App gives Apple gadget users aerial view of France

Fotopedia and National Geographic Traveler magazine on Tuesday launched a software application that gives Apple gadget users an aerial tour of France. "Above France" software for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch devices promised a collection of "awe-inspiring French vistas, from l'Aiguille du Midi to the Chateau d'Yquem." Helicopter pilot and professional photographer Frank Mulliez took more than 2,000 aerial photos of abbeys, castles, villages, beaches, mountains and other locales streamed to devices with the software, according to Fotopedia. "This is France from the air," National Geographic Traveler editor-in-chief said of the application. "It's all here: from Mont Blanc to the historic abbey of Mont Saint Michel, the castles of the Loire Valley and the rooftops of Paris." The application features interactive maps, slide shows, and tools for building virtual tours or real-world trips to France. "If you think that France is beautiful, wait until you see this app," said Fotopedia chief executive Jean Marie Hullot. "It's a love letter written with a camera and a helicopter." The Above France application is priced at $2.99 (US) in Apple's online App Store. Investor-backed startup Fotopedia has offices in Paris and San Francisco.