Houses for Sale in France

France is Still Number One for UK Overseas Investment Buyers
sfgate.com - According to foreign exchange expert Caxton FX in a report commissioned by the Independent on Sunday newspaper, France is still first in the top ten buying destinations for UK overseas property inv...
Over 10,000 houses for sale in France.

Stay in France for free, through a workstay!
passportandatoothbrush.com - Categories: Destinations, Trip planning (This is not a sponsored post and we are in no way affiliated with Workaway. We’re simply sharing information on a cool travel workstay program!) We’re prett...

The Three Valleys in France: Photo Essay
fourjandals.com - The Three Valleys are located in the Savoie region of France high in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Since it is so beautiful we wanted to share with you a handful of some of our...

France still working on deal to secure the return of Formula 1 to the country - F1 news
autosport.com - By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 30th 2012, 16:17 GMT France is closing in on a deal to hold a Formula 1 race again, the country's prime minister said on Friday, but work still needs to be done befo...

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Houses for Sale in France

France is Still Number One for UK Overseas Investment Buyers
sfgate.com - According to foreign exchange expert Caxton FX in a report commissioned by the Independent on Sunday newspaper, France is still first in the top ten buying destinations for UK overseas property inv...
Over 10,000 houses for sale in France.


Stay in France for free, through a workstay!
passportandatoothbrush.com - Categories: Destinations, Trip planning (This is not a sponsored post and we are in no way affiliated with Workaway. We're simply sharing information on a cool travel workstay program!) We're prett...


The Three Valleys in France: Photo Essay
fourjandals.com - The Three Valleys are located in the Savoie region of France high in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Since it is so beautiful we wanted to share with you a handful of some of our...


France still working on deal to secure the return of Formula 1 to the country - F1 news
autosport.com - By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 30th 2012, 16:17 GMT France is closing in on a deal to hold a Formula 1 race again, the country's prime minister said on Friday, but work still needs to be done befo...

Pomp & Ceremony across France - video

Tour the country accompanied by the French National Anthem - you can turn down the sound! Some stunning photos - so sit back and enjoy!

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Burgundy Living & Video

The Burgundy name comes from the Burgundians, an ancient Germanic people who settled in the area during the early Middle Ages. The region of Burgundy is both larger than the old Duchy of Burgundy and smaller than the area ruled by the Dukes of Burgundy, from the modern Netherlands to the border of Auvergne. It is made up of the following departments:

• Cote d'Or
• Nievre
• Saone-et-Loire
• Yonne
  

The Superliving Blog from Australia has an interesting article about Burgundy; extract here:

To visit Burgundy is to discover rolling green hills and fields of sunflowers or lavender. Medieval towns often feature original ramparts, cobbled pathways and wooden-framed houses, windows framed by scarlet geraniums. The lovely town of Dijon stands at the centre of the region, with principal wine growing areas including Chablis in the north, Cotes de Nuits and Cote de Beaune.

The Cote d ‘Or area is home to the oldest and most exclusive labels. The internationally renowned reds generally classified as “burgundies” are of the pinot noir variety, with whites usually produced from the chardonnay grape. Chablis, Beaujolais and some sparkling wines can also be discovered among the myriad of vineyards and wineries that dot the verdant landscape.

The villages of Vosne Romanée, Gevrey Chambertin and Chambolles Musigny are renowned for their red wines and white connoisseurs will savour the local drops of Meursault and Puligny Montrachet. Immerse yourself in the flavours and aromas with visits to cellar doors, tastings and talks by local winemakers.

Burgundy is home to a bevy of tantalising treats. Wander through villages or local produce markets and you’ll find stalls laden with the handiwork of artisan cheese makers, with tangy mustards, olives and pates, smoky jambon, sweet cassis and mouth-watering berries.

Full article: The ultimate Burgundy experience

Go on a video tour of Burgundy:

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Great Price Reduction in Languedoc-Roussillon, France - French Property of the Week(( French Property of the Week,Languedoc-Roussillon))

Town: Puivert
Department: Aude
Region: Languedoc - Roussillon
Price: € 169,600

An attractive family property in a quiet hamlet but close to popular village.

