Delights of the Loire Valley

Have great memories of travelling down the Loire Valley - there are so many places to stop and enjoy the views. I want to come back one day and cycle down this enchanting area of France. Here are some tips to make the journey more enjoyable.

Known across for its famous chateaux or castles, the Loire Valley is also popularly called as the ‘Garden of France'

One of the most visited travel destinations of France, the Loire Valley is broadly divided into central and western regions namely the Centre-Val de Loire and the Pays de la Loire.The Loire Valley is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.The Loire Valley is all about beautiful landscapes, majestic castles and exquisite architecture.

The lovely royal Chateau de Chambord looks like a castle just out of the fairytales. You can also buy a number of souvenirs from the shops that surround the chateau. Standing proudly over the Loire River is the Chateau d'Amboise. Enjoy a wonderful boat trip along the Loire River. The other popular castles in the region include the Chateau de Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Chateaux du Pin and Chenonceau.

Loire Valley is an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of nature. The small port of Candes Saint Martin is a wonderful destination for spotting tropical fauna. Apart from the Loire River scenery and activities that can be enjoyed around it, there are rivers namely Cher, Indre and Vienne each featuring its own charm and opportunities for enjoyment.

Some of the cities worth visiting in the Loire Valley include Tours, Orleans, the capital of the region, Blois and Loches. The countryside of the Loire Valley is dotted with beautiful villages that are excellent for exploring. Shopping can be enjoyed around the cities and towns in the Loire Valley.

Full article: Enjoy the Beauty of Nature at the Loire Valley

Video: Cycling in the Loire Valley
"The Loire Valley is often called the ""Valley of the Kings,"" and for good reason: there are about 1,000 chateaux scattered along the Loire, which is the longest river in France. The best way to take in all the history, scenery, and magic this region has to offer is by bike, which allows you to stop and go as you please. Join Kim as she gets the royal treatment riding through the lovely Loire Valley!

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

France's Haunted Chateaux!

This seems to be the topic of the week - with various places in France being featured about Hauntings! Here are top 5 Haunted Chateau in France - you'd better believe it!

1. Chateau de Puymartin
www.chateau-de-puymartin.com
Where: Aquitaine
People claim to sometimes see "La Dame Blanche" ("The White Lady") running towards the chateau's North Tower. Haunted by the spirit of the lady, Thérèse de Saint-Clar, who died after 15 years of being locked in a tiny room in the chateau's tower in the 16th-century. The story goes that her husband confined Thérèse after he witnessed her having an affair. Today, the room is considered a historical landmark.

2. Versailles
www.chateauversailles.fr
Where: Outside Paris
France’s most famous chateau is haunted by the ghosts of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who were beheaded during the French revolution.

3. Chateau de Chambord
www.chambord.org
Where: Loire Valley
The largest chateau in the Loire Valley exudes opulence from the outside, but is filled with a sinister history of war and death, having served as a hospital during the Franco-Prussian War, and becoming the final resting place of dying soldiers. Today, people claim to see the ghosts of dead soldiers roaming about.

4. Chateau de Brissac
www.chateau-brissac.fr
Where: Loire Valley
The tallest chateau in France, which is filled with rich antiques and covered in gold ceilings, the Chateau de Brissac also has an eerie past as the site of a gruesome double murder. After Jacques de Brézé happened upon his wife with a lover, the enraged husband murdered them both. Legend has it that the adulterous couple still haunts the chateau today.

5. Chateau Lagorce
www.chateaulagorce.com
Where: Outside Bordeaux
Situated in the heart of beautiful Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc wine country, this chateau is haunted by the ghosts of WWII when the Germans occupied the building. People claim to hear voices screaming “fight” and see ghosts of soldiers running through the halls.

Full article: France's top 5 haunted castles

Trick or Treat?

Video: Haunting in French Chateau
When the crew investigate caves in Belize and a chateau in France, will the spirits of scorned women take revenge?
Watch full episodes of Ghost Hunters International at http://www.syfy.com

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Taxes and utility charges in France

Louise Sayers takes a close look at what you will have to pay in terms of taxes and utility charges when you take ownership of your dream property in France

One of the most frequently asked questions posed by those considering purchasing a little bit of France is: “What ongoing costs are there to pay?” It is wise to factor in these costs when you are buying to make sure that you know exactly what is coming. Here is a comprehensive guide to what you can expect to shell out if you become a homeowner in France.

