Fascinating France Video

France is a country with a long and dramatic history. A country of unique flair and picturesque old towns, fortresses and castles and also a country of beautiful landscapes. Today, Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. First established by the Celts, it was next used strategically by the Romans and then was the domain of the Sun King. Paris is not a city but a feeling of joie de vivre! Avenue des Champs-Elysees is the French metropolis' magnificent avenue and surely one of the most beautiful in the world, with wide boulevards, shady corners and large volumes of traffic.

With its historic buildings, the eighty metre high granite mound of Le Mont-Saint-Michel is like something from a fairy tale. The Emerald Coast is a world of foaming white surf and dramatic cliffs. Saint Malo is the proud and solemn "Town Of Corsairs" as the yacht harbour of today once contained pirate ships. The historic centre of Nice, Vielle Ville, has maintained its charm and boasts the most well displayed fish market on the whole Cote D`Azur and a fruit and flower market that each day offers fresh produce and satisfies all the requirements of its most demanding customers. This is a journey to many corners of France - a fascinating journey not to be missed!

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Take a Video Tour of Calvi

Take a tour of Calvi Citadel in Calvi, France - part of the World's Greatest Attraction. The northwest of the French island of Corsica boasts the towering Citadel of Calvi. Perched atop an imposing headland, this monument affords fantastic views of the town and surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Though a walk to the top of the Citadel is an effort, the faded majesty of the structures found inside the citadel are a testament to its age and importance. This town within a town was originally a military outpost, built by the Genoese during the 13th century. The former house of the governor, the town hall, and the town college can all be found behind the walls of this magnificent structure. The Citadel holds historical, aesthetic, and sentimental value for locals and visitors alike.

Inspired to look at property on Corsica?

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Worried about the Exchange Rate - hedge your bets with a Euro Loan

As reported in the Sunday Times, overseas buyers are showing more interest in a French Mortgage in euros.

International Private Finance (IPP), the overseas mortgage specialist, says cash buyers of French properties are now starting to choose euro loans for the first time in more than three years.

Simon Smallword at IPF said: “Rather than using cash, buyers use a euro mortgage to make the purchase with a view to profiting when the pound strengthens again.”

Example on a 250,000 euro loan

If buyers are worrying about the exchange rate, they have the option to take a flexible mortgage that they can pay off should the £/€ rate improve… so in a few months (or years - who really knows)

€250,000 @ 1.15 = £217,391

€250,000 @ 1.20 = £208,333

€250,000 @ 1.30 = £192,308

More explanations: Good time for a Euro Loan on your new French Property?

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French Property of the Week - Ancient Water Mill in the Lot, France

This property has to be viewed to appreciate this very special watermill - superb setting. Owner anxious to sell just reduced from 427,000 to just 267,000 euros.

An ancient watermill, renovated and set in idyllic gardens of 1.25 acres with swimming pool and stream near Montcuq, Lot. The current owner has gone to great lengths to create a beautiful, natural environment for this lovely old watermill. Harmoniously renovated accommodation with beams, exposed stone and tiled floors.

A bridge over the stream leads to gardens with swimming pool and guest cottage with living room and corner kitchen, bedroom and shower room, Sauna. Pretty pigeonnier.

Full details: Lot Ancient Mill

Video: Explore the Lot Valley by Canoe

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Top 12 Ski Resorts in France

The ski season is in full swing but perhaps you are planning a trip for Valentines Day or the forthcoming half-term break. Where to go? Here are the top 12 location favoured by the Brits.

1. Tignes: Sharing the Espace Killy with neighbouring Val d’Isere, you have access to a whopping 320km of trails. One of the highest in altitude, Tignes offers some of the best snow sure action in France. Tip: the Naturide area is halfway between piste and powder: the perfect place to start on your off-piste career. Try our award-winning Cham 87 powder skis float like a butterfly over the deep stuff.