The price has just dropped from 205,000 euros to 169,600 euros.

More Photos and Details: Puivert Property

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2 Vineyards in France Listed under Best vineyards in the world

Well here are 2 vineyards to visit in France!

La Verriera, France

This little province in France has been producing fine wine for everyone. Dating back to medieval times the vineyard is surrounded by woodlands and expansive green cover. La Verriera is a picturesque French village that will steal your heart, however your stay here will be incomplete if you haven’t tasted the many wine produced here. La Verriere’s handpicked vintage collection of wines is every wine expert’s fantasy.

http://www.laverriere.com/main.html

Chateau Bagnols, France

Yet another French vineyard to feature on the best vineyard resort list, however there is no denying that the French make the best wines. The Chateau Bagnols is a luxury hotel that offers you a complete royal treatment and is widely regarded as the best vineyard resort in the world. The Chateau is beautifully decorated and showcases the effort that Lady Hamlyn put in to restore it to its actual beauty, on discovering the Chateau in 1987. The Chateau has long towers and stones that are honey colored, the highlight however is the entrance to the hotel that is dramatically styled and is through a drawbridge. The wine offered in this luxury hotel is rated par excellence and when sipped on the sun facing terrace the experience is heavenly.

http://www.chateaudebagnols.co.uk/

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Organic wine growing gains ground in France and Other News

Organic wine growing gains ground in France

france24.com - AFP - Organic wine growing is gaining ground in France where a Bordeaux Sauternes "grand cru", the highest classification level, has just been awarded the official biological farming (AB) logo.


Atout France Highlights Upcoming Museum Developments

travelpulse.com - Atout France is highlighting developments in French museums in 2012. The Louvre will open a new regional branch in the northern city of Lens this December. The branch is currently being constructed...

Cardaillac in The Lot (46) May lose its Label "The Most Beautiful Villages in France"

this-is-france.com - by Community Manager on January 8, 2012 At the beginning of August Cardaillac in the Lot (46) departement in France was audited by the committee for the most beautiful villages in France (Les Plus ...

Parisian Castles – Chateau Versailles

cobblestay.com - A holiday in Paris would not be complete without an excursion to the Chateau de Versailles, located in the Ile-de-France region approximately 20 kilometers southwest of central Paris. Versailles be...

News from myFrance Info
http://paper.li/myFranceInfo/1307620078

Camargue Video

The Camargue is a huge flat area situated in the Rhone delta between the two branches that the river makes on it's way to the Mediterranean.

The Camargue is the area located south of Arles, France, between the Mediterranean Sea and the two arms of the Rhône River delta. The eastern arm is called the Grand Rhône; the western one is the Petit Rhône. Administratively it lies within the département of Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur.

Richard Goodwin describes his barging travels through the Camargue

The first one is the reed gathering trade. I saw how they cut reeds by
hand and later I get to ride on and enormous machine specially
constructed for the purpose. It has hugely wide tyres so that it can
glide over the marshy areas where the reeds grow.  Reeds are used in
very many different ways that I found very interesting.

I then go out fishing with a professional fisherman who fishes in the
shallow lakes of the Camargue. It was a very fascinating day, watching
him manage his nets and land his eels, carp etc. He is a very good
communicator and explains a good deal about the habits of eels who
change from salt water to fresh water and back again on their way to the
Sargasso Sea to breed.

Enjoy the Camargue Video:

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More Flights at Nice Airport

AIR France and easyJet have opened new operational bases at Nice Airport - and confirmed expansion plans there giving flights to 11 new destinations.

EasyJet has three new international destinations - Barcelona, Naples and Venice - and four in France, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes and Toulouse. Air France has four new lines, to Athens, Naples, Tel-Aviv and Venice.

Full Story:
http://www.connexionfrance.com/Air-France-easyJet-Nice-Airport-routes-Airbus-view-article.html

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More Flights at Nice Airport

AIR France and easyJet have opened new operational bases at Nice Airport - and confirmed expansion plans there giving flights to 11 new destinations.