1) Taxe foncière
2) Taxe d’habitation
3) Water supply
4) Utility bills
5) Co-ownership charges

Here is a little more about Co-ownership charges. If you have a property in a shared building, there will be shared costs associated with the running of the building such as buildings insurance, cleaning and maintenance of the common parts, and any repairs. These are often managed by a managing agent or syndic de copropriété and this industry is heavily regulated in France with those operating as managing agents requiring a licence (carte professionelle).

Sometimes the co-owners of a building save on the managing agent’s fees and manage the building themselves although, if this is the case, they still have to adhere to certain rules. The rules regarding how shared buildings must operate are extremely strict. There must be an annual meeting (assemblée générale) of all the co-owners who each have the right to vote on any resolutions proposed. For example, if a vote is passed to repaint the façade of a building, quotes must be presented at the AGM and each co-owner votes on whether or not to accept the proposals. Voting power is relative to the percentage of the building each person owns. Costs are also borne according to this percentage; i.e. the more you own, the more you pay.

If you are buying in a shared building, ask to see the réglement de copropriété and the minutes of at least the latest AGM, preferably the last few years. It is worth taking the time to understand this information and refusing to sign the compromis de vente until you have seen it, just to ensure that you are not inheriting substantial costs for works that have already been voted or problems of which you are unaware.

Complete article: French property costs
http://www.completefrance.com/french-property/french_property_costs_1_1657968

Video: Will Smith's View on French Taxes

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

2013 Tour de France Video - Follow the Route

Follow the route of the Tour de France on video - all the start and finishes and dates. Plan your holiday/viewing today!

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Where to Invest in France? Top Rents in Paris and Cannes

Looking for good returns on buy to let? Paris has overtaken Paris and Cannes is also an excellent location!

Paris Rentals
In news that no doubt sent shivers down the spines of apartment hunters in Paris, rental prices in the city this year were tagged as the most expensive in the world.

Paris leapfrogged ahead of London to win the double-edged accolade, according to the World Cities Review released last spring by the British real estate agency Savills. The average yield for rental properties in the French capital is around 4.5 percent, and various estimates put the average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment in the city center at about €1,500–€2,000 (about $1,975–$2,600) a month, depending on size and location.

Another thriving rental property market in France is the festival town of Cannes, on the French Riviera, where prices almost match those in Paris. Indeed, a few areas of the glamorous Mediterranean resort put Parisian prices in the shade, with some waterfront properties commanding more than €38,000 per square meter, according to Savills.

Cannes Attraction
Cannes, like Paris, is a magnet for tourists, receiving an astonishing 9.4 million visitors per year, according to the Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques (INSEE). A good portion of those visitors are attending one of the scores of business conferences and conventions held in Cannes throughout the year.

According to INSEE, one out of every five visitors to the Riviera is a businessman or woman on the job. Many choose one of the many grand hotels that line the seafront, but a large number rely on apartments and villas rented out on a short-term basis, and since the permanent population of the city is about 73,000, there are no legal barriers to short-term rentals of residential properties.

Read more: Flying High in Paris and Cannes

Video: Attractions of Cannes

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Spooky: Halloween in Haunted Paris

As we approach the witching hour over half-term, perhaps you might want to take the kids to a spooky place like Paris!!

Travel Blog on Viator.com is running an article on Top 25 Haunted Places around the World, and Paris features!

There are 25 haunted spots featured on this list, and plenty more around the world besides what is listed below. How do you pick just one each year in which to spend your Halloween? Well, the good news is that these places retain their scary reputation year-round, so even if only one of them makes the cut for October 31st this year you can turn the rest into a frightening world tour if you want. It may not be a relaxing trip, but at least you’ll keep your adrenaline going at full speed.

How can one of the world’s most romantic cities also be haunted? It may sound crazy, but Paris is home to a number of haunted spots. One of the most famous is the city’s catacombs, a network of tunnels underneath Paris’ streets that became a storage facility for human bones when the city’s cemeteries were getting overcrowded. Visitors today can get tours of the catacombs, walking past thousands upon thousands of bones. Other haunted places in Paris include the Garnier opera house, which served as the setting for The Phantom of the Opera.

