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Jul
19
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Spend a Romantic Vacation in Bretagne

Brittany, or Bretagne, in French, is a region in France situated in the north-west of the country. It occupies a large area and stretches between the English Channel to the north and the Bay of Biscay to the south.

Throughout the centuries Bretagne has witnessed many turbulent periods, but it has always been a thriving land even since Neolithic and Celtic times.

The region inspires with its magical atmosphere, and is known for its tales, legends, traditional dances and songs.

Bretagne offers various attractions such as the megalithic monuments; the calvary sculptures (with crucifixion scenes), beautiful manors and chateaux, splendid churches and cathedrals as well as various fortified towns. Among the main urban centres in Bretagne are Nantes, Rennes, Saint-Malo, Brest, Lorient, Saint-Nazare, Quimper, Vannes, Saint-Brieuc and Redon.

Bretagne coast is astonishing and is particularly known for its colour. Because of its pink rocks, the mark of the Côte de Granit Rose (pink granite coast), Bretagne’s coastline is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

A vacation in France should always include a visit to Bretagne. Various accommodations are available across the region, including hotels, campsites, apartments, villas and farmhouses for rent.

The romantic ambience of Bretagne is ideal for honeymoons or romantic vacations with your loved one.

A fantastic experience is to explore the coastline with its charming creeks in a sea kayak, and especially if you do that at sunset, it’s truly unforgettable.

You can also choose to explore Saint Michel in a horse-drawn carriage, and marvel at one of the most stunning bays in the world.

Another incredible place to visit with your loved one is the megalithic site of the ‘Roche aux Fees’ (Fairies’ Rock). This area is home to the numerous Breton legends that still flourish even at present. One of these legends can help you find out if your relationship will have a happy ending or not. To know the answer each partner has to count the number of stones in the covered walkway; if both count the same number, they will surely be happy together.

Huelgoat, next to a lake, in the very centre of the Monts d’Arrée is also a romantic destination which shouldn’t be missed out. Have a walk in the nearby forest and follow the “Sentier des Amoureaux” (Lovers’ Lane). Here is the home of the Breton leprechaun, the “Grotte du Diable” (Diable’s cave) as well as the “Roche Tremblante” (Trembling rock).

 

May
25
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Explore the Southern Coast of France

An incredibly famous vacation destination the French region of Provence brings together historical sites, warm climate, stunning landscapes and some of the finest restaurants in the country.

From the picturesque beaches and famous towns of the Riviera such as Marseille and Toulon, the French southern coast offers something to all kind of tourists.
Some of the most popular culinary regional specialites include anchoiade (anchovy oil and garlic paste), daube (braised meat poultry fish or game), marcassin (young wild boar), as well as panade (fruit tart). Moreover, Provence is a leading truffle territory. Throughout the season (autumn till December) if you visit a truffle fair, you will find the prices high but the flavor and magic spell associated with this delicacy are absolutely worth the price. Anytime of the year you can experience a range of markets such as the Marche des Antiquaires at L’Isle sur la Sorgue (on Sundays only).

Marseille is the major town in Provence and is truly the capital of Southern France. Whenever you decide to talk to the natives, never speak about Paris and especially that you like it. If a single city could be regarded as a miniature illustration of entire France, it would undoubtedly be Marseille. The awesome wine, the tasty food, the overall atmosphere of this wonderful southern French city is not like anything else you will find wherever else you go around the world. The best of all is that your travel agent or you can rent a Marseille holiday home straight into the very center of this historical port town. The city has many ways to enchant you and display its uniqueness.
The Vieux Port is the ideal spot to start your tour around the magnificent old port area. There you can observe the well-known Notre Dame de la Garde, or usually called Bonne Mere by the local residents who are convinced it guards the seamen during their risky voyages. The Canebiere is Marseille’s most popular street while the Quartier du Panier is the richest in heritage and history area of the city. Another must visit spot is the 5th century Abbaye de Saint Victor which is very well preserved taking into account that it’s nearly 1600 years old. Be sure that no vacation in Marseille will be complete without a visit to city’s museums, with Musee des Beaux Arts, Musee Grobet-Labadie, Musee d’Histoire Naturelle, Musee de la Mode and Musee Cantini, being among the most popular.

The city is a culinary wonderland which blends the traditional and delicious tastes of land and sea. Near La Vieille Charite, in the Panier district, Le Panier des Arts restaurant boasts an incredible menu of local special treats.On the other bank of the river, the legendary Les Arcenaulx and La Cote de Boeuf are 2 restaurants where traditional Marseille cuisine isn’t just served, but glorified. The city’s gastronomic institution or the world-famous Patalain is positioned on the close by Rue Sainte.
The seaside road offers excellent restaurants such as the Chez Aldo, Chateaux de Marseille, Le Petit Nice and the Chez Michel – on the beach of Plage des Catalans. Perhaps the best and freshest sea food in the entire country is available at L’Epuisette and Chez Fonfon, or if perhaps you would like to opt for pizzas and mixed grills you can have them at Chez Jeannot or Chez Etienne.
Then finally, towards the end of the day, the avenue Pierre Mendes-France, route de Cassis, rue Senac, Les Goudes and quai de Rive Neuve are the locations to choose for dancing and drinking the night away. Enjoy the party in Marseille!