EasyJet has three new international destinations - Barcelona, Naples and Venice - and four in France, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes and Toulouse. Air France has four new lines, to Athens, Naples, Tel-Aviv and Venice.

Full Story:
http://www.connexionfrance.com/Air-France-easyJet-Nice-Airport-routes-Airbus-view-article.html

France News Update - 22/3/12

French intelligence services today revealed they had been tracking the man suspected of carrying out the shootings "for years".

from France news, all the latest and breaking French news by James Orr

British supermodel Kate Moss strikes a renaissance pose at the Ritz Paris and gets nostalgic about her relationship with Johnny Depp.
from France news, all the latest and breaking French news by Belinda White

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has lashed out at Paris Match for publishing photos of the French First Lady with her baby girl Giulia on front page without her or husband Nicolas' consent.function

from France news, all the latest and breaking French news by Henry Samuel

Gérard Depardieu's withering attack on 'smug' countrymen like DSK
France's best-known actor abroad Gérard Depardieu has delivered a withering attack on his fellow countrymen, describing the French as "arrogant" and "smug" like Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
from France news, all the latest and breaking French news by Henry Samuel

A third of people sleep badly
Share this story A STUDY published today for National Sleep Day shows people in France are not sleeping well. A third of people polled in a major survey by the Institut de Veille Sanitaire said th...
from The Connexion News Feeds: News

Brittany Stink!

Over 2 years ago we reported on the Green Algae issue in Brittany: Poo Poo in Brittany

Today Connexion report on the latest development - extract here: The European Commission is taking France to the EU Court of Justice for not doing enough to fight against green algae water pollution.

Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik revealed the move saying France had failed since 1991 to take measures to guarantee that water pollution by nitrates is addressed effectively.

Green algae has invaded beaches in Brittany and Normandy; linked to pollution from pig-farming in one and stable wastes in the other.

When the algae rots it gives off noxious gas hydrogen sulphide – which led to the death of a horse being ridden on the beach in Saint-Michel-en-Grève in 2009. The horse owner fell unconscious after breathing fumes.

Last summer nearly three dozen wild boar were found dead on Brittany beaches.

References:
Green Algae: EU Court Called In
Nice! Brittany Property

Enjoy lovely views here!

From Finistere to Ille-et-Vilaine, from rocky coasts and sandy beaches to rivers and lakes inland - sample a flavour of Brittany in Western France.

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Forgotten Auvergne

Auvergne in Central France is much overlooked. But this rural region is well worth a visit with its splendid landscapes.

The Auvergne region comprises the 4 departments of Allier, Puy de Dome, Cantal and Haute Loire.

The region contains many volcanoes, although the last confirmed eruption was around 6,000 years ago. They began forming some 70,000 years ago, and most have eroded away leaving plugs of unerupted hardened magma that form rounded hilltops known as puys.

In the region surrounding Clermont-Ferrand, the highest mountain is 1,885m (6,180 ft). From north to south, with a small ascent around the Plateau de Millevaches (978m/3,200 ft) the terrain becomes flatter and rockier. The Auvergne is 25 per cent woodland, 45 per cent grassland, 20 per cent arable land and 10 per cent other uses (including urban areas).

Sparsely populated, the Auvergne boasts a fine natural and cultural heritage, including beautiful valleys, large expanses of coniferous forests, and spectacular hillscapes. It is a region much appreciated by ramblers and nature lovers, as well as by people in search of a holiday far from the madding crowd.