Full article: Top 25 Haunted Places around the World, and Paris features!

Video: Halloween Disneyland Paris 2012

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Just Reduced: Country House and Gîte in 4.5 hectares ideal for horses

Town: Villedieu
Department: Manche
Region: Lower Normandy
Price:     €397,000

Charming country house with gîte, set in nearly 4.5 hectares of land with pretty garden, and around 3.5 hectares ideal for horses, all with stunning views of the Normandy countryside.

This property is a gem which needs to be seen to be appreciated.
Excellent Value, unique and stunning!

More details and Photos: Normandy bargain

Video about Manche Area:

Visit Avignon

One of the delights of Southern France is Avignon - I keep returning as it is quite inspiring but I would avoid July and August as it can be very hot! Viaror;s Things to Do network has a great article on Avignon - here is an extract ...

“On the bridge of Avignon, we all dance there, we all dance there. On the bridge of Avignon,
 we all dance there in a ring.”

It’s this 15th century song, sung by children all around the world still today, that brings many people to Avignon. Inspired by the dancing that used to happen under the bridge in cafes during medieval times – the song at some time transformed into On the bridge – and I wonder how many people do a little jig on this bridge in homage to childhood memories of singing the nursery rhyme.

But there’s more to Avignon than just its bridge. A well preserved medieval city in Provence, it’s one of the few in France to still have its ramparts intact – one of the best medieval city walls still in existence – and many of its important medieval buildings. During the Catholic schism of the 14th century, the popes settled here and built impressively, including the Papal Palace. The next door 12th century cathedral has an impressive tomb for Pope John XXII.

Read more here: Avignon Day Trips from Paris

Avignon Video Tour

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

French Chateaux have Oz Appeal

Yes, after the Russians and Chinese, the Aussies are investing in French Chateau as reported by Adelaidenow.com.au Here is an extract of the article ....

FROM Pooraka to Provence: Australian buyers are saying "oui" to the French lifestyle and buying up chateaux which cost no more than some four-bedroom houses in Adelaide.

Thanks to the strong Aussie dollar and languishing French property market, rural properties that would not look out of place in a fairytale cost just $20,000 more than Adelaide's current median house price of $384,000.

A 15th century chateau near Bourges, a little more than 2.5 hours from Paris, comes with its own moat and lake, three apartments, a cellar and a barn and is selling for $404,089.

For the same price in Adelaide you could buy a three-bedroom townhouse in Seaton, a brick home on a large block in Klemzig or a four-bedroom family home in Aberfoyle Park or Hamley Bridge.

For a bit more, $602,392, you could own a fully restored three-storey chateau in the north of France - complete with six bedrooms, four bathrooms and set on more than 8000 sq m of landscaped gardens.

Interest in buying in the romantic European nation is at an all-time high, according to French property expert Gaelle Perreaux, who said inquiries had grown markedly since 2008.

"The prices of properties in Australia are so high that people get so much more for their money in France," Ms Perreaux said. "This has led to a dramatic increase in the number of Australians actively looking to buy and live in France."

Chateau buyers are typically attracted to properties with character, where the owner can walk to a local bistro or village bakery, according to Ms Perreaux.
Chateau.

Full article: Australian investors are taking advantage of the dollar to buy property in France

Some more Chateau examples in France:
19th Century chateau, renovation to finish, on 2ha in Central France 450,00 euros
Chateau in MONTREUIL: just a skip and jump from Calais -  tons of character for this impressive property located in a peaceful village - click here

Videos: Most Beautiful Chateau of France

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

New Ferry Route - At Last!

Long time coming after the demise of the Folkestone / Boulogn service.  ThisFrenchLife.com announce ...

A NEW high speed service between Ramsgate and Boulogne will start in February 2013, operated by Euroferries.

The company has entered into an agreement with global ship manufacturer Austal to operate a newly built trimaran, measuring 102 metres and with a top speed in excess of 40 knots.

The service will offer four daily crossings, catering for passengers, cars and luxury coaches and a cross Channel journey time of 75 minutes.

At the same time Euroferries will also be introducing an express coach service to operate between Ramsgate, Canterbury and London Victoria.

