Destination France » French Regions

Drome South-Eastern France

Alan — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:55:34 +0000

Drôme is a department (like a county) in South-Eastern France, and it takes the name from the nearby river. If you are choosing a holiday spot in France, then the Drôme

region should definitely be a contender. Home to beautiful natural scenery, as well as historic buildings, not to mention international shoe designers and world famous sweets.

Looking at the area like a compass there are treats to be found in each area. To the north you can find the Ideal Palace. Built by a postman, and intended as his tomb but now an intriguing attraction for tourists and locals alike. It is a beautiful piece of art in its own right, and is influenced by a range of styles from the Gothic to the Roman and from Oriental to Muslim.

Just a short way south of the palace is a town called Romans. Here you can find a centre for the most luxurious shoes that are famous across the world. There are shops in which you can find the latest style of modern designers on show, and there is even an incredible museum showing over 10,000 exhibits.

Off to the east lies a Nature Park. If you would rather spend the day communing with nature than pounding the pavements then perhaps the Vercors Regional Park is more your style. With forests and cliffs, caves and gorges and a simply stunning waterfall, you can get right into the history of the place; the region was used by resistance fighters in WW2 as a hiding place.

In the south-western region of Drôme is the historic Montelimar. A typical Provencal town complete with pretty squares and narrow streets. As well as the picturesque views, Montelimar is famous for nougat. You could choose to visit the museum to see the history, or just buy it and enjoy it.

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Eurostar Provence service selling summer tickets

Alan — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:51:01 +0000

Eurostar has announced that their popular summer service which takes passengers directly to Avignon will be on sale earlier than usual this year, and have been bookable since the 20^th December. They have started the sale earlier to cope with the demand as travellers rush to book this service to the beautiful Provence region of France.

To avoid disappointment, travellers are being advised to book early for the direct service that will run weekly between the 7^th July and 1^st September 2012. With the direct journey time from St Pancras International in London or Ashford International in Kent being less than 6 hours, this summer service is a big favourite with holidaymakers and the tickets sell out fast every year.

Customers can also take advantage of some great Eurostar deals just by boarding a Eurostar service in the UK, and then travelling non-stop through some magnificent French countryside directly into Avignon in the heart of the region of Provence.

Nick Mercer, commercial director for Eurostar commented: “Our direct Avignon summer services grow in popularity each year, as people across the country see how easy and enjoyable it is to travel across Europe by high-speed rail. By opening sales to Avignon earlier than usual we are giving customers even more flexibility when planning their summer trip to Provence. Journeys with Eurostar avoid the summer scramble at the airports and increasingly, passengers see their journey as part of the holiday itself.”

Direct Eurostar tickets are available in both Standard class Standard Premier. If direct services are full, Eurostar offers connecting services all year round that arrive into Avignon TGV station, which is located just outside the town centre.

Tickets for the Avignon direct summer service and for connecting services all year round are available from www.eurostar.com, by calling 08432 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.

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Using Bordeaux trams

Alan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:20:09 +0000

The trains running on most of the network are site specific; the tramway usually can be accessed either by car or by taxis and buses. It differs in that the sections of reserved lanes are enhanced by 14 cm compared to the rest of the street, and can not be crossed by vehicles other than at intersections. Sections in the protected site are enhanced by 6 cm over the street, which can be overcome by an exceptional vehicle for obstacles on the road. There are also sections in which the tram shares the road with other vehicles. The latter case corresponds to passages in narrow streets like the rue d’Ornano Bordeaux.

On a large part of the trail, the tracks are grassed. In curves the lateral side of the rail is automatically lubricated so as to limit the screech of wheels. The maximum noise is limited to 74 decibels.

The trains run from 5 am to midnight (1am on weekends). The frequency at peak hours is 4 minutes, otherwise it is 8 minutes. In Bordeauxitself, which has 230,000 inhabitants or nearly one third of the population of the metropolitan area, 37% of the population, 50% of assets and 64% of schools and students are within 500 meters of a line.

The price for a single ticket is 1.40 euros. A book of 10 trips costs 10.10 euros, a weekly ticket 9.70 euros, a monthly pass 38.20 euros, and an annual ticket 376 euros (per the rates in effect in 2009). There are also group rates and discounts for students, seniors and families. Tickets and passes can be used for travel by tram or bus. Tickets can be purchased at machines present in most stations. One ticket allows unlimited validations throughout the TBC network for 1 hour, at most, between the first and last validation.

