The confusion is common: Slovenia (Slovenija) not Slovak, but a former republic of Yugoslavia. The smallest also narrower than the UK. It gained independence in 1991 after only a few days of war against Serbia. Remembrance probably a Germanic influence, the Slovenian rigoureux1 and appreciate the cleanliness. This can be seen on the sides and around houses, roads and public places. They love the family and can share their homes in two generations.
Integrated into the EEC in 2004, Slovenia has quickly made part of the area Euro2 in 2007, thanks to an efficient economy (the richest ex-Yugoslav republics).

North-west: the Julian Alps Bled

To the northwest lies the territory of Triglav natural park "Three Heads", the highest Slovenian (2864m) and national symbol. On the edge of this beautiful area, with dense forests and vast lake, Bled is a resort town with a beautiful lake with clear water.
In the middle stands the only island in Slovenian! Tiny and accessible, it houses one of the many churches in the country, 80% Catholic. Slovenia takes care of its houses of God usually painted, often with steeples scrolls. The island is accessible by boat, the same tire, or even swim to the bravest.
Very touristy (bit of French, preferring Croatia) Bled has lots of beautiful and quiet, between lakes and mountains, very leafy. Despite the sun, you can visit most places in the shade. We guess that our bear Slovenia appreciates these countries.
In this green oasis, resort Tito, do not expect great rates and almost everything is paid. However, rates remain affordable given what we know in France.
Camping Bled, on the other end of the lake, is not the cheapest but its location and its facilities are substandard. Including in the ecology and health. Slovenia is ahead of us on this side: sorting everywhere, even in town, often public toilets clean, solar panels on many houses or block health.
From this site with family atmosphere, you can access easily missed visits Gorge Vintgar and slap Savica. This waterfall is located at the tip of the beautiful valley of Bohinj and its huge lake. The ride is therefore doubly a look.

Capital: Ljubljana

Say "Ljubljana". This "small Prague" is a human face and young, thanks to his many students. The route of the historic center offers a nice ride, relaxing. The architecture is versatile: Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau ...
You can do shopping, the shops are nice and many products are cheaper than in France. Now, Slovenia is monotone fashion: we like it or not. Having experienced buying shoes, be aware that a handful of chain stores (Mass, Peko, Colorado, etc..) Divide the country. You will find here everywhere, offering a collection more or less extensive. Balances appear to operate in August.
Many cafes and restaurants are in a good atmosphere. Find your way to Ljubljana, as parking is easy.

The south-west Ankaran Piran

Only about 47km range, sandwiched between the Gulf of Trieste, Italy and Croatia, which has taken possession of substantially all of the former Adriatic coast YUGOSLAVIA3, the Slovenian coast is (for me) not as interesting as the party mountainous. Also, do not expect large white sandy beaches: there are not (naturally) like Croatia. Everything is as rocky jetties. But the water is warm and calm, sunny climate.
In contrast, visits to cities is relaxing and enjoyable: especially Piran, Portoroz, Izola and Koper. Despite a port area of international significance, the center of the latter (and its marinella) is very nice. With Ljubljana is one of the few university towns.
Camping Adria placed at the extreme northern coast Ankaran belongs various angles to type camping blue water "but, though less upscale than that of Bled, it is interesting because his pitches are often large , flat shaded. Placed at the beginning of camp, you'll calm down. On the east coast for more animated than the rest of the country, just as with us so. The noises of the port of Koper is often heard, even at night, but nothing for free access to its pool of sea water, Olympic size and hot water (25-26 °), Camping is worth there a couple days. It also provides access to the sea (swimming area), shops, as well as tennis and mini golf course (in poor condition).
Needless to find a location near the sea: the families Slovenian Ljubljana or Maribor took possession of any space. Sometimes in a configuration such that we are dealing with their second home.

A relaxing atmosphere

Slovenia is a small country, surprisingly, like Slovenia. Proof of the low crime rampant in some of its two million inhabitants, the sight of a bike not protected by a burglar is common. Forgetting your body wash in a toilet block, you will have chances to find two hours later. We can let our paranoia Franco-Latin closet, safe return of his vehicle in bulk ... what we understand the site of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the "Travel advice", saying that Slovenia is a country in Europe as "calm."
The road and motorway network is good, except the black dot between Kranj and capital, work (the European budget in part). The most distant points are distanced as 250km.
Paris, 1200 terminal count is twelve hours (excluding night break) to get to Bled by car, Germany (via Munich) and Austria (via Salzburg). German motorways is very free and "Wheel" by schedule.
To communicate does not rely on the language of Molière, it has almost no response. English is fairly well practiced, like German or Italian (second official language in the south). This in itself is exotic.
The pizzas are part of the national food and very good (and cheap).
Finally, Slovenia seems to have taken the train to modernity skipping steps: the smallest Bouclard is computerized, when he did not shower (bar code). One may also realize when visiting most websites (tourism, camping, etc..) Pretty well ruined.

Connections

Slovenian Tourist
Official site
Wikipedia
Slovenie.com

Notes
1. the Slovenians are regarded by others as a Slavic people finicky
2. first eligible countries in the eurozone since the introduction of the currency in 2002
3. disagreement with Croatia since Slovenia has no direct access to the international waters.

Pictures taken during a trip of 2 to 17 August 2007