The launch of the service by Euroferries comes three years after it was set to operate the same route between Ramsgate and Boulogne, but after a number of announced launches it turned out that the company was unable to operate.

Enjoy Boulogne
Our video travel guide to the coastal town of Boulogne Sur Mer.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Video: Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon as you have never seen them!

The Verdon Gorge, in SE France, is a river canyon that is often
considered to be one of Europe's most beautiful. You can find the
canyon in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of the provence Alpes
Cote d'Azur region. The Gorge is approx 25 kilometres long and in
places up to 700 metres deep. It was formed long ago by the Verdon
River, which reflects its name after the startling turquoise-green
colour.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Shopping in France: Especially in Pyrenees-Orientales((tag:Shopping)

France SOS (a new find for me) purport to "Making Your Life Easier in France" - an admirable aim! Here are some shopping tips that are aimed at the Pyrenees-Orientales but also applicable across France.

1.    Electrical goods
You will find that the large hypermarkets such as Carrefour and Auchan sell a good range of white goods and smaller electrical goods. Specialist stores include But and a newcomer to the Pyrénées-Orientales, Boulanger, which I am told is good value although I’ve not been myself. If you’re not bothered about big name brands, there is Electro-Dépôt which is in the Centre Commercial in Claira, north of Perpignan. It’s a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap retailer. Online, I find www.ubaldi.com competitive and their delivery service is very good – they guarantee that two people will deliver to the room of your choice and unwrap the goods for inspection. Darty do this too and they take away your old appliance for free. Finally, C-Discount is also a very cheap online retailer worth a look, although their website is not easy on the eye!

2.    Food & general groceries
I’m a big advocate of shopping locally if you can as it’s kinder to the environment and supports local businesses. If we want to preserve our high streets and town centres, we need to support the shops in them. Local markets are a great place to find well priced fruit and vegetables, often grown locally, artisanal meats, cheeses and breads, rôtisserie chickens and olives etc. Your local butchers, bakers and candlestick makers will be glad of your business and you will endear yourself to the locals by frequenting their establishments.

For your “big shop” there are an ever-increasing number of large supermarkets and hypermarkets in the area. The main ones include Carrefour, Auchan, Super U, Leclerc, Intermarché and Casino as well as budget chains such as Lidl, Ed and Dia. You are never very far from one of these. Even the big names don’t offer the frills you might be used to if you are coming from the UK such as mother and baby parking, baby changing facilities, choice of trolleys with seating for children or assistance with packing. French supermarkets please note: you could do a lot better on customer service.

There is a growing trend in the area for supermarket drive-throughs where you order online and pick up the goods (Leclerc and Auchan both offer this service in the area) however to my knowledge, none of the big names offer a delivery service. When I had two tiny children, I wrote to Carrefour to ask if they were considering offering this service and got a very curt letter back – “non”!

3.    English products
Let’s face it, us Brits all have a few bits that we crave from the UK – Marmite, Cadburys, Branston pickle… Carrefour and Auchan both have English sections in their supermarkets which stock a limited range of items (at pretty expensive prices mind). A larger range is available at Asia Center in Mas Guerido, Cabestany. As the name suggests, this is where you can stock up on all sorts of exotic items if you want to knock up a curry or a Chinese, but they also have a very good range of English products including all of the above and much more.

As of this year, Coopers Epicerie, who are based in Argelès behind the large Carrefour, have launched an order and pick up service. Check out the site here for the excellent range of products that you can custom order for collection from their shop.

4.    Secondhand goods
Buying secondhand (vintage!) is all the rage amongst my friends in these times of “crise”. The mighty Emmaus is extremely popular for all sorts of things from clothes and furniture to crockery and children’s toys. You’ll find Emmaus signposted off the road leading south out of Perpignan past Auchan and Pollestres.

Look out for brocantes and dépôt-ventes for bargains too. We have picked up fabulous pieces of furniture for unbelievable prices in these. Some have a broad range of items, others specialise, for example close to where I live in Perpignan there is a dépôt-vents for women’s designer clothing and another for children’s clothes and assorted child-related paraphernalia.

If you love a rummage, you need to get down to the vide greniers. These are car boot sale type affairs which happen in villages all over France on Sundays and there is always at least one happening each weekend in a village somewhere in the region. Get there super early for the best bargains.