References:
Auvergne Tourism
Auvergne Property

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Brittany Longere for Sale

Pretty renovated longere nearby the coast
Location: Near Morlaix Finistere, Brittany In a peaceful and lovely environment this pretty renovated longere comes with 1600m2 garden and spacious living accommod ... Click: Near Morlaix property details	Price: € 225,700 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Land: 1600(m²) Ref: FFP1334

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Brittany Longere for Sale

Pretty renovated longere nearby the coast
Location: Near Morlaix Finistere, Brittany In a peaceful and lovely environment this pretty renovated longere comes with 1600m2 garden and spacious living accommod ... Click: Near Morlaix property details	Price: € 225,700 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Land: 1600(m²) Ref: FFP1334

Bargain Property in France

France: Less Than 20,000 Euros

Big farmhouse to renovate, with original features

Location: Fayl Billot Area Haute-Marne, Champagne - Ardenne Farmhouse from the second part of 19th Century. Massive stone building in good condition. Timber, frame and roof also in ... Click: Fayl Billot Area property details

Best Theme Park in the World in France: Video

Congrats Puy du Fou, and receives the award in the USA. Connexion has the full story. Extract here:

FRENCH theme park Puy du Fou has been voted the best in the world - the first time a French park has won the industry's "Oscar".

The Vendée park, between La-Roche-sur-Yon and Angers, was chosen ahead of 700 parks and shows in 40 countries to receive the Thea Award at a ceremony in Los Angeles.

Following in the footsteps of The Artist which was the first French film to win the best film Oscar, Puy du Fou won for its creativity and quality of the park and its shows - plus the daring performances of the actors.

The Themed Entertainment Association jury said that it was a unique destination in the world with its spectacular themed shows.

Full Details: Puy du Fou is best in the world

Enjoy the video about Puy du Fou theme park.

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What's New in France This Year - Video

Atout France's 2012 press video - running time 24 minutes:

Showcasing what's new in travel to France in 2012. This year, we feature Louvre Lens, Air France, Rail Europe and the regions of Midi-Pyrenees, Provence and the Rhone-Alps.

Enjoy the Tourism video about France for 2012:

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Dinan Special!

Dinan is a very popular town in Brittany, North West France. The medieval town on the hilltop has many fine old buildings some as early as 13th century. The town retains a large section of the city walls, part of which can be walked around.

Check out these major historical attractions include the Jacobins Theatre dating from 1224, the flamboyant Gothic St Malo's Church, the Romanesque St Saviour's Basilica, Duchess Anne's Tower and the Château de Dinan.



Fancy this location? Take a look at this fantastic value property near Dinan which could be adapted to use as Gites with income potential!

Town: Trefumel
Department: Cotes-d'Armor
Region: Brittany
Price: € 312,500

Charming house situated in a lovely village 20 minutes from Dinan. 45 Minutes from St Malo.
Various outbuildings and a huge possibility to expand the property if needed.
Very private garden !!

More Photos: Trefumel Property
More Dinan Properties

How to Save Money on Paris Trips and Video

Enjoy a cheaper trip around Paris with these tips from the Huffington Post. Extract here ...

Budget-minded travelers heading to Paris have reason to take heart. Although Paris is the world's most visited city and its very name is synonymous with luxury, it's not necessarily expensive to visit.

From efficient public transportation to cheap eats and affordable hotels, there are plenty of simple ways to trim big bucks from your Paris travel budget. Here are 10 sure ways to save money when visiting the City of Lights.

1) Take public transportation to and from the airport.
2) Paris is "out" when fashion week is "in."
3) Don't buy single Metro tickets.
4) Consider the Paris Museum Pass.
5) Choose a central, affordable hotel.
6) Skip breakfast at the hotel.
7) Drink your coffee at the bar.
8) Never pay for Wi-Fi.
9) Take advantage of lunch deals.
10) Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance.

For full details of these tips: 10 Simple Ways To Save Money In Paris

Take a Video Tour of France

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The Rain in Spain has not not been Falling in France

With the UK already announcing hosepipe bans from April, what is the picture in France? ThisFrenchLife has a report ...

THAT was the long, dry winter that was, with France seeing rainfall around 20% less than normal.

Regionally certain areas, such as the south west, have seen rainfall at its lowest in close on 50 years.

And the exceptionally cold February, with an anticyclone installed over France, saw rainfall at only a quarter of the expected levels for the month.

The Météo France report covers the period September 2011 to the end of February 2012 (click thumbnail above to enlarge), and highlights the delicate balance that will have to be found for water use.

