely-known for its navigation and fishing port. 4700 years ago, Byblos became a center for cedar shipments to the Nile Delta, and this is due to its geographical position, located at the foot of Lebanon's timber bearing mountains.

85 kilometers North of Beirut. Tripoli is the capital of the North and the country's second largest urban area.

Tripoli means "Triple City", because it was a center of the Phoenician confederation with Sidon, Tyre and Arados Island. What distinguishes Tripoli today from other archaeological sites in Lebanon is that the Medieval Mamluk town still exists within the contemporary city. Visitors are astonished by the beauty of its monuments that wre built from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century. These archaeological treasures include the fabulous Mosques, Saint-Gilles Castle, Tower of the Lions, Madrasahs, Hammams and the Khans. When you visit it don't forget to pass by the traditional souk which is very pleasant.

JEITA GROTTO

20 kilometers North of Beirut. Jeita Grotto, closed for the past years, has recently opened its door with the collaboration of a German Company, to welcome the visitors who have been always fascinated by its splendid natural achievement. This cavern is rich in formations and galleries that extend for more than 6kms.. It can be visited by the telepherique or a boat ride over a subterranean lake which is considered to be the main source of the Dog River.

DOG RIVER

15 kilometers North of Beirut. Dog River has been the bane of conqueror for Ages, due to its crucial position. Its rugged cliffsides served as a natural barrier to restrain the passage of the invading warriors along the coast. The ones who managed to get through successfully left a descriptive statement of their achievement into the walls of the cliffs.

Today, Dog River is famous for its seventeenth historical memorial plates of the invading armies. They include Latin, Greek, Arabic, French, and English inscriptions.

FAQRA

Situated in Mount Lebanon, this region is unique for its remarkable remained monuments which included: temples, columns, altars and rock cut tombs. It's uncommon setting and the abundance of its cool mountain flowing have incited the earliest civilizations to build temples and altars to worship their God. The visitors were mostly impressed by its sensational ruins particularly by the great temple of Faqra that is partly cut out of the living rock and rises in a spectacular location. Moreover, you cannot pass by Faqra without admiring the nature's most spectacular wonders, a bridge called "Jisr al-Hajar" or the "Stone Bridge" with an arch measuring thirty eight meters. Furthermore, Faqra is known today for its private ski resort.

SIDON

43 kilometers South of Beirut. Sidon means "fishing" for it was graced by Qala 'At Al Baher Castle of the Sea built by Crusaders. Also of interest are: The Saint Louis Castle and the Murex Hill, 45 meters high and made of an accumulation of shells from which the Phoenicians extracted the famous famous purple dye.

Its inhabitants were famous for their valuable art work. Among the merchandises were pottery and glassware, ivory hairpins, valuable objects carved in ivory and gold and jewellery set with semi precious stones etc. Today,Sidon is still a commercial and business center of the region.

BEIT ED-DIN

40 kilometers SouthEast of Beirut. Beit Ed-Din "House Of Faith" is Lebanon's greatest treasure. It is known for its palace which was built by Emir Bechir II Chehab. The palace reflects the typical oriental architecture of the nineteenth century. It took thirty years to be build. It is remarkable for its glamorous arcades, multicolored mosaic floors, reception rooms, harems, hammams and even by its guest house "Diyafa" where passing guests were lodged. Furthermore, visitors were mostly fascinated by the palace museum, since it exposes the Canaanite Phoenician works of art, a wide collection of Middle Ages arms, traditional. costumes ana Jewellery, mainly in silver.

From Beit Ed-Din, Emir Bechir II started the reorganization of his country and introduced many reforms. Few minutes from Beit Ed-Din rises the Emir Amine palace, one of the most beautiful hotels in Lebanon which has an exceptional view that cannot be obstructed.

TYRE

63 kilometers South of Beirut. Tyre was originally a rocky Island. Its name was derived from the Semitic word "Sr." meaning "rock". From the earliest times, Tyre fascinated to it the envy of the people of the Old World due to its distinguished position as a prospering commercial center. It has expanded its industries particularly its famous purple-dye and glass making. At this time, the purpledye was extracted from the murex.

Many civilizations have passed by: Arab, Byzantine, Roman, Greek and Phoenician. Of interest, are the reconstructed Arch of Triumph, Roman Baths, The Necropolis and Sarcophagi, and the Hippodrome which is one of the largest in the world, it extends about 500m in length and 160m in width. Nowadays, Tyre is also considered one of the biggest sites of the Middle East.

ANJAR

58 kilometers East of Beirut. Anjar is a rectangular town, protected by walls, each wall has an impressive gate which is protected by towers. Nowadays, It is the only walled city remaining in Lebanon. Due to the presence of an abundant source of water, Anjar was widely known for its commercial exchange. It has been continuously invaded by many civilizations. Its ruins are being restored for it represents the remains of the first Moslem Suzerain, Byzantine, Roman and Ommayad period.

Lebanon's crucial weather have a/ways captivated tourist from all over the world. It is the only country where you can ski in the morning andgo to the beach in the afternoon. Skiing is one of the countrys most popular natural pleasure. The season starts from December to April. At this period of the year, we advice you to rent a room on a hotel or a chalet the sooner before loosing the opportunity to get one. In addition to skiing, skidoos can be hired at most resorts and for more excitement, snowboarding should not be missed.

Six well-equipped winter resorts are at your disposition today due to the enormous efforts that have been made by Lebanon's Ski Federation.