5. DIY
If you need to get some jobs done around the house, your best bets are the massive DIY superstores Leroy Merlin, Castorama and the cheapest of the cheap, Brico Dépôt. Leroy Merlin in Porte d’Espagne, south of Perpignan has English-speaking staff.

Read Full Article: Give me 5 – where to buy what in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Some great tips and worth bookmarking France SOS

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Geocaching in France

I have been an active Geocacher for about 18 months - the hobby was discovered by complete accident. But I have been geocaching in England and Madeira, and it becomes quite addictive if you enjoy walking!  In the UK I registered for free at Geocaching.com and downloaded the c:geo app for Android Smartphones.

But have you heard about geocaching in France? This outdoor activity is a fun way to discover nature whilst adding a bit of adrenaline to your holidays in France! Geocaching is the treasure hunting game of the 21st century, where a GPS replaces the traditional map. What better way to bring friends and family together while having fun outdoors? The combination of new technologies and the excitement of looking for hidden items and even on occasion a small prize will delight everyone!

With more than 48,000 caches in throughout the country, geocaching will take you to remarkable and unique parts of France, some which you might have never seen before. Geocaches can be found everywhere, just around the corner from where you are staying or further afield in unknown terrain. They can be hidden in many sites of interest, around French national monuments or sites that appear in UNESCO's World Heritage site list. Wherever they may be, your hunt will be a challenging adventure!
Explore France as you search for the cache

Simply go to the web site mides, where you will find geocaching maps of France. You just need to type the name of a French city or village and you will obtain a list of all the geocaches within a 25 or 50 km radius. Then all you have to do is register the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS device, or GPS-enabled mobile phone, and let the hunt commence!

More details: About geocaching in France

Video: Learn About Geocaching
Learn about the high-tech treasure hunting game being played around the world by adventure seekers!

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Dijon Cuts the Mustard!

During the grape harvest, Burgundy is a great travel destination, and Dijon (and Beaune) is a great centre for further exploration of Burgundy. The Independent have a great article and photos about Dijon - here is an extract.

"Dijon has really come alive with revived public spaces and new pedestrianised streets," says tour guide Sherry Thevenot of Bourgogne Authentique. "It still has the classical sites, but a new sense of vibrancy pervades."

Place Darcy is a transport hub and a suitable starting point to explore this much-overlooked French city with great aspirations. Start by heading straight under the Porte Guillaume, Dijon's Arc de Triomphe, and head east along Rue de la Liberté. This street, which is essentially the dividing line between medieval Dijon to the north and the classical city of the 17th and 18th centuries to the south, is the next to be pedestrianised.

On the right, as you walk towards the Place de la Libération, is Maille (00 33 3 8030 4102; maille.com), Dijon's celebrated mustard shop, with free tastings of its hand-pumped spicy condiment. Cross over and walk past the Galeries Lafayette to Place François Rude, home to the chocolate-heaven Pâtisserie Carbillet (00 33 3 8030 3882; chocolat-carbillet.com) on the corner of Rue des Forges.

Heading north, take Rue Odebert to loop around the covered market, Les Halles, the design for which one of Dijon's best-known sons, Gustave Eiffel, was famously shunned by local officials. Eiffel left and went to build a tower in Paris instead. Time your visit for Tuesday, Friday or Saturday to buy from local producers direct. The restaurants around the outside also ply local fare – try D'Zenvies (00 33 3 80 50 09 26; dzenvies.com) for the "I Love Dijon" set menu of ham terrine, beef bourguignon and panna cotta at €18 (£14.50).

More details and photos: Dijon: Grand designs in Burgundy's cool capital

Video Tour: Dijon

Take a tour of French Town of Dijon in Dijon, France. More than just mustard, the town of Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region of east central France.

Dijon is home to many ancient churches, museums, and residences in a wild assortment of colors and patterns. Originally a Roman settlement, Dijon became a city of great wealth and a center of science, art and architecture in Europe. The area is well-known for its wine, cuisine and of course the mustard that is named for the city.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Don't Neglect Cantal in the Auvergne

One of the forgotten regions is the Auvergne, and the department of Cantal is a very attractive area to visit. Property in the Auvergne is cheap too. YourFrenchHolidays.com are featuring the Cantal department. Here is an extract to whet your appetite ...