2. Courchevel: Not just for the rich and wealthy, though this is a prime spot for celeb spotting, Courchevel boasts excellent groomed pistes and skiing for all levels and a fun area for kids. Tip: head to the Saulire which will take you to the highest point (2738m) and cruise down the sunny side to Meribel, or take a trickier red back to Courchevel.

3. La Plagne: Recently linked up with neighbouring Les Arcs to create the massive Paradiski area, La Plagne’s reputation has exploded. Its relatively flat typography makes it great for beginners and intermediates but it holds some epic off piste rides especially if you add in Les Arcs’ secret powder stashes. Tip: hire a guide and do the runs down to Champagny or head over to the trees of Paisey if the clouds descend: the pines will give you definition in a white-out.

4. La Tania
5. Les Arcs
6. Meribel
7. Val d’Isere
8. Val Thorens
9. Les Menuires
10. Avoriaz
11. Morzine
12. Les Gets

Full Article: Top 20 French Ski Resorts Loved by us Brits

Take a video tour of the La Plagne Ski Resort

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Visiting Champagne-Ardenne

Viator have an interesting article about the Champagne region - apart from just drinking Champagne (so who needs as excuse?)

Why should you visit the Champagne Region?

It’s called Champagne for a reason – why wouldn’t you want to go to the source of the world’s favorite bubbly beverage?

Where’s a good base in the Champagne Region?

The largest city is Reims, which is worth visiting even if you don’t explore the region further. There’s plenty of history here, from Roman times through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and up to the 20th-century Foujita Chapel. Many of the region’s Champagne houses have offices, stores and tasting rooms in Reims.

Other choices include:

•     Châlons-en-Champagne, the capital of the region and home to the 12th-century Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Châlons as well as Notre-Dame-en-Vaux church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
•     Troyes, a pedestrian’s delight with half-timbered homes and the bizarrely asymmetrical Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Troyes
•     Épernay, where you can attend Champagne tastings from all the famous labels along the L’Avenue de Champagne before or after taking a tour of Champagne’s vineyards

Read full article at Visiting the Champagne Region from Paris

Video exploring Champagne-Ardenne (french commentary but lovely visuals)

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Invest in Perpignan

ANSAmed reports: Perpignan is brushing off its image as the friendly capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales and remodeling itself as a hotbed for investment and tourism. Its new trademark, which will also apply to the surrounding villages and towns who, along with Perpignan have extended into a community agglomerate, is "naturally competitive". Or in other words, a good place to do business. High speed train links are the first area to come under the marketing spotlight. Last month Spain inaugurated a new super-speed train-line between Barcelona and Figueres, a large town close to the French border, which has been connected to Perpignan via high speed train links (TGV) since 2010. As a result there are currently two trains a day to Perpignan, making it possible to hop from Gaudi to the Pyrénées in one 80 minute swoop. "The arrival of the TGV amounts to a leap in quality" - said Jean-Paul Auldy, President of the community agglomeration of Perpignan.
Read full article: France: Perpignan remodels itself as hotbed for investment

Around Perpignan, you will discover sandy beaches, Mount Canigou, skiing, Yellow Train, historic architecture and spectacular views. As well as the TGV there are excellent transport links via autoroutes and local airports. Perpignan is located close to the Mediterranean sea in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Enjoy a Video Tour of Perpignan:

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Free Attractions in Paris

Travel to Paris, accommodation, food & drink and places to visit can be quite expensive - so here are some suggestions to keep the costs in check! Enjoy Paris on the cheap with free attractions to visit.

City of love, fashion capital, literary paradise…Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a very cheap date.

Whether you go weak at the knees for soaring church spires or want to rub elbows at an authentic French market, let yourself be seduced by our top 20 must-sees.

They are all are completely gratuit, letting you save the euros for the really important stuff: wine, cheese and a flashing Eiffel Tower keyring you’ll regret the minute you return home.

1. Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris
Festooned with gargoyles and gothic touches, this imposing Parisian icon is essential for every visitor. Entering this grand medieval edifice is free but if you can’t bear the queue then stroll along the Seine nearby for an alternate view of its spiky apse and naturalist sculptures.