Toulon is another very important seaport in southern France on the Mediterranean coast. It is the capital of Var departement, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region. As France’s primary naval base it has an arsenal with drydocks and shipbuilding yards which are of prime importantance for the Mediterranean region. Toulon’s bay spreads eastwards. The best sheltered part, the Petite Rade and the Darse Vieille are mostly controlled by the French Navy. The Grande Rade, on the east, is less difficult to access. The Faron Mountains can be seen in the background of the town.

Ships, ships and again ships, Toulon is the country’s fascinating naval hub. You will also find there many sailboats and yachts in its busy harbour. The city is of course also known for its great number of maritime museums, as well as ancient fortresses and prominent sailors. And in true French style you will find in addition loads of trendy shopping and dining venues. But what really makes this marine port so exclusive is its closeness to the glamorous Saint-Tropez and the FCote d’Azur.

May
24
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The Extravagance of the French Riviera

The sunrays, sea and sand on the extravagant French Riviera is an extremely appealing choice for a romantic retreat. Despite the fact that it tends to be quite crowded in the summer season, you will still find an abundance of peaceful and quiet places for you and your loved one.

The French Riviera is needless to say regarded for its beaches, and although visitors generally go to the popular beaches close to Nice and Cannes, you will find also locations to unwind in the sun which offer more romantic and laid back feel….the Cap Ferrat Peninsula is just one excellent example.

If you take pleasure in historical past and architectural mastery, you may well want to visit the hilltop small villages further away from the coast. Among the most well-known there is Eze, but certainly, there are some others which unfortunately are less popular, for instance Mougins, Luceram and Entrevaux.

There are many fantastic accommodation options too, which are an excellent choice for a romantic holiday. With an array of rental homes in the French Riviera, planning a holiday is an easy task.

These are only several romantic places to see in France….

Nice is among of the most architectural and outstanding cities in France, with a good amount of incredible locations to discover and admire. Exceptional seaside panorama, old-fashioned churches and cathedrals, friendly folks, as well as relaxing and enchanting atmosphere, that is Nice. It is a perfect place to delight in a vacation; plan an exceptional excursion to the French Riviera, determine which sights are worth visiting and take a look at the following top five best selections.

• Cours Saley or the Flower Market

It is among the best locations in Nice because it is contemporary, filled with peaceful coffee shops, taverns and gist shops where visitors are encouraged to taste the true French flavor. The market place is packed with flowers particularly in the summer months and operates from Tuesday to Saturday. On Mondays only, the place is becomes an antique market, dignigying the traditional and old-fashioned but highly appreciated French style.

• Fort du Mont Alban

With a remarkable panorama of the entire city, Fort du Mont Alban is a sixteenth century military fort constructed 220m above the sea. The citadel is very mystical and appealing mainly because it has played an essential part in the French history and culture. From inside the fortress tourists have a perfect view towards the Lower Alps region, the airport, along with the entire coastline of the Nice. In general, it is undoubtedly a location well worth a visit due to the fact it is the symbol of Nice.

St Tropez is one of themost widely known towns on the entire French Riviera, and is located between Marseilles and Cannes. Made popular in the beginning by Brigitte Bardot, St Tropez is still a much-loved destination among the rich and famous, known for its beaches, superstars and ‘beautiful people’. So if you are planning a visit to the French Riviera this summer, here are the best sites to visit in and around St Tropez (besides star gazing, of course).

The center of attention in St Tropez is – not surprisingly – those renowned French Riviera beaches. Just a few kilometres southeast of town you will find sandy beaches like Plage de Tahiti and Plage de Pampelonne. There are also many beaches in the area that are ‘bikini optional’, like La Mouette.

Cannes is among the most stunning and charming cities along the French Riviera. It is recognized for its lovely sightseeing attractions but undoubtedly what brings the word ‘Cannes’ into the mind of all of us is the well-known ‘Cannes Film Festival’ organised here on a yearly basis. Cannes is additionally famous for its deluxe stores, elegant restaurants and exclusive hotels.

Places of interest in Cannes:

Palais des Festivals et des Congres – That’s the site where the Cannes Film Festival is held annually.

Musee de la Castre – built in the 50′, it is now an interesting museum with delicate artwork on display.

La Croissette – A beautiful walkway which absolutely increases the glamour Cannes already possesses. Here, there are actually many billboards sponsoring the Film Festival in Cannes.

lIe St Marguerite (St Marguerite Island) – It’s a lovely island, which can be reached in fifteen minutes by boat from Cannes.