Take a trip to Cantal, the tranquil and stunningly beautiful department in the heart of the volcanic Auvergne region of central France, and you will experience the rugged great outdoors, with some of the finest scenery in France.

Here’s what you can do while you are there, from outdoor activities to historic sites and towns to explore.

There is an eclectic abundance of fine paysages to enjoy, from the striking gorges of Lot and Truyère to the wooded areas of La Châtaigneraie and Aubrac’s wild moorland.

The Monts du Cantal form a major part of the Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d’Auvergne and in Cantal you will find the iconic Puy Mary – standing at an impressive 1,787 metres altitude! It’s little wonder that here on these huge ridges you will find paragliders and hang-gliders leaping into the unknown for a serene flight to remember. Brave visitors to the region can try their arm at this exhilarating adrenaline rush.

For those that prefer to have at least some contact with solid ground, this is a perfect region to enjoy some mountain bike trails. There are endless routes to navigate, with the Ligue Régionale d'Auvergne de Cyclotourisme organizing round trips of more sedate cyclo-touring across the whole of the Auvergne, including a 260-mile long excursion around Cantal.

Hikers will have no limit to the kind of walks they embark upon – with huge valleys, nature parks and even riverside and lakeside jaunts to choose from. You can even trek up the Puy Mary itself – if you are well stocked with snacks and drinks! Talking of which, the region’s cooked meats and cheeses will be found on many a menu and offer serious sustenance for the active after a hard day’s fresh air!

Full article and lovely photos: French Holiday Ideas | Discover the Cantal in the Auvergne

More Resources:
Auvergne Tourism
Cantal Tourism

Auvergne Video

http://vimeo.com/auvergne/auvergnefrance-uk

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Surfing in Brittany, France

New video about surfing in N W France on the Atlantic coast ....

Take a walk on the wild side at La Pointe de La Torche, France, where powerful winds and waves draw surfers from all over the world. The rugged beach is located on the edge of northwestern France, in Brittany, where the Bay of Audierne opens to the Atlantic.

More Information:
Surf Locations in Brittany
Brittany Tourism

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Driving in France - the lowdown on Regulations

There is a comprehensive article on marseille-provence.info about Driving in France. Here is an extract ....

You have to be at least 18 to drive a car or a motorcycle over 80cc in France.  A green card is not required for EU citizens but motorists from other countries should check with their local French embassy or consulate or motoring association. Third party insurance is compulsory and it is advisable to inform your insurance company before you go.

Your driving licence, car registration papers (carte grise in French) and insurance documents must be kept in the vehicle. These must be the original documents; copies should be kept separately.
From 1 July 2012, all drivers in France, even those who never drink alcohol, must carry a breathalyser kit, or éthylotest, in their car (electric wheelchairs and other two- or three-wheeled vehicles of less than 50cc are exempt from this law).

The French drink-driving limit is 0.5mg per ml - significantly lower than in the United States, Ireland and UK (where it's 0.8mg). You are liable for prosecution if you are over, or just equal to this limit, and even if you refuse to take the breathalyser test.

In addition to the breathalyser, motorists are legally required to carry one red warning triangle, stamped with the mark E 27 R, and one yellow high-visibility waistcoat or vest, stamped EN 471 or EN 1150, in their vehicles.

In the event of a breakdown or accident the driver must put on the safety jacket and then place the warning triangle 30 metres / 33 yards from the breakdown to warn approaching traffic.

If you have an accident involving another vehicle or vehicles while driving in France and all the drivers agree not to call the police, you will be asked to fill in a constat amiable (amiable declaration).

Speed limits for private cars without trailers are as follows unless otherwise indicated: 50 km/h or 31 mph in built-up areas, 90 km/h or 55 mph outside built-up areas, 110 km/h or 68 mph on dual carriageways and most motorways and 130 km/h or 80 mph on certain toll motorways. All these limits are lower in wet weather.

