Destination France

The fusion of culture makes Calais an interesting place to visit

Alan — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:05:05 +0000

In the northern part of France can be found the town of Calais. This is one of the largest towns in this area of France and it is of a rather interesting design. In the centre part of the town there is an artificial island which is surrounded by canals. There are also many other interesting attractions in the town and it can be a delightful destination if you are coming to France for a short break.

The culture in this town is very interesting as it is a strange fusion of French culture as well as culture from the United Kingdom. Calais is one of the major destinations that people arrive in when visiting from the UK, as it has a connecting ferry port with the country.

The town does have some historical buildings, however not as many as it used to have because of German bombing campaigns during the Second World War. Unfortunately during this time the vast majority of the town was destroyed and so the area has very little remaining from before the 1950s.

For tourists there are many activities to take part in in the town including museums to visit and other cultural attractions. There are also some spectacular beaches here and good shopping opportunities. Once you have spent a day enjoying the town of Calais, there are plenty of activities to take part in after dark and there are lots of bars and restaurants.

The beaches are really one of the highlights of this town and there are tourist beaches here dating all the way back to the mid-19th century. Sunset in Calais is also quite a spectacular occurrence.

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The long and colourful history of Avignon

Alan — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:55:25 +0000

Avignon is a popular tourist destination in France and it has also been known as a strategic location throughout history. It is a town where two major rivers in the country reach a confluence, the Rhône as well as the Durance, although the latter of these has now been damned. For this reason the city was very important for trading communication in years gone by.

The area has been popular as far back as the Stone Age and there is an area of historical interest in the city relating to this time and it has now been converted into a beautiful park which can be enjoyed by the public. If you’re wanting to experience some of the French countryside while you are in Avignon then this would be the perfect place to do it. There is also a playground for children and a cafe to enjoy some refreshments.

One of the most popular tourist destinations to visit in the city as the Place du Palais. In the summer months, when the area is most popular with tourists, the cost of visiting this square is enormous. If you are travelling on a budget, you can visit one of the smaller squares nearby which are more popular with locals who don’t want to pay the exorbitant fees. One nearby is the Place Pie which is a popular place for people to come to buy fish and cheese, as well as France’s most famous product, wine.

If you are interested in theatre then you should consider visiting Avignon in July when the theatre festival takes place. This is not just popular with local people, and many tourists come from all over the world to see the festival.

Alternatively, if you are interested in shopping then you should visit the flea market which is held in the town every Sunday. As well as shopping, Avignon has plenty of culture for you to enjoy and of course the cafes and bars which are synonymous with France.

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There is a lot more to Reims that just Champagne

Alan — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:30:42 +0000

Champagne, the drink, has an undeniable charm, partly due to some imaginative marketing over the years. The city of Reims (or Rheims), is the heart of the champagne region in France and has its own charm, only part of which has anything to do with the fizzy, intoxicating beverage.

Reims is an city that rebuilt itself to a large extent after the destruction of World Wars I and II, so much of its original architecture has been replaced with the Art Deco of the 1920′s. The town centre is delightful for strolling around and soaking up the cheerful atmosphere, with of all sorts of shops, cafes and other entertainment.

However, much has been restored to its former grandeur, including the cathedral. Notre-Dame de Reims was completed in the 13th century, severely damaged during both world wars, and carefully reconstructed so that it remains a gloriously harmonious edifice and one of Europe’s most beautiful buildings from the Middle Ages. Reims Cathedral has been the traditional coronation site for the kings of France for hundreds of years.

You will probably want to visit one or more of the museums on offer; the Salle de Redition, inside the Musee de Redition, is the very spot where Germany’s final surrender at the end of World War II was signed. The table and chairs that were in place are still in place, and it is one of the memorable sites in history. The Musee des Beaux-Arts is a wonderful collection of the finest in French art.

The topper, so to speak, is still and always champagne. Whether you like to drink it or not, you can’t help but be fascinated by the process. Reims is home to some of the most famous names in champagne, and most houses offer a tour and usually a tasting. At Pommery, for example, you’ll descend 101 steps to the amazing 18 kilometres of cellars carved out of the old Roman chalk mines. The walls are covered in bas-relief artwork and more than 25 million bottles of bubbly are stored here.

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Lille is a dream destination for history lovers

Alan — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:26:21 +0000

Since its founding in the latter part of the 11th century, the city of Lille has seen a remarkable parade of rulers and for a history buff, Lille is a goldmine of past glories, defeats, invasion and resistance, destruction and reconstruction. Today it is the fourth largest city in France, a survivor of countless wars and one of the most scenic cities in the whole country.