The trams and buses in Bordeauxoperate under the Metropolitan Bordeaux (CPC) delegation, and are managed by the company Keolis, a subsidiary of SNCF. Keolis succeeds Veolia Transport, which had the market eight years until the end of 2008. The new contract started on May 1, 2009, and should lead to a restructuring of the bus network with the creation of suburb-suburb lines and suburban-downtown lines, and installation of a network for bikes. Restructuring is to begin in February 2010.

The network
Line A of the Tramway of Bordeaux.
This is the longest of the three lines and the only one to have a branch in the end. Line A runs through the town from west to north-east, crossing the Garonne on the stone bridge. With the second phase completed in 2008, the line is 19.9 kilometers long and has 41 stations. The stations are separated by 447 meters on average. The line meets with two other lines in the city center, but in separate locations.

The line starts at Merignac, common in the suburbs west of Bordeaux, runs through the new neighborhood shopping center in Bordeaux Meriadeck, connects with Line B in the City Hall station and Line C in Porte de Bourgogne, then crosses the Garonne on the stone bridge towards Buttiniere in the town of Cenon. On the right bank, it splits into two branches at the Buttiniere station; one branch serves the northern section of the city and Lormont Bassens/Carbon- Blanc, while the other branch serves Floirac Cenon and south.

The coverage of the right bank of the Garonneis intentionally oversized compared to the current need: the authorities’ objective is to stimulate the development of these neighborhoods that have always been handicapped by weak links to the city center. This is because there is only one bridge, and it was built in the early nineteenth century. Studio La Bastide is located on the right bank between the Thiers Benauge and Galin stations.

Line B of the Tramway of Bordeaux.

Line B runs north-east to south-west. It has a length of 15.2 km and includes 31 stations. It serves the Bordeaux communes of Talence and Pessac. The Deposit-Achard workshop is located near the northern terminus of this line. Line B also allows connecting with the two other lines in the city center.

Line C of the Tramway of Bordeaux.
Line C is the shortest of the lines. It has, since February 27, 2008, 8.3 kilometers of line and 17 stations. It is normally served by shorter trains that can be replaced, if necessary, by longer ones. Line C meets with the other two lines in the center of the city.

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The Dordogne castles and countryside

Alan — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:45:43 +0000

The Dordogne is located in the south-west part of France and it has some of the most beautiful castles and palaces anywhere in the country. There are also a very large number of them and it is estimated that there are over 1000 castles and palaces in this area of France alone. The area is also known for its scenic countryside and the mediaeval villages that are located throughout it. For those who are looking to travel this part of France it can be the ideal destination because of its warm climate.

For those who enjoy history this part of France is a dream destination. There are numerous historic monuments including several sites of prehistoric significance. The region has been given World Heritage status by UNESCO because of its importance in relation to history. The Vezere Valley is of particular note and because of the immense number of historical sites in the Valley it has been described as the cradle of the human race. Those who are interested in finding cave paintings then it is definitely worth exploring the Lascaux caves which are around 17,000 years old and have many early paintings of animals.

Wine production in the region as a major business and many of the chateaus in the region are centres for this. If you are looking to pick up some traditional food then there are numerous historic market held in the various villages. All of these will have organic produce from local farmers and an array of delicacies for you to try. There are also market stalls where food is being prepared and often traditional music is played at the market. These do not just occur during the daytime and there are several night markets where visitors can do some shopping as well and enjoy a delicious evening meal.

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Paris one of the worlds great tourist cities

Alan — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:32:40 +0000

With over 30m foreign tourists heading there every year, Paris is one of the top destinations in the world. The capital city of France sits on the majestic River Seine and is a favourite destinations for pilgrims, students, traders and honeymooners. Cited as one of the worlds most romantic city’s, Paris has a population of around 10m, and is famous for its universities, museums, sports events, operas and influence on fashion.

Monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are the big attractions for visitors, as is the Louvre art gallery and the famous cathedral Notre Dame. There is much to see and do in Paris, and as it boasts over 690 hotels ranging from 2-4 stars you will have no difficulty in finding accommodation where you want to be in the city. The best deals are available online and there are some great bargains to be had by booking early.

The Villathena is a lovely boutique hotel which is in the heart of Paris and just beside the Opera Granier and the Lazere train station. This hotel has a stylish and contemporary interior and combines pink brickwork with precious stones. There are 43 guest rooms and this new hotels has a warm and comfortable ambience as well as friendly as accommodating staff.

Another hotel in the city centre is Concorde La Fayette, and boasts the largest hotel lobby in the whole of Paris. The 950 room hotel offers modern facilities in luxurious surroundings. All the rooms have an elegant décor and the view from the rooms is unlike any others. The hotel also has a gym, indoor swimming pool, shopping centre and conference facilities.