For the complete article including advice on purchasing breathalyser kits, the law about roundabouts, seat-belts, mobile phones and much more:
Driving in France: Laws, Rules and Regulations

Driving in France Video:
When driving through France on the toll roads, you will find the French roads are of high quality and have good sized service stations, plus you will also find the rest areas or aires (lay-by's) are of excellent quality with picnic areas, toilets and some even have children's play grounds.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Burgundy Sights and Sites

Although Burgundy is famous for its wines, there is plenty to see and do as explained on Snooth.com. Here is an extract about places to see ....

When you are not tasting, you should be touring. In Beaune, don’t miss the famous Hospices de Beaune and the wine-focused bookshop Athenaeum. You can also tour the Château du Clos de Vougeot.

Surprisingly, there is more to Burgundy than wine. You can’t look right or left without seeing a hiking or biking route. Climb the Parcours Batier from Gevrey-Chambertin to Chambolle-Musigny after lunch at Chez Guy and Family. Bike the Route des Grand Crus from Maranges to Puligny-Montrachet then quench your thirst at Le Montrachet’s wine bar.

In Dijon, learn about making mustard at the Boutique Maille. Remember: always make a reservation in Burgundy! In the Mâconnais, a visit to the restored Cluny Abbey is a must. In Beaune, antique shops abound. Kids love riding the merry-go-round on Place Carnot and boating at the Parc de la Bouzaise.

Burgundy offers many pleasures and many comforts for everyone. The landscape, the wines, the food, the people and the pace of life are all irresistable. Pardon me, I must go book my next flight on Air France.If you’re romanced by the idea of staying in a sleepy village, try Maison d’Hôtes La Colombière run by winemaker Anne Gros. The rooms are intimate and tasteful. Besides, the maison is in the heart of Vosne-Romanée, just a stone’s throw from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

You can Read more here: Being in Burgundy

Tour the Burgundy Vineyards Video

Burgundy is a big part of why France is famous for wine. The rolling hills of the Côte d'Or are blanketed by lovingly tended vineyards which, to the connoisseur, are a kind of pilgrimage. A bike route laces together scenic villages, with signs that make it clear where visitors are welcome to drop in, enjoy a little tasting...and pick up a bottle or two.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Stylish House in Sarlat, Dordogne: French Property of the Week

Stylish House in the Dordogne with Pool and Orchard

Town:     Sarlat
Department:     Dordogne
Region:     Aquitaine
Price:     €318,000

Superb Perigordine style house (160 m2) dating from 1987 with large basement (106m2), pool with pool house and lovely garden of around 2500 m2 with small orchard, completely enclosed on the edge of a village with shops east of Sarlat on the river.

More details and Photos: Sarlat Property

More about Sarlat
Sarlat Tourism Office

Sarlat Video

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Loire Valley Chateaux Tour

Chateaux evoke France, and there is nowhere better than the Loire Valley to enjoy the history, and splendour of Chateaux in France.

Ready to embark with me on an unforgettable journey to the enchanted chateaux of the Loire Valley in France? Located in eastern-central France along the banks of the River Loire, this "Garden of France" comprises an area of roughly 300 square miles and is renowned for its magnificent fairy tale castles, French-provincial villages, impeccable gardens, abundance of vineyards, and of course, some of the most scenic landscapes in all of France. After I spent day touring this alluring French countryside dotted with more than 1,000 of these majestic fortresses, wanderlust surged and now I am determined to visit every one of them in my lifetime! To stand in the shadows of these imposing chateaux is quite humbling and awe-inspiring – imagine castles dating back to Classical, Renaissance and even medieval times having survived hundreds of years preserving intact their magnificent architecture. But it’s not only the castles, for surrounding them are the most exquisitely manicured gardens and scenic vistas adding even more elegance to the splendor of the Loire canvas. If you’re planning a holiday to France, make sure you spend a day or two or perhaps three roaming through the glorious Loire Valley!

"These wonderful estates all conjure up in our minds glamorous visions of fleeting glory and remind us how short-lived man's good fortune can be.  Yet they have triumphed over the perpetual flow of life and constitute today a prestigious legacy." Baron Armel de Wismes

Chateaux Visited:
1. Chateau Chambord
2. Chateau Chenonceau
3. Chateau Cheverny

Read full article here plus magnificent photos:
The Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux Enchant All Who Visit on This Full-day Tour from Paris!