Take the kids to the Open Air Museum; almost 25 acres that comprise a rural village of yesteryear, complete with thatched cottages, barns and craft shops where artisans practice the skills of their ancestors. For a powerful dose of culture, visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, an ornate masterpiece in itself, and home to an art collection that rivals the Louvre.

A stroll through the Old Town (La Vieille Ville) affords another glimpse of life as it used to be. The streets are narrow and cobbled, lined with old Flemish townhouses (many now home to upscale boutiques). Try to catch the lively Sunday market, and allow some time to sit and watch the rest of the world go by.

On the other end of the time line you’ll find the dazzling modern architecture of the Euralille Shopping Centre. This is a huge construction, just a few minutes walk from the Eurail station, with every sort of shop you can imagine plus loads of cafes and restaurants. The only drawback is the mall toilets are not free, so be prepared.

Lille has so many parks and gardens that you can’t go far without encountering green space and enticing walks, but the largest open space is the Bois Boulogne, Here you’ll find a zoo, a leisure park, a game area and designated walking, jogging and cycling tracks, even a little train if you tire of shanks mare.

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Eating out in Nice

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:25:41 +0000

On the south coast of France, Nice is a beautiful city on the coast, combining the best of historical attractions with a superb coastline. From the Old Town to the swanky restaurants along the shores, Nice has a fantastic range of local and international food on offer.

Local Delicacies

Bouillabaisse - Credit Cyclonebill

Nice has a fantastic choice of traditional dishes. Whilst in Nice you can try delicious pissaladiere. This dish can be described as half pizza, half quiche. With a thick pastry base, no tomato sauce, but topped with onions, anchovies, cheese and olives, it works well as a starter or main dish. Buy some from the local bakeries, who specialise in their own pissaladiere recipes, and enjoy it on a picnic in Nice’s parks or gardens. Another favourite Nice dish is bouillabaisse. This well-known dish is a tasty concoction of fish and seafood, flavoured with plenty of garlic, basil, saffron and hearty vegetables. Nice bouillabaisse is something really special, made with freshly caught fish from the Mediterranean Sea, it’s served with a separate side of deliciously cooked fish and slices of bread that have been soaked in the tasty broth.

Nice Restaurants

Small & Romantic - Nice has followed the latest restaurant craze that is making its way through France. On holidays to Nice, you’ll find an abundance of small, bistro like restaurants that cook meals well worth a Michelin Star. These chic restaurants are decorated in a stylish manner, with young chefs creating exciting and delicious dishes. On your trip in Nice, be sure to pop in at Bistrot d’Antoine, Diamant Noir or Millesime 82.

Great Value – To sample some of the best local food available without breaking the bank, try the Restaurant de Gesu. They have some fantastic pasta dishes on offer, and the portions are very generous, just make sure you leave room for the amazing selection of deserts. The Lou Pilha is a simple looking restaurant, but don’t be fooled, it serves some of the best Nicois inspired food in the area. With a buffet style service, the prices are extremely reasonable, but the food is truly excellent and includes moules frites, pizza, pasta and salads.

Vegetarian – For some great vegetarian food in Nice, check out La Zucca Magica. IT serves Italian inspired food with a menu that’s changed every day. The dishes are created with local produce and you’ll find ingredients such as traditional cheese, polenta, tofu and pumpkin.

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Paris 4 nights for the price of 3 with Kirker Holidays

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:27:46 +0000

Combine city sightseeing with cultural enrichment on a four-night break at the three-star Victor Hugo that includes tickets to ‘Degas and the Nude’ at the Musée d’Orsay (until 1 July), Eurostar, private hotel transfers, accommodation with breakfast, a 48-hour museum pass, guide notes, Metro tickets and a Seine river cruise.

Call AITO member Kirker Holidays on 020 7593 2283 (www.kirkerholidays.com).

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The stunning chateaux in the Loire Valley

Alan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:09:16 +0000

If you are considering going to France for a holiday, you might struggle to decide where to go because the country has so many great places to visit and things to see. Often one of the most popular accommodation options in France is staying in a villa. If you choose to stay in one of these at the Loire Valley then you are going to be treat to amazing scenery as well as plenty of fascinating visitor attractions.

This area of France is particularly well known for its castles and along the river there are numerous chateaux to visit. One of the most impressive in this whole region of France is the Chateau de Chambord, which must be one of the most famous castles in the world.