The resorts are the following:

Cedars which is situated in the north, 120 kilometers from Beirut. It offers the most complete combination of slopes, valleys and exposures. Moreover, it has chalets, hotels, skilifts and a varied night life. Tourists will surely enjoy their stay andseize the opportunity to admire its natural scenery.

Faraya which is located in Mount Lebanon, one hour and a half drive from Beirut. It is the number one best-equipped and maintained ski resort. It has chalets, hotels, skishops and other facilities available. However, it is an idealplace for visitors to spend their holidays. While staying there, we advice you to visit "The OldBridge", a naturalstonebridge, and"The Caves of ElCheikh Fares", theyare naturallysculpturedin stone.

Faqra which is a private club situated south of Faraya. It has a frst class hotel, private chalets, restaurants, a heatedpool, squash, tennis anda fitness club. The slopes are equipped with a chairlift, 2 skilifts anda babylift. Italso offers an internationalslalom track. Specialarrangements are available for tourists.

Zaarour which is a private dub, is located on the western side of Mount Sannine, 54 kilometers from Beirut. It offers excellent opportunities for cross country skiing to the east toward Sannine and to the west to Bakish.

Qanat Bakish which is the smallest resort, located in Mount Lebanon. It is known for the good quality of its snow. It has four lifts running up two slopes. Future improvements are expected including a new hotel.

Laqlouk which is situated 60 kilometers from Beirut. It has three skilifts, hotels, chalets andother facilities. Moreover, it is known for itsgorgeous view, so don't miss it.

NIGHT LIFE

Night life in Lebanon have always attractedvisitors allover the world. "The good old days" are back again but this time with more excitement and varieties. Stimulated by the prospects of growing tourism and flourishing business, new restaurants of-all kinds, pubs, piano bars and other casual diversifications are opening everyday. Whatever your fancy is, oriental or western, traditional or eccentric, you can experience it all after dark.

The night life starts late along the coasted suburbs of Kaslik, Maameltein and Jounieh, in addition to Verdun, Kraitem and Broumana area. Restaurants do not fill up before 9 PM while the night clubs' dancing program begins after midnight. If you are searchingfora quiet evening, we advice you to go to one of the many movie theaters which run a wide variety of the latest movies. Finally, don't forget to make reservation or you will miss it out.

SHOPPING

While visiting regions it would be beneficial for you to make a small tour for shopping. You might buy souvenirs and show them to your friends, this will give them an idea about Lebanon's trades and lifestyle. The most interesting are traditional souvenirs which could be bought from the old souks, villages' shops and from the traditional handicraft Lebanese shops. You can purchase for example folkloric clothes such as the "Tarbouch" (hat), the "Abaya"... or handicrafts such as pottery, platters, textiles, silver and gold jewellery and so on. In addition to the traditional ones, you may easily find the above collections of many imported outlets from allover the world. We advice you to visit the old souk in the Zouk area.

CUISINE

Lebanese have spread their cuisine all over the countries. It is ranked among the world's most refined cuisine. There is no Lebanese dish that doesn't begin with a "Mezze", a word which means a pleasant tasting moment. Eating Mezze involves a wide choice of dishes and flavors all at one sitting, this may include around twenty dishes or more. It is usually served with Arak, a licorice flavored alcohol, and eaten with the Lebanese bread. The Mezze includes: Hommos, Tabboule, Fattouche, Mtaba/, Kebbe, Labne etc. If you desire fish and seafood dishes, you can find typical restaurants mainly located on the seaside all along the Lebanese shore, from North to South.

Besides the local cuisine, foreign cooking is abundant with Tex- mex, Chinese, Thai, French, Italian and dozens more chosen.

WEATHER

The weather in the coastal area of Lebanon is typically Mediterranean, with mild rainy winters and long warm summers. What is particular is that bad weather never lasts too long, visitors can definitely count on 300 sunny days a year. Whereas, in mountain areas, summer is pleasantly warm, while winter is cold, and snow usually falls at elevations above 1000m.

SPORTS

Lebanon is an ideal place for sports, particularly water sports which include: swimming, sailing, surfing, water-skiing, jetskiing, scuba diving, fishing and parachute ascensionnel. They are available at most hotels and nautical clubs.

In addition, visitors can playgolf, tennis, orgo horse riding, spelunking or hiking During winter season, don't miss out the pleasure of skiing and for more excitement snowboarding.

LANGUAGE

One definitely does not have a problem to communicate with Lebanese people since the majority speaks the major two languages French and English in addition to the local language Lebanese.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

To get around from one place to another, you may chose between the following means ot transportation: Busses LL250, Service Taxis will cost you LL1000 or LL1500, and if you want the car to yourself, it will cost you from LL5000 to LL 10000, or you can rent a car from the major international chains that are present in Lebanon.

OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS

lst January - 9th February - 1st May - 15th August - 1st November - 22 November - 25th December - Catholic Holy Friday - Orthodox Holy Friday - Catholic Easter day - Orthodox Easter day - Hegira - Al Fitr - Al Adha - Al Ashoura - Prophet's Birthday.

Additional TOURIST INFORMATION is also available at the following address:

550 Central Bank Street
P.O.Box: 11-5344, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel:01-340940/4
Fax:01-343279
Telex: 20898 LE

LOCAL TIME GMT+ 2 hours in the summer and + 3 hours in the winter.