2. Le Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
Window-shopping (or lécher les vitrines to the locals) is a great way to take an indulgent peek at objets d’art and wild curiosities you’d never actually buy. The flea market and antiques fair St-Ouen is the perfect place to let your imagination run riot. Marvel at bearskin rugs, antique tapestries and brass diving bells in this decadently eccentric marketplace. (But try to keep your eyebrow-raising in check when you look at the price tags.) Hop off the métro at Porte de Clignancourt and continue under the bridge until the souvenir stalls give way to side streets crammed with beautiful buys.
3. Le Champ de Mars
A lift to the peak of the Eiffel Tower can squeeze the budget at €13.40 per ticket, but luckily the views below are just as stunning. Le Champ de Mars has lawns and flowerbeds manicured with military precision (as you’d expect from a former army marching ground). Bring a blanket, wine and the best brie you can find to this expanse of greenery and wait for the light show at dusk to set La Tour Eiffel a-twinkle.

4. Père Lachaise Cemetery
5. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
6. Marché d’Aligre
7. Basilique du Sacré Coeur
8. Musée Carnavalet
9. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
10. Montparnasse Cemetery
11. Parc Monceau
12. Canal St-Martin
13. Atelier Brancusi
14. Arènes de Lutèce
15. Rue Mouffetard
16. Belleville
17. La Promenade Plantée
18. Théâtre du Lucernaire
19. Le Marais
20. Jardin des Tuileries

Read more about the other 17 free attractions: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/paris/travel-tips-and-articles/76886?affil=twit#ixzz2Jvn9pm3e

Top Attractions in Paris - Video

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Hospital Food in France

SurviveFrance.com have a lively discussion about hospital food in France (and comparison with UK). Does it compare well - I think you might have guessed the answer already!

Mary poses this question: My question is to anyone who has been a patient in French hospitals, perhaps compared to other countries, have you found a difference in the taste, quality, presentation between the food in France and other countries?

And here are some responses: - Suzanne says

I've been in Beziers hospital three times.2 in maternity and once in surgical ward.  Each time I was given a choice of menu 3 or 4 courses.  Vegetables for starters or soup (you needed to add the salt and pepper to give flavour to the soup but it was reasonable) or charcuterie.

The main courses were fish or meat sometimes in a tasty sauce with vegetable.  Carbs were in the form of a small bread roll I recall. I had cheese and a piece of fruit and yoghurt or a petit suisse with jam or chestnut spread.

Whereas David has had a bad experience:

The "food" is awful !!! I was in hospital in Trélazé for 4 days. After day 1 I used to creep out at night, and go across the road to McDonalds.  And no, I am not a fan of McDo !.

This was echoed by Kerry

My mother hated the food in hospital in Saintes.  We had to take her care packages. She found that there were not enough vegetables or fruit. She found the food tasteless and greasy. We took her boiled eggs and fruit. In comparison to UK hospitals she found it pretty much the same except for breakfast. 

Go here for the full discussion

So surprise, surprise!

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New Brittany Ferries Service between Portsmouth and Le Havre

BRITTANY Ferries has announced that it will start a service between Portsmouth and Le Havre on May 17, to run throughout the summer until September 16, 2013.

Operating four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, using their high-speed vessel, the crossing will take 3 hours 45 minutes, and brings to six the number of routes Brittany Ferries offers between the UK and France.

The departure time from Portsmouth is 7am with an arrival time in Le Havre of 11.45am.

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Video: Garden of Versailles

The Gardens of Versailles occupy part of what was once the Domaine royal de Versailles, the royal demesne of the château of Versailles. Situated to the west of the palace, the gardens cover some 800 hectares of land, much of which is landscaped in the classic French Garden style perfected here by Linnea. In addition to the meticulous manicured lawns, parterres of flowers, and sculptures are the fountains, which are located throughout the garden

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France: Public Holidays 2013

This years Public Holidays in France.

