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.
Thursday 31 January 2013
Wednesday 30 January 2013
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
Monday 7 January 2013
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
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
Driving in France Update
Official Website for Tourism in France has published an excellent article about Driving in France
Some important changes for 2012 ...BreathalysersFrom 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 alertsSince 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:
Some important changes for 2012 ...BreathalysersFrom 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 alertsSince 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
Driving in France Update
Official Website for Tourism in France has published an excellent article about Driving in FranceSome important changes for 2012 ...BreathalysersFrom 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 alertsSince 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:
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
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.
Sunday 6 January 2013
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:
Friday 4 January 2013
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!
Thursday 3 January 2013
France: Public Holidays 2013
This years Public Holidays in France.
Tuesday January 1st 2013 New Years DayMonday 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
Wednesday 2 January 2013
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 guideExplore Cassis Video
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