Full Report: Winter rainfall levels in France plummet

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Reds of the Loire Valley

What type of wine do you associate with the Loire Valley? Whites? Me too. Well red wines from The Loire Valley are making an impact now.

NY Times reports: The wines I’m talking about come from the village of Bourgueil, in the Loire Valley of France. But no, they are nothing like the cheap carafe wines that used to give Bourgueil and other Loire reds a bad name.

Now, a handful of producers in Bourgueil and its next-door neighbor, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, are making wines that belong on any short list of great reds, at least when value is taken into account. Plenty of delicious bottles are available for €10 or so, and few of these wines cost more than €20.

Quality has been driven forward by young vignerons who have opened up to the outside world of wine, learning from their peers in more famous regions while continuing to make wines that are true to their place of origin.

“There is a handful of us who are trying to go as far as possible to show that this can be a noble terroir, to let the terroir express itself,” said Frédéric Mabileau, one of the new stars of Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil.

Traveling in wine country, one often hears that ambition expressed. But the rise of Bourgueil and other nearby appellations is timely, because it coincides neatly with a change in consumer tastes.

The big, blustery reds that dominated wine lists a few years ago, winning high scores from critics and favor from consumers, are falling out of fashion. Now the search is on for lighter, more drinkable, less tiring wines, with modest levels of alcohol. The terroirs of the Loire are well-positioned to provide them.

Read More about these wines: Loire Valley Reds Come Into Their Own

As the NY Times observes it is another red that begins with "B" - along side Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, and Bierzo!

References:
Loire Valley Tourism
Loire Valley Properties

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There's More to Saint Tropez

What comes to mind when thinking about Saint Tropez? On Viator Things to Do site they reveal a hidden gem ....

There are more reasons to go to Saint Tropez than to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Once upon a town this was just a tiny fishing village, and it was to this small town with a superb climate and beautiful beaches and landscapes that some of the best artists in France came to work. A lot of the work they did back then is now collected in a lovely little gallery Musee de l’Annociade (Annunciation Museum). The name comes from the building that houses the gallery, an ex-chapel dating from 1510.

In the early 20th century the chapel was deconsecrated and became a museum with the current museum opening in 1955 with 66 pieces in the collection. There are paintings by Matisse, Signac, Dufy, Vuillard, Braque, many of them depicting St Tropez and the surrounding areas. Many of the innovative styles of art with were born in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are shown: Pointillism, Fauvism, Cubism, Impressionism, Expressionism.

Read More: Saint Tropez’s Most Interesting Museum
Read about other beaches on the Cote d'Azur

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Explore Nimes and Surrounding Area - Video

Extract from Places in France

In this beautiful region of the Languedoc-Roussillon the department of the Gard (30 ) is regarded as the most desired department in the region and Nimes as the most desirable city including its local foods; Nimes is famous for a soup called le pistou , rich with garlic, pasta, basil, olive oil and vegetables, also a cod soufflé called brandade de morue which is pounded cod mixed with olive oil, hot milk, garlic and served with croutons lemon juice and nutmeg. Just 2 of the famous recipes and of course a glass of pastis much loved in Nimes.

After a meal exploring Nimes reveals delights almost at every turn, the product of centuries of civilized living. Nimes was originally inhabited by a celtic tribe and they worshipped a deity called Nemausus , hence Nimes.

Nearby is a former fishing village of le Grau-du-Roi. It is the seaside resort for the people of Nimes, and still retains some of its old charms - with fishing boats, a lighthouse and stretches of safe sandy beaches.

Back to Nimes and 25 km to the east is one of the best preserved, most picturesque, and most famous aqueduct in the roman world. the Pont du Gard. It was built by the Romans to bring 300 litres of water daily over 45 km from the river Gard to Nimes. The Gard is a sensationally beautiful part of the Languedoc with a distinct character which sets it apart from the rest of the Languedoc-Roussillon.

