The buzz words amongst the staff at Blackpool Airport are ‘Vive La France! as they get set to launch their new seasonal service that will run to and from theAlbertPicardieAirportthat is inNorthern France. The service will also bring many new visitors to Lancashire as it gets itself ready for a year of iconic and exciting events such as the Preston Guild and The Open golf championship at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s.

Albert is twinned with the Cumbrian town of Ulverston and teams representing the two towns are meeting again at Easter to play football for the Cyril Barker Shield that is contested annually. The new flights will be on selected dates between April-August 2012and will take passengers from the Lake District and Lancashire to Albert, which is in the heart of the region of Somme.

As well as giving easy access to beautiful Somme bay, this new route will also provide a new gateway to Paris and all the wonders of Disneyland Paris.

Flights are being operated by Danish Air Transport (DAT) on an ATR 72-200 aircraft which can hold up to 66 passengers.

Paul Rankin, Airport Director at Blackpool said: “We are delighted to announce these new flights to and from France and we are looking forward to welcoming people into our fantastic county during what promises to be a thrilling year.

“Of course, the new service also means we can offer another brilliant destination to the people of Lancashire and the Lake District, giving them even more choice direct from their local airport.”

Prices start from £95 and bookings can be taken either by visiting DAT’s website:  https://dat-charter.worldticket.net/  or visiting Airport Direct Travel at www. airportdirecttravel.co.uk/blackpool/

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From the iconic buildings of Paris and other cities to the country churches and chateaux, there is a huge and varied choice for visitors who find architecture interesting – or even for those who are just interested in learning more about the culture and history of this fascinating country.

Outside of Paris, the most famous buildings in the country are probably the opulent chateaux or castles in the picturesque Loire Valley region. The biggest and best are open to the public as museums while some of the smaller castles have been converted into hotels.

The most recognisable is undoubtedly the Chateau de Chenoceau, built on a series of arches over a river, while Clos Luce is home to a permanent exhibition of Da Vinci artefacts and the Chateau de Villandry is the ideal destination if you are more interested in gardens than bricks and mortar.

Paris is home to the best examples of French architecture, with beautiful buildings seemingly on every corner. Historic structures are obviously of more interest to tourists, such as the spectacular Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame and the Palace of the Louvre, now housing the famous art gallery. As well as the world-famous exhibits the Palace itself is an architectural wonder, featuring different styles from different centuries, including the 20^th, as additions were made over the years.

The Eiffel Tower is more of a structure than a building, but there is no doubt it is one of the most famous sights in all of Europe, let alone France. Standing almost 1,000 feet tall, visitors taking the lift journey to the very top can enjoy stunning views over the whole city and all its architectural jewels. It has now been visited by over 200 million people since first opening to the public and is a must-see for anyone on their first trip to the French capital.

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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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There are miles and miles of beaches in this part of France but there is plenty more on offer as well. For those who enjoy natural beauty and historical attractions the area is rich in these and you will enjoy exploring the history of the region.

Forests are plentiful in the region and there are numerous hilltop villages for exploring, from these villages you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. If you are visiting this part of France it would be well recommended that you visit a vineyard in the region because it is famous for its wine.

In the 1950s St Tropez became famous as a retreat for the rich. There are miles of beautiful beaches that are all open to the public and the service on these beaches for visitors is unmatched. There are luxurious sunbeds for lying on as well as a drinks service, of course all of this comes with a price that is, as you might expect, quite high.

In October every year yacht owners from many countries come to St Tropez to take part in the regatta that is held in the town. This is an excuse for the rich to show off their impressive vessels and if you are in St Tropez at this time of year you are going to see some incredibly opulent yachts.

Less luxurious than these, but still worth using, are the pleasure boats which transport tourists to smaller towns nearby. The network of canals that these boats sail down has been nicknamed the Venice of France because of its similarity to the famous canal city.

One of the biggest attractions of the French Riviera is certainly the sea and whether you are on the ocean or just on the beach you are sure to enjoy your time. Windsurfing is a popular activity on some peninsulas in the area and paragliding is something that can be enjoyed in many places. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed then you can rent a pedalo.

Bandol is a town nearby that is particularly known for its wine production and many tours run to the area where visitors can take part in tastings. The soils in this region are particular well suited to special types of grapes and there are 14 vineyards nearby which have been rated as producing some of the highest quality wine in the South of France.

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History lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the chateaux in Indre-et-Loire, but there is one example which stands out amongst all the others; the Chateau de Chenonceau. Inside you can find the usual collection of fine art and period furniture while the extensive gardens are perfect for exploring in the French sunshine.