Musee de la Mer – An unusual museum which reveals prison arrangement and underwater archaeology collections. The museum is dedicated to the ‘Man in the Iron Mask’.

There are other popular museums in the city. Some of them are Fragonard Museum , Malmaison Museum, Musee de la Marine; Musee de la Photographie.

 

 

 

Apr
17

French Ski Resorts have proved to be the most popular in Europe

Author HolidayRentalWeb.com    Category France     Tags , , , ,

Ski Horizon announces the 10 most popular European ski resorts of the last Ski season.
French ski resorts have proved to be the most popular in Europe, new sales data released by Ski Horizon on the 2010-2011 winter ski season reveals. The French and the Brits continue to have different tastes for their ski holidays – French skiers and snowboarders are far more likely to ski in their own country, whereas British holidaymakers divide their loyalties between France, Switzerland and Austria.
Top ski resorts: French bookers

Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Avoriaz, Les Arcs 1800, Les Menuires, Les Coches, Saint Sorlin d’Arves, Risoul, Tignes Val Claret, Plagne Bellecote
Top ski resorts: UK bookers

Morzine, Les Arcs, Saas Fee, Serre Chevalier, Avoriaz, La Plagne, St Anton, Megeve, Puy St Vincent, Alpe D’Huez

Overall this illustrates that France is the most popular skiing destination among Ski Horizon’s customers. But Italy is steadily growing in popularity and Ski Horizon forecast that one of its resorts will break into the top 10 in the next few years.
We wish to rent your holiday property in France, Switzerland or Austria. Register on our holiday rental website and rent your ski holiday home with us.

Apr
11

Paris Train Station Map

Author HolidayRentalWeb.com    Category France     Tags , ,

On the periphery of the Paris city core there are six terminus rail stations, as you can see on the map. Each of them has specific destinations around France. Below the map you’ll find information on car rental locations, the station at Disneyland Resort Paris, and links to further information on the rail systems that terminate in Paris.

If you’re entering Paris by rail from London, you’ve probably taken the Eurostar to the Gare du Nord, Paris’ busiest station on Rue de Dunkerque. Busses and the RER station are on the east side of the station (turn left when you exit), and taxis are on the west side of the station.

You can easily (depending upon your luggage and health) walk to Gare de l’Est from the north station (turn left on Rue de Dunkerque and you’ll see it). It’s about a 10 minute walk.

For a street map and recommended hotels, see Paris Gare du Nord Map.

Gare de l’Est provides national service to Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine and Alsace, and International service to Luxembourg, Germany and Central Europe.

Metro lines 4 and 5 provide service to the Gare du Nord. Line 7 is also available at the Gare de l’Est.

The LGV Est line, extending the TGV network, provides connections to Eastern France and Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland from Gare de l’Est.

Gare de Lyon, named after the city of Lyon, provides intercity service to the south and east of France, and TGV service to the French regions of Bourgogne, Rhone-Alpes (Lyon), Franche-Comte, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, Languedoc-Roussillon, as well as International TGV service to Switzerland and Italy.

RER Line A and Line D and Metro Lines 1 and 4 stop at Gare de Lyon.

You can get the Air France Coach to Charles de Gaulle airport from Gare de Lyon. To Roissy airport you can take the Air France Bus from Gare de Lyon. Departures are every thirty minutes.

Trains from the Gare d’Austerlitz depart for central France, Nice and Spain.

Bus Access to Gare d’Austerlitz

Line 57 – Gare Lyon – LaplaceLine 91 – Montparnasse 2 -Gare TGV – BastilleLine 63 – Gare Lyon – Porte la Muette

Subway: Lines 5 and 10

RER Line C

Gare Montparnasse serves western and south-western France with regular and TGV services.

Busses access to Gare Montparnasse

Air France Line 4 to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)Air France Line 1 to Orly AirportLine 28 Gare Saint Lazare – Porte d’OrleansLigne 91 – Montparnasse 2 – Gare TGV – Bastille

Subway Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13

Saint Lazare rail station provides rail services to Paris’ western suburbs as well as to northwestern France. It is Paris’ second busiest rail station after the Gare du Nord. The Gare Saint Lazare has been featured in a number of art works and in movies, and has recently been under restoration.

Metro Lines from Saint Lazare: lines 3, 12, 13 and 14

RER Line E

Disneyland Resort Paris is located outside Paris, 32 km to the east in a newly built town called Marne-la-Vallee. There is a TGV and RER station right inside Disneyland Resort.

Eurostar offers a dedicated daily direct service between London Waterloo or Ashford and Marne-la-Vallee.

From Paris Gare du Nord Train station take the RER A line to the park entrance. Eurostar and RER A4 trains go to the “Marne-La-Vallee/Chessy” station.

By: holidayrentalweb.com

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