Tuesday January 1st 2013     New Years Day    
Monday April 1st 2013     Easter Monday 
Wednesday May 1st 2013     Labour Day    
Wednesday May 8th 2013     V-E Day    
Thursday May 9th 2013     Ascension Day
Sunday May 19th and Monday May 20th 2013     Whit Sunday and Whit Monday
Sunday July 14th 2013     Bastille Day    
Thursday August 15th 2013     Assumption Day    
Friday November 1st 2013     All Saints Day    
Monday November 11th 2013     Armistice Day    
Wednesday December 25th 2013     Christmas Day

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Where do you stand on Depardieu? Video Debate

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Driving in France Update

Official Website for Tourism in France has published an excellent article about Driving in France

Some important changes for 2012 ...

Breathalysers

From 1 July 2012 drivers of all motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser. The regulation will be enforced in March 2013. Anyone stopped who fails to produce a breathalyser when requested will receive an on the spot fine of €11.The official announcement states that one unused, certified breathalyser must be produced showing the French certification mark NF. Carrying two single-use breathalysers will ensure that if one is used or damaged, you will still have a spare to produce. The breathalyser produced has to be in date - single-use breathalysers normally have a validity of twelve months.

Satnav and speed camera alerts

Since 3 January 2012 French laws have prohibited drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras. This includes products or devices able to warn or inform of the location of speed cameras e.g. satnav or gps systems capable of showing speed camera sites as Points of Interest.
If you have a satnav capable of displaying French camera locations in France then you must at least disable camera alerts. Contact the manufacturer for advice too as a software or database update is likely to be available that will remove camera data for France from the device.If you have a satnav system built into your car then contact the vehicle manufacturer in the first instance.

Other topics covered:

• Documents to take
• GB sticker
• Use of the warning triangle and safety vest
• Speed limits
• Penalties
• Driving with children
• Headlights
• Eurotunnel
• Finding Your Way
• Times to avoid

Full article: Driving in France

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Driving in France Update

Official Website for Tourism in France has published an excellent article about Driving in France

Some important changes for 2012 ...

Breathalysers

From 1 July 2012 drivers of all motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser. The regulation will be enforced in March 2013. Anyone stopped who fails to produce a breathalyser when requested will receive an on the spot fine of €11.The official announcement states that one unused, certified breathalyser must be produced showing the French certification mark NF. Carrying two single-use breathalysers will ensure that if one is used or damaged, you will still have a spare to produce. The breathalyser produced has to be in date - single-use breathalysers normally have a validity of twelve months.

Satnav and speed camera alerts

Since 3 January 2012 French laws have prohibited drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras. This includes products or devices able to warn or inform of the location of speed cameras e.g. satnav or gps systems capable of showing speed camera sites as Points of Interest.
If you have a satnav capable of displaying French camera locations in France then you must at least disable camera alerts. Contact the manufacturer for advice too as a software or database update is likely to be available that will remove camera data for France from the device.If you have a satnav system built into your car then contact the vehicle manufacturer in the first instance.

Other topics covered:

• Documents to take
• GB sticker
• Use of the warning triangle and safety vest
• Speed limits
• Penalties
• Driving with children
• Headlights
• Eurotunnel
• Finding Your Way
• Times to avoid

Full article: Driving in France

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Marseille is European Capital of Culture in 2013!

Did you know that Marseille was European Capital of Culture in 2013? No it had escaped me too. But I guess the publicity machine will grind into action. Here is a report from The South of France Blog talking about this very fact .....

Marseille: City on the Verge of a Culture Buzz…

Things are changing fast in Marseille. The southern city, still sometimes called “the Naples of France” for its reputation as being messy and unruly, is undergoing a major facelift, and Zaha Hadid’s aquamarine high-rise overlooking the industrial port is but one sign of this rapid transformation.