Complete article: Nimes

Enjoy a Video Tour of Nimes and Pont du Gard:

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Allure of Provence

Photo by M^3

Yes, Provence is quite magical - and this article extract captures the allure of Provence. The full article on EuroTravelogue also contains some superb photos!

Perhaps the most sublime in all of France, Provence evokes images of medieval towns, hills of lavender fields swaying in the breeze and the sweet romance of the sea. Stretching from the Alpine mountains through the meandering Rhône River valley before surrendering to the Mediterranean, the lands of Provence promise the most delightful and dramatic landscapes around every bend in the winding roadways throughout the region. Stop by one of the hilltop towns alive with bustling marketplaces and festivals throughout the year celebrating both the spiritual and secular. In the countryside, you’ll find rolling hills of lavender bursting with life and filling the air with the most intoxicating perfume imaginable. Later in the summer, fields of sunflowers bathed in golden light seem to disappear into the horizon. Perhaps it’s the romance of the sea that beckons? Head to the south of this region to Saint Tropez and Nice and let’s not forget the glitz and glamour of Cannes! It’s all here in Provence, France.

Ah, but the undeniable allure of Provence is its light. Imbued with a unique quality of light that has lured many a brush and pen to this region, Provence was and is home to not only visual artists but writers as well. From Van Gogh, Cézanne and Picasso to Marcel Pagnol, Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, they were all here whether a fleeting visit or extended stay—Provence proved to be the promised land because of its uncanny ability to stir creativity that demands expression.

Read full article and admire the photos: In Pursuit of Provence, France—Hilltop Towns and Fields of Lavender

Recommended: Provence Properties

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Happenings in France Big Cities!

Photo by Wolfgang Staudt

What does Croydon have in common with Montpellier? Not a lot but ..... the Guardian reports:

Montpellier
San Francisco, Lisbon and, er, Croydon are known for their trams, but this year there's a new pretender to the light-rail crown: Montpellier. The city's two existing lines feature trams decorated with birds and flowers by fashion designer Christian Lacroix, and a new line, opening this spring, will sport his underwater and solar designs. The trams will from early next year shuttle architecture buffs between Jean Nouvel's new RBC Design Centre and Pierre Vives, the sprawling new library, archive and sports centre from Zaha Hadid's practice.

Other France Cities studied:

• Nantes
• Paris
• Toulouse
• Bordeaux
• Lyon
• Lille
• Nice
• Avignon
• Marseille

Full article: What's new in France's big cities in 2012

More: Montpellier Property

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Delights of Quillan & Video

Photo: by Guillaume Paumier

If you read this blog, you will know my favourite area of France is the Languedoc-Roussillon. So naturally this post about Quillan at TravelBite caught my eye. Here is an extract:

Skiing in the winter, whitewater rafting in the summer or exploring the nearby Cathar Castles – there’s a host of activities to keep you occupied in the French town of Quillan all year round.

Situated at the foothills of the Pyrenees, not far from the Spanish border and about 70 miles to duty-free Andorra (the sixth smallest nation in Europe), Quillan is a picturesque, rustic town with a population of a few thousand or so.

According to local tradition, the town got its name from the three craggy hills, the Trois Quilles (the Three Skittles) which surround it.

As it is located in the of region Languedoc-Roussillon , the town is within short driving distance to many majestic Cathar Castles, which were erected nearly a thousand years ago to protect the Cathars from invasions from the north. Some of the castles are rundown, but others like Carcassonne have been well kept and still serve as popular tourist attractions.

Carcassonne city, which is a 45-minute drive from Quillan, is the only fortified town in Europe still inhabited. It is also home to the closest airport, followed by Perpignan, a large town near the Mediterranean coast, which is an hour’s drive away. You can get the train or bus from Carcassonne to Quillan, but you may prefer to hire a car at the airport.

The nearest castles to Quillan are about 10 miles away (including Carcassonne Castle pictured below), including one in Puivert, a tiny town with a lake and man-made beach, which is great for a cool down in the high summer heat.

In the summer a week-long Folklore Festival is held, where dancers, musicians and singers from around the globe perform during the day and evening on the town square of Quillan.