This building is going to be particularly loved by people who are a fan of architecture as it is a perfect example of French Renaissance architecture. The building was initially constructed as a hunting lodge and it was created for François I who was best known for his love of architecture and hunting.

Around the castle is a wall which stretches for over 30 kilometres and surrounds all of the grounds of the castle. In the centre of the building is a staircase which resembles a double helix and it joins three floors together. This is a really remarkable piece of architecture, especially considering how old the castle is.

Fortifications in this part of France are one of its major attractions and they were started to be constructed in the area over a millennium ago. All of these castles have impressive features and they often are complemented by wonderful gardens and their often special events taking place at them to entertain visitors. You should also put Chateau Royal de Blois near the top of your list of castles to visit

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The south east of France is the place to go for eco-friendly holidays

Alan — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:58:38 +0000

Some of the most famous attractions in France include the Louvre Museum in Paris, and of course the Eiffel Tower. If you have been to these major tourist destinations in Paris, then you should consider visiting the south-eastern France which is popular among tourists but for a different reason.

This part of France is known for attracting tourists who want to go on an environmentally friendly holiday. Here you will find a beautiful region with a rich history and many picturesque cities which you can explore.

Avignon is located in the south-east of France and this city was once famous for being the centre of Christianity. It is also home to the Papal Palace of the 14th century and there is also a 12th century bridge which is a beautiful sight. For those who are interested in culture and art you probably couldn’t find a better city in the south of France. One of the best times of year to visit can be during the summer festival which is a wonderful theatrical experience.

The town is known for its architectural elegance and there are many beautiful squares, avenues, fountains and historical buildings. Another city which is very beautiful is Grenoble, which is also famous for its high-tech industry and is one of the leading locations for microchip manufacturing. This city is also famous for being a sporting location and was the destination for the Winter Olympics in 1968.

Leon is the city in France which is best known for its culinary arts. It is a city with over 2000 years of history and because of its rich architectural heritage it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is also an exceptional university here and many other adventures that can be had throughout the town, there are especially good activities for sports enthusiasts here.

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Chatres is well worth the hours train ride from Paris

Alan — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:45:31 +0000

Chatres is only about an hour away from Paris if you hope on the train and the Cathedral will make it well worth your trip. It is one of the only three Gothic cathedrals that is left standing in the country of France and is built on the remains of a worship site used by the Druids. During your visit make sure to stop by the crypt and see the Cathedral. Of course, you will also want to time to your trip to make sure you visit the Chartres en Lumieres which is a light show between the historical buildings that happens between April and September of every year.On the other hand, another great one hour trip from Paris is to the eastern corner of France to the city of Strasbourg. The city is unique given the fact that its location was traded by France and Germany several times over the last few centuries until it finally officially became a French region during WWI. For this reason the historical city has a great mixture of culture within the city, enough that it was designated as a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1998.Finally, one more great stop if you have an hour to getaway while in Paris is the city of Dijon which is known for its mustard tile roofs. The city is also famous for its enormous weekly outdoor covered market. You can also see some great churches from all architectural periods while in the city of Dijon including the Romanesque St. Bngigne, the Renaissance styled St. Michel, and the Gothic Notre Dame. Travel just a little bit farther outwards from Dijon and you will land in Beaune which is known for its great vineyards and plenty of great wines to taste.

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A French gite makes the perfect holiday accommodation

Alan — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:22:19 +0000

If you have ever looked for self catering accommodation in France you will probably have come across the word ‘gite’. This is the traditional name given to a rented holiday home in rural France, and was the original name for basic shelters such as a bothy, where shepherds or labourers sheltered from the rain. It has evolved over the years and is now the recognised term for a self contained, French holiday accommodation.

The owners of gites usually live quite close by, and as they are often created from the likes of converted farm buildings, giving them the kind of charm and character that is quintessentially French. Staying in a gite in France was once considered to be the rough and ready back to basics option, but this is certainly no longer the case.

Even the simplest of rural cottages that is classed as a gite will have decent bathroom and kitchen facilities, and more often than not a lot more besides. Many are rented out privately by their owners, and you will find them listed on various websites, as well as being available through Tourist Information Offices.

The prices of gites vary greatly as the category covers everything from a simple holiday apartment to a luxury house. Also now included are chic villas and cottages that have their own private pools, high tech facilities and sumptuous furnishings.

Whether it is applied to a modern, ancient, urban or rural property, the term gite implies a certain air of Gallic charm, As with all self catering accommodations, the details of what is included in the price varies greatly, and you should always make sure that you find out in advance whether the likes of towels and linen in provided, and what facilities you can expect to find on your arrival.

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