Hotel De Neuville is situated in a very elegant part of Paris, and is within walking distance of the Palais de Congre and the Arc de Triomphe. There are 28 rooms which have been recently refurbished and the atmosphere is of a cosy and intimate nature. All the rooms have air con, a hairdryer, cable TV and Wi-Fi.

Between the Louvre and the Palais Royal Gardens is the Grand hotel du Palais Royal, and this hotel is recommended for those visitors who come to Paris to explore the culture. This hotel is in the centre of the first district in Paris where the fashion, culture and shopping can all be experienced in abundance.

Another holiday in an ideal location for sightseeing is the Saint-James and Albany, as it is situated in front of the Tuileries Gardens and very close to the Orsay and Louvre museums, the Champs-Elysees, the Place de la Concorde, the park and also the subway. This lovely hotel has 195 rooms and is smack bang in the middle of the most reputable shops in the city.

Paris also has plenty of value hotels that cater for both leisure and business travellers. The Hotel Balzac has just undergone a major renovation and now has much larger rooms with modern facilities. If you are looking for a peaceful hotel with a vintage feel look no further than the 19^th century Duc de Saint-Simon hotel, whilst the Hotel Littre prides itself on its old fashioned service and atmosphere.

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Bearn Pyrenees Basque country France winter break destination

Alan — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:58:22 +0000

Bearn Pyrenees Basque country France winter break destination

The Pays Basque region of France is only a 90 minute flight from London and is the perfect destination for those seeking peace and quiet. You can experience the wonders of the beautiful sandy beaches, the mountains, colourful countryside and also gastronomic gems. There are thethalassotherapy centres along the basque coast and also thermal and spa baths, so you can unwind, relax and explore the countryside.

Those who are enthusiastic about thermal baths and the benefits that come from them will relish a trip to the Basque coast. This coast benefits from the unique qualities that are in the Atlantic Ocean, as the water is rich in minerals, trace elements and iodine. To add to this the local climate is warm and sunny for almost all of the year.

Located between the ocean and the mountains, the region is ideal for recharging your batteries and taking some time for yourself, while making the most of the beautifully preserved scenery. Dip your feet in the ocean while taking in the dominant silhouette of the Pyrenées mountains that are just a stone’s throw away.

The five thalassotherapy centres on the Basque coast invite you to experience the invigorating effects of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the benefits of sea water. Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz and Hendaye are all located on magnificent beaches and offer a variety of treatments tailored to your needs, varying in length and specialty. Visitors can treat themselves to just a weekend or a whole week if they prefer, with various themes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, sports or post-natal.

Thanks to the natural springs from surrounding mountains, it is also possible to enjoy thermal activities. The BéarnPyrénées–Basque country is home to numerous reputable thermal institutions such as Salies de Béarn and Cambo-les-Bains. Here, once again, the water’s therapeutic virtues will leave you feeling completely refreshed.

Whether you prefer thalassotherapy or thermal therapy, this is the dream destination for rejuvenating your body and relaxing, while taking advantage of the numerous treasures (culture, history, nature, gastronomy etc) the region has to offer.

Between treatments, enjoy a spot of shopping in Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, discover the numerous golf courses in the area, visit some of the typical villages or try out culinary specialties, for a wonderful trip that will leave you feeling revived thanks to everything this unique region has to offer.

For more information, please visit www.tourisme64.com or www.bearn-basquecountry.com

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Val d’Oise region close by yet a million miles from Paris

Alan — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:11:27 +0000

Visitors to Paris may not realise that they are within a stones’ throw of one of the idyllic gems of the French countryside, the Val d’Oise region. Situated in the centre of Ile-de-France, propping up the Oise River from which its name arises, the Val d’Oise region is located an hours drive from the capital. It may be the first glimpse of France that visitors enjoy as it is the area which houses the country’s premier airport, the Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The area is surrounded by acres of forests, historic towns backing onto picturesque villages and all this within easy traveling distance to the suburban centres, which serve the bustling Paris commuters.

Chateaux and Museums

The majority of chateaux are open to visitors who can enjoy their opulent décor and exquisite gardens. Some of the houses remain family owned while others have been converted in period regional and national museums.

The Chateau d’Ecouen has superb examples of 16th century tapestries and is now the National Museum of the Renaissance. It features numerous artworks and items from 16th century France. Possibly Val d’Oise’s largest chateau is the Chateau d’Epinay, built by a king’s adviser in the 18^th century. It has since been the domain of notable writers and poets over the years.

River Oise
On the river there are numerous guided tours available and many water activities. The idyllic river cruise is perfect for romantic couples or families wanting to relax after the treading the busy city streets. There are also speedboats and pleasure boats for hire.