What makes Chenonceau so different is that it is actually built over a river, supported by a series of arches. You can get some excellent photographs from the riverbank of the castle and its reflection or take a boat trip right up the foundations and even through the arches themselves.

Other impressive castles include the Chateau de Villandry, one of the most popular in the country and well known for its landscaped garden and fascinating history. Children will be entertained by the maze in the garden while Mum and Dad can appreciate the architectural beauty of the building itself.

The main city in the Indre-et-Loire region is Tours, a green city often referred to as “The Garden of France”. Many of the best parks and open spaces are free to visit, including the botanical gardens.

The French are very keen on the sport of cycling and the residents of Tours are no exception. If you are visiting Indre-et-Loire around October head to the town on the day of the celebrated Paris-Tours cycling race. Not only can you enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of cyclists travelling at high speed, but there are various musical and cultural events held at the same time.

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The places are normally converted from old farm buildings and because of this they have a wonderful architectural style that is very French. Today, most of these buildings have all of the facilities you would expect in a holiday villa and are in very appealing locations for anyone who is looking for a relaxing getaway. Most of these buildings are privately rented and there are many websites with information about one’s you can stay in.

The difference in prices between gite’s can vary enormously and if you are on a budget it is easy to find a simple gite with basic facilities. On the other hand if you have more money to spend you are going to be able to rent something that would be equivalent to a luxury villa.

Many of these more expensive locations have large swimming pools and high-tech facilities. If you are looking for a location with a bit more charm than your average holiday home then considering staying in a gite can be a great idea for your next holiday to France.

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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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For people who enjoy mountain biking and walking then one of the best of these places to head to would be Bresse, which is a place where history has made it into modern day life and many farmers practice the ancient techniques and crafts that are a major part of the economy.

They’re often played by local actors who are dressed in costume and act out scenes from the history of the area. These are not just static performances and people are encouraged to get involved with activities which often demonstrate how the area would operate in the past. This is the only part of France where Saracen style chimneys can be seen, so while you are here it is worth paying particular attention to these.

For those who enjoy taking gentle walks up to hilltop villages and exploring waterfalls and lakes then Bugey is the area to head to. There are a great many cycling and walking opportunities around the many lakes in the area, and it is especially worth heading to Lake Nantua, which is one of the most beautiful in the area.

If you are visiting in the winter then you will be able to see these lakes when they are frozen over and as well as providing a spectacular backdrop for some chilly hiking, it is also possible to ice skate on many of these lakes.

Dombes is an area that is dominated by water and this means it has become known as the land of one thousand mirrors, referring to the reflective nature of the water. Unlike the two regions we have mentioned above, this part of France is much flatter and is more suited to people who want a more leisurely hiking experience. It also makes it more accessible for people who enjoy horse riding and there are many centres where you can find a horse that will allow you to explore the area.

Finally, there is the Pay de Gex which is one of the most mountainous regions. It is located in the northern part of Ain and is a place that is known in the winter for its skiing, and in the summer for its hiking. The villages and towns up in the mountains are very beautiful but can be hard to reach in the colder months. For those who’ve tired from outdoor excursions the spa town of Divonne-les-Bains is a perfect stop.

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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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Whilst there may not be enough time to book your piste-fix for the big day itself, your festive feeling doesn’t have to end when December 25^th comes to a close, and you can still get to that snowy setting before this year is out. Scour through resorts to find special Christmas deals for cheap ski holidays – you never know when you might find free transfers or special deals for families (because where better to spend time with your loves ones than on the slopes?)

But where’s good to go? Choosing your perfect setting can be difficult with so many great ones to pick from, but for that traditional Christmas atmosphere you really can’t beat a resort such as the Ours Blanc in Alpe d’Huez, France.

Alpe d’Huez not only offers slopes that are suitable for all levels of skiers – so that none of the family will be left out of the fun – but the high mountains provide some breath taking scenery to ensure that your Christmas holiday is picture perfect! Alpe d’Huez also offers some of the best prices for ski holidays in the whole of France – so you don’t have to break the bank to have some fun on the slopes!

Although staying at home might be the most appealing way to spend the holiday for many people, there is something truly magical about a family ski holiday over the festive season, and who can deny that a beautiful snowy mountain beats that dreaded rain and dreary conditions?

If you’re wishing that you booked a ski holiday this festive season, don’t despair, there’s still plenty of deals to choose from to ensure that you get your white Christmas!

Article for Eclipse Ski

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