Video Tour of Chateau Chambord
The most beautiful castle you can think of is this enormous building in de middle of France. Of special interest are the many chimney's for the 365 fire places inside this castle where once King Louis XIV resided during hunting seasons.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Nice's Museums Tour

What do you think about first when the Cote d'Azur is mentioned? Chic Lifestyle, fabulous beaches, or luxury brand shopping! Well how about some culture in Nice?

So many artists over the years have made the French Riviera their home, drawn by the azure-blue sea, vibrant colors and fabled clear light for which the region is so famous. No surprise then that the cosmopolitan city of Nice boasts museums-a-plenty, with artwork from different eras lurking ‘round every corner.

The Chagall Museum: Dedicated to the lifeworks of Mark Chagall, a revolutionary artist influenced by the movements of Expressionism, Cubism and more, the museum’s main draw is his collection of famous biblical paintings.

The Matisse Museum is nearby on Cimiez Hill, and this is the next museum on your day’s list. The museum is housed in a distinctive red Genoese villa that dates back to the 17th century, with architecture that is arguably every bit as fascinating as the artwork housed within. Step inside and let the bright colors that exemplified Henri Matisse’s artwork inspire your own creative thinking.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Built on the narrowest part of the peninsula is the lavish Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, surrounded by approximately 17 acres (7 hectares) of gorgeous gardens. The apartments that comprise this stunning Italian-style palace are a delight to explore, and you’ll do just that on a comprehensive tour of the grounds. Admire the apartments of Madame Ephrussi with their ornate furnishings, before strolling through the gardens.

Does this whet your appetite? Learn about Guided Tours at:
Nice Art Tour: Chagall Museum, Matisse Museum and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

More Information about Nice:
Nice Tourism
Matisse Museum

Video Tour of Chagall Museum, Nice:

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

2 French Gems to Visit

When people think about exploring France, her most famous destinations often come to mind: Paris, Nice, Grenoble, Cannes, Monaco, Lyon, the French Alps, Normandy, Bordeaux, Marseille, La Côte d’Azur, and so on. But I have been fortunate enough to discover some tinier towns, off the beaten path, that have that a special French charm.

My French Life highlight 2 locations:
a) In the North: Dinan
b) In the South: Tarbes (Hautes Pyrenees)

Here is what Nikki Lavoie says about Tarbes

The town of Tarbes is a short distance from the border of Spain, and surrounded by the Pyrenées Mountains.The slower pace of the south of France influences the lifestyle here. The town is perfectly constructed for leisurely shopping excursions, drinks at a café, and meandering along the side streets that twist and turn leading towards the center and its train station.

Hop in a car and you can head to any of the mountain villages to hear the bells of cows, as they lazily graze at a distance and to look down on the region from up on high. There’s no shortage of enchanting sites to see here, and relaxation can be exercised in abundance.

Full article and photos: Your own private France: Take the road less traveled

More:
Tarbes Tourism
Tarbes Photos

Hautes-Pyrenees Video

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Paris Shopping Tips

Paris Shopping Tips from GirlsGuidetoParis.com ....

Parisiennes have lots of little secrets for their shopping. Especially their grocery shopping in Paris, which until very recently was expected to be a daily activity. That was only a decade ago. Today the majority of French women work outside the home, while still being responsible for 80 percent of the household chores. And they do it all perfectly accessorized, wearing three-inch heels. Who can blame them for coming up with shortcuts?

One of my favorite shortcuts comes from a very specialized chain store hidden at 30 different addresses across the city. The store’s signs boast a powerful graphic logo in a modern ice-blue tone. The same shape is frosted into the glass doors of each shop. Opening the doors, you are immediately impressed with the frigid, white ambience, as staff stroll the corridors in white lab coats, pushing silver insulated shopping carts. You have entered Picard, a grocery chain in Paris selling frozen foods. Only frozen foods.

Picard has become such a staple in the Parisienne’s daily life that the store now publishes a catalogue featuring sophisticated recipes, and offers even more preparation advice and suggestions on its website.

So next time you are shopping in Paris and you see the blue snowflake, take a peek and discover every Parisienne’s little secret.

Read Full article: Grocery Shopping in Paris at Picard

More about Shopping in Paris Video:

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Views of Nice, France Video

Video; Just a few popular locations in Nice, France, including Castle Hill, Place Rossetti, and the beach!

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about