Other cultural and sporting events such as music concerts, cycling races, motor racing and canoeing competitions take place in the town all year round; however, the busiest time for this is March to September.

Read the full article: Quillan: delights of a small French town

References:
Quillan Tourism
Quillan Properties

Video: Quillan from the Air!

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Artistic Journey around SW France - video

Enjoy the great outdoors in SW France with an artistic flavour!

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Where do the French Holiday?

Photo by laurent.breillat

The Guardian posts an interesting article; My France – the French reveal their holiday getaways, where they ask:

Which bits of France do the French love to visit for the perfect holiday?

France is a country of balance," says Starck. For him, the Bassin d'Arcachon is the perfect example of this. "The climate is not too hot and not too cold, with four distinct seasons. The food is of a great quality, including amazing oysters and wonderful Bordeaux wines, a real and simple life, great forests, sand dunes, big waves, and the Bassin d'Arcachon itself is a kind of Venetian lagoon, which I deeply adore. There are no rocks around so it is a place where you cannot hurt yourself, a place mostly kindly and protective. Locals are happy to live there and their happiness is contagious."

The little village he stays in, Les Jacquets, exists far from the dictates of fashion, he adds. "It is a little village of oystermen and fishermen, a perfect example of successful communism. Everybody lives in similar, small cabanas, far from richness, very close to each other. For some it would be a nightmare. For me it is a real dream."

Other areas covered:
Biarritz
Vendée department, on the west coast of France
The Luberon, Provence
Paris (inevitable!)
The Alps/Alsace
Lake Annecy/Paris
Eastern Pyrenees

To read the complete article: My France – the French reveal their holiday getaways

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Barging through Alsace & Lorraine, France - Video

This beautiful 22 passenger river barge travels through the Alsace/Lorraine region of France, including excursions into the quaint French countryside, wine tasting, gourmet cuisine and relaxation.

Video shows the great scenery and towns & villages en route.

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Fine Wines of France and Video Tour

France is famous for its many fine wines and vineyards from regions all over France. France Travel Guide have produced a comprehensive article about each wine region. Here is an extract about the wines to be found in the Loire Valley.

As France is the country where winemaking and viticulture first was refined and the French defined many different types of wine production, regions of France are now just as synonymous with what wines come from there as what the scenery is like. France is the birthplace of modern winemaking and serves as a model for wine production internationally. Even though it’s only about the size of Texas, France produces between 7 and 8 billion bottles per year and has the second-largest total vineyard area in the world.

Loire Valley

While this area southwest of Paris has long been known as the former stomping grounds of French Kings, the Loire Valley is also France’s third largest wine producing region and is known for its sparkling wines – it’s France’s second largest region for sparkling wine after Champagne – and for its lighter reds.

Whites

Loire Valley white wines are perfect for spring and summer, as their fruity aromas and acidity make them lighter.

Rosés

The slightly sweet, pink hued rosés that come from the Loire are also known as a perfect summer wine and have a refreshing flavor. Rosés can be the perfect pre-dinner apéritif.

Reds

Loire Valley reds can be either lighter or full-bodied, but they do have a reputation as being a generally smoother, lighter red than those from Burgundy or Bordeaux. The lighter ones can be served chilled at a summer barbecue, and the fuller bodied are excellent for autumn, or as a slightly lighter alternative to more traditional winter wines.

Sparkling (fines bulles)

Because Champagne only comes from the Champagne region, the sparkling wine from the Loire Valley is called fines bulles. However, they produce some great sparkling wines that tend to be on the crisper, drier side, much like the whites from this region.

Sweet

The Loire Valley is known for its sweet wines that make for a great apéritif or dessert wine. Sweet white wines from the Loire are frequently paired with foie gras and are known to work well with blue cheeses as well.

Other regions covered in the article:

• Bordeaux
• Burgundy
• Rhône
• Languedoc-Roussillon
• Alsace
• Champagne

For the complete article: Wine Regions of France

To learn more about the wine regions of France - this long video explores all the regions:

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