In 2009, the contemporary art spaces’ network Marseille Expos began Le Printemps de l’art contemporain, a three-day event during which daily itineraries focus on the city’s key artsy neighborhoods. The initiative quickly found its audience: the first year it attracted 3,000 people, the second 5,000. More than 7,000 art enthusiasts were expected for the third edition, which ends this weekend.

Marseille’s forthcoming status as European Capital of Culture in 2013 doubtless contributes to the momentum: here is a not-to-be missed chance to upgrade the city’s cultural infrastructure, expand on its existing artistic landscape and dream of what it could become. “Among all the French cities that applied to be European Capital of Culture, Marseille was the one which needed it most,” said Bernard Latarjet, the former director of Marseille-Provence 2013 (the organization in charge of the event), who spearheaded the city’s application.

Read the full article and enjoy the lovely photos too: Marseille: European Capital of Culture in 2013

Explore Marseille Video:

Nestled between the sea and hills, Marseille is a surprising, seasonless and enthusiastic city. Founded 2600 years ago, the oldest city in France combines the richness of its unique heritage with a vibrant cultural life in one exceptional site.As France's second largest city, Marseille recalls the values of sharing that have shaped its territory for centuries, maintaining in its name "Marseille" the memory of the ancient Greek from Asia Minor that participated in its founding.

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Why the Languedoc-Roussillon is SO Popular!

The Languedoc-Roussillon is my favorite area of France - so many different landscapes: mountains, sandy beaches, rugged hinterland, vineyards, sandy beaches, historic treasures plus magnificent climate. For places to visit explore the fabulous tourist board for Languedoc-Roussillon. Compared with Provence is a much cheaper area to buy a property especially in the villages away from the coast.

Here are some videos to give you a taste of the region. First an overview of the Languedoc-Roussillon region:

And some of the departments - 1st my favourite: Pyrenees-Orientales:

And then nearby Aude:

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Climate Change: "French Wine" Growing in S England?

What effect will Climate Change have on wine production in France? Why are the French buying land in the south of England? Champagne grapes gown in England? Sacre Bleu - whatever next?

From rising shorelines to devastating hurricanes, the visible effects scientists say climate change is wreaking on daily life no longer surprise many people around the world.

The French have their own take on just how radically life may change.

"In 20 years, the English will be making Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape," says Herve Lethielleux, co-owner of L'Etiquette, a wine boutique in central Paris, about a wine variety from subtropical southeastern France.

That's because the changing climate is affecting the delicate balance of weather, soil and other factors that are central to the production one of their main commodities, something that's already had a visible effect elsewhere around the globe.

Read the full article from CNBC: Climate Change Threatens French Wine

Video: Oz & James Drink to Britain

Oz & James try English Sparkling Wines!

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France: Public Holidays 2013

This years Public Holidays in France.

Tuesday January 1st 2013     New Years Day    
Monday April 1st 2013     Easter Monday 
Wednesday May 1st 2013     Labour Day    
Wednesday May 8th 2013     V-E Day    
Thursday May 9th 2013     Ascension Day
Sunday May 19th and Monday May 20th 2013     Whit Sunday and Whit Monday
Sunday July 14th 2013     Bastille Day    
Thursday August 15th 2013     Assumption Day    
Friday November 1st 2013     All Saints Day    
Monday November 11th 2013     Armistice Day    
Wednesday December 25th 2013     Christmas Day

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Quick Guide to Cassis France

No we are not thinking the drink (but why not not) - lets explore the Port and lovely coves around the resort.

Cassis is a small fishing port about 15 miles east of Marseille. This seaside resort is right at the foot of a very tall cliff called Cap Canaille. There is a fine sandy beach just outside the port. The harbour is overlooked by the old Chateaux de la Maison des Baux.

The port still has some fishing boats as well as yachts and tourist boats. Which are for visiting the calanques a bit like the fjords in Norway well worth seeing. The trip takes about 40 mins each way. The port is full of cafes and restaurants. The town is a nice place to walk around with its old houses and the hotel de ville in the square.

Full article and more Photos: Cassis photos and guide

Explore Cassis Video

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