Forests and Walking
The Val d’Oise offers ample unspoilt countryside and forest ideal for hiking. The ancient Montmorency Forest has remained beautiful for hundreds of years. Deep in the forest are the ruins of Chateau de la Chasse, the 13th century masterpiece of architecture and well worth a visit.

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South of France coming back into fashion

Alan — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:04:07 +0000

The South of France has long been a very popular destination with holidaymakers from the UK, but in recent years the number of people visiting the destination has fallen. Cheaper international flights have meant that people are going further afield and this has had a negative effect on tourism in France.

However, it seems that the number of people visiting this beautiful part of the country is on the rise again as they begin to understand the environmental impact of long haul flights. The increased interest in tourism has also meant that the number of homes being sold to Britons in the area has greatly increased and in the last year sales have increased by around 40%.

Research has been conducted by the company Eurocamp, which operates campsites across France. This research is showing that the Pyrenees and Brittany are the two regions that have seen the most growth in the past year. Many people who have invested in French property there will be pleased with this as it will probably mean that a boom in their profits is coming.

The managing director of Eurocamp is Deborah Beckett who has commented, “The interest in France for British tourists is booming once again, especially in the key areas such as Brittany.” Brittany Ferries, have also noted a steep increase in the number of people looking for tickets to visit the region next summer.

Ms Beckett continues, “People are becoming more concerned about the impact they are having on the environment and taking a holiday closer to home means they leave less of a carbon footprint. We also expect that people find it less stressful to organise a holiday closer to home and this keeps them returning to France.” France is one of the countries that are set to benefit the most from the environmentally friendly UK traveller.

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Poitou-Charentes western France

Alan — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:02:48 +0000

Poitou-Charentes is an area in the west of France which borders the Atlantic coast. It is a diverse place with many beaches and also several mediaeval towns. There are also many natural attractions, museums and theme parks in the area which make it a great location for those looking for a summer holiday for their family.

The main town in the region is Poitiers and this has a great deal to offer tourists including a spectacular church. Inside the Notre Dame de la Grande Church you will find beautiful sculptures that have been restored to their original glory. During the winter months there is an impressive light show near the church.

For those who are more interested in Gothic architecture there is another cathedral in the town located near the church, it was built in the 13th century and is located next to the oldest Christian building in the country- St Jean baptistery.

The streets in the town are twisting and narrow and there are open spaces which are full of bars and cafes where you can easily spend several hours relaxing. If you are after a more adventurous day then it would be worth visiting the amusement park which is located north of the town. There are a great many attractions rides and the parties themed in a futuristic style. There are also many exhibits which are targeted towards children’s learning and are interactive to captivate their attention.

There are lots of beaches in the region and several seaside resorts have been set up. La Rochelle is one of the most famous resorts and is a truly beautiful location for a holiday. Off the coast from this area is a small island which is perfect for walking and cycling and can be reached by a short boat trip.

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The Rhone Valley in the heart of the Alps

Alan — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:52:59 +0000

The Rhône Valley is located in the heart of the Alps, in the Isere department and you will find that there is something to appeal to everyone. It will be a great place for people who are interested in history and art as well as those who are into extreme sports. The area is famous for its skiing resorts in the winter and in the summer biking and hiking are very popular activities in the summertime.

There are three national parks in the area and lots of mountains with a great deal of open space. Even in the busy summer months you will find that the area is so large you will have lots of room for your own activities. There are many cultural and historical attractions in the area of Vienne and Grenoble.

From the south coast of France all the way up to the Grenoble runs the Napoleon Road which is named because it is the route that Napoleon took when he came back to France after his exile. The route runs past a historic chateaux and three areas of exquisite natural beauty. The Domaine de Vizille is a great place to stop for a breath of fresh air and even a picnic if you are driving from the South up to Grenoble. If you want to spend a longer time here there are plenty of water sports, hiking trails and beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Grenoble is regarded as the city which is the gateway to many of the best ski resorts in this part of France. Even if you are there in the winter and plan on exclusively skiing, there are plenty of other activities that you might enjoy and are well worth checking out during your time in France.

The old town and Grenoble is completely pedestrianised and there is a beautiful cathedral from the 13th century. In the city there are a great number of museums covering everything from automatons to archaeology. The highlight of Grenoble must be the Bastille fort which is located high above the city, if you’re feeling adventurous you can walk up to the Fort but there is also a cable car for those who are not up to this challenge.

In the summer months you will find a theme park called Walibi Rhone-Alps which your children will certainly love if you have been dragging them round museums in the town for a week. The theme park is vast and has a great deal of attractions including waterslides and rollercoasters. The park has a lot on offer for young children.

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